PM gets stuck in traffic
In what is being described as a serious security lapse, the Prime Minister and his convoy were stuck on a Punjab highway for 15-20 minutes. The reasons: A last-minute change of plans and a farmer protest. The PM was supposed to fly in a helicopter from Bhatinda airport to attend an event. He changed his mind due to bad weather—and traveled by road where his path was blocked by farmers protesting his visit. In the end, the convoy was forced to turn back—and Modi was unable to attend neither the event nor a planned election rally.
Why this matters: Travel plans for heads of state are meticulously laid out to ensure security—and include contingency plans. The BJP is crying foul—alleging bad faith on the part of the Congress-led Punjab government. Even Modi reportedly made a crack on his way out, telling officials: “Apne CM ko thanks kehna, ki mein Bhatinda airport tak zinda laut paaya.” (Thank your CM that I was able to stay alive till I reached the Bhatinda airport). According to Indian Express, the entire mess was caused by crossed wires and miscommunication. See the scene on the highway below.

Kazakhstan spirals into chaos
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared a two-week state of emergency as protests over fuel prices turned violent. In Kazakhstan, many citizens have converted their cars to run on LPG—because it is far cheaper than gasoline due to a cap on its price. But then the government lifted the price ceiling, saying it was unsustainable. The result: massive rallies of thousands of people—which forced the police to resort to stun grenades and water cannons.
Why this matters: Protests are relatively rare in Kazakhstan. And this time they show no signs of abating. Protesters stormed the presidential residence and the mayor’s office, and set both on fire. A Russian-led military alliance plans to dispatch peacekeeping forces to the country after Tokayev asked for help. (Associated Press)
UK moves to criminalise ‘breastfeeding voyeurism’
The government has introduced new legislation to punish voyeurs who record images of breastfeeding women without permission. The crime will carry a maximum sentence of two years. The law is the result of a campaign led by a female MP who was photographed while feeding her four-month-old baby daughter on a train in north London. (The Guardian)
Madonna’s son is a… famous artist?
‘Rhed’ was known in art circles as a mysterious, up-and-coming artist—widely beloved by celebrities. And his art is listed for up to £24,000. He has now been unmasked as none other than Rocco Ritchie—Madonna’s son with director Guy Ritchie. A revelation that has sparked mixed feelings among critics. Where some declare him “an authentic, pure, and undiluted product of the 21st century,” others say: “These daubs are amateur stuff, vaguely imitating Picasso or Modigliani, that could have been done by a million young people.” Ouch! Check out an example below and decide for yourself. (The Guardian)

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