• India

Images/Agencies Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri hit out at Rahul Gandhi over Congress’s repeated attacks over the infamous Epstein files, saying he met Jeffrey Epstein only “three or four times” in a professional capacity.Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Union Budget 2026-27, accusing the government of compromising India’s strategic interests. The central government opposed detained Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s release on medical grounds, stating that the climate activist was “hale and hearty and just suffering from a minor infection.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock over the deadly school shooting in Canada that claimed 10 lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families.South Africa secured victory over Afghanistan in a nail-biting Super Over contest in the T20 world cup. Here are top 5 news of the day: Hardeep Singh Puri responds to Rahul Gandhi’s claim on Epstein meetingsUnion minister Hardeep Singh Puri denied Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein during Lok Sabha’s Budget session, saying he met the disgraced financier only “three or four times” in a professional setting as part of an Independent Commission on Multilateralism before joining the Cabinet. Read full story Rahul Gandhi targets govt over India-US trade dealIn a fiery Lok Sabha speech during the Union Budget debate, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of compromising India’s strategic autonomy in its trade deal with the United States. He warned that geopolitical instability requires safeguarding India’s people, data, energy and food systems, and argued the government has “sold” India’s data and autonomy. Gandhi claimed the agreement undermines energy security, saying “now US will decide who we buy oil from, not our Prime Minister,” and called for equal treatment in negotiations. Read full story Govt opposes release of Sonam Wangchuk on health grounds The central government told the Supreme Court that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) after protests in Leh, should not be released on medical grounds because he is “fit and hearty” and only has a minor infection. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said periodic examinations show nothing serious and that exceptions should not be made. The government opposed reconsidering his detention despite the Court earlier raising concerns about his health. Wangchuk has been in custody over four months. Read full story PM Modi offers condolences over Canada school shooting Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the tragic school shooting in British Columbia, Canada, that killed 10 people, offering heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. In a statement, PM Modi said India stands in solidarity with the people of Canada during this difficult time, reflecting international support following the mass shooting at the school. Read full story T20 World Cup thriller: South Africa beat Afghanistan after two super oversIn a dramatic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash, Afghanistan pushed South Africa to the limit but lost by the narrowest margin in a second Super Over at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. South Africa scored 187/6, matched by Afghanistan, forcing the first Super Over, which was also tied. In the second, South Africa posted 23, and despite three successive sixes from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan finished on 19, handing the Proteas a thrilling win. Read full story About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”If You Had Taken My Advice” Jagdambika Pal Responds To Rahul Gandhi’s Ex-Congress Jab“Will Move Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi”: BJP Slams Rahul Over ‘Baseless Allegations’BJP MP Counters Rahul Gandhi’s Trade Deal Attack, Anurag Thakur Says Grip Talk Exposed WeaknessLok Sabha Sees Massive Ruckus As Rahul Gandhi Mentions Epstein Files, Adani Case; Slams PM ModiIndia’s New Rule Mandates Full ‘Vande Mataram’ National Song Before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ National AnthemUS Deletes India Map Showing PoK, Aksai Chin As Part Of Country After Trade Deal Post Sparks Debate’You Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Attack At PM Modi, ‘Not Your Servant’ Message To TrumpRafale Expansion Plan Gains Momentum Ahead Of French President Macron’s High Stakes India Visit’Soggy Poppadums’ Vs ‘Fine Tandoori’: UK Parliament Spars Over India Trade Deal As MPs Trade Charges’Entered Speaker’s Chamber And Abused Him’: Rijiju Hits Out At Congress, Slams Rahul Gandhi123PhotostoriesArchana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi open up about their parenthood journey; son Aaryamann says, “I have had the worst depression, won’t wish it on anyone”Ahead of ‘O’Romeo’ release, take a look at Shahid Kapoor’s 7 highest-grossing films; ‘Padmaavat’ to ‘Kabir Singh’7 biggest movie references in the 2026 Olympics figure skating competition: ‘Dune’, ‘Interstellar’ and more‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’: Rajpal Yadav’s films that cemented his status as Bollywood’s comedy powerhouse5 luxury interior ideas to borrow from Shah Rukh Khan’s MannatExplained! 5 most expensive places to live in 20268 ways to enjoy sweet potato for evening snacks with chai’Jai Ho’ on the move: India’s first musical road hits Mumbai’s Coastal driveIs your illness karmic? what your birth date saysNancy Guthrie case update: What we know about the person detained for questioning123Hot PicksMumbai Mayor SelectionGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionBharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAndre Grey and Leigh Anne Net WorthScott NiedermayerBengaluru Techie MurderMM NaravaneKhwaja AsifBengaluru Businessman Bank Account HackedKiren RijijuHind Al OwaisBOB Assistant Admit CardWhen JEE Main Result Out