Bangladesh: Protests escalate over alleged desecration of Lord Ram’s image

IANS | June 20, 2026 1:54 PM

Dhaka, June 20 (IANS) Amid rising concerns over religious intolerance, protests have intensified across Bangladesh over the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram by radical Islamists during a demonstration opposing the construction of the tallest statue of the deity in the Gaibandha district, according to local media reports.

India to host BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting on June 22-23

IANS | June 20, 2026 1:35 PM

New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) India will host the BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting on June 22-23 under its chairship, bringing together top security officials from member countries to deliberate on evolving global security challenges and strengthen cooperation on key strategic issues.

Bangladesh journalist jailed over reports targeting state minister

IANS | June 20, 2026 1:23 PM

Dhaka, June 20 (IANS) As concerns over a crackdown on media professionals continue to mount in Bangladesh, police have arrested a journalist in a case filed under the country's Cyber Security Act linked to a series of reports allegedly defaming State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam, according to local media reports.

Israeli airstrike hits Lebanon after ceasefire takes effect

IANS | June 20, 2026 12:03 PM

Beirut, June 20 (IANS) An Israeli airstrike targeted the Jabal al-Rafee area near the southern Lebanese town of Sajd, shortly after a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

Rights body condemns killing of Sikh couple in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flags concerns over minority safety

IANS | June 20, 2026 10:48 AM

Islamabad, June 20 (IANS) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly condemned the killing of a Sikh couple who were reportedly serving as caretakers of a gurdwara in Mardan city of the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, saying that the incident has intensified concerns over the safety and security of religious minorities and their places of worship.

World leaders welcome Trump-Iran accord

IANS | June 20, 2026 7:17 AM

Washington, June 20 (IANS) World leaders, including those from the G7, along with senior US lawmakers, welcomed a memorandum signed between the United States and Iran, with supporters describing it as a breakthrough that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease regional tensions and advance negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme.