Bangladesh set to become launchpad for jihadist expansion across South Asia: Report

IANS | October 22, 2025 9:18 PM

Dhaka, Oct 22 (IANS) Bangladesh’s ultimate goal of forming an Islamic Revolutionary Army goes beyond internal consolidation and aims to position the country as a strategic outpost for transnational jihadist operations – serving Pakistan’s geopolitical interests and silencing secular voices, a report cited on Wednesday.

Chinese Communist Party has institutionalized monitoring of Tibetan Buddhism: Report

IANS | October 22, 2025 9:14 PM

Colombo, Oct 22 (IANS) China's approach towards Buddhism in Tibet depends on three interconnected levers - co-opting religious institutions, building a state-centred narrative and projecting influence internationally. These levers are aimed to reduce Tibet Buddhism to a a manageable part of the state's political structure. The CCP's levers of control showcase impressive reach but fragile depth, a report stated on Wednesday.

Afghanistan slams Pakistan for making frivolous claims on border clashes

IANS | October 22, 2025 9:13 PM

Bangkok, Oct 22 (IANS) Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob has termed Pakistan’s allegations of blaming India for recent clashes between Kabul and Islamabad as “unfounded, illogical, and unacceptable” while emphasising that the Taliban regime looks forward to strengthening ties with India "within the framework of national interests".

Saudi Arabia scraps Kafala labour system, 13 million foreign workers to benefit

IANS | October 22, 2025 8:24 PM

Riyadh, Oct 22 (IANS) Saudi Arabia has abolished the five-decade old Kafala labour sponsorship system that allowed Kafala (employers) to have inhuman control over employees, including seizing travel documents and taking decision on when they could change their jobs or leave the country, reports confirmed on Wednesday.

Russian President to skip G20 Summit in South Africa

IANS | October 22, 2025 8:15 PM

Moscow, Oct 22 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit in South Africa, Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday. He said that Moscow will be represented at the "worthy level" at the G20 gathering.