Sehar Time Ramadan 1
Lahore
LHR
05:18 AM
Karachi
KHI
05:46 AM
Islamabad
ISB
05:24 AM
Peshawar
PWR
05:30 AM
Quetta
QTA
05:47 AM
Ramadan Pedia

Google to build new subsea connections from India in AI push

The US giant says it will build three subsea paths connecting India to Singapore, South Africa, and Australia

Khawaja Asif warns war risk with India remains, links attacks to Kabul and Delhi

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned war risk with India remains, blamed Kabul and Delhi for proxy attacks, and said Pakistan may strike militant sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.

UAE president meets US senator in Abu Dhabi

Earlier, social media speculation about Sheikh Mohammed’s health surged after President Erdogan postponed a planned visit to Abu Dhabi

Ramazan begins in Gaza amid ruins of shattered mosques

Hamas says Israeli forces have completely destroyed 835 mosques and partially damaged 180

India tells university to leave AI summit after presenting Chinese robot as its own, sources say

The episode has drawn sharp criticism and has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on India's artificial intelligence ambitions

'Difficult' Ukraine peace talks end after Zelenskiy says Russia stalling

The talks came just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's 2022 invasion of its much smaller neighbour

Ramazan 2026 begins in India, Bangladesh as moon sighted

In India, several media outlets reported crescent sightings from different regions, including confirmation by observers in Allahabad

Israeli forces arrest Al-Aqsa Mosque imam ahead of Ramazan

The move comes amid tightened security measures at the mosque compound and restrictions on worshippers’ entry

Trump extends Ramadan greetings to Muslims worldwide

US President Donald Trump welcomed Ramadan, calling it a month of spiritual renewal, compassion, and unity, while reaffirming America’s commitment to religious freedom.

Vatican says it will not participate in Trump's 'Board of Peace'

The Holy See "will not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States," Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomatic official, said

Epstein tried to build web of powerful ties across Middle East, documents show

DP World announced on Friday that Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem had resigned as chief executive and chair. The decision to act was taken after Bin Sulayem's name appeared in the Epstein files

ECB President Lagarde plans to quit before Macron's term ends, FT reports

Lagarde's term is due to end in October 2027, but some fear that the far right may win the French presidential race in the spring of 2027, complicating the selection for the new leader of institution

Ukraine-Russia peace talks enter second day in Geneva with pressure on Kyiv

Zelenskiy was quoted as saying that it was "not fair" that Trump kept publicly calling on Ukraine, not Russia, to make concessions in negotiating terms for a peace plan

US will match Chinese low-yield N-tests

New START, the last treaty between the United States and Russia that limited deployment of nuclear warheads.

Jesse Jackson: An advocate for rights of Black Americans and other marginalized communities

Over his lifetime, Jackson advocated for poor and underrepresented people getting voting rights, jobs and educational opportunities, and he amplified calls for Black pride

France arrests nine over far-right activist's killing

The incident has fuelled tension between France's far right and hard left ahead of municipal elections.

Iran, US agree on 'guiding principles' for deal at Geneva talks: Iran FM

Iran and the United States agreed to "a set of guiding principles" laying the groundwork for a broader deal during talks in Geneva on Tuesday, Tehran's top diplomat said.

Iranians chant slogans against supreme leader at memorials for slain protesters

Iranians shouted slogans against the leader of the Islamic republic on Tuesday as they gathered to commemorate protesters killed in a crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.

Iran, Ukraine talks spark diplomatic merry-go-round in Geneva

Convoys of diplomatic vehicles criss-crossed the rainswept Swiss city, with journalists trying to work out who was going where, as countries involved kept tight-lipped on how talks were progressing.

Bangladesh's new PM, political heir Tarique Rahman

Long overshadowed by his parents and heir to one of Bangladesh's most powerful political dynasties, the country's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has finally stepped into the spotlight.

France and India deepen strategic ties on first day of Macron's official visit

French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened three days of talks in Mumbai on Tuesday by reaffirming their countries’ “very special” relationship.

Ramazan 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia, UAE and other GCC nations

Countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Iran will search for the crescent on Wednesday

Bangladesh's new prime minister is sworn in after his party's landslide election win

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its partners won 212 seats in the 350-memebr Parliament while an 11-party alliance led by the Jamaat-e-Islami party

FM Ishaq Dar to attend UN Security Council meeting on Palestine in New York

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend UN Security Council talks on Palestine, stressing ceasefire, humanitarian aid, self-determination, and establishment of independent Palestinian state

Pakistan among 8 countries condemn Israeli 'state property' claim in West Bank

Eight Muslim countries including Pakistan condemn Israel’s move to register West Bank land as state property, calling it illegal and harmful to the two-state solution amid rising regional tensions.

Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader and US presidential hopeful dies at 84, family says

US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, an eloquent Baptist minister raised in the segregated South, has died at age 84, his family said in a statement

Bangladesh PM-to-be Tarique Rahman and lawmakers sworn into parliament

Rahman is set to take over from an interim government that has steered the country of 170 million people for 18 months since the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown

Bleak future for West Bank pupils as budget cuts bite

But nowhere are the consequences more stark than in its schools, where reduced salaries for teachers, shortened weeks and mounting uncertainty are reshaping the future of around 630,000 pupils

EU Commission to attend Trump's Board of Peace meeting as observer

"The EU Commission is not becoming a member to the board of peace, we are participating in this meeting precisely in our longstanding commitment to the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza

Iran says US 'more realistic' on nuclear issue, as Guards begin drills in Hormuz Strait

Iran said on Monday that the United States's position on Iran's nuclear programme "has moved towards a more realistic one", a day ahead of a second round of US-Iranian talks in Geneva

Trump says he will be involved indirectly in Iran talks

Asked about the prospects for a deal, Trump said Iran sought tough negotiations but learned the consequences of such a hardened stance last summer when the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites.

Kremlin says main Ukraine issues will be discussed in Geneva talks, including territory

Ukraine's "main issues" are to be discussed in peace talks held in Geneva this week, the Kremlin says.

Kyrgyzstan president fires ministers, consolidates power ahead of election

Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov fired three ministers Monday seen as close to the dismissed former head of his security services, as he clears the political decks ahead of elections.

'Tehran' TV series producer Dana Eden found dead in Athens

The 52-year-old Israeli national's body was found Sunday night at a hotel near Syntagma Square, in the heart of the Greek capital, the force said.

Canada's Carney to visit India in early March, Ontario minister says

Carney is making all-out efforts to diversify Canada's alliances beyond the United States

Britain needs to step up defence spending faster, PM Starmer says

Latest NATO estimates show that Britain spent 2.3% of GDP on defence in 2024

Syrian army takes control of Al-Shaddadi base from US forces

The transfer of control was carried out after coordination and consultations with US authorities

Iran launches drills in Strait of Hormuz amid nuclear talks with US

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began exercises under the banner of “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz

China announces visa-free entry for UK and Canadian citizens

China will allow visa-free entry for UK and Canadian citizens until 31 December, signalling improved diplomatic ties and boosting tourism, business exchanges and people-to-people links.

US conducts first air transport of nuclear microreactor in bid to show technology's viability

The agencies partnered with California-based Valar Atomics to fly one of the company’s Ward microreactors on a C-17 aircraft — without nuclear fuel — to Hill Air Force Base in Utah

Iran's foreign minister will meet IAEA chief ahead of nuclear talks

"I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats," Araqchi said on X

Alleged Bondi Beach gunman makes first court appearance

During a brief status mention at a Sydney court on Monday, Akram appeared via video link from Goulburn Correctional Centre, a maximum-security prison southwest of Sydney, where he is being held

Netanyahu says US deal with Iran must dismantle nuclear infrastructure

A second round of talks between the US and Iran are slated for this week. Iran is pursuing a nuclear agreement with the US that delivers economic benefits for both sides

Europe aims to rely less on US defence after Trump's Greenland push

Transatlantic ties have already been strained over the past year by Donald Trump’s return to the White House

Trump told Netanyahu in December he would support Israeli strikes on Iran's missile programme, CBS News reports

The news channel said it has learned that internal discussions in the US military and intelligence community have started to contemplate the possibility of supporting a fresh round of Israeli strikes

Israeli cabinet approves West Bank land registration, Palestinians condemn 'de-facto annexation'

The West Bank is among the territories that Palestinians seek for a future independent state. Much of it is under Israeli military control, with limited Palestinian self-rule in some areas

Indonesia readies 1,000 troops for potential peacekeeping force in Gaza in April

The final deployment decision will be made by the government, spokesperson Donny Pramono said

Gaza civil defence says Israeli strikes kill 12

Gaza's civil defence agency reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 12 people since dawn on Sunday, while a military official said the attacks were in response to ceasefire violations.

New anti-government chants in Tehran after giant rallies abroad: reports

Some residents of Tehran on Sunday chanted slogans against the clerical leadership from balconies and windows, reports said, a day after Iranians abroad staged rallies in Europe and North America.

Europe confronts 'new nuclear reality' as Macron signals broader deterrence role

European leaders are increasingly confronting a once-taboo question: how to defend the continent in a more dangerous world if reliance on the United States can no longer be taken for granted.

Ukrainian anti-graft authorities detain ex-minister in major case

Battling corruption is a key priority in Ukraine's reform effort as it eyes membership of the European Union

Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US

Iran and the US renewed negotiations earlier this month to tackle their decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme

Indonesia says 8,000 troops ready for possible peacekeeping mission in Gaza by June

Under the schedule, troops will undergo health checks and paperwork throughout February, followed by a force readiness review at the end of the month

New Zealand braces for more flooding after road collapses, one death

Authorities on Sunday had a state of emergency in place for the districts of Waipa and Otorohanga

Ukrainian drone strike sparks fires at Russian Black Sea port ahead of US-brokered peace talks

Zelenskyy’s concerns were echoed by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Macron urges calm after activist's death sparks political clash

The 23-year-old died on Saturday, having fallen into a coma after being violently beaten on Thursday

Israeli airstrikes kill 9 in Gaza, including tent camp, Palestinian officials say

Medics said an Israeli airstrike on a tent encampment housing displaced families killed at least four people, while health officials said another strike killed five in Khan Younis in the south

Trump's 'desire' to own Greenland persists: Danish PM

Asked at a security conference in Munich if Trump still wanted to own the Arctic island, Frederiksen said: "Unfortunately, I think the desire is the same"

Iran open to nuclear deal compromises if US discusses lifting sanctions, minister tells BBC

Iran has said it is prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions, but has repeatedly ruled out linking the issue to other questions including missiles

Assailants kill at least 30 in northwest Nigeria villages, residents say

Jeremiah Timothy, a resident of Konkoso who fled to a nearby locality, said the attack on his village began in the early hours with sporadic gunfire

China is the real threat, Taiwan says in rebuff to Munich speech

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressing the annual security conference on Saturday, warned that some countries were "trying to split Taiwan from China"

Son of Iran's last shah urges US military intervention in Iran

The exiled son of toppled shah told Reuters in an interview that there were signs that the Iranian government was on the brink of collapse and that an attack could weaken it or accelerate its fall

Israeli FM Saar to attend Trump's first Board of Peace meeting on Thursday, officials say

Israel joined the Board of Peace during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington last week

Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say

Epibatidine is found naturally in dart frogs in the wild, and can also be manufactured in a lab, which European scientists suspect was the case with the substance used on Navalny.

US military preparing for potentially weeks-long Iran operations: report

US military prepares for potentially weeks-long operations against Iran, fully expecting retaliation, as Trump says reaching a deal has been difficult

UK introduces strict law for dual citizens entering the country

UK enforces strict rules for dual citizens from February 25, 2026, requiring British passports or costly certificates, prompting concerns over travel and accessibility for European citizens.

Russia claims heavy Ukrainian losses, captures four settlements

Russia’s Defense Ministry claims over 8,485 Ukrainian casualties in a week, destruction of military assets, capture of four settlements, and interception of missiles and drones.

China's top diplomat warns against 'knee-jerk' calls for decoupling

Calling for a "positive and pragmatic" policy from Washington, he told the Munich Security Conference the best outcome for both would be cooperation

MSF suspends some Gaza hospital work over presence of gunmen, suspected weapons transfers, group says

MSF's statement appeared to mark the first time that an international humanitarian group in Gaza has publicly reported the presence of armed men in a hospital or the possible use of such a facility fo

Indian man admits role in alleged assassination plot of Sikh leader in New York

Nikhil Gupta, 54, admitted to murder-for-hire and related conspiracy charges in Manhattan federal court. Yadav allegedly instructed Gupta to arrange Pannun’s killing in New York

Indian writer Roy pulls out of Berlin Film Festival over Gaza row

She described Israel's actions in Gaza as "a genocide of the Palestinian people by the State of Israel"

Trump sending second aircraft carrier to pile pressure on Iran

Trump has upped the military threat against Iran republic in the wake of Tehran's deadly crackdown by security forces on protests last month that rights groups say killed thousands.

World should 'take cue' from, not criticise Europe, says Macron

France's President Emmanuel Macron defended Europe as "inherently strong" at the Munich Security Conference, adding that it "has to learn to become a geopolitical power".

Germany's Merz urges US to repair ties with Europe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged Friday a rift had opened up between Europe and the United States.

Conflicts turning on civilians, warns Red Cross chief

Red Cross chief said Friday conflicts are deliberately being turned into wars against civilians with drones and other technology and countries are flouting international law with impunity.

Paris police shoot dead knife man at Arc de Triomphe

French police shot and killed a knife-wielding man under the Arc de Triomphe on Friday after he allegedly threatened officers on ceremonial duty at the Paris landmark.

Displaced Cambodians in limbo as nationalist victory in Thailand adds to pressure

The border clashes killed at least 149 people and displaced hundreds of thousands along the 817-kilometre long border

Farmers protest in Greek capital over rising production costs

People lined up and applauded as tractors arrived in front of the parliament building

After Gen Z uprising, Bangladesh vote shows limits of youth power

The youth-driven party secured only six seats in the 300-member parliament, showing the challenge of turning street momentum into votes

William Ruto announces reopening of border with Somalia after 15 years

Kenya will reopen its Somalia border in April after 15-year closure over security fears, aiming to improve trade, movement and regional relations.

Zelenskiy meets Iranian opposition figure Pahlavi

Born in 1960, Pahlavi was declared crown prince in 1967 at his father's coronation in Tehran

Second US aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East, AP source says, as Iran tensions high

The person who spoke to The Associated Press on the deployment did so on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements.

BNP sweeps Bangladesh election, son of former rulers set to become PM

Rahman, the son of former premier Khaleda Zia and assassinated former President Ziaur Rahman, faces immediate challenges in restoring political stability and rebuilding key industries

Trump plans to announce Gaza funding plan, troops at first Board of Peace meeting, US officials say

Delegations from at least 20 countries, including many heads of state, are expected to attend the meeting in Washington, D.C., which Trump will chair on February 19, the officials said

YouTube expands AI auto-dubbing to 27 languages in major global upgrade

YouTube expanded AI auto-dubbing to 27 languages and launched Expressive Speech, letting users watch videos in their native language with natural tone and emotion.

Bangladesh's BNP wins two-thirds majority in landmark election

Latest counts in an election seen as the South Asian nation's first truly competitive in years gave the BNP and its allies at least 212 of the 299 seats up for grabs, domestic TV channels said

Bangladesh voters back sweeping constitutional reforms in national referendum

67% of voters in Bangladesh backed sweeping constitutional reforms in a national referendum held with general elections, marking a major political shift after Sheikh Hasina’s exit

Bangladesh's BNP heading for 'sweeping' election win

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman is heading for a thumping win in the first elections held since a deadly 2024 uprising, Bangladeshi TV stations projected Friday.

Trump warns Iran of 'very traumatic' outcome if no nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran Thursday with "very traumatic" consequences if it fails to make a nuclear deal.

Iranian teen protester risks execution over policeman's killing: NGO

An Iranian teenager who took part in nationwide protests in January is facing execution after being convicted on charges of killing a policeman during the demonstrations.

Rubio heads to Munich to heap pressure on Europeans

Marco Rubio departed Thursday for the Munich Security Conference, where his aim will be to keep up pressure on Europe.

N. Korea warns of 'terrible response' if more drone incursions from South

North Korea on Friday threatened a "terrible response" in the event of another drone incursion from the South.

Morocco to spend $330 million on flood relief plan

Floods have displaced 188,000 people and submerged 110,000 hectares of farmland

UAE cracks down on fake offers – here's what Pakistani job seekers need to know

UAE authorities have shut down 230 social media accounts promoting fake employment, highlighting fines up to Dh100,000 and jail risks.

Trump's 'border czar' announces end to immigration crackdown in Minnesota

Thousands of federal agents have in recent weeks conducted aggressive raids and arrests in what the administration claims are targeted missions against criminals

Two jailed for fake voting attempts as Bangladesh goes to polls

Two people receive two-year jail terms and a fine for attempting to cast fake ballots as Bangladesh begins counting votes in its national election.

Spain and Portugal on high alert as storms cause more damage

One person was in a serious condition after being struck by a falling tree

India clears proposal to buy French Rafale jets: defence ministry

A defence ministry source told AFP that the clearance covered the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, adding to the dozens already used by the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Some key figures about Bangladesh's parliamentary election

Bangladesh’s national legislature comprises 350 lawmakers. Of these, 300 are elected directly from single-member constituencies, while an additional 50 seats are reserved for women.

Polling closes, counting begins in Bangladesh election after high turnout

It is the world's first election after an uprising led by under-30s, or Gen Z, to be followed by Nepal next month.

Politicians facing worldwide surge in violence and abuse, survey finds

The IPU, which groups 183 national parliaments, said 71% of all respondents reported experiencing violence from the public, particularly online. Women were more often the targets

Nearly 300,000 people without power, water supply in Ukraine's Odesa after Russian attack, deputy PM says

Kuleba said that close to 200 buildings in the city were left without heating, while 10,000 consumers were also left without heating in the southeastern city of Dnipro

Protests dog Israeli president's last day in Australia

In Melbourne's central business district, a large crowd gathered outside one of the city's main railway stations on Thursday evening. Many protesters wore keffiyeh scarves and waved Palestinian flags

Teacher dies after Thailand school shooting

A 17-year-old used a firearm stolen from a police officer to shoot the teacher, identified as Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, at the Patongprathankiriwat School in Songkhla Province's Hat Yai district

North Korea's Kim positioning daughter as successor, Seoul spy agency briefing says

Ju Ae, who is believed to be in her early teens, has been increasingly prominently featured in North Korea's state media accompanying her father.

Israel has joined Trump's 'Board of Peace,' Netanyahu says

Visuals released earlier on Wednesday after the Netanyahu-Rubio meeting showed them holding a document with Netanyahu's signature on Israel joining the board

US House passes bill to require proof of US citizenship for midterm voters

Lawmakers voted 218-213 to approve the SAVE America Act, with only one Democrat joining Republicans to back the measure

Trump says no 'definitive' agreement with Netanyahu, US talks with Iran to continue

Iran has said it is prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions but has ruled out linking the issue to missiles

Protests expected on Israeli President Herzog's last day in Australia

The visit has attracted the ire of some people in Australia, who accuse Herzog of being complicit in civilian deaths in Gaza

Bangladesh votes in landmark election after 2024 Gen Z uprising

Polling has begun in Bangladesh’s pivotal election after 2024 uprising. Over 128 million voters are participating, with candidates from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami vying for power amid security measures

UN says Israel's West Bank plans would accelerate 'dispossession of Palestinians'

The UN rights chief said Israel's plans to tighten control over the occupied West Bank, paving the way for further settlement expansion, are a step towards consolidating illegal annexation.

Iran marks revolution anniversary under shadow of US threat

Iran's president vowed on Wednesday that the Islamic republic would not bow to outside aggression, as it marked the anniversary of the 1979 revolution

Israel president says antisemitism in Australia 'frightening'

Herzog's tightly policed four day visit to Australia this week was meant to offer consolation to the country's Jewish community following December's mass shooting on Bondi beach that killed 15 people.

NATO launches 'Arctic Sentry' mission after Greenland crisis

NATO on Wednesday said it had launched a new mission to bolster security in the Arctic, in a move to assuage US President Donald Trump after he backed off claims on Greenland.

US to deploy 200 troops to Nigeria for anti-jihad training mission

The United States is planning to send about 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country’s military to fight militants.

Walk for peace: Buddhist monks arrive in Washington after 2,300-mile journey

The monks began their walk in Texas more than three months ago

UN agency begins clearing huge Gaza City waste dump as health risks mount

The Gaza Municipality confirmed the start of the relocation effort in collaboration with the UNDP

Bangladesh's Gen Z voters pin hopes on jobs, governance and freedom

A decisive result is critical for restoring stability in the nation of 175 million after months of unrest

Indian farmers announce nationwide protest against US trade deal

Indian farmers call nationwide strike on February 12 against US trade deal, saying it harms agriculture sector and gives excessive concessions at farmers’ expense

Rain further batters storm-hit Portugal, thousands evacuated

A succession of deadly storms has hammered mostly central and southern parts of the country since late January

Man released on parole kills mother, wife and daughter in Ankara

A paroled prisoner in Ankara killed his mother, wife and eight-year-old daughter on February 10 before committing suicide, police said further investigation continues.

Russian drone kills a father and 3 children in Ukraine, pregnant mother badly injured

Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022 as Russia intensified its aerial barrages behind the front line, according to the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in the country.

Father kills daughter in Texas after 'arguing about Donald Trump'

The court was told that Lucy and her father became involved in a heated discussion concerning US President Donald Trump

Bangladeshis seek to chart a democratic future in their first vote since the bloody 2024 uprising

Barely two months later, Rahman is widely seen as the front-runner in Thursday’s election. He restated his ambitions at a campaign rally in Dhaka on Monday, arriving at the podium under heavy security

Venezuela dispatches first crude oil shipment to Israel since 2020: report

Multiple news organisations reported that a Venezuelan crude oil cargo is en route to Israel’s Bazan Group

Iran says it won't negotiate over its missile capabilities

US and Iranian diplomats held indirect talks last week amid a regional naval buildup by the US threatening Iran

10 dead after woman opens fire at high school in Canada

Police active shooter alert said the suspect was described "as female in a dress with brown hair"

Bangladesh to vote on democratic reform charter

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the 85‑year‑old Nobel Peace Prize winner, says the reform charter is designed to prevent a return to autocratic one-party rule

'It's time to get aggressive', Border Patrol agent says in Chicago shooting video

The US Department of Homeland Security said Marimar Martinez, a US citizen, had rammed the agents with her car. But the footage suggested that the agents could have struck her vehicle themselves

US moves to counter China in Bangladesh, plans to pitch defence alternatives

China recently signed a defence agreement with Bangladesh to build a drone factory near the India border.

Main parties in Bangladesh election

Opinion polls indicate BNP-led alliance holds an edge in the election. The BNP is contesting 292 of the 300 seats, leaving the remaining to its partners, which include more than half a dozen parties

Main issues in Bangladesh's February 12 election

A recent opinion poll by the Dhaka-based Communication Research Foundation and Bangladesh Elections and Public Opinion Studies found corruption to be voters’ top concern

Hong Kong activist's father convicted under national security law over insurance policy

Kwok Yin-sang, 68, is the first person to be charged under a homegrown national security law, also known as Article 23, for "dealing with any funds or financial assets" belonging to an absconder

Israel used US-made weapons in Gaza that 'evaporated' thousands of Palestinians: Probe

According to the investigation, the figure of 2,842 Palestinians classified as having “evaporated” is based on field documentation rather than estimates

Ten dead after woman opens fire at high school in Canada

The incident is one of the country's deadliest mass casualty events in recent history

US weighs seizing more Iranian oil tankers to tighten economic pressure

Trump administration weighs seizing more Iranian oil tankers to curb Tehran’s revenue, amid fears of retaliation, Strait of Hormuz threats and global oil market volatility

Bangladesh's PM hopeful Rahman warns of 'huge' challenges ahead

The leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman said his first priority would be restoring security to end the political turmoil.

Anti-Khamenei slogans in Tehran on eve of revolution anniversary: social media footage

Iran was rocked by protests last month opposing the Islamic republic, which were put down by what activists condemned as an unprecedented crackdown by the authorities

Starmer says UK govt 'united', pressing on amid Epstein fallout

A defiant British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to move on Tuesday from fevered speculation about his future after fighting off strident calls to resign over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

'Everything is destroyed': Ukrainian power plant in ruins after Russian strike

Russia had been widely expected to launch a massive strike on Ukraine, but the evening crew at one of the country's frequently targeted power stations could do nothing to prepare.

US vice president Vance on peace bid in Azerbaijan after Armenia visit

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday visited Azerbaijan, arriving from Armenia as part of a regional trip aimed at consolidating a US-brokered peace process between the Caucasus neighbours.

Bangladesh Elections 2026: Everything you need to know

Bangladesh’s February 12 elections sees record youth participation as BNP, Jamaat, and NCP compete after 2024 uprising.

Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza, health officials say

At least 580 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been killed since the October ceasefire deal was struck.

Shehbaz to attend US-led Board of Peace meeting on Gaza

Sources said the premier would travel to Washington on February 18 and attend the meeting the following day

China set to widen footprint in Bangladesh as India's ties decline

China has stepped up its investment and diplomatic outreach in Dhaka, most recently signing a defence deal to build a drone factory near Bangladesh's border with India

Iran says nuclear talks gauged 'seriousness' of US

US and Iranian diplomats held talks through Omani mediators in Oman last week in an effort to revive diplomacy, after US President Trump positioned navy in the region, raising fears of military action

Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman: From exile to edge of power

If opinion polls hold, Thursday's election would mark a remarkable reversal of fortune for Rahman who left the country in 2008 after his release from detention under a military‑backed caretaker set up

Islamist leader rises from obscurity to challenge for Bangladesh's top job

A Jamaat coalition is expected to put up a close fight against frontrunner, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The country goes to polls on Feb 12 after Gen Z-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina in 2024

New Zealand mosque shooter's former lawyers say he showed anxiety but did not appear depressed

His lawyers said Tarrant's mental health was consistent across the charges they faced and that he was pleased when police charged him on terrorism offences. "He wanted to be described as a terrorist"

China releases policy paper on national security in Hong Kong after Jimmy Lai sentencing

This white paper was released by China's State Council, or cabinet, a day after a Hong Kong court sentenced leading China critic and former media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years imprisonment

US appeals court lets Trump continue ending deportation protections

The 9th US Court of Appeals said the government could likely prove there were "legitimate" reasons to end Temporary Protected Status for immigrants

Five of 10 kidnapped miners found dead in Mexico, authorities say

The attorney general's office said in a statement that it found 10 bodies in the municipality of Concordia, of which five have so far been identified

Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions at congressional deposition, lawmakers say

Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions, lawmakers said after the deposition

Trump rejects Israeli control of West Bank, backs stability for regional peace

Trump opposes Israeli control of West Bank, says stability ensures Israel’s security. UK condemns expansion plans, while Pakistan and 7 Muslim states urge world to stop illegal actions. Now

Dollar soft ahead of US data, yen holds onto its gains after election

Dollar slips ahead of key U.S. jobs and CPI data; yen holds gains after Takaichi win but seen weakening longer term. Markets still price two Fed rate cuts this year.

International outrage grows over Israel's plans for West Bank

International outrage was growing on Monday at Israeli plans to tighten the country's grip over the occupied West Bank.

Iran steps up arrests while remaining positive on US talks

Iran stepped up its crackdown on Monday after recent protests, making more arrests while holding the door open to Washington for further nuclear negotiations.

Australian leaders urge calm after Sydney clashes during Israeli President Herzog's visit

Thousands had gathered to protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, which came after a mass shooting at a Jewish religious event at Bondi Beach.

UK king voices 'concern' as police probe ex-prince Andrew over Epstein

The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct.

Rail workers' unions end strike after Spain agrees to new safety measures

Last month, several consecutive derailments and crashes left dozens dead

Sweden to tighten citizenship rules amid push to cut immigration

Successive governments have tightened immigration policies since 2015

UK PM Starmer should quit, Scottish Labour leader says

Starmer is under mounting pressure from within his party over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States

53 migrants dead or missing after boat capsizes off Libya, IOM says

More than 1,300 migrants have gone missing in the Central Mediterranean in 2025

Lies, horror, trauma: Kenyans recount forced Russian recruitment

It was a war that had nothing to do with him and which he was exceptionally lucky to survive. Four Kenyans recounted to AFP the web of deception that took them to the killing fields of Ukraine

Japan restarts world's biggest nuclear plant again

The facility had been offline since Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after a colossal earthquake and tsunami sent three reactors at the Fukushima atomic plant into meltdown

Lebanon's Tripoli building collapse kills 14

Civil defence director general Imad Khreiss said rescue teams recovered 14 bodies and rescued eight people from the rubble of the collapsed buildings in the northern city's Bab al-Tabbaneh

Thousands protest over Israeli President Herzog's visit to Australia

Herzog is visiting Australia this week following an invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the aftermath of the December 14 shooting at a Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach

Bangladesh votes in world's first Gen Z-inspired election

Hasina’s Awami League is banned, but many young people who helped oust her government in a 2024 uprising say the upcoming vote will be Muslim-majority nation's first competitive election since 2009

Leading China critic Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in jail after Hong Kong security trial

Lai's sentence on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one for publishing seditious materials ends a legal saga that has spanned nearly five years

Japan election landslide clears path for Takaichi to deliver tax cuts

Takaichi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) romped to victory in Sunday's poll, helped by a pledge to ease household living costs by suspending the 8% food sales tax for two years

Dimarco helps Inter to eight-point lead in Serie A, Juve stumble

Federico Dimarco provided three assists as Inter Milan thumped Sassuolo 5-0 on Sunday to take their unbeaten Serie A run to 12 matches.

Oil drops as US, Iran pledge to continue talks

Oil prices slipped as US-Iran nuclear talks eased Middle East supply fears. Brent and WTI fell, tensions linger, Russia sanctions weigh, and rising prices spur more US drilling activity up!!

Israel approves steps making it easier for West Bank settlers to buy land, media says

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the new measures were dangerous, illegal and tantamount to de-facto annexation

Bangladesh seeks UN help to probe killing of uprising leader

Bangladesh has requested assistance from the United Nations human rights office for an investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a popular leader in the country's 2024 youth-led uprising.

Romania, Argentina leaders invited to Trump 'Board of Peace' meeting

The presidents of Argentina and Romania said Sunday they have been invited to attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump's controversial "Board of Peace".

Ukraine urges acceleration of peace talks, says only Trump can broker deal

Kyiv's foreign minister has said the Ukrainian and Russian leaders need to meet in person to hash out the hardest remaining issues in peace talks.

Trump says China's Xi to visit US 'toward the end of the year'

US President Donald Trump has said he will host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House late this year, as the world's top two economies look to reset ties marred by a roiling trade war.

Portugal votes in presidential runoff with Socialist poised for victory

Voters flocked to polling stations on Sunday as rain and wind eased

Iran's Nobel winner Narges Mohammadi faces a new prison term of more than seven years

Tehran renewed a crackdown on dissent during three weeks of anti-government protests that started in December

Thailand votes in three-way race as risk of instability looms

PM Anutin Charnvirakul set the stage for the snap election in mid-December amid a raging border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia

Russian airstrike on Ukrainian city kills 1 as US pushes June deadline for peace deal

Russia also struck energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Poltava region overnight into Sunday, Serhii Koretskyi, chief executive of Ukraine’s state-owned gas company Naftogaz said.

Iran defies US threats to insist on right to enrich uranium

The minister, Abbas Araghchi told a forum in Tehran attended by AFP, that Tehran had little trust in Washington and even doubted that the US side was taking renewed negotiations seriously

Eight killed in explosion in northern China, state media says

The explosion occurred in Shuoyang in the Shanxi province in the early morning of Saturday, state media reported

Japan's Takaichi aims for blizzard of votes in rare winter election

Outside a polling station in a small town in the central prefecture of Niigata, where snow piled up more than 2 metres in places, teacher Kazushige Cho, 54, said he was determined to vote for Takaichi

US pushes Russia and Ukraine to end war by summer Zelenskiy says

"The Americans are proposing that the parties end the war before the start of this summer, and will likely pressure the parties to adhere to this schedule," Zelenskiy said

Toddler was returned to ICE custody and denied medication after hospitalization, lawsuit says

The family was detained during a check-in with immigration authorities on Dec 11. Amalia was hospitalized from January 18 to 28, and returned to the Dilley facility in the midst of a measles outbreak

US-led Board of Peace to hold first meeting of leaders on February 19

The planned meeting was first reported by Axios, which said the gathering would also serve as a fundraising conference for the reconstruction of Gaza

Greenland foreign minister says US talks are positive but the outcome remains uncertain

Greenland foreign minister says US talks are positive but the outcome remains uncertain

Jack Lang resigns as Arab World Institute president amid Epstein links

Former French culture minister Jack Lang resigned as head of the Arab World Institute after pressure mounted over reported ties to late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Iranian FM looks to more nuclear talks, but warns US of hits at its bases in Middle East

Iran's missile programme was "never negotiable" in Friday's talks in Oman, says Abbas Araghchi

Saudi Arabia sets biometric deadline for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia requires Hajj pilgrims to complete biometric verification via app by February 8, as visa issuance begins globally under an accelerated Vision 2030 timeline.

UAE launches new public security reporting service

UAE State Security has launched a new reporting service allowing citizens and residents to quickly report security threats and suspicious activities, strengthening public safety and cooperation

Madushan replaces Malinga in Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad

Sri Lanka named Pramod Madushan as replacement for injured pacer Eshan Malinga in their T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Malinga was ruled out with a shoulder injury

Big Tech's $600 billion spending plans exacerbate investors AI headache

Big Tech’s planned $600bn AI spending in 2026 has rattled investors, hitting Amazon and Alphabet shares while boosting Nvidia, as fears grow over profits and AI threats to software firms.

Iran expects more US talks after 'positive atmosphere' in Oman

Iran's foreign minister said the indirect US talks in Oman held in a “positive atmosphere” and that both sides had "agreed to continue negotiations".

Police warn Sydney protesters ahead of Israeli president's visit

Australian authorities warned protesters to avoid violence in Sydney's streets when Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits on Monday to honour victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

China overturns death sentence for Canadian in drug case

Schellenberg was detained on drug charges in 2014 before China–Canada ties nosedived following the 2018 arrest in Vancouver of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou.

Iran says talks with US in Oman were 'good start', will continue

Iran says its Oman talks with the United States were a good start, confirms negotiations will continue, while reiterating that its missile programme is not open for discussion.

Kremlin says Ukraine security talks in Abu Dhabi will be continued

Ukraine and Russia concluded the second round of the talks on Thursday aimed at ending Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two