Tokyo, Aug 8 (IANS) Japan’s household spending in June increased a real 1.3 percent from a year earlier, rising for the second straight month, driven by spending on automobiles and electricity bills, government data showed on Friday. Households of two or more people spent an average of 295,419 yen (about $2,006) in the reporting month, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Xinhua News Agency reported.By category, outlays for transportation and communication rose 8.6 p…

Islamabad, Aug 8 (IANS) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Friday expressed grave concern over the escalating human rights crisis and deteriorating state of fundamental rights and civic freedoms in the province of Balochistan.A report of the fact-finding mission of HRCP titled ‘Balochistan’s Crisis of Trust’ revealed a disturbing pattern of continued enforced disappearances, shrinking civic space, erosion of provincial autonomy, and unchecked impunity—conditions that continue to…

Windhoek, Aug 8 (IANS) Namibia will apply to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus has said. The Cabinet approved the move earlier this week. The Ministry of International Relations and Trade will lead the application process, which includes updating the country’s dossier and acting as the primary point, and establishing an interministerial committee tasked with implementing NSG guidelines, Theofelus said, Xinhua News Agency r…

New Delhi/Moscow, Aug 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a “very good and detailed conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone during which both leaders not only vowed to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership but also held detailed discussions on developments concerning Ukraine. “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also…

Kathmandu, Aug 8 (IANS) Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said on Friday that 17 Nepali citizens have been impacted by the recent floods in Uttarakhand, saying that Kathmandu is engaged in diplomatic discussions with New Delhi on the efforts that are being made for the rescue of the missing people. Oli offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Uttarakhand where relief operations are proceeding at full pace after torrential rains caused massive destruction.In a social…

Beijing, Aug 8 (IANS) China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday defended the country’s economic, trade and energy cooperation with nations around the world, including Russia, terming it “legitimate and legal.” Speaking to reporters during a regular media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun reaffirmed Beijing’s stand to take energy security measures based on national interests.When asked about US President Donald Trump’s statement that he might impose secondary tariffs …

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) Having failed to make any sort of impact in India, the pro-Khalistan elements have made Canada their playground for several years now. In fact, ties between India and Canada have turned sour and fragile owing to this issue. New Delhi has accused Canada of shielding Khalistan elements who are counterproductive to India’s security interests.Now, to make matters worse, a so-called Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan has opened up in Surrey, British Columbia. This developm…

Islamabad, Aug 8 (IANS) A leading minority rights group on Friday drew attention to the death of a young man from the Christian community of Pakistan who endured years of imprisonment under the country’s infamous blasphemy laws.”At just 25 years old, Nabil Masih’s life came to an end quietly, painfully, and far too soon. But his story, marked by injustice, isolation, and perseverance, will not fade into silence. His journey from a 16-year-old boy in a small Pakistani town to a symbol of systemic…

Quetta, Aug 8 (IANS) Jamaat-i-Islami Balochistan Emir Maulana Hidayatur Rehman has threatened to hold a protest march to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters if the federal government does not enforce an eight-point agreement within six months, local media reported on Friday. Rehman made the announcement while addressing a press conference after leading a protest march from Quetta to Islamabad. The long march, which started on July 25, was organised to protest against ongoing injustices in…

Guangzhou, Aug 8 (IANS) Seven people have been confirmed dead following a rain-triggered landslide in Guangzhou, the capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, on Wednesday morning, local authorities said on Friday. The landslide occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Dayuan Village in Guangzhou’s Baiyun District, trapping 14 people and damaging multiple houses, according to the district’s emergency management bureau.Rescue operations have concluded. The remaining seven people were injured and…