Evening news wrap: Hazratbal plaque vandalism sparks row in J&K; Trump plays down India–US concerns. Read this, and more

A political row erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after the national emblem was found on a plaque at the revered Hazratbal shrine. The BJP condemned the vandalism and promised strict action, while CM Omar Abdullah questioned why the emblem had been installed there in the first place.

In Washington, President Donald Trump moved to reassure that there was “nothing to worry” about in US–India relations. When asked if he is ready to reset the relationship, Trump said, "I will always be friends with Modi... he is a great Prime Minister, ... I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment, but India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about."


In Kerala, senior Congress leader V T Balram resigned as the party’s state social media in-charge. The decision followed controversy over a post he made on Bihar’s ‘bidi workers’ scheme, which triggered criticism from the BJP.

Here are the top five stories of the evening:

Hazratbal emblem row sparks political storm

A plaque bearing the national emblem was vandalised at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, triggering outrage. The BJP has vowed strict action against those responsible, while Omar Abdullah asked why the emblem was placed at a religious site in the first place. Read full story

Trump reassures on US–India ties

Donald Trump sought to calm concerns over Washington’s relationship with New Delhi, saying there was “nothing to worry about.” His remarks come after unease over earlier statements, which had raised questions about diplomatic tensions. Read full story

Kerala Congress leader resigns after row

Congress leader V T Balram resigned as the party’s social media in-charge in Kerala following a controversy. His resignation came after backlash over a post related to Bihar’s bidi scheme, which drew sharp criticism. Read full story

Noida man arrested for Mumbai hoax terror threat

Police in Noida arrested a man accused of sending a false terror alert targeting Mumbai. Investigators revealed that the hoax was not linked to any militant outfit but was instead driven by the accused’s personal enmity with a former friend. Read full story

Chargesheet filed in Raja Raghuvanshi murder

The Special Investigation Team filed a detailed 790-page chargesheet in the murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi. Among those named are five accused, including Raj Kushwaha, alleged lover of co-accused Sonam. Read full story


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