Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message on India's civilizational resilience during a visit to Gujarat's Somnath Temple, while international tensions flared between Iran and the United States. In domestic news, former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar made serious robbery allegations in Pune, and a political row erupted over remarks about India's Prime Minister. Here are the top five updates shaping the news cycle.
PM Modi Invokes History, Praises Resilience at Somnath Temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Shaurya Yatra at the Somnath Temple and addressed the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' gathering. After offering prayers, the PM reflected on the temple's turbulent history, referencing invaders from Mahmud of Ghazni to Aurangzeb.
He stated that while fundamentalist forces claimed victory over the temple in the past, they are now confined to history books, whereas Somnath stands tall. Modi praised the sacrifices of ancestors who defended their faith and asserted that the temple's survival, with its flag flying for over a millennium, is a testament to India's enduring strength and civilizational continuity.
Iran Issues Stark Warning to US, Puts Israel on Alert
Amid nationwide protests in Iran and a reported crackdown, Tehran issued a severe warning to the United States. Iranian officials declared that US military bases in the region and Israel would be "legitimate targets" if Washington launches any strike against Iran.
The warning was amplified as Iran's parliament speaker led lawmakers in chants of "Death to America." This escalation comes as US officials indicate President Donald Trump is considering military options in response to Tehran's handling of ongoing economic protests. Reports suggest Trump has been briefed on potential strikes, including on non-military sites in Tehran.
Puja Khedkar Alleges Sedation, Robbery by Domestic Help in Pune
In Pune, police have initiated a preliminary probe based on allegations by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar. She claimed that a newly hired domestic worker sedated her and her parents, tied them up, and fled with mobile phones and other valuables from their residence on Baner Road.
Khedkar reportedly managed to free herself and alert the authorities. However, no formal written complaint or detailed list of stolen items has been filed with the police as of yet. The Khedkar family has previously been in the news regarding a road rage-linked abduction case, while Puja herself faces separate allegations concerning UPSC reservations, which she denies.
Bangladeshi Umpire Officiates India Match Amid Strained Cricket Ties
In the world of cricket, Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula officiated the India vs New Zealand ODI in Vadodara. This normal cricketing exchange occurred against the backdrop of strained relations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The tension stems from the decision of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to drop Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the 2026 season. This move came despite KKR acquiring the player for a significant sum of ₹9.2 crore at the recent mini-auction.
Owaisi Lambasts Assam CM Over 'Only Hindu Can Be PM' Remark
A major political controversy erupted after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that "only a Hindu will become the Prime Minister of India." AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a sharp rebuttal, calling Sarma "a tubelight in his mind."
Owaisi accused the Assam CM of betraying the constitutional values he swore to uphold and compared his mindset to Pakistan's system of restricting top posts by religion. Invoking B.R. Ambedkar's vision, Owaisi argued that India belongs to all faiths, including those without religion, and labeled Sarma's remarks as reflective of narrow and petty thinking.
