Asia

British Council’s ‘Creative Convergence’ concludes in Delhi

Creative Convergence advances the objectives of the India-UK Programme of Cultural Cooperation (2025-2030) and reflects the British Council's long-standing commitment to strengthening international creative ecosystems, the British Council said in a statement.

2026-01-30T08:59:17.326042+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar meets with Foreign Minister of Comoros

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "A pleasure to meet Foreign Minister Mbae Mohamed of Comoros today. Discussed cooperation in health, sports, infrastructure and capacity building. Agreed on the importance of more frequent engagements between our two countries." Just a day ago, Mohamed arrived in New Delhi to participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be conducted on Saturday.

2026-01-30T08:46:24.147656+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Systemic failures cripple Karachi fire brigade

A probe into Karachi's fire brigade uncovered persistent power failures, water scarcity, manpower shortages, and the absence of proper communication systems, all of which are undermining emergency response across the city. These findings emerged days after at least 79 people were killed and three remained missing in the Gul Plaza fire, followed by a delayed reaction from the relevant authorities.

2026-01-30T08:14:02.345766+00:00 IST

Sudan seeks stronger economic cooperation with India

Highlighting shared perspectives between the two nations, he noted, "Sudan and India are emanating from the same school of thinking. English-oriented countries." He suggested that this common ground provides a strong foundation for deeper engagement in trade, investment, and development partnerships.

2026-01-30T08:13:17.837745+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar meets Arab League Secretary General Gheit

In a post on X, Jaishakar wrote, "A warm meeting with Secretary General, League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit this morning. Had a wide ranging conversation about our cooperation and strengthening it across various domains. Also exchanged views on the recent developments in the region."

2026-01-30T07:53:56.711658+00:00 IST

British Deputy High Commissioner Official offers prayers

He was accompanied by Minister Seethakka and the District Collector, who briefed him on the significance of the Medaram Maha Jatara and the arrangements made for devotees. Earlier, a Maori tribal delegation from New Zealand performed the traditional Haka dance at Medaram's Sammakka-Saralamma shrine in Telangana, India, marking a significant global cultural exchange.

2026-01-30T07:26:08.948352+00:00 IST

Four forcibly disappeared in Balochistan

Four men were reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance in Balochistan's Gwadar and Kharan districts, while in Turbat, relatives of a missing youth blocked the CPEC highway to press for his recovery, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

2026-01-30T07:06:52.768354+00:00 IST

Nepal observes Martyr’s Day, PM Karki pay homage at Sahid Smarak

Prime Minister Karki, along with the Council of Ministers, laid a wreath at the statues of those who sacrificed their lives for democracy and the republic's establishment. Issuing a message, the Prime Minister said that the courage, consciousness and determination of martyrs have brought the country to a historic turning point.

2026-01-30T06:22:21.865776+00:00 IST

Libya's FM Elbaour arrives in New Delhi to participate in IAFMM

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that his participation in the India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM) and engagements in New Delhi will build positive momentum for advancing our bilateral ties.

2026-01-30T06:18:46.321287+00:00 IST

Royal Noble Consort Thailand offers prayers at Buddhist sites

The visit formed part of her wider pilgrimage to important locations connected with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. The Royal Noble Consort arrived at the Mahaparinirvana Temple, a site of immense significance in Buddhism as it marks the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.

2026-01-30T05:40:06.958206+00:00 IST

Maori tribal delegation performs Haka at Medaram's shrine

A Maori tribal delegation from New Zealand performed the traditional Haka dance at Medaram's Sammakka-Saralamma shrine in Telangana, India, marking a significant global cultural exchange.

2026-01-30T05:13:11.041583+00:00 IST

Nine British universities to establish campuses in India

In an exclusive interview with ANI, British Council representative Alison Barett highlighted the transformative potential of this growing collaboration, particularly in the creative economy. She emphasized the two-way flow of students, ideas, and expertise that the new campuses are expected to enable. "British students coming here to India to do internships in the creative industry sectors here in India and to learn from the opportunities and the approaches to scale that you have here," she said, underscoring how exposure to India's dynamic market can shape global-ready graduates.

2026-01-30T03:50:56.475507+00:00 IST

India hands over second tranche of election assistance to Nepal

The handover took place in the presence of the Minister for Finance of Nepal, Rameshore Prasad Khanal, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, and senior officials from both sides. Charge d'affaires a.i. of India to Nepal, Rakesh Pandey, formally handed over the vehicles on behalf of the Government of India.

2026-01-30T02:53:20.639768+00:00 IST

Taiwan detects 26 PLA aircraft sorties, six PLAN vessels

In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence wrote, "26 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

2026-01-30T02:40:42.045104+00:00 IST

Pak: Imran Khan treated for eye ailment; PTI alleges secrecy

Pakistan's information minister confirmed that Imran Khan underwent a brief eye procedure in Islamabad and is stable. PTI disputes the process, alleging secrecy and lack of access for family and doctors, while Imran's relatives and party members demand transparency and medical reports.

2026-01-30T00:59:11.937439+00:00 IST

Pakistan-Bangladesh direct flights resume after 14 years

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said cooperation with Bangladesh would extend beyond aviation to other sectors.

2026-01-30T00:43:48.954554+00:00 IST

US reaffirms energy partnership with India at IEW 2026

The US reaffirmed its energy partnership with India at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, focusing on expanding trade, infrastructure and technology cooperation. US officials discussed increasing energy imports, LNG and civil nuclear collaboration, while both sides highlighted innovation and smart energy systems to strengthen energy security.

2026-01-29T23:22:54.163934+00:00 IST

UK PM Starmer meets Chinese President Xi Jinping

In a post on X, Starmer said, "Growth at home is directly linked to our engagement with the world's biggest powers. Today I met with President Xi in Beijing. We affirmed our shared commitment to building a long-term and strategic partnership that will benefit both our countries, while maintaining frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. As Prime Minister, I will always deliver in the interest of the British people."

2026-01-29T23:11:20.620627+00:00 IST

India to host landmark India-Arab ministers’ meet after 10 years

India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting on January 31, preceded by senior officials' talks today. The meeting highlights growing India-Arab ties across trade, energy, education and culture, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 240 billion and strong cooperation through the League of Arab States.

2026-01-29T20:52:07.100912+00:00 IST

India-Bangladesh facilitate safe repatriation of fishermen

The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday shared that the safe repatriation of 23 Indian fishermen and 2 fishing boats and the handing over of 128 Bangladeshi fishermen with 5 fishing boats to Bvangladesh Coast Guard was facilitated.

2026-01-29T18:24:56.956588+00:00 IST

Interim Government calls for calm after Jamaat leader’s murder

The Bangladesh Interim Government expressed deep concern over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, Chief Adviser Press wing said on Thursday in a statement.

2026-01-29T18:16:18.967080+00:00 IST