Bangladesh: BNP accuses Jamaat of distorting history ahead of Feb 12 elections

IANS | February 3, 2026 9:09 PM

Dhaka, Feb 3 (IANS) As political tensions intensify ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday accused the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami of distorting history, warning that the latter could one day claim that Ghulam Azam, the former Jamaat leader, proclaimed the country’s independence, local media reported.

Pakistan's suppression of press freedom and dissent raises global concern: Report

IANS | February 3, 2026 9:00 PM

Athens, Feb 3 (IANS) Journalists and media organisations across Pakistan have faced mounting pressures in recent years, including legal cases, threats, and constraints on reporting. Critics argue that the frequent use of counterterrorism laws by the Pakistani authorities in cases related to speech and political commentary blurs the line between legitimate national security concerns and the silencing of dissent, a report said on Tuesday.

Global brokerages hail India-US trade deal, FII flows to gradually reverse

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:54 PM

Mumbai, Feb 3 (IANS) Global and Indian brokerages on Tuesday largely welcomed the India–US trade deal, calling it a major positive for India’s economy, corporate earnings and foreign investment sentiment.

‘I have to give 100 pc in every match’: Aditya Lalage eyes strong comeback ahead of FIH Men’s Pro League

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:49 PM

New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) Aditya Arjun Lalage's path from Pune’s Krida Prabodhini to the international hockey arena has been marked by dedication. He first appeared in the senior team against Germany during the 2024 Test series, and after two years of honing his skills, he's prepared to regain his position.

Bangladesh: Jamaat's discriminatory stance on women fuels debate over its place in politics

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:48 PM

Dhaka, Feb 3 (IANS) For Bangladesh to develop as a democratic state, citizens must question whether a radical political party like Jamaat-e-Islami, with its regressive stance on women, has the right to remain registered and function within the country’s existing constitutional and legal framework, a report questioned on Tuesday. Until these fundamental questions are addressed, it added, entrusting such a party the responsibility of governing the state would be irresponsible.

T20 WC: Stayed calm through uncertainty when Scotland was to get last-minute call-up, says McCreath

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:39 PM

New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) Scotland batter Finlay McCreath said he tried to remain calm and focused on training as uncertainty swirled around whether his team would replace Bangladesh at the Men's T20 World Cup, starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Anil Kapoor speaks up on competition from young actors like Vijay Varma

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:38 PM

Mumbai, Feb 3 (IANS) Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming streaming project ‘Family Business’, has spoken up on the increasing competition in the industry.

GCRI records 2.59 lakh OPD visits, treats over 26,800 new cancer patients in 2025

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:34 PM

Gandhinagar, Feb 3 (IANS) Over 2.59 lakh outpatient department visits, more than 17,800 surgeries and 50,130 chemotherapy sessions were recorded at the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) in Ahmedabad during 2025, underscoring the scale of cancer care delivered by the institute over the year.

WPL: Own that position and try to do a job for the group, says Sophie Devine on ‘favourite’ playing role

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:30 PM

Vadodara, Feb 3 (IANS) New Zealand and Gujarat Giants all-rounder Sophie Devine believes that experience alone does not define a player’s value in a team, stressing instead the importance of clarity and consistency of role in building confidence

Pakistan: Strategic failure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has collapsed into ethnic security crisis

IANS | February 3, 2026 8:22 PM

Islamabad, Feb 3 (IANS) Pakistan's hostility towards Afghanistan is not about terrorism - as for Islamabad, terrorism has always remained negotiable - but the Taliban in Kabul acting like a sovereign authority - brutal, responsive, incompetent but independent, a report has highlighted. Taliban, it said, refused to take instruction, rejected hierarchy, and declined the role scripted for them in Pakistan’s strategic theatre.