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Pakistan undermining international norms in conflict with Afghanistan: Report

IANS | March 29, 2026 9:37 AM

Islamabad/Kabul, March 29 (IANS) Pakistan, despite claiming self-defence in its conflict with Afghanistan, cannot evade strict requirements of international law governing the use of force, particularly in the territory of another nation. The norms necessitate proportional response and clear distinction between military and civilian targets, a report has highlighted.

Three dead after massive building fire in China's Shanxi

IANS | March 29, 2026 9:05 AM

Beijing, March 29 (IANS) At least three people were killed, and 23 others sustained injuries, including nine who are reported to be in critical condition, after a fire broke out in a building near Qinxian North Street in Taiyuan, located in North China's Shanxi Province, local media reported on Sunday.

Iran accuses US, Israel of targeting universities, warns of retaliation

IANS | March 29, 2026 8:40 AM

Tehran, March 29 (IANS) Iran on Sunday accused the United States and Israel of deliberately targeting its academic institutions, alleging that strikes on universities such as Isfahan University of Technology and Tehran University of Science and Technology were part of a broader attempt to weaken the country's scientific and cultural foundations.

'No kings' protests sweep US against Trump policies

IANS | March 29, 2026 8:03 AM

Washington, March 29 (IANS) Mass protests swept across the United States, as hundreds of thousands gathered in cities nationwide under the banner of “No Kings,” targeting President Donald Trump’s immigration and foreign policy.

Pentagon prepares for weeks of ground operations in Iran: US media

IANS | March 29, 2026 7:53 AM

New York, March 29 (IANS) The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, as thousands of US soldiers and Marines arrive in the Middle East for what could become a dangerous new phase of the war should US President Donald Trump choose to escalate, The Washington Post reported.

West Asia conflict hits handicrafts, mango exports: Industry

IANS | March 28, 2026 9:28 PM

New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) The ongoing tensions in West Asia have begun to impact India's exports, with sectors such as handicrafts and mango shipments witnessing significant disruptions, industry stakeholders said.

Global community calls for tighter scrutiny of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status

IANS | March 28, 2026 9:23 PM

Geneva, March 28 (IANS) Several European politicians, campaigners and political representatives attending the ongoing 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva have called for closer scrutiny of Pakistan's special trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) granted by the EU, citing growing concerns over the country’s worsening human rights record.

Pakistan bids for mediation in West Asia conflict while fuelling regional instability

IANS | March 28, 2026 8:56 PM

Islamabad, March 28 (IANS) Pakistan, given its association with the A Q Khan network — a global nuclear smuggling chain that supplied enrichment technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea — lacks credibility as the guardian amid its reported move to convey the American proposal to Iran and offer to host talks, a report stated.

Pakistan topping Global Terrorism Index amid worldwide decline reflects internal failures: Report

IANS | March 28, 2026 8:24 PM

Athens, March 28 (IANS) Pakistan's ranking as the worst affected country in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, despite a global decline in terrorism, exposes its deep-rooted internal challenges. The data in the index underscores both the immediate impact of violence and the long-term repercussions of structural and strategic policy choices, a report has highlighted.

Iran conflict exposes limits of China's geopolitical power in Middle East: Report

IANS | March 28, 2026 7:30 PM

Brussels, March 28 (IANS) The conflict involving Iran in the Middle East exposes a fundamental limitation of China’s strategy in the region - economic penetration does not guarantee geopolitical power. For years, Beijing has pursued expansion through trade, investment, and energy partnerships while avoiding the military commitments required for regional security management, a report has stated.