Asia

Taiwan detects 3 Chinese aircraft, 4 vessels around its territory

Of the three, one sortie crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ.

2025-10-23T10:43:35.047515+00:00 IST

PM Modi to attend ASEAN-India summit virtually, Jaishankar to rep

The MEA said that strengthening relations with ASEAN remains a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ASEAN leaders will jointly review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and discuss initiatives for strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the statement said.

2025-10-23T10:17:46.635189+00:00 IST

IAF participates in multinational exercise Ocean Sky 2025

The Indian Air Force is participating in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, a multinational air combat exercise in Spain from October 20 to 31, aimed at fostering mutual learning, improving interoperability, sharpening air combat skills, and strengthening defence cooperation with friendly nations.

2025-10-23T09:50:20.910874+00:00 IST

“Bhaitika” brings together siblings from Burma and Nepal

Ramesh Gautam celebrated Bhaitika, the final day of Tihar, in Nepal for the first time. Sisters adorned brothers with seven-colored tika and garlands, praying for their well-being, while brothers gave gifts. The festival, also called Yama Panchak or Yama Dwitiya, strengthens sibling bonds and follows age-old traditions.

2025-10-23T09:20:03.812122+00:00 IST

India, Oman hold 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks in New Delhi

The Indian Army strengthened its defence cooperation with the Royal Army of Oman during the 3rd Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) held in New Delhi from October 22 to 23.

2025-10-23T08:27:16.113724+00:00 IST

Punjab seed block threatens Pakistan’s wheat security

Punjab's seed producers, supplying nearly 90% of Pakistan's seeds, warned that government restrictions on wheat seed distribution could trigger an agricultural crisis. The Seed Association of Pakistan urged immediate reforms to protect food security, appealing to authorities and the army for intervention to prevent nationwide wheat shortages.

2025-10-23T06:59:27.119804+00:00 IST

Kabul residents face soaring firewood and coal prices ahead of winter

As winter nears, Kabul residents face rising firewood and coal prices, creating hardships for low-income families. Vendors cite higher transport costs and taxes, while the Kabul Timber Sellers' Union urges immediate government action to allow imports and stabilise prices, Tolo News reported.

2025-10-23T06:55:32.220340+00:00 IST

Thailand, Cambodia agree to expedite boundary demarcation

The development comes ahead of the ASEAN Summit this weekend in Kuala Lumpur in which both countries are likely to reach and sign an accord to resolve ongoing border conflicts in the presence of US President Donald Trump.

2025-10-23T06:37:57.422653+00:00 IST

Pakistani forces’ brutal checkpoints claim child’s life

A young child died in Balochistan's Uthal region after security checks delayed medical help. Passengers said officials ignored pleas to move the bus despite the child's worsening condition. Human rights groups have criticised Pakistan's security policies for obstructing healthcare access.

2025-10-23T06:23:00.666864+00:00 IST

US Consulate Chennai reopens, resumes visa services from Oct 23

The US Consulate General Chennai will reopen and resume visa services on October 23. Only applicants with appointments that day can visit. Canceled appointments from October 22 are being rescheduled. American Citizen Services will resume, but American Center Chennai, EducationUSA, and USIEF offices remain closed.

2025-10-23T05:50:15.717720+00:00 IST

Modi congratulates Malaysian PM, to join ASEAN Summit virtually

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, congratulating him on Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and expressing support for upcoming summits. He also said he looks forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually and strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

2025-10-23T05:15:43.381110+00:00 IST

India invites Canadian PM Carney for talks with PM Modi

India has invited Canadian PM Mark Carney to New Delhi early next year to boost economic and free-trade ties. High-level talks aim to repair diplomatic relations after past tensions, with potential bilateral trade exceeding $50 billion and cooperation in energy, AI, and agriculture, The Globe and Mail reported.

2025-10-23T04:47:12.416482+00:00 IST

PM Modi to attend ASEAN summit virtually

Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim discussed strengthening Malaysia-India ties with a colleague of PM Modi ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, reaffirming cooperation in trade, technology, education, and regional security. Earlier, India supported Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and promoted regional collaborations under its Act East Policy.

2025-10-23T04:01:44.103317+00:00 IST

INS Sahyadri takes part in Japan-India Maritime Exercise

During the harbour phase in Yokosuka, the crews of INS Sahyadri and JMSDF ships participated in professional and cultural exchanges, including cross-deck visits, joint operational planning, sharing of best practices, and a yoga session. The port call is also part of INS Sahyadri's ongoing Long Range Deployment in the Indo-Pacific.

2025-10-22T13:58:24.719456+00:00 IST

China’s economic meltdown exposes cracks in CCP rule

According to The Epoch Times, while the state-run Xinhua News Agency boasted of "remarkable progress" under the ongoing 14th Five-Year Plan, analysts and economists stated that these assertions bear little resemblance to reality. Xu Zhen, a veteran financial expert, described the past five years as a period marked by "economic collapse." He said China's real estate bubble burst, highlighted by the bankruptcy of Evergrande, has destroyed one of the country's key engines of growth.

2025-10-22T13:23:34.552597+00:00 IST

Secretary (East) reviews cleanliness drive at MEA headquarters

During his visit, Kumaran inspected the premises' upkeep, examined best practices in record management, and interacted with officials responsible for maintaining workplace hygiene and efficiency, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

2025-10-22T11:58:06.264972+00:00 IST

Afghanistan clarifies Pakistan ceasefire, stresses dialogue

The Ministry of National Defense of Afghanistan issued a clarification regarding the recent agreement with Pakistan, highlighting key points discussed by the Islamic Emirate's Defense Minister during a press conference.

2025-10-22T11:48:42.580329+00:00 IST

Canadian paraglider found dead in Dhauladhar ranges

Canadian paraglider Megan Elizabeth (27) died after her paraglider crash-landed in the Dhauladhar mountains near Dharamshala on October 20. She had taken off from Bir-Billing on October 18. Her body was recovered, airlifted, and cremated after post-mortem. The accident occurred at 3,900 meters amid extreme cold.

2025-10-22T10:51:11.511885+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s historical hypocrisy on Ahmadis rekindles debate on re

In a post on X, Fawad claimed that "religious extremists, whether Hindu, Muslim, Jew or Christian, are all the same," but then controversially accused Ahmadis of having played a role in partition-era communal violence in Sialkot.

2025-10-22T10:49:53.702508+00:00 IST

China seizes Dalai Lama photos in Tibet crackdown

According to Phayul, three Tibetan cadres led coordinated operations targeting Tashi Khyil Monastery in Labrang, along with nearby villages such as Thangnag, Ngonchak, Ledruk, Sangkhok, and Marteng. During the raids, they confiscated four large bags filled with framed portraits of the Dalai Lama, removing them from both monastic residences and private Tibetan homes. Residents stated that the searches were intrusive and intimidating, forcing many to surrender sacred photos of their revered spiritual leader.

2025-10-22T10:47:55.228086+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Aleema Khan faces fourth ATC warrant over PTI protests

A Rawalpindi ATC issued a fourth non-bailable arrest warrant for PTI founder Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, over her absence in a case linked to the November 2023 PTI protests. The court also confiscated her guarantor's bonds and adjourned the hearing till November 24.

2025-10-22T09:29:04.817187+00:00 IST