Deeply disappointed: 'Melbourne Meets Modi' organisers on 'paid crowd' claims of Rahul, Kharge; seek apology

IANS | July 14, 2026 11:52 AM

Melbourne, July 14 (IANS) The organisers of the 'Melbourne Meets Modi' event have written an open letter to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly rejecting the claims that the thousands of Indian-Australian attendees at the July 9 Marvel Stadium reception were a "paid crowd" funded by the BJP or the Indian government.

Bangladesh rights groups condemn arrest of Hindu man over proposed Lord Ram statue

IANS | July 14, 2026 10:59 AM

Dhaka, July 14 (IANS) Several leading human rights organisations have strongly condemned the arrest of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, who proposed the construction of an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram within the premises of the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Palashbari upazila of Bangladesh’s Gaibandha district, describing the action as “unfortunate” and “unacceptable”.

US grant rule sparks science concerns by lawmakers

IANS | July 14, 2026 8:49 AM

Washington, July 14 (IANS) A coalition of more than 40 US lawmakers has urged the Trump administration to withdraw a proposed federal grant regulation, warning that it would inject politics into scientific funding decisions, weaken American innovation and undermine the country's ability to compete with rivals such as China.

Trump notifies US Congress on Iran strikes

IANS | July 14, 2026 8:27 AM

Washington, July 14 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress that American forces resumed military operations against Iran last week, saying the action was necessary after Tehran allegedly attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire and a diplomatic agreement signed last month.

US launches drive against ICC authority

IANS | July 14, 2026 8:08 AM

Washington, July 14 (IANS) The United States has launched what it described as a "whole-of-government" campaign to counter the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the State Department leading an effort that could include sanctions, visa restrictions and diplomatic pressure on countries that support the Hague-based tribunal.

Trump wants Gulf allies to pay for US security

IANS | July 14, 2026 7:57 AM

Washington, July 14 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has said wealthy Gulf nations should reimburse the United States for protecting one of the world's most strategically important regions, arguing that Washington is bearing the cost of defending allies despite no longer depending on Middle Eastern oil.

EAM Jaishankar meets UN chief Guterres; discusses West Asia, Ukraine

IANS | July 14, 2026 7:34 AM

United Nations, July 14 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, where the two discussed key global developments, including the conflicts in West Asia, Ukraine and Sudan, as India formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028–2029 term.

Trump hints at fresh strike on Iran nuclear site

IANS | July 14, 2026 7:20 AM

Washington, July 14 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has indicated that another Iranian nuclear facility could soon become a target of American military action, saying the site known as Pickaxe Mountain remains under close surveillance and is "on the list" for possible strikes.