Abandoned ships, crew on rise since pandemic: ITF

New York (IANS) As of mid-November, a record 282 ships carrying more than 4,000 seamen had been abandoned by their owners this year, according to the International Transport Workers' Federation, or ITF, a labour union. 

In 2023, the figure…

Syrian army redeploys troops in southern provinces under attacks

Damascus (IANS) The Syrian army said on Saturday that it has redeployed forces in the southern provinces of Daraa and Sweida to set up a stronger defence front after "terrorist" attacks on military checkpoints.

The general command of the armed…

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024 for ex-Chile Prez Michelle Bachelet

New Delhi (IANS) Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and a global advocate for human rights, has been awarded the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development. 

The announcement was made by an international…

India's development assistance changing lives across Myanmar

Nay Pyi Taw (IANS) Several significant projects, that will augment civilian infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the people of Myanmar through India's grant-in aid of $500,000 per annum, were inaugurated in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday. 

Bhutan King arrives in New Delhi for two-day official visit

New Delhi (IANS) Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck received a warm welcome from External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday for his two-day official visit to India. 

He was accompanied by…

Bangladesh minority council express concerns over false case against lawyers, journalists

Dhaka (IANS) The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has expressed shock and concerns over a "false and harassing case" accusing 70 minority lawyers and two journalists from Chittagong. 

The case filed with the Kotwali police…

Putin to visit India in early 2025 at PM Modi's invitation; dates yet to be finalised

Moscow (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025 following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirmed Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. 

The visit is being planned as part of the ongoing commitment…

Trump threatens 100 per cent tariffs against BRICS countries if they develop own currency

New York (IANS) US President-Elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS countries if they develop a new currency or adopt another to replace "the mighty dollar" and effectively bar them from American markets. 

"There…

Zelensky puts forward new conditions on ceasefire, Moscow stays silent

Kyiv/Moscow (IANS) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his readiness to end the "hot phase" of the conflict with Russia in exchange for Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Interfax-Ukraine news agency…

North Korean leader meets Russia's Defence chief, vows continued support for Moscow's war efforts

Seoul (IANS) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has met Russia's visiting Defence Minister and expressed his support for Russia's war efforts against Ukraine, Pyongyang's state media reported on Saturday. 

Kim had a "friendly and trustworthy"…