Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks on Operation Sindoor were “taken out of context.” He made this statement while briefing the Standing Committee on External Affairs. The clarification came after Rahul Gandhi accused the government of warning Pakistan ahead of India’s retaliatory strike. “The fact is that India had informed Pakistan about the precise strikes after the initial phase of its commencement,” Misri told the committee, according to sources. He also spoke about the operation’s success. Jaishankar’s media clip had triggered political debate, with the Congress targeting the government over national security. (PC: PTI)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to exclude Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi from any assignments related to Pakistan. Sarma alleged that Gogoi misled 90 youths by taking them to the Pakistan Embassy, potentially endangering them. He also claimed that Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colburn, continued to receive a salary from Pakistan, raising security concerns. Gogoi has denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The issue has sparked political tensions, with Sarma demanding Gandhi clarify if Congress MPs are permitted to engage in such foreign interactions. (PC: PTI)

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah will not be removed from his post despite facing criticism for a comment seen as insulting to Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, decided there is no need for Shah to resign since the High Court did not ask for it. Shah’s speech was called offensive by Congress, who claim he insulted Col Qureshi. Shah later said his words were misunderstood. The court has ordered a police case and investigation. CM Yadav said the Congress has no right to speak on this and defended Shah’s position. (PC: PTI)

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut deleted a post about US President Donald Trump after BJP chief JP Nadda asked her to. In her now-deleted post on X, she linked Trump’s remarks on Apple’s India plans to jealousy of Prime Minister Modi. She later wrote, “I regret posting that very personal opinion.” Trump had told Apple CEO Tim Cook he didn’t want the company to expand in India, citing high tariffs. Kangana’s post compared Trump to Modi, calling the Indian PM “the father of all alpha males.” She removed the post from both X and Instagram after Nadda’s request. (PC: India Today)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled a scheduled Kashmir visit after receiving an intelligence alert about a possible terror attack. The alleged intel came three days before the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. Kharge criticized the Centre's handling of the alert, questioning the lack of preventive measures despite prior warning. He stated the government admitted to security lapses during an April 24 all-party meeting. Reports also indicate the PM's April 19 Kashmir trip was postponed due to adverse weather. Kharge demanded accountability, highlighting serious gaps in preparedness despite forewarning. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Amaravati as the foundation of Andhra Pradesh’s dreams during a public address at the city’s foundation ceremony. Calling it a "Shakti" that will modernize the state, he said Amaravati would spearhead growth in AI, green energy, and infrastructure. PM Modi praised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for his vision and experience in tech-driven development and acknowledged the legacy of NTR. He emphasized the Centre’s support for rapid progress and highlighted Amaravati’s role in shaping a "Viksit Bharat." He said connectivity and innovation would transform the city into a beacon of future development. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the Centre’s decision to include a caste census in the next national census, claiming the move aligns with the Congress party’s long-standing vision. He called for a clear timeline and urged the removal of the 50% reservation cap, labeling it an "artificial barrier." Gandhi praised Telangana's model over Bihar’s, proposing it as a national blueprint. He emphasized that the caste census is only the first step toward reshaping India’s development model. The Congress also called for enforcing Article 15(5) to implement reservations in private educational institutions, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive growth and social justice. (PC: India Today)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, mourning the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, said, "I won't demand statehood over dead bodies." Addressing a special Assembly session, Abdullah deferred political demands out of respect for the victims, stressing that human lives must not become political bargaining chips. He read the names of the deceased, praised local heroes like Adil who saved tourists, and highlighted Kashmiris' spontaneous protests against terrorism. "Militancy will end when people support us," he said. Abdullah also thanked Indian states for protecting Kashmiri students facing backlash after the attack, underlining unity in a time of grief. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Friday sternly warned Rahul Gandhi against making derogatory remarks about freedom fighters, particularly VD Savarkar, calling his past comments "irresponsible." The bench, while staying a UP trial court's summons, said Savarkar is "worshipped" in Maharashtra and cautioned Gandhi of consequences if such statements continue. The court also hinted it could take suo motu action for future remarks. Rahul Gandhi was not present, as he was visiting victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in J&K. Meanwhile, the BJP criticized Gandhi, calling the court’s comments a stern warning, not relief. Proceedings continue over the complaint filed in Uttar Pradesh. (PC: PTI)

Following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, opposition leaders expressed unity with the government during an all-party meeting. “Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government to take any action,” said Rahul Gandhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the need to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir. TMC and AAP leaders raised concerns over security lapses and demanded strong action. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed leaders on the response measures. India has since revoked Pakistani visas and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its retaliation. (PC: ANI)