Thursday, April 2, 2026
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Evening news wrap: PM leads Somnath Shaurya Yatra; Iran warns US of retaliation and more

Evening news wrap: PM leads Somnath Shaurya Yatra; Iran warns US of retaliation and more

  • PM at Somnath pride: Prime Minister Modi took part in the Shaurya Yatra at the Somnath Temple. After prayers at Somnath, PM Modi, in his address, said past invaders failed to erase India’s faith. He praised ancestors’ sacrifices and asserted the temple’s survival as proof of India’s enduring strength.
  • US-Iran Tensions: Iran warned US bases, and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington attacks, as nationwide protests intensify and Trump reportedly weighs military options amid Tehran’s crackdown.
  • Puja Khedkar Robbery Claim: Ex-IAS probationer Puja Khedkar alleged a domestic help sedated and robbed her family in Pune; police began a preliminary probe though no written complaint or item list is filed yet.
  • Bangladeshi Umpire: Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula officiated the India–New Zealand ODI in Vadodara amid the strained India-Bangladesh cricket ties KKR’s decision to drop Mustafizur from their 2026 IPL squad
  • ‘Hijabi-PM’ row: AIMIM chief Owaisi slammed Assam CM Himanta Sarma’s claim that “only a Hindu can be PM,” calling him “a tubelight,” and accusing him of having a “Pakistan-like mindset” against India’s constitutional values.

Here are the top five updates from the day

‘From Ghazni to Aurangzeb’: PM Modi invokes history at Somnath; underscores temple’s resilience

PM Narendra Modi offered prayers at Somnath Temple after completing the Shaurya Yatra and later addressed the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv”. Citing historical invasions from Ghazni to Aurangzeb, he argued that religious fundamentalists who claimed victory over Somnath were ultimately reduced to history, while the temple still stands tall. Modi praised ancestors for risking their lives to defend faith and said Somnath’s flag, still hoisted after 1,000 years, reflects India’s civilizational resilience and strength before the world.Read the full story

‘Legitimate targets’: Iran warns US of retaliation; Israel on high alert — will Trump order a strike?

Iran warned that US military bases in the region and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington launches a strike, as Iran’s parliament speaker led lawmakers in chants of “Death to America.” The warning comes as US officials say President Trump is considering authorising strikes in response to Tehran’s suppression of ongoing economic protests. The New York Times reports Trump was briefed on options, including hitting nonmilitary sites in Tehran, while demonstrations entered a third week in major Iranian cities.Read the full story

Sacked IAS Puja Khedkar’s family tied up and sedated by domestic help

Pune police have launched a preliminary investigation after former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar alleged that a newly hired domestic worker sedated her and her parents, tied them up, and fled with phones and valuables from their Baner Road home. She reportedly freed herself and alerted authorities, though no written complaint or inventory of stolen items has been submitted so far. The Khedkar family has previously been in the news over a road rage-linked abduction case, while Puja faces separate reservation-related UPSC allegations, which she denies.Read the full story

Bangladeshi umpire officiates IND vs NZ ODI amid Mustafizur row — who is he?

Normal cricketing exchanges continue in other formats, with Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula officiating the India–New Zealand ODI in Vadodara on Sunday. This comes amid strained ties between the BCCI and BCB after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders opted to exclude Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their 2026 squad, despite purchasing him for ₹9.2 crore at the mini auction.Read the full story | Follow live updates

Asaduddin Owaisi hits back at Himanta Biswa Sarma over ‘only Hindu PM’ remark

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticised Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for saying “only a Hindu will become the PM of India.” Calling Sarma “a tubelight in his mind,” Owaisi accused him of betraying the Constitution he swore to uphold and compared his thinking to Pakistan’s system that restricts top posts by religion. He invoked Ambedkar’s vision, arguing India belongs to all faiths — including those without religion — and said Sarma’s remarks reflect narrow and petty thinking.Read the full story Go to Source

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