Women in Pakistan still face deep-rooted bias in academic institutions: Report

IANS | December 12, 2025 9:29 PM

Islamabad, Dec 12 (IANS) Pakistan’s academic culture continues to police and punish women who refuse to comply with the societal expectations of submissiveness. The recent case involving the Vice Chancellor of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST), Zabta Khan Shinwari, has laid bare a troubling but persistent truth, a report said on Friday.

Tajikistan sees India as priority partner amid growing bilateral engagement: Report

IANS | December 12, 2025 9:21 PM

Dushanbe, Dec 12 (IANS) India and Tajikistan have witnessed an upward trajectory in bilateral ties, with official engagements growing notably in recent years through active diplomatic engagements and frequent bilateral visits. The cooperation extends across key sectors, including investment and trade, human development, security, and advanced technology, a report said on Friday.

Serious doubts over UNHRC member Pakistan's commitment in preventing human rights violations at home

IANS | December 12, 2025 9:17 PM

Islamabad, Dec 12 (IANS) Despite Pakistan's constitution containing provisions that guarantee fundamental rights to all citizens, the minorities in the country continue to battle several challenges, including discriminatory laws, economic barriers, under-representation, sectarian attacks, and bias in textbooks promoting religious intolerance.

Pak PM Sharif trolled heavily for 'gatecrashing' Putin-Erdogan meeting in Turkmenistan

IANS | December 12, 2025 9:16 PM

Ashgabat, Dec 12 (IANS) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was heavily trolled on Friday after videos of him 'gatecrashing' a meeting between Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, went viral on social media.

Mobbed by fans, enthusiasm for chess among Dharavi kids surprises Praggnanandhaa

IANS | December 12, 2025 9:14 PM

Mumbai, Dec 12 (IANS) In a nearly decade-long career as a player, Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has never witnessed a stampede-like situation at a chess venue.

Gujarat CM disburses Rs 370 cr scholarships to 13 lakh students via DBT

IANS | December 12, 2025 9:09 PM

Gandhinagar, Dec 12 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday presided over a scholarship disbursement event under the state’s flagship education schemes - Namo Lakshmi, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana, Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship, and Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship.

Karnataka: Belagavi hosts state-level exhibition showcasing women’s self-help group products

IANS | December 12, 2025 8:56 PM

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 12 (IANS) Belagavi was buzzing with excitement as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a grand state-level exhibition and sales outlets at the historic Sardar Maidan. Organised by the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, the event turned into a lively celebration of creativity, culture, and women’s empowerment.

ICC, JioStar quash exit rumours; to continue four-year deal

IANS | December 12, 2025 8:53 PM

Dubai, Dec 12 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar have reaffirmed their long-term partnership and refuted any rumours that the media partner is considering ending the four-year deal.

Jharkhand: Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana paves way for women's self-reliance in Palamu

IANS | December 12, 2025 8:47 PM

Palamu (Jharkhand), Dec 12 (IANS) The Central Government’s ‘Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana’ has become a major means of making rural women self-reliant. Women’s self-help groups are formed and provided with easy loans, skill training, and market linkages to help them start their own livelihoods under this scheme. A large number of women in Palamu, Jharkhand, have also benefited immensely from this scheme.

Delhi Speaker presents book on Assembly’s parliamentary legacy to PM Modi

IANS | December 12, 2025 8:40 PM

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who presented him a specially curated coffee table book on the city legislature’s parliamentary legacy.