ASEAN Coast Guard Forum expansion counters Chinese aggression in South China Sea: Report

IANS | January 20, 2026 9:04 PM

Canberra, Jan 20 (IANS) A broader functional scope for the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) would enable members to address maritime challenges beyond countering China in the South China Sea, thereby enhancing the forum’s credibility — both regionally and internationally — while mitigating Chinese criticism, a report said on Tuesday.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh takes swipe at Maharashtra CM over Davos MoU

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:52 PM

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) As the snow-lined avenues of Davos in Switzerland played host to global leaders and industry captains discussing growth, governance, and future economies, Maharashtra's participation at the World Economic Forum emerged as both an economic milestone and a political talking point.

UAE accepts US invitation to join 'Board of Peace'

IANS | January 20, 2026 8:16 PM

Abu Dhabi, Jan 20 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday announced that the country's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted the invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace. The decision was announced by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

India hands over 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Philippines

IANS | January 20, 2026 7:59 PM

Manila, Jan 20 (IANS) India on Tuesday handed over 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Philippines, which includes around 6.5 tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment, BHISHM Cube and other items like dignity kits, sleeping mats, heavy duty tarpaulins and shelters.

India, EU cementing economic ties amid growing global uncertainties

IANS | January 20, 2026 7:54 PM

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) The India-EU summit scheduled for January 27 comes as part of the steady strengthening of economic relations between the two sides amid growing uncertainties in global markets triggered by the US tariff turmoil and dramatic geopolitical shifts in the world order.

India and Namibia agree to bolster ties in several key sectors

IANS | January 20, 2026 6:31 PM

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) India and Namibia held the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on January 19-20, agreeing to further strengthen bilateral ties in key areas like health, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), agriculture, defence and critical minerals.

Cybercrime has evolved into pervasive threat in Pakistan: Report

IANS | January 20, 2026 6:05 PM

Islamabad, Jan 20 (IANS) The increase in cybercrime in Pakistan, discussed in the country's National Assembly last week, indicates that what was earlier an occasional nuisance has evolved into a pervasive threat, impacting finances, reputation and liberty of people, local media reported.