Maha Assembly passes Freedom of Religion Bill to curb forced conversions

IANS | March 17, 2026 8:36 AM

Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill-2026 was passed after a heated debate on late Monday night in the state Legislative Assembly. The ruling Mahayuti government strongly defended the necessity of the Bill to curb the unlawful and forced conversion, while cracks surfaced within the Maha Vikas Aghadi government after the Shiv Sena(UBT) extended its support, but other allies, including Congress, NCP(SP) and Samajwadi Party, opposed the bill.

Turkey engaging in severe violations of religious freedom: US watchdog

IANS | March 16, 2026 4:17 PM

Ankara, March 16 (IANS) The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the Donald Trump administration to include Turkey on the Special Watch List (SWL) for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

Gujarat: Preparations begin for 30-day 'Narmada Parikrama' starting March 19

IANS | March 16, 2026 3:58 PM

Gandhinagar, March 16 (IANS) The Gujarat government has begun extensive preparations for the upcoming Uttarvahini Panchkoshi Narmada Parikrama, scheduled to start on March 19 and continue until April 17.

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.

At UNHRC Geneva, photo exhibition highlights Pakistan's systemic discrimination and repression of minorities

IANS | March 12, 2026 7:03 PM

Geneva, March 12 (IANS) A photo exhibition hosted by an international human rights organisation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Switzerland's Geneva has highlighted the growing systemic discrimination and repression being faced by religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan.

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.

Religion

Maha Assembly passes Freedom of Religion Bill to curb forced conversions

Turkey engaging in severe violations of religious freedom: US watchdog

Gujarat: Preparations begin for 30-day 'Narmada Parikrama' starting March 19

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

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

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

At UNHRC Geneva, photo exhibition highlights Pakistan's systemic discrimination and repression of minorities

Ajmer Sharif delegation extends condolences at Iran Embassy, Cultural Centre

Zakaria Street in Kolkata turns into vibrant food hub during Ramadan

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

LATEST NEWS

IPL 2026: ‘Jurel asked me to go with Jofra for 19th,’ reveals Riyan Parag after Royals’ thrilling win

IPL 2026: ‘We lost momentum in middle overs,’ says Rashid Khan after GT fall short vs RR in last-over thriller

‘I dedicate my life to him’: Anoop Antony on PM Modi's praise

Long-jumper Murali Sreeshankar kicks off season by clinching Indian Athletics Series title

IPL 2026: Deshpande’s ice-cool final over, Bishnoi’s 4-fer seals 6-run thriller for RR against GT

ISL 2025-26: Ritwik Das' late strike rescues a point for Jamshedpur FC against Mohun Bagan SG

Sub-jr Women’s Hockey Nationals: Puducherry, Kerala, Chandigarh, Himachal, TN, and Delhi win on Day 4

IFL 2025-26: Sreenidi Deccan face Aizawl FC in a crucial fixture

Senior PM aide PK Mishra completes self-enumeration for Census 2027

IPL 2026: Slow pitch, fast hands – Sameer Rizvi makes a tricky chase look easy once again