Afghanistan: UN warns internet blackout disrupts earthquake relief

IANS | October 1, 2025 3:15 PM

Kabul, October 1 (IANS) The United Nations has warned that internet blackout in Afghanistan is disrupting earthquake relief, leaving survivors living in remote areas cut off from aid, financial services, and vital humanitarian coordination efforts, local media reported on Wednesday.

Portions of US govt shuts down, employees on furlough

IANS | October 1, 2025 2:21 PM

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Large portions of the US government officially shut down on Wednesday as US President Donald Trump and Congress could not reach an agreement on a spending bill, resulting in thousands of non-essential federal employees being placed on leave.

Human Rights body slams Yunus for calling Hindu persecution in Bangladesh 'baseless'

IANS | October 1, 2025 1:58 PM

Dhaka, Oct 1 (IANS) The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a human rights organisation against religious discrimination, has expressed deep sorrow and anger over Chief Advisor of the interim government Muhammad Yunus’ comments dismissing the persecution of Hindu minorities across Bangladesh as “baseless”.