South Asia
“I cried when I watched the demolition of India’s historic Babri Masjid on television” — Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of India’s principal opposition party, the Indian National Congress, has revealed that she broke down in tears after watching the demolition of the historic Babri Masjid in December 1992. She recalled this painful memory in an interview with British newspaper The Guardian ahead of the publication of her forthcoming memoir.
Indian Muslim Student Nashra Naeem Makes History as Aligarh Muslim University Elects Its First-Ever Female Vice President in 105 Years
Nashra Naeem, a young Muslim woman, has made history by becoming the first female Vice President (VP) of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Students' Union in the institution's 105-year history. In the same election, female candidates secured victories in six of the 13 positions, marking a significant milestone for women's participation and representation in campus politics.
Turkish President Erdogan Arrives in South Korea for Three-Day State Visit, Set to Meet President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Seoul for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening strategic partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation between Türkiye and South Korea. He began the visit on Monday (November 2) at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
North Korea Under Kim Jong Un Successfully Tests Cluster Bomb Warhead for Ballistic Missile Amid Border Tensions with South Korea
Amid heightened tensions along the border with South Korea, North Korea has tested a cluster bomb warhead designed for use with tactical ballistic missiles. The test was conducted on Saturday (October 31) as part of ongoing military exercises aimed at enhancing the country's military capabilities to deploy longer-range and more destructive weapons. North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the development on Sunday (November 1).
‘They Are Trying to Kill My Father’—Imran Khan’s Son Raises Alarm Over Former Pakistani Prime Minister’s Safety in Prison
Sulaiman Khan, the son of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has warned that his father’s life is at risk. He has alleged that Imran Khan is being mistreated in prison and that attempts are being made to kill him. Sulaiman has held Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, responsible for the situation.
Iranian President Pezeshkian Congratulates Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev and People on Independence Day
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has congratulated Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan on the Central Asian country’s Independence Day. In a message sent on Sunday, October 25, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of strengthening friendly relations between Iran and Kazakhstan and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Kim Jong Un’s Sister Announces Loudspeaker Installations Along Border to Broadcast Anti-South Korea Propaganda
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has announced plans to install high-powered loudspeakers along the border with South Korea to intensify anti-Seoul propaganda. She said preparations for the installations are expected to be completed by the end of October, while warning that Pyongyang would take strong countermeasures against any provocative actions by South Korea.
Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia Sign New ‘Badr’ Defence MoU — How Concerned Should India Be?
Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening military capabilities, expanding joint defence production and deepening cooperation in technological research. Known as the ‘Badr Memorandum of Understanding,’ the initiative could broaden Pakistan’s defence partnerships and potentially influence the regional security landscape across South Asia and the Middle East.
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir Visits Tehran Amid Mounting Tensions Across the Middle East
Amid multifaceted tensions across the Middle East, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has arrived in Tehran, the capital of Iran. He arrived on Tuesday (October 20), according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency.
‘I Make Breakfast and Wash the Dishes After Waking Up’ — Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has said that her daily routine—including showering, preparing breakfast, washing dishes and applying makeup—takes an additional three to four hours compared with her male predecessors. Her remarks have sparked renewed discussion in Japan about gender roles, long working hours, and the balance between professional and personal life.
At Least 34 Students and One Teacher Killed in School Roof Collapse in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Province Gripped by Mourning
At least 34 students and one teacher were killed after the roof of a classroom collapsed at a school in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Most of the students who died were aged 13 or younger. The tragic incident has cast a shadow of grief across the province, prompting authorities to order inspections of school buildings to ensure the safety of educational institutions.
At Least 28 Killed as School Roof Collapses in Pakistan’s Peshawar, Including 27 Students Under 13
At least 28 people have been killed after the roof of a school collapsed in Peshawar, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The victims include 27 students and one teacher. Most of the students killed were under the age of 13. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, while classes were in session, according to local authorities. There are fears that more people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Amid Anti-Government Protests in India, PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹13,000 Crore in Chennai Alongside Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects worth approximately ₹13,000 crore in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. One of the key events during his visit was the inauguration of the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Rail Phase II. He was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Is Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Internet Service a National Security Risk for India? Sovereignty and Regulatory Oversight at the Centre of Approval Debate
A debate over national security, data protection and government regulatory authority has emerged in India surrounding Starlink, the satellite-based internet service owned by technology entrepreneur Elon Musk. While Musk has raised concerns about the approval process for launching the service in the Indian market, the government’s position, as described in the source article, is that all licensed satellite communication providers must comply with the prescribed security requirements.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee Detained in New Delhi, India
West Bengal’s former chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee has been detained by Delhi Police in connection with a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The police action on October 10 was reported by several Indian media outlets.
India’s Growing Economic and Strategic Importance, Alongside Its Independent Foreign Policy, Creates New Challenges in Relations with the United States
India’s growing economic and strategic importance, combined with its independent foreign policy, is creating a new dynamic in its relationship with the United States. While Washington seeks to strengthen trade, technology and security cooperation with New Delhi, differences over India’s close ties with Russia, Russian oil imports and the terms of a bilateral trade agreement are making relations between the two countries increasingly complex.
Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court Orders Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Be Produced at Next Hearing
The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has ordered that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in prison, be produced at the next hearing in the Federal Judicial Complex attack case. The court said he may be brought before the court in person or appear through a video link.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Challenge Mecca Joint Defence Pact, Putting Pakistan to a Tough Test
Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of the Mecca Joint Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. At the same time, the developments are highlighting the strategic and security challenges Pakistan could face as it seeks a greater role in West Asia.
To block the long march towards Islamabad demanding the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the administration has set up container barricades across all entry points to the capital.
Authorities have erected barricades made of a large number of containers on key roads and entry points into Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, ahead of a planned long march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The measures have disrupted normal traffic in the capital and are also putting pressure on the country’s cargo transportation and supply chains.
Two Pakistani citizens were killed in firing by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in the border area of Punjab province.
Two Pakistani citizens were killed and another was injured after the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) opened fire along the India-Pakistan international border. The incident took place on Friday, October 2, in the Kasur border area of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The incident has raised fresh concerns amid recent tensions between the two countries.