Asia

EAM discusses implementation of relief package to Sri Lanka

Jaishankar also held talks with Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha and Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe.

2025-12-23T11:23:14.767175+00:00 IST

India–New Zealand FTA marks new chapter in bilateral trade ties:

Welcoming the agreement, Michael Fox, Head of Global Public Affairs at Zespri and former Chair of the India-New Zealand Business Council, said the deal signals a new era in the bilateral relationship and reflects a clear commitment from both sides to unlock new trade and partnership opportunities.

2025-12-23T09:23:01.722160+00:00 IST

PoJK residents flag power misuse, infrastructure gaps

Speaking on the issue, Tahir Shah Mugal, a resident of PoJK, said that despite the presence of multiple hydropower projects in the region, electricity shortages continue due to improper usage and lack of responsibility among consumers. He stressed that if electricity is used within limits and bills are paid on time, load shedding could be avoided.

2025-12-23T08:42:39.578909+00:00 IST

HRCP flags delays, inadequate relief for flood-hit families

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has urged the Punjab government to focus on the needs of families impacted by severe monsoon floods in southern Punjab, many of whom are still facing challenges in rebuilding their homes without proper assistance as winter approaches

2025-12-23T08:40:39.227561+00:00 IST

India installs 120-foot bailey bridge in Sri Lanka

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Tuesday to inaugurate a critical 120-foot dual carriageway Bailey Bridge in the Kilinochchi District.

2025-12-23T08:37:45.814622+00:00 IST

Jaishankar meets Sri Lanka PM, hails bond between two nations

"Good to meet Prime Minister @Dr_HariniA of Sri Lanka in Colombo today. Assured India's steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka's rebuilding post Cyclone Ditwah. The reconstruction package offered by is a reflection of the deep bonding between our two nations," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

2025-12-23T08:37:41.587164+00:00 IST

Rawalpindi development projects delayed in 2025

The Rawalpindi District Council, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Municipal Corporation, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and the District Development Committee were unable to initiate 13 development projects in the city, cantonment, and rural areas in 2025, despite numerous announcements made throughout the year, according to a report by The Express Tribune (TET).

2025-12-23T08:21:39.809061+00:00 IST

India will continue to encourage tourism traffic to support

"There are other ways by which India can and will be of support to Sri Lanka. You are a significant tourism economy and let me assure you that we will continue to encourage tourism traffic from India in that regard," Jaishankar said, speaking alongside Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in Colombo.

2025-12-23T08:21:20.143259+00:00 IST

At least 453 killed in 432 violent incidents across Balochistan i

Data released by security officials indicates that 2025 was yet another challenging and violent year for law enforcement in Balochistan.

2025-12-23T08:09:17.929467+00:00 IST

Japan to overhaul foreign labor system with new worker cap

Japan is preparing for a major overhaul of its foreign labour policies, balancing a desperate need for workers with growing public concern over immigration, Kyodo News reported.

2025-12-23T08:04:36.078858+00:00 IST

Jaishankar meets Sri Lankan President, reaffirms India’s support

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Sri Lankan President Anura Disanayake in Colombo and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm wishes and message of solidarity in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

2025-12-23T07:28:57.390538+00:00 IST

“It haunts me to my core”: Epstein survivor after DOJ names her

The survivor said her name appeared multiple times in the newly released Epstein files. She said her repeated efforts to get the Department of Justice (DOJ) to redact her identity have so far failed, triggering concerns about how the agency safeguards victims of sexual abuse.

2025-12-23T07:13:05.426403+00:00 IST

India proposes $450 million assistance package to Sri Lanka

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India has already delivered around 1,100 tonnes of relief material to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu and has proposed a USD 450 million assistance package to support the country's recovery following cyclone Ditwah.

2025-12-23T06:04:21.086636+00:00 IST

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over its Mission's security

Bangladesh on Tuesday expressed grave concern over attacks on its diplomatic missions in India, summoning the Indian High Commissioner to protest incidents in New Delhi and Siliguri, according to Bangladesh Foreign Ministry statement.

2025-12-23T06:02:28.480787+00:00 IST

"Situation in Bangladesh extremely delicate, dangerous"

Speaking on the developments in the neighbouring country, Trigunayat said concerns over the safety of minorities and the overall security environment could not be ignored. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would see a return to democratic normalcy through transparent elections scheduled for February 12, leading to a smooth transition of power.

2025-12-23T04:42:45.333242+00:00 IST

Sharif Hadi's murder case to be tried under Speedy Trial Tribunal

In a Facebook post, Asif Nazrul said the trial will be conducted under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002. He added that, under Section 10 of the law, the trial must be completed within 90 days of the police submitting their investigation report, the Daily Star reported.

2025-12-23T04:01:02.625266+00:00 IST

Taiwan detects six Chinese aircraft, six naval vessels

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected six sorties of Chinese aircraft and six naval vessels operating around the country as of 6 am (local time) on Tuesday.

2025-12-23T01:30:31.171181+00:00 IST

Inqilab Moncho warns agitation over Hadi killing

Inqilab Moncho, one of the prominent platforms that rose during the 'July Uprising' in Bangladesh, on Monday warned of launching a mass movement to oust the current interim government of the country if justice is not delivered in the killing of its convenor, Osman Hadi, Daily Star reported.

2025-12-22T23:23:08.118747+00:00 IST

ISRO to launch BlueBird Block-2 satellite on Dec 24

The launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of the United States' AST SpaceMobile will take place on December 24 at 8:54 AM IST, the India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

2025-12-22T21:52:06.933757+00:00 IST

MEA hails India-New Zealand FTA

The Ministry of External Affairs lauded the Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand, calling it a "landmark deal" that would deliver "major economic gains" and create job opportunities.

2025-12-22T21:24:32.564372+00:00 IST

Yunus reiterates commitment to hold elections on Feb 12

Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reiterated his commitment to hold general elections on February 12 and said "the nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights".

2025-12-22T18:03:20.661962+00:00 IST