Evening news wrap: PM Modi slams RJD, Cong over 'abuse' row; Pawan Khera gets EC notice & more

Today's news wrap includes updates in political, global and business world. PM Modi responded strongly to the Bihar rally controversy after a viral video surfaced showing alleged abusive remarks about his late mother. Congress leader Pawan Khera received EC notice over 2 voter IDs. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange declared 'victory' as he said that government accepted most of his demands. In business world, Russian crude is becoming increasingly cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts on Urals oil now at $3–4 per barrel compared to Brent. Meanwhile, death toll in Afghanistan earthquake crossed 1400, with over 5,000 homes destroyed.

PM Modi's slams RJD-Congress over 'abuse' row, says, 'My mother had nothing to do with politics'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded strongly to the Bihar rally controversy after a viral video surfaced showing alleged abusive remarks about his late mother. He condemned the comments as an affront not just to him, but to “every mother, sister, and daughter of the nation,” and said the people of Bihar resonated with his pain.


"Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar... These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country. I know... how bad all of you, every mother of Bihar, felt after seeing and hearing this! I know, as much pain as I have in my heart, the people of Bihar are also in the same pain," he said. Read full story

Congress leader Pawan Khera gets EC notice over 2 voter IDs
The New Delhi electoral registration officer (ERO) served him a notice for being registered as a voter in two different constituencies in Delhi under two separate EPIC numbers.

"It has been brought to my notice that you have got your name registered in the electoral roll of more than one constituency," the notice said. Read full story

Maratha quota activist declares 'victory'; set to end 5-day fast
Manoj Jarange declared "victory and told Maratha quota protesters, "We have won." The sub-committee agreed to implement the Hyderabad Gazette, assuring that Marathas with Kunbi records will receive caste certificates following due verification. Jarange also confirmed that government resolutions (GRs) on the quota demands would be issued immediately.

"We will leave Mumbai by 9 pm today if the Maharashtra government issues GRs (government resolutions) on the Maratha quota demands," Jarange said. Follow live updates

Russian crude gets cheaper for India as New Delhi continues to resist US pressure
Russian crude is becoming increasingly cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts on Urals oil now at $3–4 per barrel compared to Brent. This marks a sharp drop from just $1 in July and highlights the growing price gap, as US crude is currently being sold to India at a $3 premium. The widening discounts come at a time when Indian refiners are seeking cost advantages in the global oil market.

The price shift coincides with rising political tensions, as the Trump administration has imposed a 50% tariff on India over its rising Russian oil imports. Washington accuses New Delhi of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine through these deals, while India continues to prioritize affordable energy supplies to meet its growing demand. Read full story

Death toll in Afghanistan earthquake crosses 1400, over 5,000 homes destroyed
The death toll from the powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has climbed to over 1,400, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. He confirmed that 1,411 people were killed and more than 3,100 injured in Kunar province, the worst-hit region. Mujahid added that the quake destroyed over 5,000 homes, leaving thousands homeless.

The earthquake struck late Sunday night while residents were asleep, flattening villages and trapping many under rubble. Rescue operations have been hampered by the mountainous terrain, making it difficult to deliver aid and carry out relief work in the affected areas. Read full story

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