Former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has rejected allegations that he made casteist remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that his comments were directed at the prime minister's "character" and not his caste.

Amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, Iranian ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Saturday said Iran has "allowed some ships" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic trade route.

Three men were killed after an unidentified vehicle hit their motorcycle here on Saturday evening, police said.

 Police in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh arrested a criminal carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head following an encounter late on Saturday night, a police official said, adding that he sustained a gunshot injury on his left leg.

The curfew in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, imposed in the wake of recent violence that claimed two lives, was relaxed for 12 hours on Sunday for church services, officials said.

The army on Sunday said that it has foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing a Pakistani terrorist.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday issued directives to all recruitment boards, asking them to refrain from making undignified remarks regarding the dignity or religious sentiments of any individual, caste, creed, or community, the state government said in a statement.

A probe has been launched after jewellery worth over Rs two crore was allegedly stolen from Kowdiar Palace here, police said on Sunday.