Poor connectivity, weak disaster response expose governance crisis in PoGB

IANS | September 5, 2026 8:49 PM

Islamabad, Sep 5 (IANS) Authorities in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) have raised concerns over poor cellular connectivity, saying it has not only affected tourism but has also hampered relief and rescue operations in the region during emergencies, local media reported.

Nearly 16000 children go missing in Bangladesh, sparking global concern

IANS | September 5, 2026 8:38 PM

Berlin, Sep 5 (IANS) At least 15,917 children were reported missing across Bangladesh between January and July 2026, according to Police Headquarters data, prompting a leading international human rights organisation to raise serious concerns over child safety and security in the South Asian nation.

France, India deepen strategic defence ties amid shifting geopolitics: Report

IANS | September 5, 2026 8:32 PM

Washington, Sep 5 (IANS) France and India have steadily deepened their technological, economic and, particularly, military ties since the beginning of the century, with the two countries expanding defence cooperation through high-level visits, naval engagements and regular military exercises, a report has highlighted.

China’s coercive tactics in South China Sea reveal greater insecurities: Report

IANS | September 5, 2026 8:05 PM

Tokyo, Sep 5 (IANS) The July 20 clash between China and the Philippines at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea was not an isolated incident but part of a years-long pattern of confrontation. For almost a decade, China has increasingly relied on force and coercion rather than diplomacy in the South China Sea, targeting Philippine resupply boats with water cannons, ramming vessels near Scarborough Shoal and reportedly using lasers against Vietnamese fishermen, a report has stated.

Unacceptable act: Tricolour Sikh soldiers made ultimate sacrifice for, now trampled abroad

IANS | September 5, 2026 7:31 PM

New York, Sep 5 (IANS) In a striking irony, the very Indian national flag for which Sikh soldiers faced bullets and laid down their lives is now being trampled under foot by some Sikhs abroad, a report has highlighted citing the shocking videos and images that went viral during Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent visit to New York which showed some protesters disrespecting the Tricolour.

Pakistan: Human rights body calls for justice, accountability after Ahmadiyya leader's killing

IANS | September 5, 2026 7:09 PM

Islamabad, Sep 5 (IANS) Karachi-based International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) has called for immediate justice and accountability in the assassination of Mirza Safdar Mahmood, a local leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Pakistan’s Punjab Province. Mirza Safdar Mahmood, aged 65, was shot dead in the town of Mandi Bahauddin, reported Spanish media outlet 'Atalayar'. IHRC is an organisation focusing specifically on the rights of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.