BJP's Phoolka questions need of Punjab's anti-sacrilege law, says govt officer can't decide punishment (IANS Exclusive)

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:38 PM

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Senior advocate and BJP leader HS Phoolka on Thursday questioned the need for the recent stringent anti-sacrilege law in Punjab, passed by the Bhagwant Mann-led government. He asserted that punishment for disrespect to Guru Granth Sahib should be decided by Sikh religious leaders and not by the police.

Pak forces forcibly disappear five more civilians in Balochistan

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:35 PM

Quetta/Islamabad, May 7 (IANS) At least five civilians were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Balochistan, a leading human rights organisation stated on Thursday.

Italian Open: Anisimova withdraws due to wrist injury; lucky loser Ruse enters main draw

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:34 PM

Rome, May 7 (IANS) Amanda Anisimova has withdrawn from the Italian Open owing to a left wrist injury, extending her absence from the ongoing clay-court season. The World No. 6 had been scheduled to face Jelena Ostapenko in the second round on Thursday. Following Anisimova’s withdrawal, lucky loser Elena Gabriela Ruse has been moved into the main draw.

Red line established by Operation Sindoor now dictates India's border engagement with Pakistan

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:33 PM

Kabul, May 7 (IANS) The heinous Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 was a watershed moment that led to a near total breakdown of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. India put the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance after the attack arguing that blood and water cannot flow together and that Pakistan must put its house in order. All formal trade remains suspended, further straining an already fragile Pakistani economy. Pakistan has since blamed India for weaponizing water. This move by India has fundamentally shifted the geopolitics of the sub-continent.

Pakistan faces scrutiny over media censorship, narrative control: Report

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:33 PM

Athens, May 7 (IANS) The removal of a recent article titled 'Pakistan’s leaders try to contain rising anger over Iran war at home' from the front page of the Pakistani edition of a US daily – while it appeared online and in all other international editions – is not a printing error. It stands as a stark visual confession of a state at war with its own citizens, including minorities, and with reality itself, a report has detailed.

India and UAE discuss strategic ties, regional situation during Misri's Abu Dhabi visit

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:32 PM

Abu Dhabi, May 7 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday called on Reem Al Hashimy, UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation, in Abu Dhabi with both sides reviewing the full spectrum of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Rural Self Employment Training Institute empowering youth in J&K’s Doda through self-employment training

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:28 PM

Doda (Jammu & Kashmir), May 7 (IANS) The Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Rural Development and SBI, is emerging as a major platform for empowering rural youth in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district by equipping them with self-employment skills.

BCB charges players, officials, franchise owners with corrupt practices during BPL 12

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:27 PM

Dhaka, May 7 (IANS) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has levelled charges on team officials, franchise owners, and some players for participating in alleged corrupt practices or interfering with an inquiry into illegal activities during the 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL T20). The participants have been accused of breaching various provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code for Participants (the “Code”).

Sinner reflects on sacrifices behind rise to World No. 1 ahead of Italian Open campaign

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:26 PM

Rome, May 7 (IANS) Jannik Sinner said leaving home at a young age played a defining role in both his personal and professional growth as the World No. 1 prepares to begin another high-profile campaign at the Italian Open in Rome.

Commerce Ministry explores measures to boost global exposure for Indian exporters

IANS | May 7, 2026 9:18 PM

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday chaired a brainstorming session along with officials of the Department of Commerce (DoC) and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), to explore measures to enhance global exposure for Indian businesses.