PoGB, 11 March 2026: Tension continues in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, where a recently imposed strict curfew and heavy deployment of security forces disrupted normal life. Authorities had handed control of several areas to security personnel in an attempt to contain unrest following the death of Iranian Leader Ayatollah Khomeini, leaving residents struggling to access essential goods and services. Although restrictions are now partially eased, the situation in the region remains tense. Daily wage labourers have been among the worst affected, as many rely on daily earnings to support their families. During the strict curfew, residents also expressed frustration over the closure of markets and the difficulty in accessing essential supplies. The developments once again raised concerns about the governance of illegally occupied regions in Pakistan. Instead of addressing public concerns, the imposition of curfew and heavy security presence restricted movement and disrupted livelihoods, leaving residents struggling to manage daily necessities. Pakistan often fails to adequately address the concerns of ordinary citizens, particularly in the illegally occupied regions of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. Instead of addressing public grievances through dialogue and development, authorities often rely on administrative crackdowns. As a result, locals often feel that their basic needs and rights are overlooked, deepening frustration and highlighting long-standing governance challenges in these regions.

New Delhi, March 07, 2026 (ANI): Latest visuals emerged as Middle-East situation worsen amid escalating Iran-Israel war. Missiles and interceptions light up the skies over the West Bank and Jerusalem, while sirens and incoming rockets terrorise Tel Aviv during the night. In Iraq, a U.S. asset is seen engulfed in flames after a drone strike, and tensions surge in Erbil following another drone attack on civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, in Tehran, fires and thick smoke rise across the city as overnight strikes continue amid the escalating Iran–Israel conflict.

Kyoto (Japan), March 04 (ANI): Cooking test to certify real qualification for foreign Japanese cuisine chefs was held in Kyoto. Under global trend of Japanese cuisine, Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture Development Committee (JCDC) organized cooking skill test to certify real Japanese cuisine qualification for foreign chefs. 12 foreign chefs applied to it aiming gold or silver qualification. Some of chefs got training in Japanese traditional restaurant. Others got win in the Japanese cuisine championship event held by Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. 10 chefs applied to silver qualification test cooking 1 soup and 5 plates. 2 chefs applied to gold qualification test cooking Shokado bento box. Those disciples keep in the mind mentor’s message “Each country has each taste defined by temperature and air pressure. Please adapt to them to complete most taste Japanese cuisine for your country.

Kathmandu (Nepal), March 05, 2026 (ANI): Locals in Nepal expressed hope that the new government formed after the 2026 general election will focus on the country’s development and work to improve the lives of its people. Voting is underway across thousands of polling centres as citizens participate in choosing their next government.

Kathmandu (Nepal), March 03 (ANI): Thousands of voters have begun leaving Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to return to their home districts ahead of Thursday’s crucial elections in the Himalayan nation. Visuals from Koteshwor Bus Park show hundreds of people carrying luggage and boarding vehicles as the country enters the final phase of poll preparations. According to Traffic Police records, more than 300,000 people have already departed the capital by road to cast their votes. The number is expected to double as polling day approaches. The election comes six months after the nationwide Gen-Z protest. Campaigning has officially ended, and the mandatory two-day silence period is now in effect. Under the Election Code of Conduct, campaign materials within 300 metres of polling stations must be removed, and political promotion across social media, print and electronic platforms is prohibited. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on public gatherings, processions and crowd-creating activities 48 hours before voting to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

Health department employees in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir staged a strike at the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Muzaffarabad to press the government for acceptance of their long-pending demands. Due to the protest, outpatient department (OPD) services were temporarily closed, causing inconvenience to patients and hospital visitors. Protesters gathered inside and outside the hospital premises, raising slogans and demanding immediate action on their Charter of Demands, which they say has remained unresolved despite repeated assurances from authorities. The protesters maintained that their demands are clear and need immediate implementation rather than prolonged deliberation. They voiced frustration that despite the passage of nearly a month, the government has taken no concrete steps. The protest has once again exposed what employees describe as deep governance failures and a persistent pattern of delayed decision-making in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Despite formal meetings, verbal commitments, and negotiated agreements, implementation on the ground remains stalled, reflecting weak administrative follow-through and institutional inefficiency.

Geneva (Switzerland), March 02 (ANI): Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, praised the vibrancy of India’s civil society after his recent visit, calling it a vital pillar of democratic life and important for protecting minority rights. He said it is crucial that civic space be strongly defended so that civil society can work without hindrance. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Türk also highlighted troubling developments globally. He noted that lawyers and human rights defenders in Pakistan have been jailed over critical social media posts, expressed regret over restrictions on civic space in Georgia, and welcomed the release of some detainees in Venezuela while urging authorities to free others still in detention.

Kathmandu (Nepal), March 02 (ANI): Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on the voters to take part in March 5 election for House of Representatives. Addressing the nation on Monday afternoon, Karki said Nepal stood at a “historic and important juncture” and appealed to citizens to cast their ballots. Karki was appointed as the Interim Prime Minister on September 12 after days of deliberation following the September 8 protest. Karki urged political parties and candidates to maintain discipline, especially during the silence period, and thanked the Election Commission, security agencies and civil servants for their preparations to ensure free and fair polls. Concluding her address, Karki said she had assumed office at a difficult moment and that the country’s direction would soon rest with the people’s chosen representatives.

Kathmandu (Nepal), March 02 (ANI): Hundreds of foreign tourists visiting Nepal drenched themselves in vibrant colors as they joined locals celebrating Holi at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The visitors participated enthusiastically at the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, smearing colors on one another’s faces and exchanging cheerful greetings of “Happy Holi” within the historic palace complex. Kathmandu, also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, served as a common gathering place for residents during the festival of colors. The UNESCO-listed heritage site, once the royal palace, had witnessed major political upheavals and transformations in Nepal’s history and was often referred to as the “Holi Junction of Kathmandu.” Every year, people observing the festival visited the historic courtyard for celebration and recreation. The festival, also called the Spring festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The first day of the festival is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan and the second-day Dhuleti or Holi. Holika Dahan, the death of Holika, the symbol of the triumph of good over evil, is marked by lighting a bonfire, and performing a special Puja to burn evil spirits. The next day, people enjoy smearing one another with different colors including Abir or red vermilion powder.

Kathmandu (Nepal), Feb 28 (ANI): Former rapper and mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), vying for PM, has launched a Kathmandu-centric campaign as the election draws close, with polling set for Thursday. Balen, standing in the fray from the Jhapa in the March 5 election, against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, launched the campaign in Kathmandu with a road show. Hundreds of supporters and voters stood on the side of the road as the projected Prime Minister, alongside the party president Rabi Lamichhane, greeted voters from the sun-roof of the vehicle. Balen had been campaigning nationwide for his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party. The rapper-turned-mayor resigned on January 18 to contest the March 5 election. He had won the 2022 local election in Nepal’s capital and also took charge as a senior leader of the party the same day. The RSP had emerged as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment.

Washington DC (US), March 01, 2026 (ANI): Middle Eastern Scholar Adrian Calamel says, "I think publicly India is going to say that they advocate for diplomacy. That is the best route. But ultimately, I would believe that India understands the dangers of having a nuclear-armed Iran when you have a nuclear-armed Pakistan right next door that has been playing nuclear blackmail with India for years now... India has a lot of concerns because of the domestic population in the UAE and the foreign nationals who are in the UAE..." (28.02)

Geneva (Switzerland), Feb 28 (ANI): At the 61st Human Rights Council session at the Palais des Nations, a side event hosted by Global Human Rights Defence spotlighted the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and rising cases in Bangladesh. Speakers warned that such laws often target religious minorities, spark mob violence, and silence free expression. Dutch author and humanist Dina Perla Portnaar cautioned that today’s persecution in Asia could become tomorrow’s global crisis.

Geneva (Switzerland), Feb 28 (ANI): At the 61st Human Rights Council session at the Palais des Nations, a side event hosted by Global Human Rights Defence spotlighted the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and rising cases in Bangladesh. Speakers warned that such laws often target religious minorities, spark mob violence, and silence free expression. Dutch author and humanist Dina Perla Portnaar cautioned that today’s persecution in Asia could become tomorrow’s global crisis.

Geneva Canton (Switzerland), Feb 27 2026 (ANI): U.S. and Iranian delegations resumed nuclear talks on February 26 in Switzerland. Oman is hosting the indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, following an earlier round held at the Omani ambassador’s Switzerland residence.

Kathmandu (Nepal), Feb 26 (ANI): As Nepal heads toward parliamentary elections, the sound of printing presses has grown quieter. Traditional campaign materials like flags, banners, and badges are giving way to digital-first strategies. Screen printers in Kathmandu’s Bagbazar say orders have dropped sharply since 2022, as political parties now prioritise social media outreach. With new election ethics enforced by the Election Commission Nepal and platforms like Meta and TikTok playing a central role, campaigns are investing heavily in targeted online ads. Experts from Tribhuvan University note that digital engagement, influencers, and data-driven messaging are now shaping voter perceptions, signalling a major shift in Nepal’s political communication landscape.

Washington DC (US), February 25, 2026(ANI): “Pakistan PM would have died if…”: Trump’s most explosive claim on India-Pak War during SOTU address. Addressing the 2026 State of the Union, United States President Donald Trump said, "... In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars... Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement..."

On Canada PM Mark Carney to visit India, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Vice-President, Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla says, "Most importantly, this is about rebuilding trust. This is about putting the relationship on a new footing. It is a very significant trip. It will allow to consolidate the reset that the two Prime Ministers initiated last year on the margins of the G7 here in Canada. It will also allow to elevate and expand the partnership in areas not only around economic and commercial engagement, but also cultural ties, technology, innovation, discussions, educational ties, as well as people-to-people and defence ties..”

Ottawa (Canada), Feb 24 2025 (ANI): In an interview with ANI, High Commissioner of India to Canada Dinesh Patnaik underlined key outcomes of NSA Doval’s visit to Canada. Speaking On Canada PM Mark Carney to visit India, High Commissioner of India to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, said, "The Canadian relations have undergone a transformation over the last few months, especially after Prime Minister Modi visited Canada to attend the G7 Summit... Since the last four to five months, we've been working very hard to ensure that the relationship is reset to what it was before... This visit will put a stamp on all the activities that have happened to solidify the relationship and to take it to the next level... You will see a large host of agreements... You're going to see agreements on all sectors, whether it's people-to-people, cultural, defence, aerospace, space, energy, critical minerals, AI, innovation, or education. This is a multi-dimensional relationship, and you will see all dimensions during the visit."

Kathmandu (Nepal), Feb 20 (ANI): Hundreds of Nepali Muslims gathered at mosques across the country to offer prayers on the first Friday of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest month. In Kathmandu, devotees assembled at the Kashmiri Mosque near Ghantaghar for congregational namaz. Worshippers marked the sacred month with fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and reflection. A devotee highlighted the significance of Roza and Sehri, as prescribed in the Quran. Ramadan, believed to be the month of the Quran’s first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, emphasizes spiritual discipline, compassion, and devotion, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday underlined the importance that US President Donald Trump attaches to India, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited him to visit the country. Addressing a joint press conference with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and US President's Science and Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, Gor said there was no formal announcement yet on the visit, but recalled that President Trump greatly enjoyed his earlier trip to India. He added that when Trump nominated him as ambassador, he had spoken about India's unmatched vibrancy, colour, history and culture, and expressed confidence that the President would return at some point. "In terms of the President's visit, the Prime Minister invited him. I don't have any announcements for you soon. The president loved his visit to India. When he nominated me to be ambassador here, one thing he said is the vibrancy, the colour, the history and the culture that you're gonna see in India is unmatched, and so I'm sure he will be back here at some point," said Gor. Gor also said the United States is keen to pursue initiatives where both countries can work closely together, with Pax Silica and artificial intelligence leading that effort. He said Washington wants to collaborate with Indian companies on its AI technology and capabilities, adding that this offer is being made specifically to India and not to all countries. "We're looking for initiatives where the United States and India can work together. And Pax Silica leads at that, AI leads at that. We're coming here with a message to India that our stacks, our abilities, our AI technology is something that we want to work with Indian companies with. We're not offering that to everyone around the world. It's something that we bring specially here to this place," said Gor. Gor welcomed India's participation in Pax Silica, saying the presence of leading companies at the event reflected the strength of the partnership and that both sides looked forward to taking it to the next level. "We're thrilled that India joined Pax Silica... If you saw the companies that are represented here today, this is an incredible partnership for both of our nations, and we look forward to taking it to the next level," said Gor. On how responsibilities would be shared under Pax Silica and whether it could provide an alternative front for securing critical minerals, Helberg said the initiative is not limited to government-to-government cooperation but also enables private sector partnerships. "So in terms of shared responsibility, one of the things that makes PAX SILICA effective is that it's not just a G2G platform, it's also a platform that allows businesses to actually forge partnerships, private sector to private sector. Part of the spirit of the Trump administration is we believe in industry and we believe in markets," said Helberg. "And so we're not trying to replicate private industry in-house, we want to help facilitate private sector partnerships that actually allow us to secure our supply chains through things like off-take agreements and the rest. The other point is instead of making... instead of using taxpayer dollars to make investments, we're looking at incentives. And so the Trump administration through deregulation, through energy abundance has put in place powerful incentives that allow the private sector to lead," he added. Helberg further said countries that build on the American AI stack would benefit from an open, independently controlled and secure system. He added that this is why the United States is keen to share its AI capabilities with nations that prioritise AI sovereignty.

Senior activists from Uyghur, Tibetan and Chinese Christian communities used the platform of the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy to sharply criticise China’s human rights record, accusing the Chinese government of intensifying repression across multiple regions and faith groups.

Dhaka (Bangladesh), February 17, 2026(ANI): ‘Won’t repeat fascist culture…’: Tarique Rahman’s PM swearing-in sparks hopes for reform

Dhaka (Bangladesh) February 16, 2026 (ANI): Huge crowd gathers in front of the office of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) ahead of the oath-taking ceremony to be held tomorrow. Elected MPs are reaching the spot to meet people.

पेरिस, 16 फरवरी 2026, एएनआईः- Indians in France Global द्वारा चौदह फरवरी दो हजार छब्बीस को पुलवामा हमले में शहीद हुए भारतीय सैनिकों की स्मृति में एक श्रद्धांजलि समारोह का आयोजन किया गया। यह कार्यक्रम फ्रांस के ऐतिहासिक राष्ट्रीय स्मारक Arc de Triomphe, पेरिस में आयोजित हुआ। समारोह का उद्देश्य दो हजार उन्नीस के पुलवामा आतंकी हमले में अपने प्राणों की आहुति देने वाले जवानों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करना तथा उनके सर्वोच्च बलिदान के प्रति सम्मान, एकता और कृतज्ञता प्रकट करना था। कार्यक्रम के दौरान उपस्थित लोगों ने मौन रखकर शहीदों को नमन किया और उनके योगदान को याद किया। कार्यक्रम में फ्रांस में रह रहे भारतीय समुदाय के सदस्य, विभिन्न सामाजिक संगठनों के प्रतिनिधि तथा मीडिया संस्थानों के प्रतिनिधि उपस्थित रहे। आयोजकों ने मीडिया की भूमिका को महत्वपूर्ण बताते हुए कहा कि व्यापक कवरेज से शहीदों के प्रति सम्मान और कृतज्ञता का संदेश अधिक से अधिक लोगों तक पहुंचेगा। समारोह शांतिपूर्ण और गरिमामय वातावरण में संपन्न हुआ।

Karachi (Pakistan), February 16, 2026(ANI): Pakistan's 61-run loss to arch-rivals India in the Twenty20 World Cup on February 15 left fans across Karachi and Lahore red faced & questioning the team's selection policies.

Kathmandu (Nepal), Feb 14 (ANI): Hundreds of pro-monarchy supporters gathered in Kathmandu to welcome former king Gyanendra Shah ahead of parliamentary elections, signalling a visible show of political mobilisation. Backed by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and allied groups, demonstrators raised slogans against the current political system. Authorities tightened security at Tribhuvan International Airport, allowing only ticketed passengers entry as crowds disrupted traffic. Supporters claimed they gathered to defend sovereignty and restore monarchy, while critics linked the rally to ongoing political tensions. Nepal abolished its constitutional monarchy in 2006 following mass protests and a crackdown. Shah, who had been staying in Pokhara, returned to the capital on a chartered Summit Air aircraft with his family