UN seeks access to Syria's Rukban for evacuation

United Nations (IANS) The UN has said it wants to do more to help the people of Rukban in Syria -- those who fled and those are still there -- if granted full access.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,…

Paris' iconic Notre Dame cathedral on fire, spire collapses

Paris (IANS) A fire at Paris's iconic Notre-Dame cathedral on Monday has spread over the more than eight-century-old building, destroying its spire and a large part of its roof, media reports said.

The cause of the fire…

IMF may delay Pakistan visit as bailout talks continue

Islamabad (IANS) The visit of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Islamabad for finalising a bailout package for Pakistan may be delayed as both sides are still engaged in an intense discussion on the proposed programme, official…

No grudges if India decides to skip BRI forum: China

Beijing (IANS) China on Monday said it won't hold a grudge against India if it skipped the second edition of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum, an event related to the multi-billion dollar connectivity project, to be held this month.

Sudan's transitional military council announces 10-member list

Khartoum (IANS) Sudan's Transitional Military Council chief has issued a constitutional decree to confirm the list of 10 army generals in the council, the official Sudan TV reported.

According to the decree, the 10-member military council…

Internet spreads hate speech like wildfire: UN chief

United Nations (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that hate speech has been spreading like wildfire through the Internet, paying attention should be given to "physical aggression" as the recent attacks against…

MBS urged to ditch aide linked to Khashoggi killing

Washington (IANS) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has privately urged Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the heir to the Saudi throne, to cut his ties to a close adviser whom Washington has sanctioned for his alleged role in the murder of journalist…

North Korea sanctions to remain in place: Trump

Washington (IANS) US President Donald Trump has said that the sanctions on North Korea will remain in place. However, he deemed it unnecessary to increase them further.

According to the accounts of White House journalists sent to media via…

Kim re-elected chair of highest decision making body

Pyongyang (IANS) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was re-elected as chairman of the highest decision-making body in the country at a major parliamentary meeting during which members of the team that manages talks with the US were also reappointed,…

Russia announces highest Order for Modi

New Delhi (IANS) Russia on Friday announced its highest honour-- the Order of St Andrew the Apostle -- for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "distinguished achievement" in developing bilateral strategic relations.

A decree signed by…