293 killed in mob attacks in Bangladesh since Yunus took over: Rights group

IANS | December 31, 2025 11:34 AM

Dhaka, Dec 31 (IANS) A leading human rights organisation in Bangladesh highlighted widespread rights abuses across the country, including mob violence, extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, minority persecution, killings in political violence, and suppression of press freedom, local media reported on Wednesday.

EAM Jaishankar to attend Khaleda Zia's funeral in Dhaka today

IANS | December 31, 2025 9:27 AM

New Delhi, Dec 31 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will represent the government and people of India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia, the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Wednesday.

Rubio discusses Yemen with UAE, Saudi leaders

IANS | December 31, 2025 6:22 AM

Washington, Dec 31 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone calls with the top diplomats of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the deteriorating situation in Yemen and broader concerns affecting regional security and stability, according to official US readouts.

India’s centrality in Indo-Pacific a strategic prize that must be continuously earned: Report

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:59 PM

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) India is no longer a peripheral player in the affairs of Indo-Pacific but is becoming the fulcrum upon which regional stability and prosperity relies. India's centrality in the Indo-Pacific is a strategic prize that must be continuously earned through investment in maritime capabilities, diplomatic engagement and economic integration, a report has detailed.

Experts reckon holding inclusive election would honour former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia's legacy

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:21 PM

Dhaka, Dec 30 (IANS) Expressing grief over the passing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, on Tuesday said her legacy should be honoured through inclusive elections to be held in February 2026, with the participation of the Awami League. Sikri noted that both the former Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, had fought side by side to restore democracy in the country.

US-led strikes net 25 ISIS operatives in Syria

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:04 PM

Washington, Dec. 30 (IANS) US and partner forces have killed or captured nearly 25 ISIS operatives in Syria following a large-scale strike earlier this month, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).