Asia

Former Malaysia PM Najib Razak jailed for 15 more years in major

Najib, 72, was found guilty of illegally transferring 2.2 billion Malaysian ringgit (about USD 543 million) from the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) into his personal bank accounts. The court convicted him on four charges of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering.

2025-12-27T01:09:25.448423+00:00 IST

China announces sanctions on US defence firms over Taiwan arms sa

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it will impose sanctions on 20 US defence-related companies and 10 senior executives who have been involved in supplying weapons to Taiwan in recent years. The action has been taken under China's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law and will come into effect immediately.

2025-12-26T22:10:43.412817+00:00 IST

Pakistan: KP CM Afridi denied entry to Lahore’s Liberty Chowk

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was stopped from entering Lahore's Liberty Chowk as PTI planned a rally. Party leaders alleged roadblocks, arrests and restrictions, while traders shut shops citing security concerns. The Punjab government warned against unrest as political tensions escalated.

2025-12-26T20:27:17.237159+00:00 IST

Elephants join penalty shootout at Nepal festival

Elephants took part in a penalty shootout competition at Nepal's annual Elephant and Tourism Festival in Sauraha, drawing large crowds. The event aims to boost tourism, promote elephant conservation and showcase cultural programmes over three days.

2025-12-26T19:35:22.065286+00:00 IST

3.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Bangladesh

An earthquake of magnitude 3.9 struck Bangladesh on Friday evening, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

2025-12-26T18:05:45.374589+00:00 IST

ICGS Rani Durgavati facilitates repatriation fishermen

Indian Coast Guard's Ship Rani Durgavati facilitated the repatriation of four Indian fishermen from Sri Lankan authorities, the Indian Coast Guard shared on Friday.

2025-12-26T17:35:19.682110+00:00 IST

India wants close ties with Bangladesh people: MEA

India reiterated its support for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, stressing peace, stability and strong ties with its people, while saying it is examining the interim government's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

2025-12-26T17:19:15.587266+00:00 IST

Government flags visa concerns of Indian nationals with US

India has flagged the issue of delays or problems with the rescheduling of visa appointments of Indian nationals with the United States amid recent changes in the process for H1B visas and hoped that these delays and disruptions will be addressed.

2025-12-26T16:39:38.918704+00:00 IST

“Bangladesh cannot survive without India”: Waiel Awwad on unrest

Foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad warned that rising extremism in Bangladesh is fueling anti-India sentiment and cannot be treated as isolated incidents, urging the government to take responsibility, protect places of worship and minorities, and assure India that such actions will not be repeated.

2025-12-26T16:38:26.043007+00:00 IST

Myanmar records two earthquakes in a single day

Myanmar recorded two earthquakes of magnitudes 3.2 and 3.5 on Friday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

2025-12-26T16:36:15.473301+00:00 IST

15 injured in stabbing at Japan factory in Shizuoka

Fifteen employees were injured in a stabbing incident at a Yokohama Rubber factory in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture. A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said all victims were conscious and investigations are ongoing.

2025-12-26T16:35:22.541117+00:00 IST

“Fully committed to bringing back fugitives”: MEA

The government remains fully committed that fugitives wanted in India return to the country and face trial before the courts, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.

2025-12-26T15:57:34.690593+00:00 IST

“India’s consistent assistance a model for the Indian Ocean"

As India recently announced a $450-million "reconstruction package" for Sri Lanka to help the island nation recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, has praised India's long-standing support to Sri Lanka, saying its consistent assistance during times of crisis has emerged as a model for the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

2025-12-26T15:53:33.497620+00:00 IST

India has consistently stood by Sri Lanka: High Commissioner

Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India hailed how India has consistently stood by Sri Lanka when the country faced key challenges in the last two decades and called New Delhi as a model for all other regions.

2025-12-26T15:27:08.134523+00:00 IST

Christmas Eve celebrations muted across China

Christmas Eve passed quietly across much of China as authorities restricted religious gatherings and public celebrations. Reports said house church services were blocked, Christmas displays reduced, and activities limited to state-approved churches under strict government regulations.

2025-12-26T15:23:34.813373+00:00 IST

"Expect that perpetrators of crime will be brought to justice": MEA on killing of Hindu youth in Ban

India expressed serious concern over violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, citing over 2,900 incidents during the interim government's tenure. The MEA condemned recent killings, rejected a false narrative, urged accountability, and said it is closely monitoring the situation while engaging Bangladeshi authorities.

2025-12-26T15:15:18.345920+00:00 IST

‘Rahman talking about peaceful, safe, inclusive Bangladesh'

On the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's after 17 years, Former Diplomat Rajiv Bhatia said that his return can be assessed in a positive manner as Rahman has spoken about a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh and said it remains to be seen what Rahman does in the country.

2025-12-26T14:38:16.690655+00:00 IST

“Huge potential for Bangladesh”: Foreign Affairs Expert Sachdev

Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev on Friday said that the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's return to Bangladesh after living in London in exile for 17 years, has huge potential to shape the destiny of Bangladesh. He reflected upon the parties in Bangladesh and how ultimately any government in Bangladesh has to have a working relationship with India.

2025-12-26T13:29:20.363143+00:00 IST

“Our consulate is providing all possible assistance”: MEA

The MEA expressed condolences over the death of an Indian student in Canada, saying it is in touch with the family and local authorities, while the Indian consulate is providing all possible assistance as the circumstances of the incident are being examined.

2025-12-26T13:29:05.490795+00:00 IST

Bondi Beach attack: MEA says Australian authorities in touch on m

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that Australian authorities are in touch with Indian authorities on the matter of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

2025-12-26T12:46:23.487292+00:00 IST

India calls for free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh

India reaffirmed its commitment to strong ties with Bangladesh, emphasising peace, stability and democratic values, with the MEA stating that New Delhi supports free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in the neighbouring country.

2025-12-26T12:12:27.587127+00:00 IST