Baloch activist writes to Israeli PM raising alarm over Pakistan-Hamas ties

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:49 PM

Quetta, Jan 2 (IANS) Leading Baloch human rights defender, Mir Yar Baloch, on Friday, wrote to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar drawing attention to Pakistan's support for Hamas and its alliance with Iran's revolutionary axis. He alleged that this alignment contributes to cycles of violence that extend far beyond the immediate theatre of conflict, undermining regional stability from the Middle East to South Asia and beyond.

Human rights body flags surge in violence across Bangladesh

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:48 PM

Dhaka, Jan 2 (IANS) A leading human rights organisation in Bangladesh has expressed its concerns over escalating violence across the country in 2025, including political and electoral violence, mob attacks and lynchings, harassment of journalists, extrajudicial killings, and violence against women and children.

Sikandar Raza to lead 15-man Zimbabwe squad in Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:46 PM

Harare, Jan 2 (IANS) Zimbabwe Cricket on Friday announced a 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza will captain the side, continuing his leadership role as Zimbabwe look to make a strong impression on the global stage.

Chinese infiltration across Western democracies raising concerns: Report

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:38 PM

Brussels, Jan 2 (IANS) The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) infiltration campaign across the West is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, marked by deceptive tactics ranging from covert espionage to embedded vulnerabilities, prompting calls for a coordinated Western response, a report said on Friday.

China using its supply chain dominance as coercive tool

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:17 PM

Yangon, Jan 2 (IANS) China is using its supply chains and dominant control over rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals as a lever to gain asymmetric leverage over global industrial networks, according to an article in Mekong News.

Sri Lanka Cricket plans Day-Night Tests at SSC: Report

IANS | January 2, 2026 9:00 PM

Colombo, Jan 2 (IANS) India could be playing a Pink Ball Day/Night Test when they visit Sri Lanka for a long-form series next time. Sri Lanka Cricket is laying the groundwork for a new chapter in the island’s cricketing history, with plans to stage Day-Night Test matches at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, a report said on Friday.