Morning news wrap: Rajnath Singh slams Pakistan at SCO Summit, Navy HQ clerk arrested for leaking defence secrets to Pakistan; and more | India News
In the past 24 hours, a range of high-impact developments have unfolded across geopolitics, defense, business, and space. At the SCO summit, defence minister Rajnath Singh took a veiled swipe at Pakistan, accusing unnamed nations of sheltering terrorists, with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif present during the remarks. Meanwhile, Rajasthan intelligence arrested a clerk from Delhi’s Naval HQ for allegedly leaking sensitive information to a Pakistani handler. In the US, President Donald Trump stirred controversy by denouncing Israeli PM Netanyahu’s corruption trial as a “witch hunt” and demanding its immediate end. On the technology front, India’s Skyroot Aerospace signed a strategic agreement with US-based Axiom Space to jointly enhance access to low-Earth orbit. Meanwhile, financial markets rallied as the Sensex surged to an eight-month high, buoyed by optimism over a ceasefire between Iran and Israel that helped ease oil prices and boost investor sentiment.Here are the top 5 stories for MorningRajnath Singh slams Pakistan at SCO Summit with Islamabad’s Khawaja Asif in attendanceAt the SCO Defence Ministers’ Summit, defence minister Rajnath Singh launched a sharp critique of nations harboring terrorists, a pointed reference to Pakistan while its defence minister, Khawaja Asif, was present. Singh reiterated India’s long-standing concerns over cross-border terrorism, asserting that such states pose a direct threat to regional security. His remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and follow persistent calls for action against militant sanctuaries, reinforcing India’s stance on accountability and international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Read moreNavy HQ clerk Vishal Yadav arrested for leaking defence secrets to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor Rajasthan’s intelligence wing arrested Vishal Yadav, a clerk at New Delhi’s Naval Headquarters, for allegedly leaking sensitive defense information to a Pakistani handler codenamed “Priya Sharma” during critical operations like Operation Sindoor. Driven by online gambling debts, Yadav transmitted classified documents in exchange for payments via cryptocurrency and bank transfers. His mobile phone’s forensics confirmed extensive espionage activities. He has been charged under the Official Secrets Act and is currently in custody. Read moreTrump calls Netanyahu’s trial “witch hunt,” demands immediate cancellationUS President Donald Trump has fiercely criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, calling it a politically motivated “witch hunt” and labeling it a “travesty of justice.” Speaking on Truth Social, Trump urged that the case—centered on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust—be cancelled or result in a presidential pardon. He framed Netanyahu as a wartime hero, asserting that “the U.S. saved Israel and will now save Bibi.” Read moreAxiom & Skyroot forge path: Boosting India–US space cooperationOn the day Ax‑4 mission reached orbit, Houston-based Axiom Space and Hyderabad’s Skyroot Aerospace signed a strategic MoU aimed at enhancing global access to low-Earth orbit (LEO), spotlighting India’s emerging role in commercial space. The partnership arrives amid expanding international collaboration, following announcements that Axiom is also exploring Indian launch vehicles. It marks a significant step in strengthening India–US ties in space exploration and private-sector synergy. Read moreSensex surges to 8‑month high amid Iran‑Israel ceasefire optimismIndia’s benchmark Sensex rallied approximately 700 points, while the Nifty gained around 200 points, reaching their highest levels in eight months after reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel bolstered investor confidence. The easing of geopolitical tensions led to a drop in crude oil prices and sparked a risk-on rally across IT, auto, and consumer sectors. However, analysts caution that future gains may hinge on global trade dynamics and upcoming economic indicators. Read more
