Evening news wrap: Tharoor hits back at Kerala Congress criticism; PM Modi set for UK, Maldives visit; and more

In a sharp rebuttal to criticism from Kerala Congress leaders, Shashi Tharoor questioned the basis of remarks. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs briefed on Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming UK and Maldives visit from July 23. Responding to concerns over EU sanctions, India reiterated its firm stance on prioritizing energy security in relation to Russian oil imports. In a legal setback, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal rejected Congress’s appeal in a Rs 199 crore tax case. In a disturbing incident from Dharamshala, a Delhi woman was raped in her hotel room. Here are more developments of the day:

Shashi Tharoor hits back at Kerala Congress snub, responds to 'no longer one of us' remark
In response to outspoken criticism from Kerala Congress leaders, Shashi Tharoor retaliated, casting doubt on the veracity of the assertions."People saying this also have to have a basis of saying this... who are they? What is their party position... I would like to know. Don't ask me to explain other people's behaviour... you talk to them about their behaviour." When questioned about the remarks made by other Congress leaders, Tharoor told reporters, "I can only talk about my own behavior." Read more


'Both sides committed to elevate partnership,' says MEA on PM Modi’s UK visit

A pre-departure briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming trips to the UK and the Maldives, which start on July 23, was held by the ministry of external affairs. "The Prime Minister will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom tomorrow, July 23, for discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer," stated foreign secretary Vikram Misri, outlining the itinerary for the trip. In addition, he will meet with prominent business figures from India and the UK and pay a visit to King Charles III. Read more

India takes tough stand on EU sanctions over Russian oil, says 'energy security top priority'

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri responded to queries regarding mounting western pressure on India over purchasing Russian oil ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the UK. Misri said, "We have been very clear that insofar as energy security is concerned, it is the highest priority of the government of India to provide energy security for the people of India, and we will do what we need to do with regard to that." Read more

No relief for Congress in Rs 199 crore tax case: Tribunal says no exemption

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) upheld a tax demand of Rs 199.15 crore after dismissing a Congress appeal. According to Bar and Bench, a two-member bench decided in a comprehensive ruling on Monday that Congress had not fulfilled essential requirements needed to qualify for the exemption."The assessee's return filed on 02.02.2019 is not within the 'due' date to make it eligible for the impugned exemption," the court stated. For the 2018–19 assessment year, the party had sought exemption under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act. Read more

Delhi tourist raped in McLeodganj hotel room; suspect arrested

A Delhi tourist was sexually assaulted on Sunday in her hotel room close to McLeodganj in Dharamshala, Himachal's Kangra district, by a friend of her boss who allegedly runs a hotel in Jawalamukhi, a temple town. Shubham, a Kangra native, has been taken into custody as the suspect. The woman claims he sexually assaulted her after breaking into her room when she was by herself. The survivor, who works and resides in Delhi, went to the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh with three friends, including her boss. According to a police officer, Shubham, a friend of the survivor's advocate and hotel owner in Jawalamukhi, invited the group to make a visit first. Read more