Evening news wrap
- India–EU FTA talks: India and the European Union pushed forward long-pending Free Trade Agreement talks during commerce minister Piyush Goyal’s Brussels visit, with both sides stressing a balanced deal that protects farmers and MSMEs while improving market access and global supply chain integration.
- Rourkela emergency landing: A nine-seater IndiaOne Air aircraft made a forced belly landing near Rourkela after a technical fault mid-air. All passengers and crew survived, though one pilot was injured. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation.
- Indian-American judge faces MAGA backlash: US federal judge Arun Subramanian faced intense online attacks from MAGA supporters after blocking a Trump administration move to freeze billions in federal funding, highlighting growing xenophobic targeting of Indian-origin judges.
- Manjhi backs Bharat Ratna for Nitish: Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi demanded the Bharat Ratna for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, but JD(U) later distanced itself from similar calls, saying such statements were personal views, not the party’s position.
- North Korea–South Korea drone row: North Korea accused South Korea of flying drones into its airspace and claimed to have shot one down, warning of consequences. Seoul denied the charges, saying it did not operate the drones shown and has no intent to provoke Pyongyang.
Here are the top 5 stories of the day:
India, EU push to accelerate Free Trade Agreement talks in Brussels
India and the European Union have stepped up efforts to advance their proposed Free Trade Agreement during Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal’s two-day visit to Brussels. Goyal held high-level talks with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, focusing on resolving pending issues and speeding up negotiations. Both sides stressed protecting farmers and MSMEs while strengthening India’s role in global supply chains. Read full story
Small aircraft makes emergency landing near Odisha’s Rourkela after a technical snag
A nine-seater aircraft operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme made an emergency crash landing around 10–15 km short of Odisha’s Rourkela airstrip after a technical fault mid-flight. All six people on board, including four passengers and two crew members, are safe, though one pilot sustained injuries. The DGCA said the aircraft declared a Mayday before the forced landing. An investigation has been ordered. Read full story
Indian-American judge faces MAGA backlash after blocking Trump funding freeze
Indian-American federal judge Arun Subramanian has come under attack from MAGA supporters after temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s move to freeze nearly $10 billion in federal funding for child care and social services in five Democratic-led states. Subramanian said the states showed good cause for relief, citing potential harm to vulnerable families. The ruling has triggered xenophobic online abuse, reflecting a wider pattern targeting Indian-origin judges. Read full story
Jitan Ram Manjhi calls for Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar, JD(U) distances itself
Union minister and HAM(S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi demanded the Bharat Ratna for Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, expressing confidence that the Modi government would honour him. The call echoed an earlier demand by JD(U) leader KC Tyagi. However, the JD(U) later distanced itself, saying Tyagi’s remarks were personal and not linked to the party’s stand, while also stressing Nitish Kumar’s good health. Read full story
North Korea accuses South of drone intrusions, Seoul denies claims
North Korea accused South Korea of repeatedly flying drones into its airspace, warning Seoul would “pay a dear price” for what it called a serious violation of sovereignty. Pyongyang claimed it shot down a drone using electronic warfare equipment and released images as evidence. South Korea rejected the allegations, saying it neither conducted such operations nor owns the drone models shown, and said it would investigate possible civilian involvement. Read full story Go to Source
