UN experts criticise China for denying medical treatment to human rights defender

IANS | February 8, 2026 8:00 PM

Beijing, Feb 8 (IANS) UN human rights experts have criticised China for their repeated refusal to Chinese human rights defender, Yang Li, for accessing medical treatment. The experts urged Chinese authorities to stop the harassment and intimidation of Li and her family and allow her to access medical treatment, a report has stated.

NGT issues notices to Centre, states over rising forest fires

IANS | February 8, 2026 7:07 PM

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Centre, state governments, and several statutory authorities on a plea seeking comprehensive directions to address the rising incidents of forest fires across the country.

India–US trade deal comes as boon for MSME sector: CAIT

IANS | February 8, 2026 7:02 PM

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said on Sunday that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of India sees greater opportunities of business in the American market with the finalisation of the first tranche of the India-US trade deal.

Pakistan’s National Finance Commission fails to act on fiscal woes

IANS | February 8, 2026 6:55 PM

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) In what is a stark indicator of the poor governance in Pakistan, the country’s National Finance Commission (NFC) have failed to hold any meeting on revising the formula to modernise resource distribution between the federation and the provinces, according to a report in the Pakistani media.