Asia

Veena Sikri underlines "attack on minorities" in Bangladesh

Former Ambassador of India to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, told ANI on Saturday that for three months, there has been a consistent attack on the minorities in Bangladesh. She said that the attack has been constant and began just after the former PM Sheikh Hasina's plane barely left Dhaka. According to her, till now, 2,900 incidents have taken place against the minorities.

2026-01-03T14:45:40.231240+00:00 IST

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condemns US bombings on Venezuela

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the recent bombings by the US on various "strategic centres" of Venezuela. He labelled the bombings as an act of "terrorism", posing a threat to the "tranquillity "in Latin America.

2026-01-03T14:40:23.683178+00:00 IST

Former MoS MEA response on US attack on Venezuela’s capital

He referenced the 'Monroe Doctrine' for the current conflict. Just like President Monroe, in his message to Congress in December 1823, declared Latin America to be within the American Sphere of Influence. Similarly, this has been extended in the modern age. He said that, in the current context, we are seeing a hegemonic principle. He also claimed that not all the countries of Latin America have true democracy, and there are " questions and doubts about the legitimacy of votes" in Venezuela.

2026-01-03T12:33:31.690658+00:00 IST

China’s Tibet dam push raises regional alarm over water security

China has confirmed the launch of a massive hydropower project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, triggering renewed concerns over environmental risks, downstream water security and China's tightening grip over the region, as reported by Phayul.

2026-01-03T11:58:01.254363+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s economic crisis strains household spending

Pakistan's latest household survey shows families now spend nearly two-thirds of their income on food and utilities due to high inflation. Spending on education and health has sharply declined, while reliance on remittances has increased, highlighting rising inequality and shrinking purchasing power.

2026-01-03T09:46:10.048478+00:00 IST

Pak FM Ishaq Dar leaves for Beijing

Earlier, the FO had described the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue as the highest-level consultative forum between the two countries. The mechanism provides a structured platform to assess the full range of bilateral cooperation, while also enabling discussions on regional and global developments of shared interest.

2026-01-03T09:44:43.934081+00:00 IST

Takaichi’s hardline Taiwan stance fuels China tensions

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's hardline stance on Taiwan and defence has raised concerns over strained China ties, weakened moderating voices within the ruling bloc, and her ability to manage diplomacy and economic policy, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and political observers.

2026-01-03T09:23:04.745318+00:00 IST

Taiwan calls Chinese Communist Party “disgusting and sick”

"For those unaware, both @X & #Facebook are banned in #China. Yet the communist regime runs official accounts just to wage information warfare against #Taiwan. I'm being modest when I describe the #CCP regime as disgusting & sick," Wu wrote.

2026-01-03T09:20:38.053909+00:00 IST

Lawlessness deepens in Balochistan as kidnappings shake business

Escalating incidents of kidnapping for ransom in Balochistan's Kech district have sparked renewed concerns over the breakdown of law and order, with political leaders warning that continued official inaction is eroding public safety and damaging the local economy.

2026-01-03T09:01:54.101859+00:00 IST

INSV Kaundinya nears its final port of call in Muscat

This historic expedition marks a major milestone in India's efforts to revive, understand, and celebrate its ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage.

2026-01-03T08:33:22.878484+00:00 IST

Bangladesh: Hindu man dies after being set on fire

Khokan Chandra Das, a Shariatpur-based businessman, died after being set on fire during an attack on New Year's Eve. Police have identified suspects, while the family has demanded a proper investigation and swift arrests amid wider concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

2026-01-03T08:07:34.210265+00:00 IST

Pak: Lahore project halted as environmental rules questioned

Lahore has halted a proposed underground parking project at Nasir Bagh after environmental objections and court orders. Activists and experts warned the project would damage green spaces and worsen pollution, prompting the Lahore High Court to demand strict compliance with environmental laws.

2026-01-03T07:40:17.993582+00:00 IST

Displaced families seek shelter, aid as winter hits Kabul

Internally displaced families in Kabul are struggling to survive winter in tents, citing lack of shelter and basic aid. They have urged authorities to provide land, food and assistance, while experts warn that inaction could worsen social and economic conditions.

2026-01-03T07:14:56.136941+00:00 IST

Medical body seeks safety of Indian students in Iran amid unrest

In a letter addressed to Jaishankar, Mohammad Momin Khan, Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the All India Medical Students Association, expressed concern over the safety of Indian students amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation.

2026-01-03T07:04:25.620215+00:00 IST

Saudi airstrikes hit UAE-backed STC

Fighting intensified in Hadramout governorate, where STC forces clashed with Saudi-backed "Homeland Shield" units. The STC's military spokesperson, Mohamed al-Naqib, said battles were fierce as both sides sought control of strategic areas, including approaches to the city of Seiyun. Yemeni state television reported that STC fighters later withdrew from the al-Safaq checkpoint in Hadramout's Rakhyah district following the Saudi-led coalition's strikes.

2026-01-03T06:44:17.740833+00:00 IST

Pak: Dense fog grips Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting daily life

Dense fog reduced visibility in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting traffic, flights and rail services. Authorities warned of continued cold and fog, urged cautious travel, and hospitals reported a rise in cold-related illnesses, especially among the elderly and children.

2026-01-03T06:43:23.976267+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s border mismanagement bleeds economy as Balochistan–Afg

According to The Balochistan Post, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the shutdown of key trade routes following border tensions last October has effectively paralysed bilateral trade. Industries dependent on the Afghan market, particularly those in the cement, agricultural chemicals, and food exports sectors, have suffered significant losses.

2026-01-03T06:20:20.437305+00:00 IST

India debunks fake Somaliland recognition claims

India's MEA Factcheck unit debunked viral social media posts claiming talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Somaliland's president and any move to recognise Somaliland, calling the claims fake and urging reliance on official sources.

2026-01-03T06:04:35.785327+00:00 IST

Takaichi, Trump discuss strengthening alliance

Takaichi said she congratulated the United States on marking its 250th anniversary this year and described the discussion as wide-ranging, with a focus on the Japan-U.S. alliance. She noted that both leaders viewed the milestone year as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries, reported The Japan Times.

2026-01-03T05:44:15.749223+00:00 IST

"This is not Pakistan's war," says Taliban spokesperson Mujahid on Kabul-Islamabad tensions

The Taliban stated it does not expect a war with Pakistan, blaming tensions on external influence or false expectations of control. It called TTP a Pakistan internal issue and urged dialogue, stressing it fought its war independently without foreign support.

2026-01-03T04:47:23.451868+00:00 IST

South Korean president Lee Jae-Myung reaffirms One-China stance

On the sensitive topic of Taiwan, Lee reiterated that South Korea will uphold the consensus reached when diplomatic relations were first established, maintaining a principled respect for the One-China position. He noted that this stance has remained consistent and continues to guide Seoul's approach on the issue.

2026-01-03T04:02:36.410853+00:00 IST