India’s Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the country’s education system, describing it as deeply flawed, expensive, and plagued by irregularities. His remarks came while expressing solidarity with students who have been protesting over issues related to entrance examinations and alleged paper leaks. Speaking on the growing concerns surrounding India’s education sector, Rahul Gandhi said he fully supports the feelings, frustrations, and struggles of students. He stated that the anger displayed by young people is understandable, considering the hardships they have been facing in recent years. According to him, the treatment meted out to students has naturally led to widespread dissatisfaction and protests. Rahul Gandhi argued that India’s education system is not only affected by corruption and alleged manipulation but has also become financially unbearable for ordinary families. He said that the cost of appearing in entrance examinations has increased significantly, placing an enormous financial burden on parents and students. He criticized what he described as an education system that forces families to spend huge amounts of money merely to compete for admission to educational institutions. The Congress leader claimed that charging such high fees for entrance examinations amounts to exploiting families who are already making financial sacrifices to secure a better future for their children. He said many parents invest their savings and borrow money in the hope that their children will receive quality education and fair opportunities. However, according to him, the current system fails to reward those sacrifices. Rahul Gandhi further alleged that after collecting large sums of money from students and their families, authorities often announce that examination papers have been leaked or compromised. He said such incidents destroy the trust of students who spend months, and in many cases years, preparing for highly competitive entrance examinations. The cancellation of exams or questions surrounding their credibility not only wastes students’ time but also causes severe emotional stress and uncertainty about their future. He maintained that repeated incidents of paper leaks and examination irregularities have created frustration among young people across the country. In his view, students have every right to raise their voices and demand accountability from the authorities responsible for conducting these examinations. Gandhi said the protests taking place on the streets reflect the genuine concerns of India’s youth rather than being acts of unnecessary agitation. According to Rahul Gandhi, the government should focus on creating a transparent, affordable, and reliable education system that ensures equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial background. He emphasized that education should empower young people instead of becoming a source of anxiety, financial hardship, and disappointment. His comments come at a time when debates over examination management, paper leak allegations, and the rising cost of education continue to dominate public discussion in India. Student groups and opposition parties have repeatedly demanded stronger safeguards to prevent examination irregularities and greater accountability from the authorities. Rahul Gandhi concluded by reiterating his support for students, saying their concerns are legitimate and deserve immediate attention. He stressed that the future of the country depends on its youth and that protecting the integrity of the education system should be a national priority.

  JOHANNESBURG: Four Pakistani nationals were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Sebenza area of South Africa, according to local police. Authorities have launched an investigation into the deadly attack, which they believe appears to be a targeted killing. Police said the incident occurred on Saturday evening when the four victims were returning home. As their vehicle stopped at a traffic signal, another car approached them. According to preliminary investigations, armed assailants opened fire from both sides of the victims’ vehicle, leaving the four men with fatal gunshot wounds. All four victims died at the scene before emergency responders could provide medical assistance. Law enforcement officials quickly secured the crime scene and began collecting evidence. Police recovered multiple 9mm pistol shell casings, which are expected to play an important role in the forensic investigation. Investigators are examining the evidence to determine the type of weapons used and to identify those responsible for carrying out the attack. Police officials stated that, based on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the incident appears to be a targeted killing rather than a random act of violence. However, authorities emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that no motive has yet been officially established. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby locations, interviewing potential witnesses, and searching for the suspects involved in the attack. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released, and police have not confirmed whether the deceased were related or connected through business or personal activities. Authorities are working closely with relevant agencies to notify the victims’ families and gather additional information that may assist in the investigation. The tragic incident has caused concern within the Pakistani community in South Africa, where many Pakistanis are engaged in businesses such as retail, wholesale trade, and other commercial activities. Community members have expressed shock over the killings and called on local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice. The shooting also drew a response from Pakistan. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the four Pakistani nationals. In a statement, she extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for them during this difficult time. She also expressed sympathy with the families of the victims, acknowledging the pain caused by the tragic loss. Her message reflected solidarity with the Pakistani community affected by the incident and emphasized the importance of supporting the victims’ loved ones. Meanwhile, Pakistani diplomatic officials are expected to remain in contact with South African authorities to monitor the progress of the investigation and assist the families of the deceased where necessary. Such assistance may include facilitating documentation, coordinating with local officials, and helping arrange the repatriation of the victims’ remains if requested by their families. As investigations continue, South African police have urged anyone with information about the attack to come forward. Authorities hope that witness statements, forensic evidence, and surveillance footage will help identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the shooting. The case remains under active investigation, and police have pledged to pursue all available leads to ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought before the courts. The tragic deaths of the four Pakistani nationals have once again highlighted concerns about violent crime and the safety of expatriate communities in parts of South Africa.

LONDON: British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has strongly opposed Israel’s plan to invite tenders for the construction of 1,200 new homes under the controversial E1 settlement project, warning that the move could seriously undermine prospects for a future Palestinian state and the two-state solution. The British government has urged Israel to immediately withdraw the E1 plan, cancel the construction tenders and halt the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. A UK government spokesperson said Israeli settlement activity violates international law and remains a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace in the region. The government stressed that continued settlement expansion could further weaken efforts to establish a viable and geographically connected Palestinian state. Miliband said Britain would continue to strongly support a two-state solution, arguing that it offers the best path toward lasting peace, security and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis. The E1 area, located east of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, has long been a sensitive issue because large-scale settlement development there could divide Palestinian communities and complicate the possibility of creating a contiguous Palestinian state. The British government’s latest warning comes amid continued international concern over settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories and its potential impact on future peace negotiations.