India rejected the USCIRF report, calling it biased and politically driven. The Ministry of External Affairs criticized USCIRF for misrepresenting facts and urged it to focus on US issues. The report had alleged severe violations of religious freedom in India, including violence and legal changes affecting minorities. India has consistently denied USCIRF visas, citing interference.

BSE Sensex and Nifty50 plunged over 2% amid rising Middle East tensions and crude prices. Experts predict short-term volatility but expect stabilization. Concerns also rise over China’s economic stimulus drawing investment away from India, further impacting markets.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday claimed that the arrested ‘kingpin’ in one of the largest drug busts in the national capital is linked to the Congress party. They alleged that the arrested suspect is the chairman of Delhi Youth Congress’ RTI cell. In response, the youth wing of Indian National Congress (INC) strongly denied these allegations, saying that the BJP is misleading the public with “lies and deception.”