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US religious freedom panel urges sanctions against India’s external spy agency

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Reuters) – A U.S. panel on religious freedom said on Tuesday the treatment of minorities in India is deteriorating and it recommended sanctions be imposed on India’s external spy agency over its alleged involvement in plots to assassinate Sikh separatists. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom also said in its annual report that communist-ruled Vietnam had stepped up efforts to regulate and control religious affairs. It recommended Vietnam be designated a “country of particular concern”. “In 2024, religious freedom conditions in India continued to deteriorate as attacks and discrimination against religious minorities continued to rise,” the

Indian stand-up comic sets off free speech debate with parody song

MUMBAI, March 26 (Reuters) – Indian stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faces police scrutiny for a performance seen to have criticised a key politician and ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fanning concerns about the limits of free speech in the world’s largest democracy. The ensuing violence triggered comment on social media and prime time shows, even as Kamra refused to apologise over an accusation that his use of the term “traitor” referenced Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister of India’s richest state. “I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to

Rheumatoid arthritis could be switched off: Study

Patients are taking part in a trial that scientists hope could ultimately lead to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. It could be possible to “switch off” deliberating pain caused by arthritis following a groundbreaking new study, which could help patients who struggle across the world. It comes as scientists launched the UK trial of a treatment which could lead to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Professor John Isaacs, who is leading the research, labelled the study as “pioneering” and shared the numerous benefits for patients of different age groups. The AuToDeCRA-2 study seeks to prove it is possible to train

Rupee falls 23 paise to 85.84 against US dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Mar 25 (PTI) The rupee weakened by 23 paise to 85.84 against the dollar in early trade on Tuesday, largely due to month-end demand for the US currency from importers. Forex dealers said positive domestic equities and foreign fund inflows supported the rupee at lower levels. However, key challenges remain for the local unit, including liquidity constraints and concerns over reciprocal tariff implementations. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 85.59 against the greenback, then lost ground and touched 85.84, down 23 paise from its previous close. On Monday, the rupee appreciated 37 paise to close at

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