Europe

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan target religious minorities: GHRD

At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the organisation Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) raised concerns over the continued misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and their impact on religious minorities.

2026-03-12T15:24:17.068869+00:00 IST

Akshar Foundation highlights Northeast India’s development at UN

On the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Mazin Mukhtar, Co-founder and Associate Director of the Akshar Foundation, highlighted development initiatives in India's northeastern region and urged global recognition of progress made in previously neglected areas.

2026-03-12T14:35:42.787841+00:00 IST

ECO FAWN Society raises Pahalgam terror attack at UN Human Rights

At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Yasser Laaroussi, from the ECO FAWN Society, during General Debate under Item 3, in his oral statement, highlighted the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and ensure accountability for attacks targeting civilians

2026-03-12T14:25:21.258821+00:00 IST

Indian Rights Activist raises cadaver organ donation issue at UN

Gobind Gurbani, speaking through video conference, drew attention to the growing gap between the number of patients requiring organ transplants and the limited availability of donated organs.

2026-03-12T14:23:46.827538+00:00 IST

Growing empowerment of women reflects changing social landscape

In her statement, Bhat said new pathways to empowerment are emerging across the Union Territory, supported by government initiatives and community participation.

2026-03-12T13:41:42.624463+00:00 IST

Geneva: India’s grassroots efforts empowering women and girls

Speaking on Thursday, Anjo, a representative of the Sambhali Trust, emphasized that the progress of human rights should not only be measured through laws and resolutions, but through everyday improvements in communities.

2026-03-12T12:31:38.117471+00:00 IST

"Act of terrorism": Russia slams Mediterranean drone attack

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned a drone strike on the commercial vessel Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean. Calling it "a terrorist attack & a war crime," she detailed the crew's rescue after a gas explosion, criticised Malta's refusal to assist the injured, and denounced the European silence.

2026-03-12T09:13:11.357528+00:00 IST

3 Merchant Vessels struck by projectiles in Gulf waters

Two oil tankers caught fire near Iraq after being struck by an "unknown projectile," with UKMTO reporting all crew are "evacuated and safe." This follows a surge in maritime attacks amid regional conflict, drawing a sharp response from India and warnings from President Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-03-12T03:40:40.649052+00:00 IST

IEA to release 400 million oil barrels

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday announced the largest-ever release of emergency oil stocks in its history, making 400 million barrels of oil available to global markets to mitigate disruptions caused in the global energy supply by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

2026-03-11T15:35:16.168418+00:00 IST

EU ambs approve new sanctions on 19 Iranian officials, entities

The European Union on Wednesday moved to intensify pressure on Tehran amid the conflict in West Asia by approving new sanctions targeting 19 Iranian regime officials and entities accused of serious human rights violations.

2026-03-11T14:59:51.941569+00:00 IST

Despite dissolution of Alba Party, Dhruva Kumar pushes for Scottish independence, democratic control of resources

In an interview with ANI, Alba Party spokesperson and parliamentary candidate for Glasgow South, Dhruva Kumar, said that the debate around Scottish independence has shifted from a theoretical aspiration to a practical necessity in a post-Brexit world.

2026-03-11T13:04:27.895439+00:00 IST

Reza Pahlavi’s latest message urges citizens to stay indoors

In the statement addressed to "fellow compatriots," Pahlavi warned that the situation had reached a highly sensitive point and urged people to prioritise their safety while maintaining unity through peaceful means of resistance.

2026-03-11T08:10:05.820299+00:00 IST

RSKS highlights India’s progress on child protection at UNHRC

In her remarks, Majid stated that every child, regardless of birthplace, deserves safety, dignity and opportunity. She pointed out that violence against children remains a global concern, with more than half of the world's children experiencing some form of violence each year. Such violence, she noted, not only threatens children's physical safety but also affects their emotional well-being, education and long-term development.

2026-03-11T08:09:15.037327+00:00 IST

Sibi George meets with Secy General ITU Bogdan-Martin

Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West) met with Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union Doreen Bogdan-Martin to "discuss global cooperation on inclusive digital infrastructure."

2026-03-11T04:33:53.991781+00:00 IST

UK Air Force takes out drone in Iraqi airspace

The UK Air Force on Tuesday announced that overnight, a ground-based British Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems unit took out a drone in Iraqi airspace, which was heading towards Coalition forces.

2026-03-10T17:53:08.411841+00:00 IST

FATF report highlight illicit finance risks linked to Offshore

Offshore VASPs are VASPs created under the laws of one jurisdiction, with or without a physical presence, that provide services to clients residing in another jurisdiction. The report analyses how oVASPs structure their activities to avoid or evade regulatory obligations and how illicit actors exploit these vulnerabilities.

2026-03-10T17:36:14.746714+00:00 IST

British Airways reduces fleet until later this year citing region

British Airways in a post on X cautioned its customers from falling to prey to scamsters.

2026-03-10T16:46:04.799952+00:00 IST

Oxford medical student highlights holistic education

At the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Petrina Lander, a medical student at the University of Oxford, in her oral statement, while addressing the annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child, called for stronger global support for holistic education systems.

2026-03-10T14:39:45.460553+00:00 IST

Oxford students praise India’s inclusive education at UNHRC

Oxford University students Zoe Barclay and Petrina Lander praised India's innovative schooling at the UNHRC in Geneva. Highlighting the Akshar Foundation's model in Assam, they lauded the integration of vocational skills and peer mentorship, suggesting Western systems could learn from this holistic, inclusive approach to education.

2026-03-10T07:05:35.364746+00:00 IST

Trump and Putin discuss Iran, Ukraine conflicts

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a telephone call from US President Donald Trump, where the two leaders discussed the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, Russia Today reported, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

2026-03-09T21:03:58.207345+00:00 IST

PoGB unrest reflects deeper political grievances

In a blog post analysing the crisis, Choudhry argued that the unrest cannot be explained solely by reactions to international events. He said the intensity of the protests also reflects long-standing political grievances among residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.

2026-03-09T10:47:52.791796+00:00 IST