- BJP appointed Smriti Irani as national general secretary for UP, Piyush Goyal as treasurer, and 13 vice-presidents in its new national team.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed Trump officials are discussing nuclear options against Iran but provided no evidence.
- Chief economic adviser Nageswaran recommended bringing back a lower ethanol blend amid the E20 petrol controversy.
- A fabricated Iran nuclear quote from an Indian X account spread to Israeli media, US politicians, and Netanyahu’s speech.
- Eight pilgrims died of asphyxiation in a Tarapith hotel fire caused by toxic smoke and lack of safety equipment.
Here are top 5 stories of the day
BJP announces new team of office bearers: Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal get key roles
The BJP announced its new team of national office-bearers under party president Nitin Nabin, appointing Smriti Irani as a national general secretary with charge of Uttar Pradesh and former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia as a national vice-president. The revamped team includes 13 national vice-presidents, eight general secretaries and 16 national secretaries, with Piyush Goyal named national treasurer. The reshuffle brings several senior leaders into key organisational roles as the party prepares for upcoming political challenges. Read full story.
‘Pure evil’: Ex-US Congresswoman claims Trump team considering nuclear weapons for Iran
Former US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed that Trump administration officials are discussing the possible use of nuclear weapons against Iran, alleging the issue has come up in high-level strategy meetings as the conflict continues. Greene accused the administration of moving towards a lower threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, but did not provide evidence for her claims. The White House has not immediately commented on the allegations. Read full story.
Chief economic adviser Nageswaran calls for lower ethanol blend amid E20 row
Chief economic adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has called for bringing back a lower blend of ethanol fuel at petrol pumps amid the ongoing controversy over the mandatory E20 petrol policy. The recommendation comes as farmers and political groups have voiced concerns over the impact of the higher ethanol blend on vehicle compatibility and food prices. The government has maintained that the E20 policy is part of its long-term energy security and ethanol blending roadmap. Read full story.
Fake Iran nuclear post: How an Indian X account’s post reached Netanyahu’s speech
A fabricated quote attributed to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander spread from an Indian X account to Israeli media, US politicians and eventually into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech, according to a New York Times investigation. The false claim, which said Iran would not abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions, gained credibility as it was repeatedly cited by accounts, broadcasters and political figures before being debunked.
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The episode underscores the risks of viral disinformation during heightened tensions. Read full story.
Tarapith hotel fire kills 8 pilgrims in West Bengal’s Birbhum
At least eight guests were killed and several others critically injured after a massive fire broke out at a private hotel in Tarapith, Birbhum, early Monday morning, with officials saying the victims died of asphyxiation from toxic smoke. The fire, which started around 4.30am on the ground floor, exposed the hotel’s lack of basic fire safety equipment, with guests disoriented and struggling to escape. The exact cause is yet to be confirmed, though an electrical short circuit is suspected. Read full story.
