Iran has described its relationship with India as “very good” and said it attaches “great importance” to bilateral ties, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the SCO Summit in Bishkek. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei highlighted the countries’ long-standing, historic and civilisational relationship, as well as cooperation in trade and economic matters. Ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi from September 11 to 13, Baghaei said Tehran would use the gathering to continue discussions with India on mutual interests, including the strategically important Chabahar Port. His remarks come amid US scrutiny of India-Iran engagement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning against helping Tehran bypass American sanctions.

The 72nd National Film Awards are expected to break decades of tradition by moving out of New Delhi for the first time. Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district, home to the Statue of Unity, is likely to host the prestigious ceremony this year. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to present the awards during her Gujarat visit later this month. According to reports, Murmu is likely to travel to Ekta Nagar as part of her visit and confer the National Film Awards there. The move would mark the first time the National Film Awards ceremony has been held outside the national capital, ending a longstanding tradition. The awards are among India’s most prestigious film honours. (PC: X)

The Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed on Monday after employees protested allegations that female staff were asked to leave their workstations during a private visit by around 100 members linked to BAPS. Union representatives said women were moved out of sight as the delegation passed through, allowing male employees to take their places. The Eiffel Tower operator, SETE, acknowledged that the visitors had requested limited interaction with women and said such conditions should not have been accepted. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire ordered an investigation, while senior French politicians criticised the alleged treatment. The controversy has sparked a debate over gender equality and workplace rights. (PC: India Today)

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) suspended five officials after a five-storey building collapsed in Satya Niketan, south-west Delhi, killing seven people and injuring several others. Those suspended include the South Zone deputy commissioner, superintending engineer and three building department officials. The civic body said the action followed the tragedy, while rescue operations continued at the site. Building owner Hariram Bansal, who had been on the run, was arrested from Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and said the government is working on a policy requiring structural safety audits and certifications for buildings used as PGs and other public facilities. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya rejected religious leader Bageshwar Baba’s appeal urging people to avoid non-vegetarian food during Navratri and Durga Puja. Bhattacharya said no religious leader or political party should dictate what Bengalis eat at home. He pointed to Bengal’s tradition of fish and meat and noted that mutton is also offered to Goddess Kali. Bageshwar Baba had criticised the consumption of non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals during an event in Howrah. His remarks sparked reactions among Bengali Hindus and renewed a political debate over food habits in Bengal, months ahead of the state elections. (PC: HT)

Germany spent years making it easier for skilled foreign workers to enter the country as it faced labour shortages and an ageing population. But the far-right Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) strong victory in Saxony-Anhalt could shift the immigration debate. The AfD won 43.8% of the vote but fell short of a majority, increasing pressure on mainstream parties to take tougher positions on migration. The party supports stricter asylum rules, stronger deportations and tighter immigration controls. Experts say immigration will not end overnight because key rules are set nationally and at the EU level, but Germany could increasingly favour skilled workers while tightening rules for asylum seekers and irregular migrants.

Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities in Jizan were hit in a fresh attack on Monday, with the extent of the damage still being assessed, according to reports. The complex includes a 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery and other energy infrastructure. Jizan, near Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen, has previously been targeted by Iran-backed Houthi forces, although the group has not claimed responsibility for Monday’s strike. The attack comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen and growing tensions around Red Sea shipping. Oil prices also rose, with Brent crude reaching around $97.40 a barrel. Analysts warn that further attacks on shipping could trigger a larger global supply shock. (PC: India Today)

Britain’s King Charles III has reaffirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working royals despite their return to the UK after six years in the United States. A letter from the Lord Chamberlain said there is “no change to the current status” of the couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Their charitable activities will continue to be carried out in a private capacity, the letter said, describing their position as similar to that of private citizens. Harry and Meghan have returned with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. (PC: 

Pakistan’s troubled England tour has taken another turn after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seized mobile phones from some players amid an internal disciplinary inquiry. Pakistani outlet 365 News reported that the devices would remain with the board until the third Test at Edgbaston on September 9. However, the PCB has not confirmed that the inquiry is linked to the reported phone seizure or to match-fixing, and no player has been publicly accused of an integrity offence. The development follows major changes to Pakistan’s squad and coaching staff after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series at Lord’s. (PC: The Telegraph)

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) victory in Saxony-Anhalt has triggered sharply divided reactions across Europe. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called the result a “very, very worrying signal”, while European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad described it as a “very grave moment for Europe.” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk also condemned those celebrating the result. Meanwhile, Spain’s Vox leader Santiago Abascal called the outcome “a great hope for Germany and for Europe”, while Portugal’s André Ventura described it as an “historic victory.” Elon Musk and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán also welcomed the AfD’s strong performance. (PC: X)