People in Pakistan's Landi Kotal protested the prolonged closure of the Torkham border with Afghanistan, calling it an "economic murder" of livelihoods. Protesters urged reopening the crossing, separating trade from politics, and including tribal elders and traders in future Pak-Afghan peace and trade talks.

2026-01-05T11:00:02.978961+00:00 IST

Others

“Australia remains steadfast on peace for Ukraine”: PM Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed Australia's continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion, stressing Canberra's commitment to a just and lasting peace.

2026-01-05T10:26:31.927159+00:00 IST

Asia

Paank reports three cases of enforced disappearance in Quetta

Paank reported three enforced disappearances in Quetta on January 4, alleging Pakistani security forces detained a political worker and two brothers. Rights groups say such cases remain unresolved in Balochistan, worsening public alienation, political instability, and mistrust, while authorities continue to deny involvement.

2026-01-05T09:39:41.690508+00:00 IST

Asia

Nepal bars gatherings and protests in Birgunj following communal

"As per the decision of the District Security Committee, a prohibitory order has been issued in accordance with Section 6 (3A) of the Local Administration Act, 2028, prohibiting any kind of gathering, meeting, procession and demonstration in the following areas of Birgunj Metropolitan City from 1:00 PM on 2082/09/21 until further orders. It is also informed that those who violate the said order will be taken into custody and action will be taken according to the law," the order said.

2026-01-05T09:35:25.707315+00:00 IST

Asia

India’s Venezuela statement "very measured": Former envoy YK Sinh

Speaking to ANI, Sinha said, "I think the international community has by and large not supported the action. There are some exceptions. I think Israel and Argentina perhaps, but most countries have been measured in their, except China and Russia who have condemned it. Russia was among the first. India's reaction or statement that has come out from the External Affairs Ministry is very measured and obviously doesn't want to apportion blame at this stage . Because we have to be mindful of our own bilateral relations with the United States and other countries."

2026-01-05T09:06:23.269224+00:00 IST

Asia

Prominent activist Sammi Deen Baloch denounces state policies

She argued that the official terrorism narrative is being used as a cover to justify these actions and present them as legitimate to the world. She said, "The narrative of terrorism and counter-terrorism is merely a cover through which the state justifies its Baloch-killing policies and attempts to portray them as legitimate globally. If this were not the case, then how can the enforced disappearance of unarmed women, pregnant women, and thirteen-year-old children be classified as counter-terrorism?"

2026-01-05T09:02:26.220457+00:00 IST

Asia

Back to the days of colonialism and gunboat diplomacy:YK Sinha

"It's quite astounding that the U.S. wants to run a country after they have failed in so many other countries," Sinha said, recalling Iraq and Afghanistan as cautionary examples. "Recent history shows that any power that tries to occupy or run another country... there are always going to be problems."

2026-01-05T08:40:11.692832+00:00 IST

Cuba mourns 32 killed in Venezuela operation

The Cuban government said it would observe two days of national mourning on January 5 and January 6 to honour those killed in the operation. Officials in Havana said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later stage.

2026-01-05T08:06:19.991138+00:00 IST

Asia

Consul General visits China’s Tiger Hill Pagoda after Buddha reli

The Consul General of India in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, visited the Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou, China, to mark the inauguration of the grand exhibition "The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One" in India, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, said Indian embassy in Shanghai.

2026-01-05T06:56:39.406891+00:00 IST

Asia

Pakistan: Rule of law questioned as court delays enable destructi

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), along with several environmental and citizens' organisations, has warned that continued court inaction is enabling irreversible environmental and cultural loss.

2026-01-05T06:53:58.178093+00:00 IST

Asia

BangladeshLeader Gobinda Pramanik to apply for nomination

Pramanik had submitted his nomination to contest the Gopalganj-3 constituency, a key electoral area represented by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to election rules, independent can lection Commission found discrepancies. Several signatures could not be confirmed, leading to the invalidation of his nomination paper. didates in this constituency must submit a consent letter signed by at least 3,086 voters. However, during verification, officials from the Bangladesh Election Commission found discrepancies. Several signatures could not be confirmed, leading to the invalidation of his nomination paper.

2026-01-05T06:02:51.462111+00:00 IST

Asia

China opposes Maduro's capture, calls for respect of sovereignty

China has voiced strong opposition to the United States' forcible control of deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, warning against unilateral bullying and asserting that no nation has the authority to act as the world's "policeman" or an "international judge" in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

2026-01-05T04:51:07.902718+00:00 IST