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- India in its first response to US President
Donald Trump ‘s controversial ‘hellhole’ remark, said it has seen the reports but stopped short of issuing a detailed response. - Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge responded to a stern notice from the Election Commission, saying, “our people will reply to it.
- Voting turnout recorded nearly 89.3% till 5 pm in West Bengal amid poll violence, Tamil Nadu records 82.2% voter turnout till 5 pm.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the opposition’s criticism over his unscheduled stop to buy “jhalmuri” during poll campaigning in West Bengal.
- The United States military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters and redirected them away from positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, amid an ongoing maritime blockade on Iran.
Here are the top 5 news of the day
‘We’ve seen some reports’: MEA reacts to Trump’s ‘hell-hole’ remark
India issued a restrained response after US President Donald Trump reshared a post describing countries like India and China in derogatory terms. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen some reports,” without further comment. The remark, made in the context of a US immigration debate, has triggered political reactions in India, with opposition parties calling it insulting and urging the government to respond strongly. Read full story
‘Let the notice come, we will reply’: Kharge on EC ultimatum over ‘terrorist’ remark
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said the party will respond to the Election Commission’s notice over his controversial “terrorist” remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting, “our people will reply to it.” The EC had issued a 24-hour ultimatum, taking serious note of the comment and possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The row has intensified political tensions, with the BJP demanding action. Kharge had earlier maintained that his remarks were misinterpreted. Read full story
‘Thunderous jolt’: PM Modi hits back at TMC’s ‘jhalmuri’ dig with ‘chillies’ barb
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at the Trinamool Congress over its “jhalmuri” jibe during the West Bengal campaign, saying his simple act of eating the local snack had given the opposition a “thunderous jolt.” Using a “chillies” analogy, he suggested that while he enjoyed the food, it caused discomfort to his rivals. Read full story
US intercepts 3 Iranian oil tankers near India, Malaysia amid maritime blockade
The United States intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters near India and Malaysia, redirecting them as part of an expanding maritime blockade on Iran. The move comes amid heightened tensions following the US-Iran conflict, with enforcement now extending beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The interceptions have disrupted global oil flows and underline escalating geopolitical strain, as Washington seeks to curb Iranian exports while diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Read full story
WB Phase 1 sees 89.93% voter turnout till 5 pm amid violence; Tamil Nadu records 82.24% votes till 5 pm
Voting turnout crossed 89.93% in West Bengal by 5 pm during Phase 1 polling, amid reports of violence, while Tamil Nadu recorded around 82.24% voter turnout in its single-phase assembly elections. Read full story