News Today: Is use of pellet guns on protesters justifiable? Panel debates

In an interview, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju discussed his long-standing professional association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rijiju reflected on first meeting Modi in 1999 when both were handling party organizational responsibilities, highlighting Modi's emphasis on disciplined, time-bound execution with perfection. Rijiju stated, 'Modi Ji has transformed my own working system, my own way of looking at things.' He shared insights into Modi's hands-on governance style since 2014, noting how closely the Prime Minister tracked ministerial performance and follow-ups. Rijiju explained that Modi's electoral success and enduring popularity stem from having a coherent long-term vision, connecting every policy step, and leading a cohesive coalition under the banner of inclusive development.

A special broadcast reviews the political journey of the Prime Minister from selling tea at Vadnagar railway station in Gujarat to leading the nation for over twelve consecutive years. The report outlines major governance initiatives undertaken during this tenure, including Jan Dhan, Swachh Bharat, UPI, and Ayushman Bharat. It further highlights the roadmap focused on self-reliance through Atmanirbhar Bharat, alongside long-term national development goals set for Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In this India First panel discussion, former NSDC CEO Jayant Krishna, former US Assistant Secretary Raymond Vickery Jr., and Sandip Unnithan analyse the ramifications of potential US tariffs on Indian crude oil imports from Russia. Jayant Krishna noted that 'India has a Hobson's choice' given the closure of key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and supply disruptions from other regional suppliers. The discussion outlines how energy demand and rising global oil prices compel India to prioritise economic stability and national interest, while exploring the wider repercussions for bilateral trade agreements and strategic ties between New Delhi and Washington.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, authorising tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China.