A dramatic moment during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway has gone viral after Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng shouted a question on press freedom as Modi exited a media event in Oslo. The journalist asked why PM Modi does not take questions from “the freest press in the world,” referring to Norway’s top ranking on the World Press Freedom Index. The clip quickly exploded online and triggered sharp political reactions in India. Later, India’s Embassy in Oslo invited the journalist to an official media briefing where MEA Secretary Sibi George strongly defended India’s democratic system, media ecosystem and constitutional framework. He said international perceptions about India are often shaped by “ignorant NGOs.”

US President Donald Trump has temporarily halted the controversial “Project Freedom” naval initiative just hours after a US-led escort operation was launched in the region. The decision comes amid growing signals that Washington may pivot toward diplomatic space with Tehran instead of immediate escalation. At the same time, Iran has reportedly restricted or shut down large-scale commercial traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering immediate disruption across global oil and cargo supply chains. The Strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to international waters, is responsible for a significant percentage of global energy transport. Before the disruption, nearly 138 vessels passed through the strait daily, according to maritime monitoring authorities. WATCH