Officials of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have called for sanctions against members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and urged the US government not to extend diplomatic courtesies or hold high-level meetings with RSS leaders ahead of chief Mohan Bhagwat’s planned visit to the United States. (The New Indian Express)

The remarks come ahead of Bhagwat’s scheduled visit to New York on August 29, where he is expected to participate in the “Universal Oneness Celebrations” organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD). His broader North American tour is scheduled to begin on August 25. (mint)

USCIRF Raises Religious Freedom Concerns

USCIRF officials cited concerns related to religious freedom and alleged attacks on minority communities in India while making their appeal to the US government.

USCIRF Chair Asif Mahmood described the RSS as an umbrella organisation and alleged that groups associated with it have been involved in attacks against religious minorities. (The Pioneer)

The remarks represent the latest intervention by the US advisory body in matters concerning India's religious freedom environment.

Call to Avoid High-Level Meetings

USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills said RSS leaders should not receive high-level access or diplomatic courtesies, including when they have links to the Indian government.

Instead, Mills called for sanctions against RSS members who are found responsible for violations of freedom of religion or belief. (Moneycontrol)

The commission's position is advisory in nature; any decision on sanctions or diplomatic engagement ultimately rests with the US government.

Bhagwat’s New York Programme

Bhagwat is scheduled to visit New York on August 29 for the Universal Oneness Celebrations. The event is being organised by AHEAD, an organisation focused on engagement and dialogue involving the Hindu-American community. (mint)

The RSS chief's planned international tour comes during the organisation's centenary-year outreach activities and is expected to include engagements in the US, Canada and the UK. (The Pioneer)

India-US Relations in Focus

The USCIRF comments could add another point of discussion to the broader India-US relationship, particularly because they concern potential engagement with a prominent Indian organisation.

The US and India maintain extensive diplomatic, economic and strategic ties, while religious freedom remains an area where USCIRF has repeatedly raised concerns about India.

USCIRF's 2026 annual report has also recommended targeted sanctions against individuals and entities, including the RSS, that it says are responsible for or tolerate serious religious-freedom violations. (USCIRF)

What Happens Next

Bhagwat's planned visit and public engagements are expected to proceed separately from the USCIRF's recommendations unless the US government announces any formal action.

The latest statements therefore amount to a call by a US government advisory commission for Washington to reconsider how it engages with RSS leaders, rather than an announcement that Bhagwat's visit has been cancelled or officially blocked.

The focus will now be on whether any US officials or representatives hold meetings with Bhagwat during his visit and whether the US administration responds to USCIRF's call for sanctions.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he plans to travel to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant and opposition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has argued that Netanyahu should be arrested if he visits the city.

Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said he intends to present Israel's position before the UN and reaffirm the strength of the Israel-US alliance.

"I intend to come and speak the truth—speak for Israel and for the Israeli-American alliance from the podium of the United Nations," Netanyahu said.

ICC Warrant and Political Row

The proposed visit comes amid continuing international attention over the ICC warrant against Netanyahu. While the court's warrant has sparked diplomatic debate, US President Donald Trump recently stated that Netanyahu would not face arrest during any visit to the United States, dismissing concerns over possible legal action.

The issue has also intensified political tensions in New York after Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested that legal options regarding Netanyahu's visit were still under consideration.

Netanyahu Targets Mamdani

During the interview, Netanyahu criticised Mamdani, accusing him of creating divisions within New York's communities.

"He’s fomenting hate. He’s supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers—Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone," Netanyahu said, adding that many Jewish Americans had expressed concerns about the current political climate.

Survey Reflects Divided Opinion

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey conducted in June found mixed views among Jewish Americans regarding Mamdani. Around 44% viewed him favourably, while 39% held an unfavourable opinion.

The same survey also indicated that Netanyahu's popularity among Jewish Americans remains divided, with nearly 60% expressing an unfavourable opinion, while roughly one-third viewed him positively.

Netanyahu's proposed UN visit is expected to draw international attention as diplomatic, legal and political debates surrounding the ICC warrant continue.

According to the New York Police Department, the man allegedly poured a flammable liquid over himself before setting himself ablaze outside the UN complex. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries, where he later died during treatment.

Video circulating on social media showed the man dressed in robes resembling those worn by Buddhist monks. Footage also appeared to show him placing a Tibetan flag on the pavement outside the UN headquarters shortly before the incident. Authorities have not officially verified the authenticity of all videos being shared online.

Investigators recovered pamphlets from the scene carrying the message, "China, Get Out of Tibet." Officials said the material suggests the incident may have been linked to the Tibet issue, although the exact motive has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing.

A spokesperson for the United Nations said the incident occurred after official meetings at the headquarters had concluded and did not affect the organisation's operations or scheduled activities.

The incident has once again drawn attention to self-immolation protests associated with the Tibet issue. According to Tibetan advocacy groups, more than 150 Tibetans—including Buddhist monks, nuns, students and civilians—have died by self-immolation since 2009 in protests against Chinese rule in Tibet.

The first widely reported case occurred in February 2009 when a young monk, Tapey, set himself on fire. The number of such incidents peaked between 2012 and 2013 before declining following tighter security measures imposed by Chinese authorities across Tibet.

Tibetan organisations say these protests reflect opposition to Chinese policies, restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms, and demands for the return of the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet. China, however, rejects these claims and has accused the Tibetan leadership in exile of encouraging such acts, an allegation the Central Tibetan Administration denies.

The Tibet issue remains one of the longest-running geopolitical disputes in Asia. China maintains that Tibet has been an integral part of its territory for centuries and says its administration over the region was formalised through the 1951 Seventeen-Point Agreement. Many Tibetans dispute that position, arguing the agreement was signed under coercion following the entry of Chinese troops into Tibet in 1950.

The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, continues to manage the educational, cultural and social affairs of Tibetan refugees worldwide. Although often referred to as the Tibetan government-in-exile, it is not recognised as a sovereign government by India, the United Nations or any other country.

India officially recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China while providing asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees on humanitarian grounds. The Indian government has consistently maintained that its territory should not be used for political activities directed against China.

Authorities in New York are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are awaited.

Ananya Birla definitely turned heads at the 2026 Met Gala—she became the first active IPL team owner to hit the red carpet. And honestly, she didn't play it safe. In the photo from WhatsApp Image 2026-05-06 at 11.48.01 AM (1), you see her rocking this wild steel mask that'll stick in your memory. People couldn’t stop talking about it online.

Birla tapped into the “Fashion Is Art” theme in a big way, showing up in a dramatic black couture outfit made by London designer Robert Wun. The real showstopper was her mask, which Indian artist Subodh Gupta made out of stainless steel. He took kitchen utensils—stuff you’d find in almost any home—and transformed them into something that looked like futuristic armor.

This moment felt bigger than just fashion. Birla is stepping out as one of the new female faces of IPL ownership, joining Kavya Maran after the Aditya Birla Group bought the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Her masked look shook up the usual red carpet vibe, drawing the spotlight to her story and making everyone rethink what it means to be seen.