SIR

Amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, BJP leader Abhijeet Dipke has made a major announcement concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The development puts the Election Commission back at the centre of political debate, with the SIR exercise already drawing criticism from opposition parties over voter roll changes.

Indian bank employees are reported to be preparing for a three-day strike, prompting widespread concern about whether salaries, UPI payments and ATM withdrawals could be disrupted. Commentators and educators are walking the public through what services may stay functional and which could be hit, with many wage earners asking whether pay credits will be delayed if branches shut.

Ethiopia has taken delivery of the Chinese-made FK-2000, a mobile air defense system closely modeled on Russia's Pantsir. The development draws attention because Ethiopia already operates six Russian-supplied Pantsir-S1 units, raising questions about why it is adding a derivative of the same system. Reports suggest the United Arab Emirates may have acted as an intermediary in the deal, highlighting the growing role of Gulf states in African arms transfers.

Apple is paying out up to $95 to iPhone buyers in the United States after its much-publicised promise of a smarter, AI-powered Siri failed to materialise on schedule. Eligible US customers can now file claims for the payout, and coverage is walking them through the process as the company faces criticism over unfulfilled artificial intelligence features.

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly chosen to join Saudi club Al-Hilal, turning down interest from Premier League suitors. Reports describe the move as driven by mutual desire between the player and the Saudi side, raising questions over his motivations and what the transfer means for his career.