UN chief calls for unity, action to address racism

IANS | March 22, 2026 7:09 AM

United Nations, March 22 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for unity and action to address "the ancient poison of racism," which he said is alive and kicking in every community, society, country and region of the world.

Russia and China weakening American primacy, expanding influence: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:16 PM

Brussels, March 21 (IANS) Russia and China have carefully calibrated their support for Iran while avoiding a direct confrontation with the United States during the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Yet, a report has highlighted, the balancing act carries significant risks as Gulf states may drift closer to Washington if Beijing appears too aligned with Tehran and Russia could struggle to handle its own military commitments.

OpenAI eyes 8,000 workforce amid rising AI competition: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:16 PM

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) OpenAI -- a parent of ChatGPT -- plans to nearly double its workforce to around 8,000 employees by the end of the year as it accelerates its push into the enterprise market and seeks to regain ground from rival Anthropic, according to a report.

Defence deal with US could result in Bangladesh surrendering intelligence sovereignty: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:11 PM

Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) The newly-elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government's 'Bangladesh First' policy — if more than just a slogan - must guide all future negotiations on General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)-related agreements with the United States. President Donald Trump’s letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last month indicates that the negotiations stalled during the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government are likely to resume once the West Asia crisis ends, a report said on Saturday.

Pakistan's aggressive military operations in Afghanistan risk severe regional consequences

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:04 PM

Washington, March 21 (IANS) Pakistan's pursuit of aggressive military operations in Afghanistan, if unchecked by meaningful diplomatic pressure, could turn the conflict into a prolonged war with severe regional consequences. This would not only destabilise Afghanistan but also entrench a pattern of coercion that undermines international norms, a report said on Saturday.

India emerges critically important for Bangladesh amid supply disruptions: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:38 PM

New Delhi/Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) While Bangladesh and India have engaged in extensive discussions on trade and connectivity extensively at the bilateral level, the emergency supply security – with clearly defined, structured, and contractually binding terms – is yet to be formalised despite its clear significance, a report said on Saturday.

Pakistan exploiting religion to mask its savage agenda in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:24 PM

Washington, March 21 (IANS) Pakistan would no longer be safe for its Shia citizens in the event of a full-fledged war between Iran and the surrounding Arab countries. The residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) could secure a dignified life by breaking free from the “shackles of the Two-Nation doctrine and rejoining India”, a report has highlighted.

World leaders express readiness to make 'appropriate efforts' to open Strait of Hormuz

IANS | March 21, 2026 7:54 PM

Abu Dhabi, March 21 (IANS) The effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable, several world leaders stated on Saturday while strongly condemning Tehran's attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations in the region.