PM Modi gets Uzbekistan's top honour, holds talks on strategic ties and uranium

Speaking at the Universal Oneness event at Madison Square Garden in New York City during a 17-day world tour marking the centennial of the RSS, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and inclusivity. Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu can never exclude Muslims, even in a Hindu Rashtra, emphasizing that different religions follow varied paths of worship while humanity binds them as one. His statements received praise from sections of the Muslim community, including former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari and various Muslim clerics, who called the message commendable. However, the remarks triggered political backlash in India, with Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal asserting that actions must speak louder than words. Additionally, opposition leaders questioned the contrast between Bhagwat's overseas message of pluralism and his positions within India. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed disapproval of the event while acknowledging a lack of city jurisdiction to cancel private gatherings, whereas USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood had earlier called for sanctions against the RSS and the revocation of Bhagwat's US visa.

A Hindu activist, Dhirendra Pratap Singh, was shot dead inside his SUV in Lucknow, and his bullet-ridden body was recovered from a canal in the Dubagga police station area. Police investigations revealed that the victim was shot twice, once in the head and once in the abdomen. The driver, Ravi, allegedly colluded with rivals due to a land dispute in Unnao worth crores of rupees. To delay suspicion, the driver misled the victim's family and the police by fabricating a story that Dhirendra had visited Placio Mall with friends. However, CCTV footage and call detail records contradicted his statements. Lucknow Police have taken the driver and another associate into custody for interrogation and recovered both the victim's body and the vehicle used in the crime. Authorities stated that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals involved in the murder.

In an exclusive interview with India Today's Kamaljeet Sandhu in Chandigarh, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and Lovely Professional University (LPU) Chancellor Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal addressed critical political and social issues facing Punjab. Discussing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on combating the drug menace, Mittal announced that the BJP is planning multiple rallies across Punjab leading up to a mega rally attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Addressing relief efforts for Nepalese students at LPU following a major tragedy in Nepal, Mittal highlighted the university's matching fund initiative and supply assistance. He also urged the Punjab government to resolve ongoing grievances with state employees on strike. Clarifying political speculations, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal firmly dismissed reports of an alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal, confirming that the party plans to contest all 117 assembly seats independently.

Spiritual leader Sadhguru has expressed deep grief over the loss of 80 devotees who lost their lives in devastating flash floods in Nepal during a pilgrimage. In a video message, Sadhguru shared that Nepal holds a significant place in his heart and recalled receiving the tragic news from group leader Praveen. He highlighted that going to Kailash is a historical cultural tradition spanning over 12,000 years and vital for Nepal's economy. The Isha Foundation announced that Isha Nepal will commit ₹1 crore to the Nepal Prime Minister's fund for relief efforts. Additionally, Sadhguru announced that a Kalabhairava Karma ritual will be performed on September 3 at the Isha Yoga Center in India for the deceased, offering to include other flood victims if families provide their details.