US tariff cut brings major relief to Indian carpet industry

IANS | February 3, 2026 10:15 PM

Bhadohi, Feb 3 (IANS) A major boost has come for India’s carpet industry from across the seas, as the United States has slashed import tariffs on Indian carpets from 50 pc to 18 pc. The decision has brought renewed optimism among exporters in UP’s Bhadohi—India’s carpet hub—and strengthened the country’s position amid stiff competition from neighbouring nations in the global market.

Nepal government withdraws controversial social media bill

IANS | February 3, 2026 9:35 PM

Kathmandu, Feb 3 (IANS) Nepal’s interim government on Tuesday decided to withdraw the Social Media Bill registered in Parliament by the then K P Sharma Oli–led government, which had been widely criticised for seeking to curtail freedom of expression.

Bangladesh: Political violence ahead of next week's election leaves 11 dead, 616 injured

IANS | February 3, 2026 9:29 PM

Dhaka, Feb 3 (IANS) With the law and order situation worsening in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus led interim government, political violence has continued to rise sharply across the country ahead of the February 12 national election as casualties in January increased significantly in comparison to December 2025, local media reported on Tuesday citing a Dhaka-based human rights organisation.

Jamaat's view on women sparks 'visceral response' across Bangladesh

IANS | February 3, 2026 9:17 PM

Dhaka, Feb 3 (IANS) Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman’s recent social media remarks equating women’s work outside the home with prostitution are not merely a conservative stance but dehumanising, reducing teachers, garment workers, doctors, nurses, journalists, police officers and civil servants to a single degrading label, a report said on Tuesday.