UN adopts resolution on Afghanistan

Kabul (IANS) The UN General Assemblys (UNGA) resolution on the situation in Afghanistan was adopted on Friday by a majority of 131 votes, supporting an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Under the resolution, UN members have…

Biden introduces African-American ex-general as defence head pick

New York (IANS) Emphasising diplomacy as the bulwark of security in a changing world, US President-Elect Joe Biden has introduced retired four-star Army general Lloyd J. Austin as his pick to lead the world's most powerful military, as a man "feared…

US Supreme Court rejects bid to overturn Biden's win

Washington (IANS) The US Supreme Court has rejected a challenge against President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Pennsylvania.

Republicans in the state wanted to overturn certification of the result, but justices rejected the request in a…

Hindu, Christian women 'marketed' by Pak as 'concubines' in China: US official

New York (IANS) Pakistan is marketing Hindu and Christian women as "concubines" and "forced brides" to China, according to the top US diplomat for religious freedom, Samuel Brownback.

One of the sources of "forced brides" for Chinese men are…

Australians satisfied with govt's Covid-19 response: Study

Canberra (IANS) A new study revealed on Tuesday that a vast majority of Australians were satisfied with the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic, with nine out of 10 people in major states saying they agreed with the actions taken.

Nepal to reveal revised height of Mt Everest on Tuesday

Kathmandu (IANS) The Nepal government on Tuesday will reveal the revised height of Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, the media reported on Monday.

The announcement will be made by the Department of Survey on Tuesday afternoon during…

No explosives found aboard Russian airliner in NYC

New York (IANS) No explosives were found onboard a flight of Russia's Aeroflot airline, which arrived from Moscow at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) here, a media report said on Monday.

"There was a threat of a foreign object…

UK's Queen Elizabeth II 'to wait in line' for Covid vaccine

London (IANS) The UK's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip will not get preferential treatment, but will instead "wait in line" during the first wave of the Covid-19 vaccines reserved for the over-80s and care home residents, a media…

Afghan national reconciliation council holds 1st meeting

Kabul (IANS) Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Saturday inaugurated the first meeting of the country's High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) after its establishment a few months ago.

"We held this historic meeting today…

Guterres hails Kuwait's efforts to defuse Gulf crisis

United Nations (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Kuwait's mediation efforts to defuse tension between Qatar and several other Gulf countries.

"The Secretary-General is encouraged by the statement by the foreign minister…