Bangladesh: Jamaat seeks EC decision on February election schedule

IANS | December 8, 2025 8:53 PM

Dhaka, Oct 8 (IANS) As the February 2026 elections approach in Bangladesh, the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday pressed the country's Election Commission for a specific decision on announcing the poll schedule, saying that “time is running out to arrange the polls before the upcoming Ramadan”, the local media reported.

Bangladesh: The fallacy of media freedom under Yunus regime (IANS Analysis)

Dr Sreoshi Sinha & Abu Obaidha Arin | December 8, 2025 8:33 PM

New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS) The persecution of journalists by the state is a grim reality across many authoritarian regimes—from Taliban-ruled Afghanistan to Myanmar, Belarus, Turkiye, and the Philippines. In such contexts, the press—often deemed the “fourth pillar of democracy”—is treated not as a watchdog, but as a threat. Bangladesh is also echoing this global trend.

Democracy and Pakistan don't go together: MEA

IANS | December 8, 2025 8:29 PM

New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS) India on Monday reiterated that "democracy and Pakistan don't go together" while highlighting the perennial crisis and unending political uncertainty in the neighbouring country, including the speculation surrounding the health of country's former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

India and Egypt discuss strategic partnership, economic opportunities

IANS | December 8, 2025 8:17 PM

New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS) India and Egypt on Monday discussed efforts to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries during a meeting between Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and visiting Assyut Governorate Governor Hisham Aboulnasr in New Delhi.

India's strategic autonomy: Partnering widely, disagreeing politely and choosing without apology

IANS | December 8, 2025 7:56 PM

New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS) The camaraderie shared between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the former's visit to India last week was neither a challenge to the West, nor a throwback to Cold War certainties, but a signal that New Delhi's strategic autonomy is a lived principle -- partnering widely, disagreeing politely, and choosing without apology, a report said on Monday.