Pakistan: Rights body condemns detention of govt employees in Balochistan

IANS | January 29, 2026 8:38 PM

Quetta, Jan 29 (IANS) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday condemned the detention of government employees who were peacefully raising their demands and also called for the release of leaders and members of the Balochistan Grand Alliance who were reportedly shifted to Mach Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order.

Indian diaspora celebrates UP Diwas in New Jersey 

IANS | January 29, 2026 8:37 PM

Washington, Jan 29, (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America celebrated UP Diwas in New Jersey over the weekend. The event on January 24 was held amid a state-level emergency and extreme cold conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 14 degrees Celsius. Despite the weather, members of the Uttar Pradesh community gathered in large numbers to observe the day, manifesting strong cultural attachment and community togetherness.

Venezuela debate in US offers India a glimpse of new geopolitics

Lalit K Jha | January 29, 2026 8:16 PM

Washington, Jan 29 (IANS) A contentious US Senate hearing on Venezuela this week offered a revealing look at how Washington is fusing energy control, China’s debt diplomacy, sanctions, and calibrated force — a strategic mix that resembles challenges India faces across the Global South and the Indo-Pacific.

Pakistan’s public debt soars to 70.7 pc of GDP as fiscal deficit breaches limit

IANS | January 29, 2026 6:15 PM

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Pakistan’s finance ministry has admitted that “public debt dynamics remained a key challenge” during the last fiscal year, as the increase in total public debt was “driven mainly by higher interest payments and exchange rate movements,” according to a report in the Karachi-headquartered Express Tribune newspaper.