India launches BHIM-UPI services in Bhutan

New Delhi (IANS) As part of the plans to extend its digital footprint in the neighbouring countries, India on Tuesday launched the BHIM-UPI-led services in Bhutan.

The launch was carried out virtually by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs…

Pentagon monitoring Taliban's sweeping advances in Afghanistan 'with deep concern'

New Delhi (IANS) Pentagon officials are monitoring the Taliban's sweeping advances in Afghanistan "with deep concern" and are encouraging its partners in Kabul to "step up" and defend their country amid the pullout of American forces, spokesman…

Pak tries to gain sympathy by playing victim card in Afghan melee

New Delhi (IANS) Pakistans strategy in the coming days, weeks and months would be to portray themselves as being left to fend for themselves after the withdrawal of US troops, and that they will be bearing the brunt of the fall out of a failing Afghanistan…

109 Taliban militants killed in S.Afghanistan

Kabul (IANS) At least 109 Taliban militants were killed and 25 others injured during fierce battles and clashes in two southern Afghan provinces, as fighting raged in the war-torn country, the military confirmed on Saturday.

In Kandahar province,…

BNP lawmaker pitches for Islamic Bangladesh

Kolkata (IANS) Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lawmaker Harunur Rashid has pitched for an Islamist Bangladesh, opposing the secular polity that the ruling Awami League seeks to uphold.

During his speech in the Bangladesh Parliament…

52 killed, over 100 missing in massive Bangladesh food factory blaze

Dhaka, (IANS) A massive blaze tore through a food processing factory in an industrial town near Dhaka, killing at least 52 as workers trapped by flames in the multi-storey building were forced to leap for their lives from the fourth floor.

The…

Biden cancels Trump proposal to time-limit student visas

New York (IANS) US President Joe Biden's administration has announced it is cancelling a proposal by his predecessor Donald Trump to limit student visas to a four-year term for scholars from India and most other countries.

The Department…

Taliban enters Afghan provincial capital, fighting continues

Kabul (IANS) Taliban militants entered Qala-e-Naw city, the capital of Afghanistan's western Badghis province on Wednesday as fighting continued, a top official said.

According to the official, Taliban fighters entered the city after capturing…

Iran blames Israel for nuke facility sabotage

Tehran (IANS) The Iranian government has blamed Israel for a recent sabotage act against a nuclear facility near Karaj city.

"We have confirmed the sabotage, and we confirm it again. Of course, this action did not lead to human loss, and the…

Urgent vaccine supplies sought for B'desh

Dhaka (IANS) Urgent actions were required to increase Covid-19 vaccine supplies for Bangladesh as hospitals have reached their capacity and oxygen supplies were running short due to an ongoing rapid Covid-19 resurgence, a global humanitarian organisation…