What began as an administrative exercise to merge under-enrolled schools in Uttar Pradesh has snowballed into a veritable political flashpoint, sparking protests, poster wars, FIRs and heated exchanges in the state’s Assembly.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hardened his stance today regarding Rahul Gandhi’s “vote theft” allegations, saying noting less than an affidavit on the matter or apology to the country will do.

Hamas said on Sunday that Israel’s planned Gaza relocation plan by Israel constitutes a “new wave of genocide and displacement” for hundreds of thousands of residents in the area.