Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital today: Report

IANS | March 23, 2025 7:57 AM

Vatican City, March 23 (IANS) Pope Francis will be discharged on Sunday from the hospital where he has spent more than a month being treated for double pneumonia, said Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the pontiff, media reported.

Pakistan govt gives staggering 188 per cent salary raise to ministers

Hamza Ameer | March 22, 2025 7:01 PM

Islamabad, March 22 (IANS) The Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistani government, which had initially made tall claims about launching austerity plans and cutting down on expenditures, has approved a staggering 188 per cent increase in the salaries of cabinet ministers, ministers of state and advisors.

India-NZ partnership 'grown much stronger' during my visit: Luxon

IANS | March 22, 2025 2:50 PM

Wellington, March 22 (IANS) Calling India an "increasingly important partner", New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Saturday that the partnership between the two countries has "grown much stronger" during his five-day visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, earlier this week.

Bangladesh: Desperate to grab power, BNP loses several leaders in internal clashes

IANS | March 21, 2025 8:25 PM

Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) continues to witness factional clashes leading to the death of several of its party leaders and workers, a recent data has revealed while highlighting the degrading law and order situation in the country since the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus came to power in August 2024.

No change in deadline for Afghan citizens to leave country: Pakistan

Hamza Ameer | March 21, 2025 3:24 PM

Islamabad, March 21 (IANS) Islamabad has refused to extend the deportation deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders currently residing in Pakistan, maintaining that all undocumented foreigners need to leave the country by March 31. Pakistan has also brushed aside concerns and reservations raised by the United Nations, several human rights groups and relevant agencies regarding the overall process of repatriation.