Chinese President Xi Jinping's top military command consumed by paranoia: Report

IANS | January 28, 2026 9:30 PM

Washington, Jan 28 (IANS) As China prepares for the 'Two Sessions' in March, the country’s biggest annual political event, new appointments are expected with key positions to be filled by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s handpicked loyalists. However, new appointments cannot hide the fact that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aim is to become a world-class military in the coming years and will encounter immediate challenges, a report said on Wednesday.

Pakistan's military consolidation deepens, eroding public trust: Report

IANS | January 28, 2026 9:23 PM

Islamabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Pakistan's renewed relevance and facade of internal stability, secured through the suppression of dissent and temporary major power favour, remain fragile as the hybrid regime still struggles to secure public trust, and the illusion of order "carries the seeds of its undoing", a report said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh: Jamaat engages in dual Shariah narrative ahead of Feb election

IANS | January 28, 2026 9:09 PM

Dhaka, Jan 28 (IANS) Although Bangladesh's radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami signals when convenient that it will not implement Shariah if it comes to power, its leaders, including candidates for the February 12 general elections--openly advocate establishing Shariah law on television talk shows. Similarly, at the grassroots level, mid, lower-tier leaders and workers promote voting for the Jamaat electoral symbol 'daripalla' (balance scale) symbol as a religious duty, while some even present it as a “ticket to paradise”, a report said on Wednesday.

Pak terror groups exploiting humanitarian channels to raise funds: Report

IANS | January 28, 2026 9:08 PM

Washington, Jan 28 (IANS) Pakistan-based Islamic terrorist organisations are diversifying their fundraising tactics and finding ways to evade global oversight. These groups exploit humanitarian activities, mosques, rescue operations and wars to raise funds worldwide — including in the US, while spreading “militant Islamic messages” and bolstering terrorist activities, a report said on Wednesday.

Trump warns Iran to negotiate as US armada moves closer

IANS | January 28, 2026 8:20 PM

Washington, Jan 28 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked Iran to move quickly toward negotiations as a large American naval force advanced to the region, raising pressure on Tehran amid heightened Middle East tensions.

Early voting starts for Japan's lower house election

IANS | January 28, 2026 8:13 PM

Tokyo, Jan 28 (IANS) Early voting for Japan's House of Representatives election scheduled for February 8 started at Japanese diplomatic missions worldwide and designated places in Japan on Wednesday, local media reported.

Justice in rural Pakistan decided by proximity to influence: Report

IANS | January 28, 2026 8:09 PM

Islamabad, Jan 28 (IANS) Justice in several parts of rural Pakistan is not decided by evidence but by proximity to influence, a report has stated. When speaking about justice in Pakistan, the discussion usually unfolds in courtrooms, legal reforms, constitutional clauses, and televised outrage. However, the justice reveals its right form far from cameras and commentary, it detailed.

Understanding Pakistan's illusion of strength (IANS analysis)

IANS | January 28, 2026 7:37 PM

Islamabad: Pakistan is a state whose economy is fragile and dependent on International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds. It survives on repeated bailouts, emergency loans, and financial lifelines from friendly nations. Saudi Arabia has stepped in more than once to keep Islamabad afloat. China has long been presented as Pakistan’s “all-weather friend” and economic backbone, though many now describe that relationship less as partnership and more as a debt trap. Yet in spite of all this dependency, Pakistan wants the world to believe a different story.