Top 5 news of the day: Massive blackout hits Portugal, Spain and France; India, France sign Rs 63,000 crore deal for Rafale jets; and more | India News

Today’s top stories cover major developments in defence, politics and Europe. Spain, Portugal and France were covered in massive blackout in an outage that disrupted phone lines, trains and flights. India and France signed a deal for buying Rafale marine aircrafts. Congress leader distanced the party from individual opinions on Pahalgam attack while Karnataka CM landed in controversy for showing a slapping gesture at a cop.
Spain, Portugal and France wrapped up in a massive blackout
Millions across Spain, Portugal, and southern France were left without power in a widespread blackout. The outage disrupted phone lines, trains, and flights. In response, the Portuguese government convened an emergency meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Red Electrica to monitor the ongoing recovery efforts. With a combined population of over 50 million, both countries are still awaiting an estimate of how many were impacted and when services will be fully restored. Read full story.
India to buy Rafale marine aircraft from France in a Rs 63,000 crore mega deal
India and France have sealed a major deal worth Rs 63,000 crore for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The agreement was signed with defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh representing India, while navy vice chief admiral K Swaminathan was also in attendance. Approved earlier this month by the cabinet committee on security led by Prime Minister Modi, the deal comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The Rafales will primarily be deployed aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Read full story
26/11 attack plotter Tahawwur Rana’s custody extended by 12 days
An NIA court extended the detention of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, by 12 days. Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national, has been in NIA custody since his extradition to India on April 10, following an 18-day detention. During the court session, he appeared with his face covered under tight security. Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan and special public prosecutor Narender Mann are representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the case, while Advocate Piyush Sachdeva from the Delhi Legal Services Authority is defending Rana. Read full story
Congress distances itself from leaders’ Pahalgam attack remarks, ‘They speak for themselves’
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh clarified that recent statements from some senior party leaders regarding the Pahalgam terrorist attack are personal and do not reflect the party’s stance. Speaking to ANI, Ramesh stated, “The views expressed by the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi in this all party meeting. As the situation evolves in this most sensitive of times, the Congress Working Committee, the Congress president, Lok Sabha LoP will be articulating the party’s position.” Read full story
K’tata CM lands in trouble after making a slapping gesture at police officer
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah landed in controversy after making a slapping gesture towards the additional superintendent of police (SP) during a rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred after a disruption caused by women BJP workers who were raising slogans and waving a black cloth. Visibly frustrated, Siddaramaiah summoned the police officer to the stage, questioning his actions. The disruption led to Congress workers raising slogans in support of the CM, while the police detained the protestors. Siddaramaiah’s remarks earlier in Mysuru, calling for caution over rushing into war with Pakistan, had already drawn criticism from the BJP. Read full story