Asia

Turkmenistan modernises telecom sector, expands Wi-Fi access across public spaces

Turkmenistan is modernising its telecommunications sector to improve digital services and connectivity. Telecom operators are introducing new internet packages, while Turkmentelekom is expanding its TELECOMWIFI network, adding unlimited Wi-Fi at public places. The upgrades aim to support online work, learning and business.

2026-01-16T16:37:16.424319+00:00 IST

India launches global ‘brain gain’ campaign

BIHAAN - For the Rising Bharat launched its global campaign in New Delhi, aiming to turn "brain drain" into "brain gain" by linking diaspora expertise with India's development goals. The group, active in 53 countries, seeks greater NRI/PIO participation in nation-building and growth.

2026-01-16T16:07:21.294710+00:00 IST

MEA reiterates its position on Shaksgam Valley

India's remarks came days after it had rejected China's infrastructure buildup through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the Shaksgam Valley, terming it "illegal and invalid", while noting that the region is an "integral and inalienable part" of India.

2026-01-16T15:32:15.551341+00:00 IST

India engaged with US on Chabahar waiver: MEA

India is engaging with the US to ensure its Chabahar Port projects continue under a conditional sanctions waiver valid till April 26, 2026, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The MEA is also monitoring US tariff-related developments, while highlighting India-Iran trade at USD 1.6 billion.

2026-01-16T14:27:52.680359+00:00 IST

No role in film ventures like ‘Battle of Galwan’: MEA

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the Ministry has no role in ventures like the film 'Battle of Galwan' and such matters fall under relevant authorities. His remarks came amid buzz around the Salman Khan-starrer based on the 2020 Galwan clashes.

2026-01-16T14:24:21.539841+00:00 IST

Tokyo sees New Delhi as “natural partner”: Japan Foreign Ministry

Highlighting the significance of the India visit, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura said Motegi's trip marks his first foreign visit this year and reflects Japan's priority on strengthening partnerships with countries like India.

2026-01-16T14:11:48.625059+00:00 IST

India wants “inclusive, fair” polls in Myanmar: MEA

"On elections in Myanmar, we have said what our position is. We want inclusive, fair elections in which all stakeholders participate."

2026-01-16T13:55:10.354165+00:00 IST

India closely monitoring Iran situation, asks citizens to leave

Elaborating on the advisories, Jaiswal said, "In these advisories, we have advised our citizens in India not to travel to Iran at this time, and we have advised Indian citizens residing in Iran to leave the country by whatever means are available."

2026-01-16T13:15:51.050200+00:00 IST

VP CP Radhakrishnan meets UK House of Lords Speaker

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan met UK House of Lords Speaker Lord McFall in New Delhi during CSPOC. They discussed strong parliamentary ties, shared democratic values, parliamentary diplomacy, delegation exchanges, and cooperation on digital initiatives to improve transparency, accessibility and citizen engagement.

2026-01-16T11:50:34.946939+00:00 IST

US Ambassador Gor begins first Mumbai visit, boosts US-India ties

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited the US Consulate in Mumbai on his first trip to the city. He recently presented credentials to President Droupadi Murmu and took oath in New Delhi, stressing stronger US-India ties in security, trade, energy, technology and critical minerals.

2026-01-16T11:44:53.958432+00:00 IST

ECP suspends 152 lawmakers for failing to submit asset statements

Pakistan's Election Commission suspended 152 lawmakers from the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies for failing to submit asset and liability statements by the deadline. The ECP said they will stop functioning as members until they submit the required statements.

2026-01-16T11:11:56.772795+00:00 IST

"CSPOC...share good practices": Namibia

On the third-day of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) meeting, Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia, Lukas Sinimbo Muha, expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and praised the conference for facilitating knowledge sharing among member countries.

2026-01-16T10:44:58.269655+00:00 IST

Regulator’s inaction pushes Pakistan’s oil sector to the brink

OCAC criticised OGRA for delaying the ECC-approved margin increase for oil marketing companies and linking it fully to 100% digitisation. It urged immediate notification of at least half the hike, proposed a "Digitisation Fund," and sought reimbursement for ATG and track-and-trace investments.

2026-01-16T10:19:37.506443+00:00 IST

Russia mocks Denmark's submission to US amid Trump's threats

Zakharova said that current scenario shows how Denmark's subordination to the US was flawed.

2026-01-16T10:17:15.866767+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Zero outages claim crumbles as citizens face hours of p

Lesco had stated that it was supplying uninterrupted electricity to all areas except those connected to feeders with significant line losses.

2026-01-16T09:59:36.969044+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s health administration plunged into fresh corruption

The investigation, conducted by MPAs Rehana Ismail and Ijaz Muhammad, uncovers an alarming breakdown of administrative discipline and financial transparency within the facility, as reported by The Express Tribune.

2026-01-16T09:18:07.154320+00:00 IST

EAM discovers shared love for cricket with Japan's FM amid strate

In a light hearted moment, Jaishankar acknowledged a shared passion for cricket between the both of them.

2026-01-16T09:01:38.567107+00:00 IST

Jaishankar calls to “de-risk” global economy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday underscored the importance of economic security, calling it "paramount" and stressing the need to de-risk both national and global economies amid an uncertain international economic environment.

2026-01-16T08:39:02.242887+00:00 IST

Ex-South Korean President sentenced to 5 years in prison

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court on charges including obstruction of justice, in the first verdict related to his short-lived martial law declaration in December 2024, Yonhap News reported.

2026-01-16T07:30:27.571563+00:00 IST

Innovation fuels India’s economic transformation: EAM

In a post on X, Jaishankar highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, sustained reforms, robust digital infrastructure, and supportive policies in empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening India's presence in the global economy.

2026-01-16T07:10:46.134270+00:00 IST

China opposes “law of jungle” in global affairs,

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali Araghchi amid ongoing anti-governmental protests in the Islamic Republic, emphasising Beijing's opposition to the "law of the jungle" in international affairs following Washington's warnings of possible intervention.

2026-01-16T06:56:35.278742+00:00 IST