Asia

Philippines calls out China for deploying advanced research ships

Using satellite data from Canada's Dark Vessel Detection Program, the PCG identified the vessels Bei Diao 996, Zhuhaiyun, and Xiang Yang Hong 10 within the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines under international law.

2025-08-01T12:03:29.856103+00:00 IST

MEA says Nimisha Priya’s execution postponed

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government is providing all possible assistance to Priya and her family, working closely with local authorities and friendly governments to resolve the issue.

2025-08-01T11:27:10.402824+00:00 IST

PoK shown as integral part of India in official maps: MoS in LS

Singh reiterated that it has been India's "consistent and principled position" that the entire region of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including PoK, has been, is, and will always remain an integral part of India. He noted that this position was clearly stated in the unanimously adopted 1994 Resolution of the Indian Parliament.

2025-08-01T10:52:11.955742+00:00 IST

Balochistan faces deadly mine accidents, rising poppy cultivation

Balochistan faces deadly coal mine accidents and rising poppy cultivation, raising concerns among residents and lawmakers. Officials warn that the spread of poppy farming threatens youth and society, calling for urgent action to prevent a worsening drug crisis.

2025-08-01T09:38:11.563134+00:00 IST

US envoy visits Gaza aid site amid worsening hunger crisis

US envoy Steve Witkoff visited a US-backed food aid site in Gaza amid a worsening hunger crisis. Along with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, he will help finalize a new aid plan and brief President Trump after the visit, according to CNN.

2025-08-01T08:53:26.290149+00:00 IST

1.2 million Afghans return from Pakistan since Sept 2023: UNHCR

Nearly 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan since September 2023, many to harsh conditions. UNHCR warns of a worsening crisis, urging urgent aid as returnees face shortages of housing, jobs, and services in fragile Afghanistan.

2025-08-01T08:52:43.483621+00:00 IST

WHO extends global travel curbs on Pakistan over polio threat

The WHO has extended international travel restrictions on Pakistan for three more months due to the continued spread of wild poliovirus. The virus remains active in several regions, and cross-border movement worsens the risk. The WHO praised Pakistan's efforts but said polio eradication by 2025 is unlikely.

2025-08-01T08:15:14.332398+00:00 IST

China’s port hold on Panama Canal faces legal challenge

Panama's comptroller has sued to revoke a Chinese firm's control over key Panama Canal ports, citing national interest and irregularities. The move challenges China's strategic presence in global trade routes and raises sovereignty concerns, according to Nikkei Asia.

2025-08-01T08:11:54.782184+00:00 IST

Afghanistan tops global hunger list, says FAO report

Afghanistan remains the world's most food-insecure country, with over 12 million needing urgent aid and 75% facing livelihood instability. Drought, poverty, and restrictions on women worsen the crisis. The FAO and WFP warn that without urgent global support, hunger-related deaths will rise, Khaama Press reported.

2025-08-01T08:03:06.251028+00:00 IST

Protests erupt in Bajaur after civilian deaths in operation

Residents in Bajaur's Lowi Mamund tehsil protested a sudden military operation and curfew, saying it caused civilian deaths and hardships. They demanded an end to the operation, arguing that force has only worsened peace and stability in the region, according to a Dawn report.

2025-08-01T07:01:53.229263+00:00 IST

Israel pounds Lebanon with airstrikes amid ceasefire strain

Israel launched major air strikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah missile sites, in violation of a ceasefire. Lebanon's president urged Hezbollah to disarm and proposed a peace plan, while Hezbollah rejected surrender. Tensions remain high as both sides trade blame and continue military actions despite international pressure.

2025-08-01T06:25:30.249017+00:00 IST

B'desh hails 20% US tariff, says "good news" for its apparel

Bangladesh secured a 20% U.S. tariff rate, protecting its apparel exports after complex talks. The deal avoided a 35% tariff and included commitments to buy U.S. goods, boosting trade ties while preserving Bangladesh's competitiveness and national interests.

2025-08-01T05:14:33.655664+00:00 IST

Bangladesh secures 20 pc tariff rate after final talks with US

Bangladesh secured a 20% U.S. tariff rate, protecting its key apparel sector after complex talks. The deal includes buying U.S. goods like wheat and planes, avoiding a 35% tariff. Officials say it boosts Bangladesh's trade ties, economic strength, and access to the U.S. market.

2025-08-01T04:42:54.222368+00:00 IST

Islamabad ATC issues warrants for 50 PTI leaders over protests

An Islamabad anti-terrorism court has issued arrest warrants for 50 PTI leaders, including Arif Alvi and Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan, for skipping hearings related to the November 26, 2024, protests. A Rawalpindi court earlier issued similar warrants for top party figures, including Bushra Bibi.

2025-08-01T04:03:24.258814+00:00 IST

ISIS-K growth in Afghanistan poses "serious threat": UN

UN experts told the Security Council that ISIS-K poses the most serious threat to the US, Europe, and regional stability, warning of its growing online recruitment and global reach. They linked recent terror plots to ISIS propaganda and cautioned about Afghanistan becoming a terrorist hub again.

2025-08-01T03:52:55.247616+00:00 IST

"Pahalgam attack was unacceptable, Panama stands with India": Vic

He said Panama's diplomatic closeness with India partly stems from shared views on global security and peace. He also noted that Panamanian leaders had discussed this matter with Indian parliamentarians during recent visits.

2025-07-31T20:01:13.024500+00:00 IST

India "fabulous partner," world leader in technology, says Philip

German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, on Thursday, praised India as a "fabulous partner" and a world leader in technology, as European companies are closely watching developments in India, recognising its growing importance in the global tech landscape.

2025-07-31T17:45:49.915252+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar lauds Cabinet decisions to boost railways, agricul

Jaishankar also welcomed the decision to increase the financial outlay for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. The Cabinet has approved an additional amount of Rs 1,920 crore, raising the total budget of the scheme to Rs 6,520 crore. He said this move will help the nation's farmers by supporting food processing infrastructure, including food irradiation units and testing laboratories, while also helping to reduce post-harvest losses.

2025-07-31T16:46:00.786123+00:00 IST

9 dead, 124 injured in Russian attack on Ukraine’s Kyiv

A Russian drone and missile attack hit Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, killing at least nine people, including a six-year-old boy, and wounding 124 others, Al Jazeera reported, citing a Ukrainian authorities' statement.

2025-07-31T15:56:14.954856+00:00 IST

Pakistan court sentences PTI leaders to 10 years in jail

A special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad on Thursday sentenced 10-year prison sentences to several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul, for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots, ARY News reported.

2025-07-31T15:03:27.085528+00:00 IST

Japan lifts tsunami warnings after powerful Russia quake

In response to the warnings, authorities issued evacuation instructions to more than 2 million people across affected coastal regions. Residents rushed to higher ground amid fears of large waves, especially in areas that have previously suffered major tsunami disasters, including the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

2025-07-31T14:57:51.687548+00:00 IST