Modi on Pahalgam attack, US criticizes NYT coverage | Hook News Wrap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism,” at a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, addressing the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir. He vowed to “pursue them to the ends of the Earth,” setting a resolute tone for India’s response to the tragedy.

Modi’s Strong Response to Pahalgam Attack
In his first public address since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a rally in Madhubani, Bihar, condemning the strike that killed 26 people. He described it as “an assault on India’s faith” and pledged to relentlessly pursue justice. “I say to the whole world, India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth,” he asserted. Modi emphasized India’s unyielding resolve, signaling a robust counter-terrorism strategy and reassuring the nation of its strength in the face of such tragedies.

US GOP Slams NYT Over Headline
A Trump administration-affiliated social media account called @HouseForeignGOP criticized The New York Times for labeling the Pahalgam incident as an “act of militants.” On X, the post showcased them editing the NYT headline to “TERRORIST ATTACK,” the GOP accused the outlet of being detached from the reality of terrorism in India and Israel.

Bollywood Film Release Canceled
Public outrage following the Pahalgam attack led to the cancellation of the Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, in India. Government sources cite heightened national sentiment as the reason, highlighting the attack’s cultural repercussions.

India-US Trade Deal Nears Completion
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that India is poised to be the first nation to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with the Trump administration, avoiding reciprocal tariffs. New York Post reports negotiations are “very close” to completion, bolstering India-US economic relations.

Indian Markets End Winning Streak
Indian stock markets closed lower, halting a seven-day rally. The Sensex and Nifty each dropped by up to 0.4%, with the Nifty closing below 24,300, reflecting caution amid global and domestic developments.

Sachin Tendulkar Turns 52
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar marked his 52nd birthday. Debuting in 1989 at age 16, the “Master Blaster” scored 100 international centuries—51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs—before retiring in 2013, solidifying his status as a global sports legend.