Evening news wrap: PM Modi lauds Operation Sindoor; Sharmishtha Panoli arrested in Gurgaon; and more

NEW DELHI: PM Modi praised the courage of BSF women personnel for their frontline role in Operation Sindoor, India’s largest counter-terrorism action, and reiterated a strong stance against terrorism. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, dismissed Pakistan’s claims of shooting down six Indian jets and rejected Donald Trump’s assertion that the conflict nearly reached nuclear levels.

In other developments, Instagram influencer Sharmishtha Panoli was arrested in Gurgaon after posting a communal video targeting Bollywood’s silence on Operation Sindoor. Indian metal exports worth $4.56 billion are also under threat as Donald Trump raised US steel and aluminium tariffs to 50%. In sports, England’s Jacob Bethell starred with a match-winning 82 in an ODI against the West Indies, crediting his growth to observing Virat Kohli and intense net sessions.

Here are the top five stories of the evening:

PM Modi lauded the bravery of BSF women personnel during Operation Sindoor
Speaking in Bhopal, he hailed “brave daughters” of India for their frontline role in the country’s biggest counter-terrorism operation, vowing strong retaliation against terrorism, including strikes inside enemy territory. PM Modi also highlighted the growing presence of women in India’s armed forces and scientific missions like Chandrayaan-3. He also inaugurated the Indore Metro, new airports in Datia and Satna, and laid foundations for development projects. Read full story


CDS General Anil Chauhan dismissed Pakistan’s claims of downing six Indian warplanes

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Chauhan acknowledged tactical errors but stressed that India learned and swiftly corrected them. He rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that India and Pakistan neared nuclear conflict, calling it “far-fetched”. The General said communication with Pakistan remained open and stressed there was ample space below the nuclear threshold. Read full story

Sharmishtha Panoli arrested in Gurgaon after allegedly inciting communal tension through Instagram post
The video faced backlash, with users posting threats, prompting her to delete the video and apologise. Despite this, a complaint had already been filed in Kolkata. When legal notices went unanswered and her family was found to have vacated their residence, a court warrant was issued. She was arrested on Friday night and is currently in police custody, officials confirmed. Read full story

Indian metal exports worth $4.56 billion set to be hit by steep US tariff hike on steel and aluminium

The hike, effective June 4, was announced by Donald Trump under national security grounds. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warned that the move will hurt India’s competitiveness, as the US remains a major market. The tariff, increasing from 25% to 50%, may drive US steel prices above $1,180/tonne, affecting key industries. India has approached the WTO over the hike. Read full story

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell, fresh off an IPL stint, earned Player-of-the-Match honours

Bethell said his IPL experience with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, though limited to two games, was valuable. He trained intensely, learning from world-class spinners and observing Virat Kohli up close. “He’s got aura,” Bethell noted, praising Kohli’s on-field intensity and off-field calm. Bethell’s rapid rise highlights the growing impact of franchise cricket on young international stars like him. Read full story