BJP slams Congress over USCIRF report remarks on RSS, RAW

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:40 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress after its leaders cited a US religious freedom panel’s report that criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Gujarat allocates Rs 59.14 crore for women-focused ‘pink toilets’

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:39 PM

Gandhinagar, March 17 (IANS) Gujarat has allocated Rs 59.14 crore in the 2026-27 state budget for the construction of “pink toilets” for women across urban areas, as part of an expanded push under the 'Nirmal Gujarat 2.0' programme to strengthen sanitation infrastructure and public hygiene.

India starts sourcing LPG from multiple global channels, including US

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:25 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) India has started sourcing LPG from multiple global channels, including the United States, to diversify supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the government said on Tuesday, adding that there is no 'dry out' at any LPG distributor and supplies remain smooth across the country.

BJP govt working entirely on RSS agenda: Oppn backs Priyank Kharge

IANS | March 17, 2026 4:22 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) A political controversy erupted after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the functioning and status of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it the "single most corrupt body" in the country. His remarks drew support from leaders of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, while the BJP strongly criticised the statements. Backing Kharge’s remarks, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said that the RSS plays a significant role in shaping the policies of the BJP.

Shared values model under strain amid grey-zone conflicts, say experts at MPAGD 2026

Vicky Nanjappa | March 17, 2026 3:49 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) “The world is entering a new era of grey-zone conflicts where traditional international institutions are increasingly struggling to manage evolving geopolitical tensions,” said Daniel Benaim, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs, during his keynote address at the Maharana Pratap Annual Geopolitics Dialogue (MPAGD) 2026 in Udaipur.