Quetta, Aug 15 (IANS) The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Friday denounced the recent decision by the United States to designate its special unit Majeed Brigade a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), slamming the move as a “deviation from ground realities” and “an implicit endorsement of the colonial narrative” by an international power.”We view this decision without surprise and without any sense of added pressure. Baloch Liberation Army is a resistance force, active solely against the militar…

Quetta, Aug 15 (IANS) Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch on Friday appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement regarding the exploration of India’s critical minerals under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) delivered during his address to the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the country’s 79th Independence Day. PM Modi announced on Friday that the country is intensifying its efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in critical minerals, with explorati…

Vientiane, Aug 15 (IANS) Lao officials and stakeholders convened to review the implementation of the Poverty Reduction through Safe Migration, Skills Development, and Enhanced Job Placement (PROMISE) project, and to discuss future strategies for improving the management and protection of migrant workers’ rights. The meeting was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday, providing an opportunity to review the project’s progress and discuss strategic directions to further strengthen support for mi…

Stockholm, Aug 15 (IANS) Two people were injured in a shooting near a mosque in Sweden’s Orebro city on Friday, according to the local police. A major police operation is being conducted and the people have been asked to stay away from the area, local media reported. Police received the call regarding the violent crime near Orebro mosque on Friday at 1:45 pm (local time), Sweden-based SVT Nyheter reported. According to police, two people were injured in the shooting. The extent of the injuries i…

Geneva, Aug 15 (IANS) Following 10 days of negotiations, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, adjourned early Friday without consensus on a text of the instrument. The committee agreed to resume negotiations at a future date to be announced. The meeting adjourned with a clearly expressed desire by member states to continue the process, recognizing the significant diffe…

Athens, Aug 15 (IANS) Pakistan Senate’s recent decision to abolish the death penalty for only two crimes has sparked significant debate in the country, with Christian activists and human rights advocates demanding broader reforms, especially regarding the issue of blasphemy laws, a report mentioned on Friday.Some quarters have called the legislative decision as a step towards modernising Pakistan’s penal system, Greece-based NewsBomb said in a report. Critics, it said, remain sceptical, viewing …

Stockholm, Aug 15 (IANS) China-Pakistan technological nexus has drastically changed the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, systematically equipping terrorist organisations with sophisticated military-grade communication systems and surveillance technologies, a report cited on Friday. It stated that what were once conventional insurgency tactics have now evolved into advanced digital warfare capabilities, altering the dynamics of cross-border militancy.“The strategic alliance between Beij…

Seoul, Aug 15 (IANS) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday hosted a dinner with members of the diplomatic corps, seeking their support ahead of his meetings with foreign leaders during South Korea’s hosting of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and other upcoming diplomatic engagements. The dinner, held at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae, brought together about 170 participants, including ambassadors, representatives of international organizati…

New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) As the nation marked the celebration of the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked several world leaders who sent their greetings to him and people of India on the occasion. PM Modi thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his wishes on India’s Independence Day and stressed that New Delhi values “strategic partnership” with Paris.”Thank you, my friend President Macron, for your warm greetings on India’s Independence Day. We value our …

Toronto, Aug 15 (IANS) Khalistani supporters residing in other nations, who often disrespect the Indian flag, would not insult the Tricolour if they had even the slightest understanding of its history, a report detailed on Friday. India’s Tricolour is made up of three colours – saffron, white and green. “The top band is saffron, representing the country’s strength and courage. The middle white band, with the Dharma Chakra, symbolizes peace and truth. The bottom green band represents fertility,…