Pakistan: Families live in fear after severe misuse of blasphemy laws

IANS | January 16, 2026 9:23 PM

Islamabad, Jan 16 (IANS) Syndicates, which have entrapped hundreds of people in blasphemy cases for refusing extortion demands continue to remain active in Pakistan, a recent report has cited. It highlighted that the National Commission for Human Rights in Pakistan has said that more than 450 people, mostly men, have been entrapped over the years, and that 10 of them were Christians with at least five of those arrested dying in custody.

Polish Deputy PM to visit India, hold talks with EAM Jaishankar

IANS | January 16, 2026 7:38 PM

New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and his wife, Anne Applebaum, will be on a visit to India from January 17-19, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. Sikorski is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday.

Pakistan’s rich elite gets richer as others lose out

IANS | January 16, 2026 7:08 PM

New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) In Pakistan, the phrase "the 22 families" has been a prominent part of public discourse for decades. It resurfaces time and again, echoing a sentiment held by many that an alarming amount of wealth and power is concentrated in the hands of a small few.

Japan FM Motegi calls on PM Modi, highlights shared strategic interests

IANS | January 16, 2026 6:11 PM

Tokyo/New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) Visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday, highlighting that both Japan and India are "natural partners" that share fundamental values ​​and strategic interests.