Hindu identity, not caste, determines RSS Sarsanghchalak selection, says Mohan Bhagwat

IANS | February 8, 2026 3:06 PM

Mumbai, Feb 8 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday asserted that caste is not a determining factor in the selection of the organisation’s Sarsanghchalak (chief or head), stating that being a Brahmin is not a prerequisite for the position, while emphasising that being a Hindu is the only qualification.

T20 WC: Seifert, Phillips help New Zealand move past Afghanistan in Group D opener

IANS | February 8, 2026 2:53 PM

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) New Zealand pulled off a five-wicket win, chasing down 183 with 15 balls to spare, thanks to a composed yet aggressive batting effort anchored by Tim Seifert, and got their T20 World Cup campaign off to a flyer here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The Kiwis avenged their loss to the Afghans from the previous edition of the tournament and bagged the first two points in the first game of Group D.

China’s forced labour policy poses moral, economic challenge

IANS | February 8, 2026 2:52 PM

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The Chinese government’s exploitation of the Uyghur people has emerged as a major cause for concern worldwide. The large-scale suppression of the Uyghur minority, with people subjected to arbitrary incarceration, forced labour, and family separation in work camps constitute a horrific violation of human rights.

Pakistan-linked funding, FCRA violations by Gaurav Gogoi’s wife: Assam SIT probe

IANS | February 8, 2026 2:41 PM

Guwahati, Feb 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe had flagged serious allegations against Elizabeth Colburn Gogoi, the British-born wife of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, involving her Pakistan-era employment and alleged foreign fund transfers that may have violated India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).