Asia

Over 29,000 Afghan children deported from Pakistan, Iran

Deported Afghan children are seeking reunification with their families who remain outside the country, according to a report by Tolo News.

2025-09-17T12:07:41.060927+00:00 IST

Taiwan, Indonesia sign marine debris pact as Taiwan condemns

According to Taipei Times, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling, speaking to the media after the conference, denounced Chinese fishing crews for deploying cyanide near the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands, in the South China Sea.

2025-09-17T11:56:58.955339+00:00 IST

Floods ravage Pakistan’s breadbasket

Rice crop losses have been estimated at over 1 million acres of standing production. Citing the provincial authorities, Samaa reported that the floods have caused extensive damage to rice, sugarcane, corn, and cotton across Punjab. Standing sugarcane crops spread over 2.5 million acres were damaged, while corn and cotton fields also faced destruction.

2025-09-17T11:18:00.016637+00:00 IST

Gourangalal Das appointed India’s next ambassador to South Korea

Das, a 1999-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the ministry. "He is expected to take up his new assignment in Seoul shortly," the MEA said in a statement.

2025-09-17T09:48:33.197873+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s leaders fail to deliver as millions flee abroad in sea

According to The Express Tribune, the migration is not confined to unskilled workers; it also includes professionals such as doctors, engineers, IT experts, teachers, bankers, accountants, auditors, designers, and architects, as well as drivers, plumbers, welders, and other skilled labourers. Significantly, women now constitute a notable share of those choosing to leave.

2025-09-17T09:45:16.925948+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s failure deepens PoGB crisis, halts China trade

A high-powered committee led by Pakistan's Energy Minister failed to reach consensus on PoGB traders' demands for tax-free status and release of stuck consignments. Protests at Sost have entered 50 days, blocking the Karakoram Highway and halting trade with China, Dawn reported.

2025-09-17T09:16:25.959593+00:00 IST

"India's success also contributes to global development, " says

The Tibetan spiritual leader described himself as a "proud messenger of India," highlighting the country's democratic values and religious pluralism.

2025-09-17T08:48:57.936004+00:00 IST

PoJK villages remain deprived of electricity, education, and more

The villagers, numbering in the thousands, remain deprived of electricity, clean drinking water, health services, and functional educational institutions.

2025-09-17T08:48:50.339598+00:00 IST

"We want to see him in good health to be able to lead this country": Mauritius PM Ramgoolam extends birthday wishes to PM Modi

"It gives me great pleasure to wish him a very happy birthday. We want to see him in good health to be able to lead this country as he is doing," Ramgoolam said in his message.

2025-09-17T08:46:26.247630+00:00 IST

World leaders hail PM Modi’s leadership, extend birthday wishes

Several heads of state and former leaders praised his role in strengthening ties with developing countries and amplifying the voice of the Global South.

2025-09-17T08:43:12.453369+00:00 IST

Netanyahu extends birthday greetings to PM Modi

On PM Modi's 75th birthday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished him, praising his achievements for India and their joint efforts in strengthening India-Israel friendship. He said he looks forward to meeting Modi soon to take the partnership to greater heights.

2025-09-17T07:46:28.001167+00:00 IST

“Gates Foundation values partnership with India”: Bill Gates

Bill Gates wished PM Modi on his 75th birthday, praising India's progress under his leadership. He said the Gates Foundation values its partnership with India, supporting Viksit Bharat and sharing innovations with the Global South, while extending warm wishes for Modi's health and continued strength.

2025-09-17T07:04:10.991443+00:00 IST

Pak’s failure to publish IMF report highlights governance gaps

Pakistan missed the IMF deadline to release its Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Report, delaying key judicial and governance reforms. While most fiscal targets were met, issues with SOEs, tax collection, and provincial cash surpluses remain. Despite shortcomings, the IMF programme is seen as satisfactory, keeping hopes alive for the $1 billion tranche.

2025-09-17T06:41:07.920185+00:00 IST

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay greets PM Modi on his 75th birthday

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, saying the people of Bhutan extend their "warmest wishes" and pray for his good health, happiness, and long life.

2025-09-17T05:43:32.904512+00:00 IST

Pak: Experts warn poor urban planning worsening monsoon flooding

Experts at a URC session in Karachi warned that poor planning and blocked drains worsen urban flooding during heavy monsoon rains. NED's Dr Noman Ahmed and planner Arif Hasan stressed restoring natural drainage, people-friendly solutions, and a comprehensive government strategy, Dawn reported.

2025-09-17T05:26:15.397018+00:00 IST

Proud to share such a strong friendship with India: Australian PM

The Australian leader's greetings come as global leaders continue to extend wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday.

2025-09-17T04:40:48.734830+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar hails PM Modi's Atmanirbhar, Sammridh and Viksit B

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to PM Modi on his 75th birthday, calling him a symbol of sacrifice and dedication.

2025-09-17T04:12:21.587281+00:00 IST

Pak: Flour crisis deepens as Punjab restricts wheat movement

Punjab's curbs on wheat movement have caused flour shortages and soaring prices in other provinces. Critics call the move unconstitutional and against deregulation, while Punjab defends it as essential for food security. KP and Sindh have condemned the restrictions, urging federal intervention to restore free trade, Dawn reported.

2025-09-17T03:22:00.915600+00:00 IST

Chinese military activity near Taiwan as Taipei reports 31 aircra

In a post on X, the MND said that 26 out of the 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). "We have monitored the situation and responded," it added.

2025-09-17T02:29:36.805187+00:00 IST

Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov wishes PM Modi

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, thanking him for his invaluable contributions in taking decades-old friendship between Russia and India to new heights.

2025-09-17T00:36:33.033433+00:00 IST

UNICEF warns of endless crisis facing children in Afghanistan

In a statement released, UNICEF emphasised that access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, and child protection was becoming nothing less than a lifeline to the children of Afghanistan.

2025-09-17T00:33:24.550994+00:00 IST