Indian politician and Defence Minister since 2019
Albanese has faced renewed calls for apology over comments about crown melons gifted by Japan’s Sanae Takaichi. The remarks have prompted international commentary, with Tokyo weighing in on cultural significance and a Japanese envoy urging focus on joint security work. The controversy has resurfaced as both nations push defense and economic collaboration.
Japan’s leaders face renewed regional scrutiny as Koizumi’s Yasukuni Shrine visit on the 81st anniversary sparks protests from China and South Korea, while Tokyo stresses a peaceful, postwar path.
Thousands of police have sealed central New Delhi and detained leaders and hundreds of demonstrators as the Gen‑Z "Cockroach Janta Party" and allied student and opposition groups have tried to force Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to quit over a Special Intensive Revision that removed about 130 million names from voter rolls.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been released from Tihar jail after a special magistrate accepted sureties and ordered their discharge. The two CJP organisers were jailed for entering a restricted Delhi protest site; their detention has fuelled near-daily youth-led protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over a contested voter-roll revision that removed roughly 130 million names.
Iranian-crewed fishing vessel Azini has been hijacked off northeastern Somalia. Twelve pirates seized the ship, with two Somali guards outnumbered. EU/NATO maritime bodies warn ships to stay vigilant as authorities investigate and discuss a possible reuse of Azini as a mothership. The incident follows a renewed spike in Somali piracy and disruptions to regional oil routes.
The Azini, a fishing vessel hijacked off Somalia, has been freed after a multi‑hour operation. Indian forces have disarmed 12 suspected pirates and released them; 20 crew members are safe. The operation involved a warship, aircraft and MARCOS commandos, and it underscores renewed piracy concerns in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.