Mohan Bhagwat, chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has said that Islam has been an integral part of Indian society and will continue to remain so. He made the remarks on Thursday (28 August) at an event in New Delhi marking RSS’s centenary celebrations.

Bhagwat stated that those who believe Islam should not exist in India do not understand Hindu philosophy. He emphasized that mutual trust and unity are essential to resolve social conflicts.

Addressing migration issues, he said the government is working to curb illegal infiltration, but stressed that employment opportunities should first go to Indian citizens, including Muslims, rather than outsiders. He also urged respect for religious sensitivities during festivals.

On population, Bhagwat said every family should have no more than three children to maintain balance in the country. He added that this guideline should be accepted by all.

At least 21 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli “double-tap” strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday.

Doctors reported that the first strike hit the hospital building, followed by a second attack minutes later as journalists and rescuers rushed to the scene. The journalists killed were Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, AP freelancer Mariam Abu Dakka, along with Ahmed Abu Aziz and Moaz Abu Taha.

Al Jazeera condemned the attack as an attempt to “silence the truth,” while UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said such killings are happening “every moment in Gaza, often unseen and unpunished.”

Since October 7, 2023, at least 273 journalists have been killed in Gaza. On the same day, another journalist, Hassan Douhan of Al-Hayat al-Jadida, was killed in Khan Younis. Earlier, Al Jazeera’s prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif was also targeted and killed.

France, Germany and the UK have called for an investigation, but Israel described the incident as a “tragic accident.”

Meanwhile, ongoing bombardments and famine killed at least 61 more people across Gaza on Monday. The UN has warned of worsening child malnutrition, while Oxfam described the crisis as “unprecedented in scale and severity.”

The Bangladesh Consulate in New York came under attack and vandalism by activists of the US chapter of the Awami League on Monday, August 25.

The incident occurred amid suspicions that Mahfuz Alam, the adviser to the interim government on information and broadcasting, was inside the consulate. Protesters were seen chanting slogans, rallying outside, and pushing the consulate’s entrance door, according to videos circulating on social media.

Police later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Mahfuz Alam, however, was not found inside the consulate.