Incentivising infiltration: The US military's dangerous bet on Pakistan

IANS | August 10, 2025 5:57 PM

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) As the Middle East approaches a new boiling point, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) finds itself at the heart of an escalating geopolitical storm - from defending Israel against Iranian missile barrages to containing the reach of Chinese influence across the Indian Ocean. In this high-stakes arena, operational clarity and strategic trust are non-negotiable. Yet, CENTCOM’s recent embrace of Pakistan—underscored by the award of the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) to CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla—raises troubling questions about the judgment guiding America’s military partnerships.

'India has emerged as preferred security partner in Indo-Pacific'

IANS | August 10, 2025 4:03 PM

New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) India has now graduated to becoming a "preferred security partner" in the Indo-Pacific region, forming defence partnerships that not only include joint exercises and capacity building but also exports of defence equipment either as a grant or under a defence Line of Credit at the request of the partner state, according to former Indian diplomat Suchitra Durai.

Journalist, along with mother, brutally assaulted in Bangladesh

IANS | August 10, 2025 3:35 PM

Dhaka, Aug 10 (IANS) A local journalist and his mother were brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants in Bangladesh's Lalmonirhat district, police said on Sunday. This adds to the cases of growing violence against journalists in the South Asian nation.

Education, online business, media reporting in Balochistan face disruption due to internet suspension

IANS | August 10, 2025 2:43 PM

Quetta, Aug 10 (IANS) Education, online businesses and media reporting have faced widespread disruptions in Pakistan's Balochistan due to the suspension of internet services for the past several days, with the provincial government claiming that the decision was taken to curb communications among armed groups active in the region, local media reported on Saturday.

UK barristers' chamber demands lifting of ban on Awami League in Yunus-led Bangladesh

IANS | August 10, 2025 1:55 PM

London, Aug 10 (IANS) A request, calling for urgent action on behalf of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina concerning the ban on her party in Bangladesh, has been submitted to the UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic International Order and other UN Special Rapporteurs by two lawyers at Doughty Street Chambers.