Italy is heading into a fresh political and cultural debate over immigration, integration and religious symbols in schools after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to introduce new classroom rules. Meloni said her government will bring forward legislation to set a legal maximum on the number of foreign students in each class, while also banning burqas and niqabs in Italian schools. The proposal would additionally require parents of foreign students facing serious integration difficulties to learn Italian. The announcement has triggered a wider political argument over assimilation, religious freedom, national identity and the role of schools in integrating migrant families.

Rahul Gandhi launches a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, triggering another political showdown between the Congress and BJP. Speaking at a Congress event, Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe at Modi's foreign policy, mocking what he describes as "hugging people" diplomacy. A subsequent exchange involving Sandeep Dikshit and a reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sparks further controversy. The BJP hits back, accusing Rahul Gandhi of using "uncultured, crude and vulgar" language and demanding an apology.