Pakistan on Friday declared what it described as an “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities following a sharp escalation in cross-border fighting that has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. The announcement came as reports of explosions and heavy gunfire emerged from Kabul and Kandahar, underscoring the deteriorating security situation along the frontier. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad’s patience had been exhausted after months of mou

India remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism in all its forms, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said while addressing the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council virtually on Wednesday. He asserted that attacks on innocent civilians can never be justified under any circumstances and called for a unified global response rooted in a zero tolerance approach to terrorism. Speaking at the UNHRC session, Jaishankar urged the Unite

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Israel, has strongly reiterated India's stance on the Gaza issue, emphasizing that humanity must never fall victim to conflict. Speaking at a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi expressed India's unwavering support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He stated that the plan creates a pathway toward peace in the region and reinforced India's commitme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign on February 28, aimed at preventing cervical cancer in India. The campaign will provide free vaccinations to 14-year-old girls at government health centres, a significant step towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. The launch event will take place at 11:30 AM from Ajmer, with the participation of Chief Ministers, admini

India has made two significant changes to their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe. With a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, the Men in Blue have included Sanju Samson and Axar Patel in the playing XI, replacing Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar. Samson will take on wicketkeeping duties for India, while Axar Patel will bring his all-round capabilities to the side. India’s entry into the Super 8 was marred by a defeat to South Africa on Sunday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant gesture during his private dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by wearing a traditional Indian jacket, warmly greeting the Indian leader. This thoughtful attire choice was widely seen as a symbol of the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel. The move not only emphasized the strengthening diplomatic and defense ties but also highlighted the personal rapport shared by both leaders, underscoring the deepening coop

In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has launched a sharp attack on President Mohammed Shahabuddin, following his public criticism of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime. Rahman’s comments, which came shortly after Shahabuddin revealed his experiences under the Yunus administration, inadvertently exposed a deeper connection between Bangladesh’s Islamist groups and the interim regime, hinting at a tacit alliance that has shaped the country's po

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has concluded a rare party congress with a pointed message to the United States, stating that Pyongyang could improve relations with Washington if it is recognised as a nuclear power. At the same time, he hardened his stance toward South Korea, describing it as the country’s “most hostile” enemy and ruling out further engagement. According to state media reports released on February 26, Kim said there was “no reason” North Korea and the Unit

Canada’s immigration authorities have declined to comment on the specific citizenship case of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian citizen accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, citing privacy laws and respect for ongoing legal proceedings. However, officials have reiterated that fraud and misrepresentation remain valid grounds for citizenship revocation under Canadian law. In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it c

The United States Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels accused of facilitating illicit Iran oil sales and supporting Tehran’s weapons programs. The action, carried out through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), forms part of Washington’s continuing maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s military capabilities and financial networks. According to the Treasury, the measures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal, marking a significant milestone in India-Israel relations. The honour, considered the highest award of Israel’s Parliament, was presented in recognition of Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to the Indian prime minister following his address to the Israeli Parliam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation in Israel’s parliament on Wednesday as he delivered a historic address to the Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to speak before the Israeli legislature. Lawmakers rose to their feet and chanted his name as Modi began his remarks by conveying greetings from 1.4 billion Indians. In his speech, the prime minister strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated India’s firm policy of zero tolerance toward ex

Iranian authorities on Tuesday deployed plainclothes police and armed security personnel across several universities in an effort to contain a fourth consecutive day of student protests directed at Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The heightened security presence reflects growing concern within the government over expanding campus unrest and the potential for demonstrations to spread further. Clashes were reported at multiple academic institutions, including Tehran’s Univers

Satellite imagery and open-source flight tracking data indicate that the United States has significantly expanded its military presence across Europe and the Middle East as tensions with Iran intensify over Tehran’s nuclear programme. More than 150 American military aircraft have reportedly been repositioned to forward operating bases in what analysts describe as one of the largest regional force deployments in over two decades. The aircraft include heavy cargo planes, aerial refuelling tanker

India's T20 World Cup 2026 journey has hit a rough patch after a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa in their Super 8 opener. While the team’s future in the tournament remains uncertain, their coach, Gautam Gambhir, is now under intense scrutiny for his handling of key decisions. Critics, including 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth, have raised concerns about Gambhir's strategies, particularly his team selection choices. Srikkanth expressed doubts over Gambhir’s role,

Team India’s path to the T20 World Cup semifinals is now entirely dependent on their ability to turn around their Net Run Rate (NRR) following a crushing defeat to South Africa in their Super 8 opener. With India sitting in third place in Group 1 and a dismal NRR of -3.800, the equation for qualification has become clear: India must beat Zimbabwe by 100 runs or more when the two teams meet in Chennai on February 26. After a strong start to the tournament, including an impressive v

India's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has hit a major roadblock after West Indies secured a dominating 107-run win against Zimbabwe in their Super 8 clash in Mumbai. The victory not only boosted West Indies' chances of advancing but also dealt a heavy blow to India's semifinal aspirations. India, who are grouped alongside West Indies and Zimbabwe, must now win both of their remaining Super 8 matches by substantial margins to keep their Net Run Rate (NRR) competitive. With the pressure mounting

As the Russia-Ukraine war entered its fourth year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a direct appeal to former US President Donald Trump, urging continued American backing for Kyiv in its ongoing fight against Moscow. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that sustained US support remains critical as the conflict with Russia shows no signs of resolution. In an interview ahead of the February 24 anniversary marking Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy stressed the strategi

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a high-profile visit to India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour, in what officials describe as a significant step toward revitalizing bilateral relations that have faced strain in recent years. The visit, scheduled from February 26 to March 7, 2026, will also include stops in Australia and Japan, reflecting Ottawa’s strategic focus on strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. Carney’s itinerary begins in Mum