UN Chief urges Taliban to reverse ban on Afghan women working for United Nations

IANS | September 7, 2026 1:38 PM

New York, Sep 7 (IANS) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over what he termed the continuing discriminatory policies imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women and girls, as he reiterated his call to immediately reverse the ban on Afghan women working for the global body and ensure their safe and unhindered access to UN premises throughout the country.

PM Modi hails consecration of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Paris as milestone for India-France cultural ties

IANS | September 6, 2026 11:59 PM

New Delhi/Paris, Sep 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his heartfelt congratulations on the consecration of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris, describing it as a significant addition to India's cultural presence in Europe and a new chapter in India-France relations.

Afghanistan Foreign Minister, UNHCR representative discuss Afghan refugees' return

IANS | September 6, 2026 9:00 PM

Kabul, Sep 6 (IANS) Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, discussing the return of Afghan refugees and measures taken to provide them support and assistance after they arrive in the Islamic nation, local media reported on Sunday.

India today increasingly approaches world with confidence: Report

IANS | September 6, 2026 8:29 PM

New Delhi, Sep 6 (IANS) India today increasingly engages with the world with confidence, not insecurity. India does not need to decide between its heritage and modernity, or choose between economic development and strategic autonomy, or pick between global partnerships and independent decision-making, a report said.