EAM Jaishankar discusses West Asia conflict with German FM Wadephul

IANS | March 23, 2026 12:59 PM

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday said he held a conversation with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has now entered its fourth week, with both sides agreeing to stay in close contact amid evolving developments.

BNM protest in South Korea highlights human rights abuses by Pakistani forces in Balochistan

IANS | March 23, 2026 12:43 PM

Seoul, March 23 (IANS) The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a peaceful protest in South Korea’s Busan, highlighting the ongoing grave human rights violations across Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and systematic repression targeting Baloch civilians, activists, and entire families at the hands of Pakistani forces.

Under scanner: Human rights fronts on ISI's payroll take shape in new Kashmir disinformation push

IANS | March 23, 2026 12:07 PM

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) The Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on certain individuals from Jammu and Kashmir who are attempting to form human rights groups in a bid to spread a false narrative against the Indian establishment. Several journalists alleged to be on the payrolls of the ISI are also under the scanner. These persons are being told to write negative articles against the Indian security forces, an official said.

Iran imposes $2 million transit fee on select ships in Strait of Hormuz

IANS | March 23, 2026 9:34 AM

Tehran, March 23 (IANS) Iran has begun charging certain vessels a transit fee of $2 million (approximately Rs 18.8 crore) to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in what officials describe as a new assertion of control amid its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.