Pakistan: Munir sells false dreams to disillusioned PoGB population amid militarisation of resources

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:40 PM

Islamabad, Dec 9 (IANS) The militarisation of resource governance in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) reflects a broader pattern of Islamabad’s economic centralisation, with the region treated more as a strategic buffer than a socio-economically integrated area. Also, while the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) promised development, it has instead deepened local disillusionment, a report said on Friday.

China tightens grip on civil society amid escalating crackdowns: Report

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:37 PM

Naypyidaw, Jan 9 (IANS) Despite repeated warnings from International organisations, the space for civil society in China is shrinking rapidly, while opportunities for resistance or redress are disappearing. The latest crackdowns by Chinese authorities depict a state increasingly intolerant of autonomy in any form, with society living under growing fear, silence, and coerced conformity, a report said on Friday.

I-PAC office raids, Mamata's allegations spurs parallel with the US' Watergate episode

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:34 PM

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Since the Watergate scandal of the 1970s that rocked the US, there has been a tendency to name perceived wrongdoings with the suffix "gate", thus, it did not take much time in branding the narrative of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly entering premises under a probe agency's raid and personally retrieving documents as "I-PAC-gate".

Bangladeshi passport becomes huge liability at immigration counters worldwide

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:31 PM

Dhaka, Jan 9 (IANS) Thousands of Bangladeshi travellers are facing a troubling reality as authorities in several countries are denying entry at airports to even those holding valid visas and proper documentation.

Pak terror groups exploiting Gaza crisis to rebuild infrastructure, recruit new cadre

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:26 PM

Athens, Jan 9 (IANS) Pakistani terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are exploiting the situation in Gaza to raise funds for reconstructing terror infrastructure and recruiting new cadres for their activities against India, a report said on Friday.

Jaya Prada 'grills' Vishal Dadlani for making Alia Bhatt dance to her iconic song 'Dafliwaale' in 'SOTY'

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:24 PM

Mumbai Jan 9 (IANS) Veteran actress Jaya Prada, in the recent episode of the singing reality show Indian Idol, jokingly grilled judge and music composer Vishal Dadlani for making actress Alia Bhatt dance to her superhit song 'Dafli Waale' in the movie Student of the Year. The song originally featured the veteran actress from her hit movie Sargam.

WTT Feeder Series 2026: Hansini Mathan and Sanil Shetty upset seeded opponents to advance

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:23 PM

Vadodara, Jan 9 (IANS) Junior national champion Hansini Mathan, wild card entrant Sanil Shetty, and mixed doubles combination Payas Jain and Syndrela Das upset higher-ranked opponents to advance to the second round of the WTT Feeder Series 2026, presented by Sports Authority of Gujarat, at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara on Friday.

Parliament's Budget Session to begin from Jan 28, Budget likely on a Sunday!

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:13 PM

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu has approved the summoning of both Houses of Parliament for the Budget Session 2026 from January 28 on the government's recommendation, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Friday.

Madhoo calls ‘each & every one a sinner’, asks ‘not to judge anybody else’

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:11 PM

Mumbai, Jan 9 (IANS) Veteran actress Madhoo took to her social media today to share her thoughts on the concept of ‘sins and sinners.’ The actress shared a video on her social media, explaining that everyone, whether intentionally or unintentionally, tends to 'commit sins, which makes them sinners'.

Bangladesh: BNP flags rising political violence ahead of Feb elections

IANS | January 9, 2026 9:08 PM

Dhaka, Jan 9 (IANS) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday raised serious concerns over the law and order situation in the country ahead of the February elections, criticising the performance of law enforcement agencies under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, local media reported.