Morning news wrap: India objected to China over the renaming of several places in Arunachal Pradesh, MHA upgraded EAM Jaishankar's security; and more

India has strongly rejected China's attempt to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh , reaffirming that the state is an integral part of the country. In response to heightened regional tensions, the ministry of home affairs has also upgraded external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s security, adding bullet-resistant vehicles to his convoy following intelligence assessments.

Meanwhile, political controversies continue to unfold. Congress questioned the government after former US President Donald Trump claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. In another development, Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah apologized after making controversial remarks about Army officer Colonel Sofia Qureshi. On the international front, Trump also defended accepting a $400 million aircraft gift from Qatar, stating it would serve as a temporary Air Force One.

India objected to China over renaming several places in Arunachal

India rejected China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh and strongly opposed its attempt to rename locations within the state.

In an official statement, the ministry of external affairs reiterated that China’s so-called “creative naming” has no bearing on the established fact that Arunachal Pradesh is, and will always be, an integral and inalienable part of India.

“We have noticed that China has persisted with its vain and preposterous attempts to name places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Consistent with our principled position, we reject such attempts categorically,” the MEA said. Read more

MHA upgraded EAM Jaishankar's security

External affairs minister S Jaishankar's security has been upgraded with the addition of two bullet-resistant vehicles to his Z category armed protection, following a recent review by central intelligence agencies.

Sources stated that the review recommended enhanced protection due to increased threat perception. The addition of bullet-resistant vehicles is part of a broader strengthening of the minister’s security setup. Notably, Jaishankar’s security level was previously upgraded from Y to Z category in 2023 by the Union Home Ministry, based on similar intelligence inputs. Follow live updates

MP minister apologised for making indecent remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi

After making indecent remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah tendered an apology and claimed that his statements were ‘misinterpreted’.

“The Prime Minister has responded to those who left our sisters widowed in their own language. Do not view my speech in a different context. Some people are misinterpreting it. They are our sisters, and they have worked with the army with full strength,” he said. Read more

Trump defended his decision to accept a $400 million aircraft from Qatar

United States President Donald Trump defended his decision to accept a $400 million aircraft from Qatar to replace temporarily Air Force One and said that only a fool would not accept a free gift.

Trump confirmed that the US will receive a luxurious Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar's royal family for free. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive." Read more

Congress questioned government over Trump taking credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire

After Trump once again took credit for ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Congress asked the whether PM Modi's comparison with Pakistani counterpart is acceptable to the government.

In a social media post on X, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, "I used trade to make a deal between them, and they agreed…” Not only is Donald Trump hyphenating India with Pakistan, he is comparing Prime Minister Modi with Shehbaz Sharif."

"Is this comparison acceptable to PMO?" he asked. Read more