Asia

Dhaka erupts after Osman Hadi’s death; media offices torched

Dhaka and several other cities in Bangladesh witnessed intense unrest late Thursday night following the death of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi, with mobs attacking media houses, political offices, cultural institutions and private residences, triggering widespread vandalism, arson and road blockades.

2025-12-19T03:41:31.311112+00:00 IST

Former PM Khaleed Zia's son to return home on Dec 25

The BNP is making special arrangements to mark Tarique Rahman's return as he is expected to play a major role in the party's campaign for the general election

2025-12-19T03:29:13.572438+00:00 IST

Taiwan detects 7 Chinese aircraft, 11 vessels around nation

Taiwan said it monitored the situation and responded.

2025-12-19T01:29:29.701240+00:00 IST

"Great honour for our country": MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh

"It's a great honour for our country and for our party. Our honourable prime minister, who has led this country since 2014, has made significant progress in our foreign relations with all countries. And there's another big step. And again, it's an honour for us. And it shows how our priorities are also aimed towards improving our relations and improving our position in this world," he said.

2025-12-19T01:25:23.560985+00:00 IST

India distributes assistance kits, restores bridge in Sri Lanka

Ditwah had affected Kolonnawa suburb of Colombo and the Bhaktivedanta Children's Home 'Gokulam' in Wattala.

2025-12-19T01:09:21.777365+00:00 IST

Protesters hold sit-in outside Indian Assistant HC in Chattogram

A group of protesters staged a sit-in outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram after news of the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, the convenor of Inqilab Moncho, BD News reported.

2025-12-19T00:03:28.906524+00:00 IST

25 journos rescued as blaze of activist's death engulfs B'desh

At least 25 journalists of The Daily Star have been rescued from their office more than four hours after a mob swooped on the newspaper office in Dhaka's Kawran Bazar, BD News reported.

2025-12-18T23:55:00.102196+00:00 IST

Protests erupt in Bangladesh post activist's death

The attack on Prothom Alo's office began around 12 midnight on Thursday. Later, the Daily Star was attacked.

2025-12-18T23:06:50.170374+00:00 IST

Earthquake of magnitude 4.1 strikes Afghanistan

The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

2025-12-18T22:18:19.653775+00:00 IST

Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus announces a national day of mourning

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday announced a national day of mourning on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha.

2025-12-18T21:36:54.214898+00:00 IST

Anupriya Patel holds bilateral health talks with Sri Lanka, Fiji

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, held cordial and constructive meetings with health ministers from Sri Lanka and Fiji on the sidelines of the 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit in the national capital on Thursday, underscoring India's strong bilateral ties and commitment to health cooperation in the region.

2025-12-18T19:35:18.839173+00:00 IST

"Jamaat-e-Islami acting at behest of Pakistan": Former diplomat

Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri on Thursday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of acting at the behest of Pakistan amid an anti-India march to India's High Commission in the neighbouring country, claiming Pakistan's effort to take control of the Bangladesh army.

2025-12-18T18:12:12.023069+00:00 IST

Oli urges cadres to confront interim Nepal government by force

KP Sharma Oli, re-elected for a third term as CPN-UML chairman, called on party cadres to confront the interim government by force, alleging political persecution and defending police action during September protests, while his panel secured overwhelming dominance in the party's new leadership.

2025-12-18T17:30:53.169479+00:00 IST

Ex-FS Shringla urges India to explore GCC-wide trade deal

Former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Thursday hailed the newly signed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a "very important deal", noting that the deal can open a broader comprehensive trade agreement with the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), similar to its approaches with the European Union, ASEAN, and EFTA countries.

2025-12-18T17:27:50.677774+00:00 IST

Second India-Nepal Tourism Meet held in Pokhara

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in association with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Pokhara Tourism Council, jointly organised the 2nd India-Nepal Tourism Meet in Pokhara, aimed at promoting tourism between Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, with a special focus on Gandaki Province. The event also celebrated the International Year of Cooperatives.

2025-12-18T17:26:43.961344+00:00 IST

Plenary sessions at WHO Global Summit highlight research, governance and evidence-based pathways for traditional medicine

India reiterated its support for Traditional Medicine at the WHO Global Summit, with Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav engaging global leaders and countries. The summit focused on research, regulation and integration of Traditional Medicine, aligning with WHO's 2025-2034 strategy, with PM Modi to attend the closing ceremony.

2025-12-18T17:06:13.963215+00:00 IST

29 nations, 29 honours: Oman's highest civilian award conferred on PM Modi marks his 29th foreign honour

With the Order of Oman--the Sultanate's highest civilian honour--conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Thursday, the tally of top foreign awards received by the Prime Minister has reached 29, underscoring his personal diplomacy and India's growing global influence.

2025-12-18T16:34:20.723337+00:00 IST

India reaffirms health and humanitarian support to Afghanistan

India reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan's health sector during talks between Health Minister JP Nadda and Afghan officials, reviewing healthcare projects, medical supplies, capacity building and humanitarian assistance, and pledging continued support through infrastructure, medicines, medical visas and treatment for Afghan patients.

2025-12-18T16:27:41.725141+00:00 IST

MERCOSUR, India might expand PTA:Argentine Envoy

Argentina's Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, on Thursday revealed a growing consensus among some MERCOSUR members and India to expand the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed in 2004, acknowledging that the current pact is limited to a narrow range of products.

2025-12-18T16:08:43.063980+00:00 IST

India fastest-growing major economy: PM Modi in Oman

PM Modi told the Indian diaspora in Muscat that India remains the fastest-growing major economy with over 8% growth. He highlighted India's manufacturing strength, global talent, strong India-Oman ties, and praised the Indian community for sustaining centuries-old relations.

2025-12-18T15:55:50.074987+00:00 IST

“Symbol of affection and trust between India and Oman”: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the Order of Oman, calling it a symbol of trust between India and Oman. He dedicated the honour to the people of India, shared ancestors and seafarers whose maritime exchanges built enduring ties between the two nations.

2025-12-18T15:35:11.390529+00:00 IST