Iran's Palestine rhetoric meets its strategic reality

Shujaat Ali Quadri | July 9, 2026 9:15 PM

New Delhi: For more than four decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has presented itself as the loudest defender of the Palestinian cause. Every year, Tehran marks "Quds Day" with speeches condemning Israel, senior Iranian officials routinely describe Palestine as the "central issue" of the Muslim world, and support for Palestinian armed groups has been a pillar of Iran's revolutionary identity.

After Bangladesh, China in renewed Nepal outreach for further influence in South Asia

IANS | July 9, 2026 8:48 PM

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) China now appears to be trying to re-establish its influence in Nepal after a Bangladesh foray, with new promises of economic assistance and infrastructure development.

SC flags poor enforcement of building laws, forms IIT Delhi expert panel

IANS | July 9, 2026 7:42 PM

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on the civic authorities over rampant illegal constructions and repeated non-compliance with its earlier directions, observing that if officials fail to act even after the top court's orders, it raises serious concerns about the plight of ordinary citizens.

Akhilesh Yadav questions SIT probe of Ram Temple theft, UP Ministers hits back

IANS | July 9, 2026 7:36 PM

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday questioned the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the alleged embezzlement of donations made at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, asking for a probe into the call detail records of the accused and seeking accountability of the temple trust's senior officials.

'Ram Temple Trust did not outsource employee since donation theft row'

IANS | July 9, 2026 6:02 PM

Ayodhya, July 9 (IANS) After a controversy erupted over the alleged embezzlement of donations made at the Ram Temple and the subsequent arrest of eight accused, no new outsourced employee has been hired by the Temple Trust, sources said on Thursday.

PIL in Punjab & Haryana HC seeks restoration of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer 'Satluj'

IANS | July 9, 2026 5:58 PM

Chandigarh, July 9 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday, seeking restoration of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' that was removed just days after its digital release on an OTT platform.

PM Modi highlights India’s defence prowess during Op Sindoor in Melbourne address

IANS | July 9, 2026 5:42 PM

Melbourne, July 9 (IANS) In a rousing address that electrified thousands of members of the Indian diaspora at the ‘Melbourne meets Modi’ event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased his trademark charisma, connecting deeply with the audience through heartfelt anecdotes, a bold vision, and infectious optimism.

India building 'from chips to ships' manufacturing ecosystem: PM Modi

IANS | July 9, 2026 5:34 PM

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India is aiming to become a developed nation with the building of a new manufacturing ecosystem "from chips to ships" and is working on 6G technology to lead global innovation.

Bihar: NDA confident of retaining Bankipur seat, says ‘victory certain’

IANS | July 9, 2026 4:26 PM

Patna, July 9 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday exuded confidence over retaining the Bankipur Assembly seat in the upcoming bypoll in Bihar, asserting that its BJP candidate, Abhishek Kumar Bunty, would register a comfortable victory.

Bengal municipality job scam case: ED files chargesheet against ex-Minister Sujit Bose, son

IANS | July 9, 2026 4:12 PM

Kolkata, July 9 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against former West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and his son Samudra Bose in a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata in connection with the ongoing probe into the multi-crore municipalities job case.