Austria imposes COVID-19 lockdown from Monday: Chancellor

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

Residents in Balochistan's Zehri and Surab regions are facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to a four-day curfew and military operations. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee reported acute food shortages, blocked healthcare access, and alleged house raids by security forces, urging international bodies to investigate these fundamental rights violations.

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.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb concluded his official visit to India, marking a "defining moment" as bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability. He was seen off at the airport by Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, signalling a new era of cooperation between the nations.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb declared "the future is Indian" during his state visit, praising India's "wonderful" progress and leadership. He called for urgent UN reform to reflect the 2026 world order, advocating for India to receive a permanent Security Council seat as it leads the Global South.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb told ANI that "the future is Indian," praising New Delhi's unique ability to engage all sides in global conflicts. He backed India's permanent UN Security Council seat and discussed NATO, Ukraine, and West Asia tensions, highlighting India's pragmatic role in a shifting world order.

Balen Shah's RSP is heading for a landslide victory in Nepal's parliamentary polls, leading in 98 seats and winning 19. Shah holds a massive lead over veteran KP Sharma Oli, as the RSP nears a simple majority, with party leaders eyeing a two-third majority of 186 seats.

International experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 underscored India's strategic autonomy and evolving global role. Amidst a 30-day US waiver for Russian oil, diplomats from Poland, the OECD, and Austria emphasised that while diversification is key, India remains a trusted, essential partner in navigating complex global energy and security challenges.

EAM S Jaishankar stated that the era of "big deals" between dominant powers is over, as multipolarity is now an irreversible reality. He argued that the Global South is defined by shared historical experiences, while noting a growing "differentiation" within the previously unified Global West.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned of a "detachment" of the United States from the global West, noting it increasingly acts without consultation. Citing conflicts in West Asia, Ukraine, and Sudan, he called for a "new covenant" because the current cost of uncoordinated multipolarity is "too high."