Evening news wrap: Hardeep Singh Puri responds to Rahul Gandhi’s claim on ‘Epstein meetings’ & more | India News

Here are the top 5 news stories of the day:

Hardeep Singh Puri responds to Rahul Gandhi’s claim about the Epstein meeting

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri has denied Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of linking him to Jeffrey Epstein during the Lok Sabha budget session, saying he met the disgraced financier only “three or four times” in a professional setting before joining the cabinet as part of an independent commission on multilateralism. Read the full story

Rahul Gandhi targets the government 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 US. He warned that geopolitical instability required protection of India’s people, data, energy and food systems and argued that the government had “sold out” India’s data and autonomy. Gandhi claimed that the deal undermined energy security, saying, “Now the US will decide from whom we buy oil, not our prime minister,” and called for equal treatment in negotiations. Read the full story

The government has opposed the release of Sonam Wangchuk on health grounds

The Union government has 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 as she is “fit and healthy” and has only a minor infection. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said periodic tests did not show anything serious and no exception should be made. Although the court expressed concern about his health, the government opposed a review of his detention. Wangchuk has been in custody for four months. Read the full story

Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences Canadian school shooting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragic school shooting in British Columbia, Canada, in which 10 people were killed, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and speedy recovery to the injured. In a statement, Prime Minister Modi said India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada at this difficult time, reflecting international support following the mass school shooting. Read the full story

T20 World Cup thriller: South Africa beat Afghanistan in two super overs

In a dramatic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounter, Afghanistan pushed South Africa to the limit but lost by the slimmest of margins in the second Super Over at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. South Africa scored 187/6, matching Afghanistan, forcing the first super over, which ended in a tie. In the second, South Africa posted 23 and despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s three consecutive sixes, Afghanistan finished for 19, giving the Proteas a thrilling win. Read the full story