- Union minister
Hardeep Singh Puri hit out atRahul Gandhi over Congress’s repeated attacks over the infamousEpstein files , saying he met Jeffrey Epstein only “three or four times” in a professional capacity. - Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Union Budget 2026-27, accusing the government of compromising India’s strategic interests.
- The central government opposed detained Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s release on medical grounds, stating that the climate activist was “hale and hearty and just suffering from a minor infection.”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock over the deadly school shooting in Canada that claimed 10 lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
- South Africa secured victory over Afghanistan in a nail-biting Super Over contest in the
T20 world cup .
Here are top 5 news of the day:
Hardeep Singh Puri responds to Rahul Gandhi’s claim on Epstein meetings
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri denied Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein during Lok Sabha’s Budget session, saying he met the disgraced financier only “three or four times” in a professional setting as part of an Independent Commission on Multilateralism before joining the Cabinet. Read full story
Rahul Gandhi targets govt over India-US trade deal
In a fiery Lok Sabha speech during the Union Budget debate, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of compromising India’s strategic autonomy in its trade deal with the United States. He warned that geopolitical instability requires safeguarding India’s people, data, energy and food systems, and argued the government has “sold” India’s data and autonomy. Gandhi claimed the agreement undermines energy security, saying “now US will decide who we buy oil from, not our Prime Minister,” and called for equal treatment in negotiations. Read full story
Govt opposes release of Sonam Wangchuk on health grounds
The central government told the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) after protests in Leh, should not be released on medical grounds because he is “fit and hearty” and only has a minor infection. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said periodic examinations show nothing serious and that exceptions should not be made. The government opposed reconsidering his detention despite the Court earlier raising concerns about his health. Wangchuk has been in custody over four months. Read full story
PM Modi offers condolences over Canada school shooting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragic school shooting in British Columbia, Canada, that killed 10 people, offering heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. In a statement, PM Modi said India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada during this difficult time, reflecting international support following the mass shooting at the school. Read full story
T20 World Cup thriller: South Africa beat Afghanistan after two super overs
In a dramatic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash, Afghanistan pushed South Africa to the limit but lost by the narrowest margin in a second Super Over at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. South Africa scored 187/6, matched by Afghanistan, forcing the first Super Over, which was also tied. In the second, South Africa posted 23, and despite three successive sixes from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan finished on 19, handing the Proteas a thrilling win. Read full story
