Evening news wrap
- India-flagged vessel Virat 1 sinks off Oman; all 14 Indian crew safely rescued in joint operation.
- Abhishek Banerjee urges Lok Sabha Speaker to reject recognition of any breakaway TMC faction.
- Iran criticises US after Israeli strike on Beirut; warns retaliation.
- ED-linked FIR filed against missionary group over alleged Rs 95 crore funding for unlawful activities.
- Trump’s rural support drops to 50% as rising costs and Iran tensions hit approval ratings.
Here are the top stories of the day:
Indian vessel Virat 1 sinks off Oman coast; 14 crew rescued safely
India-flagged mechanised sailing vessel Virat 1 sank off the coast of Oman after suffering a mechanical failure and taking on water, triggering a major multinational rescue operation. The incident occurred about 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, with 14 Indian crew members onboard. Read full story
Abhishek Banerjee urges Lok Sabha Speaker not to recognise rebel TMC faction
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to recognise any breakaway faction of the party amid an escalating rebellion within TMC ranks. The move comes as rebel MPs claim growing support and seek recognition as a separate parliamentary bloc. Read full story
Iran warns of response after Israeli strike on Beirut amid regional tensions
Iran sharply criticised the United States following an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least two people and injured four others. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of either lacking the will or ability to restrain Israel, while senior commander Mohammadjafar Asadi warned that the attack “will not go unanswered”. Follow live updates
ED complaint leads to UAPA case over alleged Rs 95 crore funding network
Bengaluru police have registered a case under the UAPA and BNS against US-based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative and six individuals following a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate. The ED has alleged that over Rs 95 crore was channelled into India through a network of foreign-issued debit cards, bypassing financial and foreign contribution regulations. Read full story
Trump’s rural support slips as economic concerns and Iran tensions grow
US President Donald Trump’s support among rural voters has fallen to its lowest level since returning to office, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. His approval in rural areas dropped to 50%, down 10 points since February, while disapproval rose sharply amid rising fuel and food prices. Read full story
