Anger, frustration mounts in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan over Pakistan's extractive economic approach

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:29 PM

Islamabad, Feb 23 (IANS) Islamabad's handling of dissent in Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has showcased the structural contradictions in the governance model of the region. Despite forcibly having administrative control since 1948, Pakistan has not given full constitutional status to PoGB, resulting in federal government and military-related institutions to have decisive authority over resources and political institutions of PoGB while restricting meaningful local representation, a leading Afghan media outlet has stated.

Award-winning artisans bring traditional crafts to Delhi at Parishkriti expo

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:21 PM

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) A week-long handloom exhibition showcasing India's rich weaving traditions has brought award-winning artisans and weavers from across the country to the national capital, offering them a platform to sell directly to customers without intermediaries.

Ivashka stuns top seed Gomez; Shimizu, Gray, and Ajdukovic advance in Maha Open ATP Challenger

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:19 PM

Pune, Feb 23 (IANS) Former top-50-ranked player Ilya Ivashka pulled off the upset of the day, knocking out top seed Federico Agustin Gomez in a thrilling three-set battle in the opening round of the Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 Men's Tennis Championship at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Stadium at the Shiv Chhatrapati Kreeda Sankul in Pune on Monday.

NDA opens Kochi regional office ahead of PM Modi's March 6 visit

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:13 PM

Kochi, Feb 23 (IANS) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to visit Kochi on March 6 to release the NDA’s election manifesto, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday signalled the formal launch of its election campaign in Kerala by inaugurating its regional office in Ernakulam.

Shubhankar finishes 48th and Veer is 53rd in Kenya

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:13 PM

Nairobi, Feb 23 (IANS) Shubhankar Sharma carded a fine 3-under 67 to finish Tied-48th at the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.

China: Doubts rise over military's effectiveness after large-scale removal of top brass

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:08 PM

Abuja, Feb 23 (IANS) As Chinese President Xi Jinping aims for an unprecedented fourth term as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), analysts suggest he may be uncertain of his complete control over the armed forces. Without a clear succession plan, concerns persist about other aspirants positioning themselves to step into Xi’s role, with potential threats emerging from the senior Generals in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a report said on Monday.

Canadian PM Mark Carney to visit India this week, hold talks with PM Modi

IANS | February 23, 2026 6:55 PM

Ottawa, Feb 23 (IANS) Expanding Canada-India relationship will be in focus as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visits India later this week during which he will first travel to Mumbai and then visit New Delhi, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

T20 World Cup: Shepherd, Ngarava return as Zimbabwe elect to bowl first

IANS | February 23, 2026 6:55 PM

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) Zimbabwe captain Sikander Raza won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies in a Super 8 Group 1 clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.

‘Parishkriti’ handloom exhibition empowers weavers with direct market access: Development Commissioner

IANS | February 23, 2026 6:49 PM

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The ‘Parishkriti’ handloom exhibition is providing weavers and artisans a prestigious platform to directly connect with premium customers and strengthen their market presence, Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) said on Monday.

India's Tier-2 and 3 cities account for 70 pc workforce: Report

IANS | February 23, 2026 6:45 PM

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Around 70 per cent of jobs in India are hosted in non‑metro India, with Tier‑3 cities alone accounting for 40 per cent of employment and Tier‑2 hubs a further 29 per cent compared with 31 per cent in Tier‑1 cities, a report said on Monday.