Asia

Bangladesh: Yunus affirms to US that polls will be held in Februa

The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats--Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration--called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on late Tuesday night.

2026-01-14T07:40:27.820190+00:00 IST

"Hope to move agenda on counter terrorism forward," says Head of Malaysian Delegation at ASEAN Defence Ministers meet

He said, "We have full participation from ADMM plus and ASEAN countries, and we hope to move forward our agenda on counter terrorism. We work across the globe to help ensure peace and stability across the region, not towards any particular country."

2026-01-14T07:23:47.359648+00:00 IST

Delhi Hosts ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting

Addressing the meeting, Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, said, "India is privileged to co-chair the initiative alongside Malaysia and expressed deep appreciation for the participation of representatives from ASEAN member states, the ADMM-Plus countries and the ASEAN Secretariat." He noted that their presence underscored a shared resolve to strengthen regional and international cooperation against terrorism.

2026-01-14T07:13:49.758984+00:00 IST

Balochistan paralysed as government’s pay inequality triggers wid

Demonstrators, rallying under the collective banner of the Balochistan Grand Alliance, halted traffic at several key routes, deeply affecting the daily movement of commuters and transporters, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

2026-01-14T07:05:53.161721+00:00 IST

China says it supports Iran in maintaining stability

Lin further said that China will continue to protect its legitimate rights as far as tariffs were concerned.

2026-01-14T06:32:14.816973+00:00 IST

Iran writes to United Nations Security Council

In the letter, Iran's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed what he described as grave concern over recent remarks by the President of the United States directed at protests inside Iran. Tehran claims the comments encouraged unrest and suggested external support for attempts to seize state institutions, which Iranian officials argue amounts to an explicit threat against the country's sovereignty and national security.

2026-01-14T04:56:38.486342+00:00 IST

Bangladesh suspends on arrival visa ahead of elections

Citizens of neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal used to receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend that arrangement has now been officially communicated to those countries' governments.

2026-01-14T03:31:40.505617+00:00 IST

Japan PM Takaichi set to call election next week

The plan comes as Takaichi's Cabinet maintains relatively strong public support nearly three months into her tenure. With the ruling coalition clinging to a slim majority in the powerful lower house, party strategists believe an early election could help stabilize her administration and strengthen its mandate.

2026-01-14T02:33:21.682739+00:00 IST

Taiwan detects 20 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 vessels around itsel

The Ministry of National Defence also added that 17 out of 20 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) .

2026-01-14T01:23:15.764449+00:00 IST

Bangladesh seeks UN support to combat misinformation

Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, on Tuesday sought support from the United Nations human rights office to counter a surge of misinformation targeting the February 12 elections.

2026-01-14T00:50:37.105685+00:00 IST

Pak: Imran Khan’s sisters protest near Adiala Jail

The protests continue despite a March 24, 2025, court order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directing that Imran Khan be allowed to meet visitors twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dawn reported.

2026-01-13T22:57:08.884903+00:00 IST

Disability Day: Afghan disabled persons seek increased aid

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was designated by the United Nations in 1992 to raise awareness about disability issues and to promote the dignity, rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

2026-01-13T22:38:45.935637+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar meets Macron aide Emmanuel Bonne

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met French President Macron's adviser Emmanuel Bonne in New Delhi and discussed strengthening the India-France strategic partnership. India and France also held the 38th Strategic Dialogue, reviewing cooperation in defence, technology, space and civil nuclear sectors, and preparations for Macron's India visit.

2026-01-13T19:02:13.213287+00:00 IST

“A good conversation”: Jaishankar-Rubio discuss trade and defence

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the two sides reviewing key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence and energy.

2026-01-13T18:34:13.785652+00:00 IST

Prime Minister Modi meets Macron’s advisor Emmanuel Bonne

PM Narendra Modi met French President Macron's diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne, reaffirming the India-France strategic partnership and cooperation in innovation, technology and education. Bonne's visit comes ahead of Macron's India visit in February 2026. Bonne also co-chaired the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue with NSA Ajit Doval.

2026-01-13T17:09:30.604575+00:00 IST

Nepali Congress on verge of split ahead of March polls

Nepali Congress faces a possible split as a special convention in Kathmandu begins electing new top leaders ahead of March polls. General Secretary Gagan Thapa called it a "rebellion". Rival camps led by Sher Bahadur Deuba are negotiating, while legal disputes over party statutes continue.

2026-01-13T16:55:31.688121+00:00 IST

Bangladeshi man dies after detention; ISPR orders probe

Bangladesh Joint Forces conducted an operation in Chuadanga's Jibannagar to recover illegal firearms and detained Md Shamsuzzaman. A 9mm pistol, magazine and ammunition were recovered. The detainee later fell ill and was declared dead at a health complex. ISPR said an investigation has been ordered.

2026-01-13T16:17:36.981591+00:00 IST

“Stands ready to work with other parties”: Xu Feihong

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong reposted EAM S Jaishankar's BRICS 2026 launch post, saying China is ready to strengthen BRICS cooperation. Jaishankar called for reformed multilateralism, stronger global institutions, support for the New Development Bank, and greater people-to-people exchanges as India prepares for BRICS chairship.

2026-01-13T12:37:03.290458+00:00 IST

Indian student dead, 2 injured in Kazakhstan road accident

Sharing details in a post on X, the Embassy said, "In a tragic accident in Oskemen, a group of 11 Indian students from Semey Medical University, who were on an excursion trip to the Altai Mountains (East Kazakhstan), encountered an accident on their way back to Oskemen City."

2026-01-13T11:25:56.946855+00:00 IST

BRICS 2026 logo unvieled: EAM pushes for reformed multilateralism

On the eve of Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival celebrating new beginnings, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched the official website, theme and logo for India's BRICS 2026 presidency.

2026-01-13T10:15:18.595137+00:00 IST

Nepal issues Iran advisory as protests intensify

Nepal's Foreign Ministry issued an advisory for Iran amid rising protests and violence, urging Nepalis to stay indoors and avoid travel. Iran warned the US, while authorities extended internet restrictions until security is restored. HRANA reported 646 deaths as protests entered the 16th day.

2026-01-13T10:09:31.520793+00:00 IST