Gujarat’s Navalpur gram panchayat emerges as a model of women-led governance

IANS | January 14, 2026 7:17 PM

Ahmedabad, Jan 14 (IANS) Talod taluka of Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district is drawing attention statewide as Navalpur Gram Panchayat has set a remarkable example of women’s empowerment in local governance. The panchayat is entirely women-led — from the sarpanch to the deputy sarpanch and all members — and notably, every representative was elected unanimously. Under this collective leadership, the village has showcased how consensus-driven governance can accelerate development across sectors.

New household survey confirms rising poverty in Pakistan

IANS | January 14, 2026 6:42 PM

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Pakistan’s Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES), published after a gap of six years, exposes the extreme level of poverty in the country with food-insecure households surging from 15.9 per cent in 2018 to 2019 to a staggering 24.4 per cent in 2024 to 2025, according to a report in the local media.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi join kite-flying festivities on Makar Sankranti

IANS | January 14, 2026 6:39 PM

Ahmedabad, Jan 14 (IANS) The festival of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) unfolded with vibrant colours and soaring enthusiasm across Gujarat, as citizens filled terraces and open grounds to celebrate the tradition of kite flying. From Ahmedabad to Surat and Gandhinagar, the state’s top leaders stepped away from official responsibilities for a day and mingled with the public—participating in the festivities not as politicians, but as fellow kite lovers.

India and China discuss positive steps for improved bilateral relations

IANS | January 14, 2026 6:31 PM

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday highlighted the need to take positive steps to create the right environment for improved bilateral relations between India and China during his meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), who is on a visit to India from January 12-14.

India and Cuba reaffirm commitment to strengthen ties

IANS | January 14, 2026 5:54 PM

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Marking the 66th anniversary of their diplomatic relations earlier this week, India and Cuba have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation based on mutual respect, collaboration, and solidarity.