Submit your Article

The UK has quietly relocated 4,500 Afghans after a major data breach exposed nearly 19,000 people at risk under Taliban rule. The leak, caused by a UK Ministry of Defence official mistakenly emailing a sensitive spreadsheet in 2022, revealed names and contact details, according to BBC.

The government learned of the breach in 2023 when some details surfaced on Facebook but kept it hidden under a court gag order—lifted only this week by a High Court judge.

In response, a secret scheme called the Afghan Relocation Route was set up, costing over £400m so far. While the scheme is now closing, relocation offers already made will still be honoured.

Defence Secretary John Healey apologised in Parliament, calling it a serious error. The people affected were only informed this week. Some 600 Afghan soldiers and 1,800 family members are still waiting in Afghanistan, BBC reported.

S. Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers meeting. He conveyed greetings from Indian President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, underlining India's commitment to improving relations while trying to settle lingering border concerns resulting from the 2020 Ladakh standoff, Firstpost reported.

In discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar acknowledged the “good progress” made in easing tensions over the past nine months but emphasized the need for continued efforts to avoid disputes. He also called for removing trade barriers to enhance economic ties and urged a firm, shared stance on “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.

This visit marks Jaishankar’s first to China since the military clashes began, signaling a cautious but positive step toward better cooperation, according to Firstpost.

UK has resumed processing Syrian asylum claims, seven months after halting them following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for over two decades, according to BBC.

Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle said decisions can now move forward as clearer information is available, allowing some cases to proceed and possible returns to Syria to begin. Over 7,000 Syrians had been left in limbo, many in temporary accommodation.

More than 20 have already returned voluntarily, and enforced returns could start later this year. New guidance states that general unrest in Syria isn’t enough to claim asylum—each case must show personal risk, BBC reported.

Certain groups, like Alawites and Kurds in Turkish-backed areas, may still face danger. Refugee organisations welcomed the move but warned Syria remains unsafe for many and urged fair, case-by-case reviews.

Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday, reaffirming India’s support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) — a key regional bloc focused on security, economic, and political cooperation, Firstpost reported.

He noted steady progress in India-China ties since the 2024 Modi-Xi meeting and welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, calling it widely appreciated in India.

Amid global uncertainties, Jaishankar emphasized the need for open, honest dialogue between neighbours. He is also set to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to Firstpost.