US kills 'leader affiliated with Al-Qaeda' in Syria

IANS | January 18, 2026 9:18 AM

Washington, Jan 18 (IANS) The United States military has carried out a third strike in Syria in response to a deadly ambush that killed three Americans last month, with US Central Command confirming the death of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader linked to the attack.

Trump calls for end to Khamenei’s rule amid Iran protests

IANS | January 18, 2026 7:48 AM

Washington, Jan 18 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has called for an end to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s decades-long rule, saying the country needs new leadership as it faces sustained public unrest.

Pakistan-Saudi defence partnership signals troubling geopolitical consequences

IANS | January 17, 2026 9:07 PM

Islamabad, Jan 17 (IANS) Senior military officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reportedly met recently to advance defence cooperation, a move that underscores shifting geopolitical currents in the Middle East and beyond. What appears at first glance to be a straightforward arms transaction is in reality part of a broader recalibration of strategic alignments, a report has said.

Christians in China facing escalating repression: Report

IANS | January 17, 2026 8:05 PM

Colombo, Jan 17 (IANS) The Sinicisation campaign under Chinese President Xi Jinping, that mandates religious groups align their doctrines, customs and morality with Chinese culture, has resulted in the demolition of numerous churches and crosses, restrictions on Bible possession, and banning or confiscation of religious materials not authorised by the government, a report has revealed.

Pakistani grooming gangs in UK linked to longstanding child abuse

IANS | January 17, 2026 6:18 PM

London, Jan 17 (IANS) Pakistani grooming gangs in the United Kingdom are widely known for their organised operations and repeated targetting of minority communities, particularly Sikh and Hindu girls, with activists labelling the serial abuse as “the biggest peacetime crime — and cover-up — in British history", a report has highlighted.