US watchdog slams Pakistan for 'egregious violations' of religious freedom

IANS | March 16, 2026 3:38 PM

Islamabad, March 16 (IANS) The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the US government to redesignate Pakistan as a 'Country of Particular Concern', or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

Shias, Ahmadiyyas, Hazaras — Pakistan fails to protect minorities amid growing sectarian violence

IANS | March 14, 2026 7:09 PM

Athens, March 14 (IANS) The Pakistani government has failed to act against abuses by its security and intelligence agencies, while allowing extremists to continue targetting religious minorities. The deadly suicide attack on a Shia mosque in Islamabad last month, killing 36 members of the Shia community leaving another 170 injured, highlighted the ongoing insecurity faced by minority Muslim communities in Pakistan, a report has highlighted.

Security tightened for Jumat-ul-Vida prayers as devotees mark final Friday of Ramadan

IANS | March 13, 2026 2:16 PM

Lucknow, March 13 (IANS) Authorities across several parts of the country, including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh, have stepped up security arrangements ahead of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as thousands of devotees gather in mosques and markets to mark the occasion with prayers and reflection.

Ajmer Sharif delegation extends condolences at Iran Embassy, Cultural Centre​

IANS | March 10, 2026 7:50 PM

Jaipur, March 10 (IANS) A delegation from the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty (Garib Nawaz), Ajmer Sharif, and other prominent Dargahs of India visited the Iran Cultural House in New Delhi and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to convey heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Imam Ali Khamenei.​

Zakaria Street in Kolkata turns into vibrant food hub during Ramadan

IANS | March 10, 2026 7:16 PM

Kolkata, March 10 (IANS) The iconic Zakaria Street in central Kolkata transforms into a bustling culinary hotspot during the holy month of Ramadan, drawing thousands of visitors every evening who gather to savour a wide array of traditional delicacies and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Thousands join Rangotsav celebrations at BAPS Mandir in Gujarat’s Sarangpur

IANS | March 9, 2026 10:11 PM

Sarangpur (Gujarat), March 9 (IANS) Over 75,000 devotees from throughout India and many other countries gathered in Sarangpur to celebrate the grand Pushpadolotsav (Festival of Colours) in the presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj. Countless devotees also witnessed the celebration through a live webcast on baps.org.

‘No one can ban RSS’: Karnataka Minister

IANS | March 9, 2026 4:15 PM

Bengaluru, March 9 (IANS) Karnataka Minister for Public Works Department Satish Jarkiholi said on Monday that no one can ban the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).​