Asia

Ex-PM Oli votes in Nepal’s high-stakes 2026 General Elections

Former PM KP Sharma Oli cast his vote in Bhaktapur as Nepal holds its 2026 General Elections. With 18.9 million voters and a 52% youth majority, the high-stakes polls will elect 275 lawmakers. Results for the 165 first-past-the-post seats are expected within 24 hours of counting.

2026-03-05T07:59:30.440524+00:00 IST

"Not charity, but mutual interest": Landau hails India’s rise

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasised that "America First" means international cooperation, not isolation, during the 2026 Raisina Dialogue. Landau highlighted India's vital 21st-century role, citing its human and economic potential as key to a mutually beneficial partnership and an imminent bilateral trade deal.

2026-03-05T07:44:06.763474+00:00 IST

China to boost military spending by 7%; slashes GDP

The estimates were as per the government work reports submitted by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to the annual meeting of China's top legislature- the National People's Congress, which opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing this morning.

2026-03-05T07:41:25.761248+00:00 IST

Foreign Minister Faure from Seychelles arrives in New Delhi

In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said that the Foreign Minister and Minister of Diaspora of Seychelles, Barry Faure, arrived in India to attend the dialogue. MEA noted that India and Seychelles share a robust and multifaceted partnership and that the visit is expected to add further momentum to bilateral ties.

2026-03-05T07:31:31.553717+00:00 IST

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Finland President Stubb

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Finnish President Alexander Stubb in the national capital, expressing confidence that high-level engagements would continue to bolster bilateral relations between India and Finland.

2026-03-05T06:43:31.316702+00:00 IST

Finnish President Alexander Stubb pays tribute at Rajghat

Finnish President Alexander Stubb is on a State Visit to India, where he paid tribute at Rajghat and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Serving as the Raisina Dialogue's Chief Guest, Stubb aims to strengthen bilateral ties through high-level discussions with Indian leadership in Delhi and Mumbai.

2026-03-05T06:22:29.938014+00:00 IST

"Delighted to call on President Stubb": Jaishankar after meeting

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Finnish President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi during his State Visit to India. Stubb will attend the Raisina Dialogue as Chief Guest and hold meetings with Indian leaders to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across diplomatic, economic and strategic sectors.

2026-03-05T06:13:27.790353+00:00 IST

N Korea ruler oversees cruise missile tests from new destroyer

Kim oversaw the launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on Wednesday and assessed the test as a "core" element of the new warship's capabilities, which he described as a "new symbol of sea defence" for his country. "All these successes constitute a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty, something that we have not achieved for half a century," he said.

2026-03-05T06:02:46.710229+00:00 IST

PM Modi to inaugurate Raisina Dialogue 2026 today

The three-day event, scheduled from March 5-7, will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on key international challenges. The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, will attend the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address.

2026-03-05T05:32:19.151286+00:00 IST

"Nepal needs mature leadership": Gagan Thapa after casting vote

Nepali Congress President and Prime Ministerial candidate Gagan Thapa cast his vote in Kathmandu during the 2026 elections, calling for "mature leadership." Amidst high security and a youth-dominated electorate of 18.9 million, polling continues across 77 districts in Nepal, with results expected within 24 hours.

2026-03-05T05:23:08.533732+00:00 IST

Khatibzadeh signs condolence book for late Supreme Leader

In New Delhi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh signed a condolence book for the late Ayatollah Khamenei. This occurs as Iran prepares a massive farewell ceremony in Tehran while launching its nineteenth wave of missile strikes against Israel, warns of nuclear targets, and vows intensified regional attacks.

2026-03-05T05:02:40.779467+00:00 IST

China communicates with Gulf region leader amidst conflict

In a post on X, Lin Jian said Wang spoke with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

2026-03-05T04:40:28.948239+00:00 IST

“Unprecedented youth participation”: Nepali Congress candidate

Voting for the 2026 general election began across the country, with Nepali Congress candidate Sachin Timalsena expressing confidence in victory. He highlighted strong youth participation, positive public response during campaigning, and smooth election arrangements as voters choose 275 members of the House of Representatives.

2026-03-05T04:09:29.397369+00:00 IST

"My duty is completed": Interim PM Karki casts vote in Nepal

Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki voted in Kathmandu as the 2026 general election began amid tight security. Nearly 19 million voters, over half young, choose a new government after the Gen Z-led snap polls.

2026-03-05T03:44:05.872014+00:00 IST

Raisina Dialogue 2026 Agenda Released

Organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with India's Ministry of External Affairs, the three-day conference from March 5 to 7 is examining how technological disruption, strategic competition and economic security are reshaping global politics.

2026-03-05T03:01:04.770180+00:00 IST

"I hope whoever wins plays a role in Nepal's development": Voter

Voting for Nepal's 2026 general election began on March 5 amid tight security and strong voter turnout. The snap poll follows political upheaval triggered by the "Gen Z movement." Over 18.9 million voters will decide among 6,541 candidates for 275 parliamentary seats, with results expected within 24 hours of counting.

2026-03-05T02:53:54.301586+00:00 IST

Voters seek change as Nepal’s 2026 general election begins

Nepal is holding snap general elections following the "Gen Z movement" that ousted the previous government. With over 18 million voters half being youth the polls feature 6,541 candidates. Backed by heavy security, the Election Commission aims for a peaceful process and expects results within 24 hours.

2026-03-05T02:42:10.670552+00:00 IST

TDK launches Asia Pacific HQ in Bengaluru led by Ramasarma

TDK is establishing its Asia Pacific headquarters in Bengaluru this April, led by Vaidyanathan N. Ramasarma. Following a chance meeting with TDK's CEO, Ramasarma aims to leverage India's booming domestic consumption. His leadership focuses on "Purpose, Promise, and People" to drive both personal and corporate transformation within the region.

2026-03-05T02:41:35.053985+00:00 IST

Nepal begins landmark general election months after "Gen Z moveme

Nepal is holding snap general elections following the "Gen Z movement" that ousted the previous government. With over 18 million voters--half being youth--the polls feature 6,541 candidates for 275 seats. Backed by heavy security, the Election Commission aims for a peaceful process and rapid results within 24 hours.

2026-03-05T02:32:41.071113+00:00 IST