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Iran says surrender to US an illusion, diplomacy far wiser than war

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Israeli attacks have killed 3,073 people across Lebanon since March, according to Lebanese Health Ministry.

Published On 21 May 2026

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says that “all paths” to a diplomatic solution “remain open from our side”, but warns that “forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion”.
Global condemnation is growing after Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, posted a video of himself taunting abducted Gaza aid flotilla activists as they were being mistreated by Israeli prison guards.

Health secy reviews Ebola preparedness with states, says no case in India so far

Union health secretary held a high-level review meeting with the states on Wednesday to assess preparedness and response measures regarding the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), according to people familiar with the matter.

During the meeting, states and UTs were advised to ensure readiness at all levels.

The health secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, discussed the measures with health secretaries of all states and Union Territories.

The health ministry reiterated that no case of EVD has been reported in India so far. However, following the declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), the government has proactively strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures across the country as an abundant precaution.

During the meeting, states and Union Territories (UTs) were advised to ensure readiness at all levels.

Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering pre-arrival and post-arrival screening, quarantine protocols, case management, referral mechanisms, and laboratory testing have already been shared with all states and UTs.

“The health secretary emphasized the importance of coordinated surveillance, timely reporting, and preparedness of designated health facilities. All ministries and departments concerned have also been sensitised and are undertaking appropriate preventive and surveillance measures in coordination with the health ministry,” an official, requesting anonymity, said.

The ministry reiterated that India has prior experience in handling such situations effectively, including during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Africa, when similar precautionary measures were implemented successfully.

So far, 51 cases have been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), although WHO said it was aware that the scale of the epidemic in DRC is much larger.

Uganda has also informed WHO of two confirmed cases in the capital, Kampala, including one death, among two individuals who travelled from DRC to Uganda.

“The government of India remains fully vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging situation. Citizens are advised that there is no cause for panic, while continuing to follow official advisories and updates issued by health authorities,” senior health ministry official cited above said.

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UK waters down new Russian oil sanctions as fuel prices rise

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Trump-critic Thomas Massie loses Kentucky primary to AIPAC-backed Gallrein

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Trump-critic Thomas Massie loses Kentucky primary to AIPAC-backed Ed Gallrein

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Congressman Thomas Massie, one of the most outspoken Republicans against Trump, has lost the Kentucky primary election to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein who was heavily endorsed and funded by pro-Israel lobby groups and Trump supporters.

Published On 20 May 2026

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SC refuses to entertain PIL for protection, audit of Sikh religious properties

New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a PIL seeking a slew of directions for protection, audit and regulation of Sikh religious and heritage properties across the country.

SC refuses to entertain PIL for protection, audit of Sikh religious properties

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi asked petitioner Charanjeet Singh, who appeared in person and argued his case, to raise his grievances before the Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

Singh, who was also attached to a Delhi Sikh body, at one point bowed before the bench and urged it to issue notice. “I bow before you. Please issue a notice on my petition,” Singh said.

The CJI said while the doors of the court are always open, the relief sought fell within the legislative domain.

“The court is here for you; you may come whenever you wish. But these issues require amendments to the law, for which you must go to Parliament. You should approach the Petition Committee of Parliament,” the CJI said.

“If we step in, it might appear as though there is interference in religious matters,” the CJI said, while granting the petitioner the liberty to return to the Supreme Court if he remains dissatisfied with the parliamentary response.

The PIL sought a sweeping overhaul of how Sikh religious and heritage properties are managed across the country.

“Issue a writ of mandamus directing the Union of India to constitute a National Khalsayi Sikh Heritage Protection Authority for identification, preservation, audit and protection of all Khalsayi Sikh heritage properties across India,” it said.

It also sought a direction to all state governments and the UTs to prepare and submit to the court a “complete inventory of all Sikh religious, historical and endowment properties within their respective jurisdictions, including details of ownership, lease, transfer and encroachments”.

It also sought a direction to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to conduct a special audit of all statutory bodies, boards, committees and trusts managing Sikh religious properties.

It also sought a direction to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to inquire into cases “involving large-scale illegal alienation, undervaluation, misappropriation or laundering of proceeds derived from Sikh heritage properties.”

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.