Khalistan banner at UK fest irks Pak-origin MP

A banner depicting a rifle and slogan `Khalistan Zindabad’ supporting a separate Sikh nation that appeared at a Vaisakhi festival in Birmingham has led to Pakistanorigin MP Khalid Mahmood demanding action against those who raised the flag.

Bulgarian town bans full-face veils

The Bulgarian town of Pazardzhik banned the wearing of full-face veils in public in a move to prevent tension among communities and boost security. The ban, the first of its kind in the Balkan country, is geared towards Muslim Roma women.

Indian-origin lawmakers launch anti-Brexit campaign

Indian-origin MPs in the UK have launched a new cross-party group to campaign for Britain to remain a member of the European Union in the June 23 referendum. The “British Indians for IN” campaign was launched with the backing of 15 British-Indian lawmakers including Keith Vaz, Shailesh Vara, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Virendra Sharma and Seema Malhotra among others.

Despite damage, Palmyra retains ‘authenticity’    

The UN cultural agency said the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra had suffered significant damage at the hands of Islamic State fighters, but that the archaeological site retains much of its authenticity. UNESCO sent experts to the world heritage site to study damage caused by the Islamic State group which held the city for nearly a year before it was retaken by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces last month.

N Korea erects mock-up of Seoul presidential palace

South Korea said North Korea has built a half-size mock-up of the South’s presidential palace at a firing range in what appears to be preparations for a live-fire drill. It comes ahead of a crucial North Korean ruling party congress next month during which leader Kim Jong Un is expected to shake up the country’s political elite and announce major state goals in an effort to further consolidate his power.