United Nations, June 29 (IANS) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded the alarm on Monday against emerging technologies “super-charging” terrorism and said better cooperation among countries can “close critical gaps”. He said that in South Asia, “affiliates of Al-Qaida and Da’esh [Islamic State terror outfit] and other terrorist groups persist”, as also in Africa and the Middle East, in threatening nations and people.”Violent extremist narratives, including those based on xenophobia, racism,…
Latest South Asia News & Updates
Islamabad, June 29 (IANS) The unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) demonstrates the fragility of Pakistan’s governance model, which depends on coercion instead of consent and showcases the contradictions in country’s foreign policy. Pakistan while portraying itself as the defender of Kashmiri rights globally suppresses the rights of people in territories it has occupied, a report has detailed. People in PoK have been shouting slogans like “Pakistani Forces Out”, “Kashmir Under Attack” and “…
New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) India’s rise on the global stage has been driven not only by its economic growth and geopolitical weight, but also by its reputation as a country that follows through on its promises, Tarah Nguyen wote in Vietnam Times.From assisting in economic problems, sending medical supplies to providing emergency aid during natural disasters, India has often acted as the “first responder” in times of crisis for several nations.Recently, the Indian Army dispatched a specialised med…
New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) The proposed China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor (CMBEC) is another attempt at Beijing trying to reshape South Asia’s connectivity trying to strengthen its Belt and Road footprint and direct access to the Indian Ocean.Additionally, alongside Gwadar Port in Pakistan and Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, Chinese presence in Bangladesh’s Mongla and Chittagong Ports is an effort at furthering Beijing’s “string of pearls” strategy, surrounding India’s maritime sphere….
New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh, who stepped down on Friday from his role at the ride-hailing company after 11 years, is joining Sam Altman-run OpenAI as its Managing Director for India.According to the leading AI company, Singh will strengthen its leadership team as it expands its presence in one of its top priority markets.Singh will join OpenAI in September and report to Kiran Mani, Managing Director for Asia Pacific, the US-based company said on …
New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh has stepped down from his role after an 11-year association with the ride-hailing company to pursue another leadership opportunity, the company said on Friday.Confirming the development, an Uber spokesperson told IANS that the company remains committed to expanding its presence in India, which continues to be one of its most important markets globally.“India is one of Uber’s most important markets globally, an impo…
Washington, June 24 (IANS) A senior US State Department official has described India as one of America’s most important strategic partners and said the Trump administration is moving rapidly to deepen cooperation with New Delhi across trade, technology, energy and defence. Speaking at the fourth annual Capitol Hill advocacy event organised by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) on Tuesday (local time), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Bethan…
New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is visiting China to cement economic and defence ties, with a fighter jet deal as the centrepiece, signalling Dhaka’s apparent strategic tilt toward Beijing, which may risk undermining – if not contradicting – commitments made under the US trade pact. Reports in the Bangladeshi media suggest that during his visit, Rahman may finalise the acquisition of 24 J-10CE fighter jets and a separate UAV technology, apart from other p…
New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) Indian security agencies are closely monitoring what they describe as a growing pattern in Hamas’s efforts to expand its influence in South Asia. Intelligence inputs suggest that the Palestinian militant group is seeking to strengthen ties with extremist organisations across the region, particularly in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.Pakistan has, on several occasions, hosted senior Hamas leaders, who have reportedly been seen interacting with members of terror outf…
New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Even as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator between the United States and Iran, its own conflict with Afghanistan remains a matter of concern for regional countries after several attempts at reconciliation have failed.Now, Astana has offered to play a mediating role between the warring neighbours, if formally requested by both sides, Tolo News reported, quoting Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy.“Kazakhstan’s p…