Niger crisis could worsen security situation in West Africa: UN envoy

United Nations (IANS) The security situation in West Africa could worsen if the crisis in Niger, where a military coup has overthrown the elected government, was not resolved, the top UN envoy for the region warned.

"The unfolding crisis, if…

US, Taliban hold talks for first time since Afghanistan's fall in 2021

Washington (IANS) For the first time since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the US and Taliban held talks in Doha during which Washington pressed the regime to "reverse policies responsible for the deteriorating human rights situation" in Afghanistan,…

Typhoon Doksuri deaths in Philippines rise to 25, 20 missing

Manila (IANS) The death toll from flooding and landslides triggered by typhoon Doksuri in the Philippines has climbed to 25, with at least 20 people still missing, the national disaster agency said on Monday.

Many parts of the country remain…

One injured, 2 Moscow buildings damaged in drone attack, Vnukovo airport shut briefly

Moscow (IANS) A man was injured and two buildings were damaged in Moscow city in the drone attack, allegedly carried out by Ukraine, due to which one of the city's airport Vnukovo was also shut briefly, local media reported.

"The city was…

At least 35 killed, 200 injured in suicide blast targeting JUI-F workers' convention in Pakistan

Peshawar (IANS) At least 35 people, including a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) local leader, were killed in a suicide blast that took place on Sunday at the workers' convention in Bajaur’s Khar, Geo News reported.

Caretaker Information…

Military council names new leader of Niger, suspends constitution

Niamey (IANS) General Abdourahamane Tchiani, former leader of Niger's presidential guard, has been named "president of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland" (CNSP) following a military takeover in the West African country, state…

US announces new measures to address extreme heat

Washington (IANS) US President Joe Biden has announced a series of new measures to protect communities from the extreme heat wave which has led to record high temperatures across the country.

The announcement on Thursday came after the President…

Death toll from boat capsize in Philippines reaches 26

Manila (IANS) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday said the death toll due to the capsize of an overcrowded passenger boat on Laguna de Bay off Rizal province has increased to 26.

The PCG said the boat, which has a maximum capacity of…

Niger soldiers declare coup, hold President hostage

Niamey (IANS) Soldiers in Niger announced a coup on national TV, adding that President Mohamed Bazoum was being held hostage with his wife at his residence in the capital Niamey after negotiations with the head of the presidential guard stalled.

US Fed raises interest rates for the 11th time in 16 months

Washington (IANS) The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, making it the 11th in the last 16 months in its continuing efforts to tame inflation.

The new hike, which was announced after a two-day…