Despite nationwide protest, French Senate passes pension reform bill

Paris (IANS) The French Senate has approved the country's pension reform plan, despite the hundreds of thousands of people who have taken to the streets to protest a significant policy change that could define President Emmanuel Macron's second…

Bilawal admits Pakistan unable to get Kashmir attention at UN

United Nations (IANS) Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has admitted that Islamabad has been unable to get Kashmir to the "centre" of the UN agenda and India's diplomacy is able to scuttle its efforts.

"We face a particularly…

Game-changing moment for Middle East as Iran and Saudi Arabia bury the hatchet

London (IANS) When Saudi Arabia and Iran buried the hatchet in Beijing, it was a game-changing moment both for a Middle East shaped by their decades-old rivalry, and for China's growing influence in the oil-rich region, the media reported.

Xi Jinping begins historic 3rd term as Chinese President

Beijing (IANS) Xi Jinping has started a historic third term as the Chinese President after he was unanimously elected to the top post at the ongoing session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Friday.

He was also elected as…

Military postures elevate risk of armed confrontation between India, China: US

New Delhi (IANS) A US intelligence report has warned that "expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border" elevates the risk of armed confrontation between the two nuclear-powered neighbours.

The report said that…

China open to US Commerce Secretary's visit: Official

Beijing (IANS) China is open to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's wish to visit the country this year, as it is very important for the commerce departments of both sides to maintain dialogue and communication, a Chinese Commerce Ministry official…

Quakes put more pressure on Turkey's effort to curb inflation

Ankara (IANS) After reaching a staggering 85.51 points in October 2022, Turkey's consumer prices index (CPI) has seen a steady decrease for the past months.

In February, the country further narrowed its inflation number, reaching 55.15…

Cargo ship refloated after running aground in Egypt's Suez Canal

Cairo (IANS) A cargo ship was refloated after being stranded in Egypt's Suez Canal for two hours, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced.

Four SCA tugboats succeeded to refloat the MSC-ISTANBUL cargo vessel which went aground while crossing…

Russian reservists fighting with shovels, says UK intelligence

London (IANS) Russian reservists are likely using "shovels" for "hand-to-hand" combat in Ukraine due to a shortage of ammunition, the UK's Ministry of Defence has said, according to a media report.

In late February, reservists described…

S.Korea, Japan to create 'future youth fund' as part of deal on forced labour

Seoul (IANS) South Korea and Japan have tentatively agreed to create a "future youth fund" to sponsor scholarships for students, as part of a deal on settling the issue of compensation for Korean victims of Japan's wartime forced labor, sources…