Top 5 news of the day: Rajnath Singh talks tough on Pahalgam terror attack, Robert Vadra sparks controversy; & more

NEW DELHI: India grappled with grief and outrage on Wednesday in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Defence minister Rajnath Singh vowed a "loud and clear" response, reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, while the nation bid a heart-wrenching farewell to Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal, one of the victims. Controversy flared as Robert Vadra's remarks linking the attack to the government's alleged Hindutva agenda drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Meanwhile, the World Bank slashed India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%, citing global headwinds, and in Delhi, a court reserved its verdict on 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana's plea to speak with his family.
Here's a look at the top developments of the day:
Pahalgam terror attack: Defence minister Rajnath Singh vows 'loud & clear' response
Union defence minister Rajnath Singh condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed the lives of several innocent people. Expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the victims' families, Singh reaffirmed India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. He assured the nation that the government would take decisive action against both the attackers and those supporting them from behind the scenes. Read more
Wife of Pahalgam terror attack victim bids emotional farewell to husband, navy lieutenant Vinay Narwal
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at Delhi’s Cargo Terminal for Indian Navy officer lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Narwal's widow gave an emotional farewell, remembering her husband as a man of honour and courage. The officer, recently married, was on leave in Pahalgam with his wife when the attack occurred. Lt Narwal’s mortal remains were then sent to his hometown in Karnal, Haryana, for final rites. Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta and BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva were present, along with grieving family, friends, and fellow officers. Read more
Robert Vadra links Pahalgam terror attack to govt's Hindutva push; shocking, shameless says BJP
Businessman Robert Vadra sparked controversy by linking the recent Pahalgam terror attack to what he described as the BJP government's Hindutva push. Vadra's remarks drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of defending terrorists and blaming India instead of condemning the attack. BJP's Amit Malviya and Shehzad Poonawalla strongly denounced his comments, calling them shameful and alleging they were made to protect Pakistani terrorists and malign Hindus. Read more
World Bank cuts India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.3% citing global headwinds
The World Bank has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 down to 6.3%, from its earlier estimate of 6.7%, citing global economic headwinds and domestic policy uncertainties. In its biannual South Asia Development Update titled Taxing Times, the bank projected a slowdown from 6.5% growth expected in FY 2024-25. The downgrade reflects weaker private investment and shortfalls in public capital spending. The IMF also lowered its forecast for India's FY 2025-26 growth to 6.2%, down from 6.5% projected in January. Read more
Delhi court reserves order on 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana's plea to speak with family
The Patiala House Court in Delhi has reserved its decision on a plea by Tahawwur Rana seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone. Rana's lawyer argued for his right to communicate as a foreign national, while the NIA opposed the request, citing concerns about the ongoing investigation. Read more