Pakistan 'unreliable' US ally, 'extremely problematic' partner: Report

IANS | January 8, 2026 9:10 PM

Washington, Jan 8 (IANS) Although Pakistan enjoys Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the United States, which grants privileged access to military cooperation and equipment, Islamabad has consistently proven to be an unreliable strategic partner, a report highlighted on Thursday.

Expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan causing major humanitarian crisis: Leading NGO

IANS | January 8, 2026 9:05 PM

Kabul, Jan 8 (IANS) Doctors Without Borders, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) offering medical humanitarian assistance to people, has warned that the expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan is causing a serious humanitarian crisis, especially during winter season, endangering the lives of people, local media reported on Thursday.

Adapt to rapidly evolving character of modern conflict: COAS Gen Dwivedi in Sri Lanka

IANS | January 8, 2026 8:16 PM

Colombo, Jan 8 (IANS) India's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday visited the Army War College (AWC) in Sri Lanka and interacted with Major General D K R N Silva, Commandant, AWC. He also witnessed the foundation laying ceremony of the India-Sri Lanka Friendship Sports Complex and the handing over of a military ambulance to AWC.

63 pc Pakistan’s youth never went to school: Data

IANS | January 8, 2026 7:21 PM

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) A staggering 63 per cent of Pakistan’s youth population and 23 per cent of adolescents have never received any formal education -- highlighting a deep and persistent crisis that continues to push millions of young people to the margins of society, according to the country's Census 2023 data, media reports said.

France: Farmers storm Paris with tractors to protest against EU-Mercosur FTA

IANS | January 8, 2026 6:50 PM

Paris, Jan 8 (IANS) Farmers in France on Thursday stormed into central Paris with around 100 tractors to protest the European Union's intention to sign the Mercosur Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South American nations. The protesters bypassed police blockades to reach prominent sites like the Eiffel Tower.

'Pakistan facing food crisis, urban areas or middle classes not exempt'

IANS | January 8, 2026 6:44 PM

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Pakistan’s Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES 2024-25), released on January 2 this year, indicates a significant increase in household food insecurity, with roughly one in four persons experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity in 2024-25, compared to about one in six in 2018-19, according to an article in the Pakistani media.