Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation ideals under strain amid concerns over democratic governance

IANS | July 18, 2026 5:13 PM

Dhaka, July 18 (IANS) Although Bangladesh has emerged from the struggle against authoritarianism, it has at times faced criticism for adopting authoritarian tendencies and restricting democratic rights. Founded through immense sacrifice, the country continues to debate how best to safeguard the spirit of its independence, a report has highlighted.

India emerges as key partner in global crackdown on transnational crimes

IANS | July 18, 2026 4:37 PM

Brussels, July 18 (IANS) India's cooperation with international agencies in combating transnational crime is rooted in its commitments under international law. After ratifying the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and its three protocols in 2011, New Delhi accepted obligations to tackle human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms.

Pakistan's patronage of terror groups warrants global attention

IANS | July 18, 2026 2:13 PM

Washington, July 18 (IANS) Having harboured terror group Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), Pakistan's military has recently carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan under the pretext of counterterrorism. These strikes targeting civilian populations are masked as security operations aimed at exerting pressure on the Taliban government, while projecting resolve to Western audiences, a report has detailed.