world

Doha/Islamabad: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply after a Pakistani airstrike inside Afghan territory, killing 17 members of a single family and drawing widespread international condemnation. With the Taliban reportedly preparing a counterattack, Pakistan has rushed Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Qatar to seek diplomatic support and avert further escalation. Failed Airstrike Sparks Alarm Intelligence sources indicate that the Pakistani airstrike failed to neutralize any high-ranking Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commanders. As a result, the Pakistani military is reportedly on high alert along the Durand Line, anticipating retaliatory operations by Taliban forces. The strike has left Pakistan anxious, prompting Shahbaz Sharif’s sudden diplomatic t...

Kathmandu/Siliguri: In a major development ahead of Nepal’s national elections on March 5, Balen Shah, a key contender for the Prime Ministership, has effectively sidelined China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project from his election manifesto. The move has significant strategic implications for India, as the project lies near the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” which connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. China’s BRI Project Under Fire The Nepal-China Friendship Industrial Park in Jhapa-5, envisioned as a multi-billion-dollar symbol of Nepal-China friendship, was initiated in February 2021 by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli as part of China’s BRI program. Balen Shah’s decision to exclude it from his manifesto dir...

Malé/New Delhi: In a surprising geopolitical move, the Maldives has laid claim to the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, challenging Mauritius’ sovereignty over the disputed territory. This development comes as President Mohammed Muizzu reverses previous policies and asserts Maldives’ rights over overlapping maritime zones within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Background: A Disputed Strategic Territory The Chagos archipelago, including the strategically significant Diego Garcia, was separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965. The largest island hosts a joint US-UK military base. Mauritius has maintained sovereignty over the islands, supported by the 2016 ruling of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). In 1992, the Maldives and the UK held discussions to d...

Tel Aviv/New Delhi: Israel has offered India the technology behind its highly successful Iron Dome air defense system, raising the prospect of a major defense upgrade during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel. The two countries are expected to finalize multi-billion-dollar defense deals covering missiles, AI technology, drones, and air defense systems. Iron Dome: Proven Shield Against Rockets and Missiles The Iron Dome has been a critical defense asset for Israel in conflicts against Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and Houthi forces in Yemen. The system intercepts rockets, missiles, and drones with a claimed 90% success rate. It uses radar to detect incoming threats and deploys Tamir interceptor missiles only against targets threatening populated areas. The system has su...

Dhaka: Bangladesh is actively seeking to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), even as India maintains a hands-off approach. The move comes as Pakistan and Bangladesh attempt to inject new life into the organization, which has been largely dormant since 2016. Bangladesh Reaffirms Commitment to SAARC Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, recently met SAARC Secretary General Mohammad Gulam Sarwar to discuss ways to advance regional cooperation. A statement from Dhaka emphasized Bangladesh’s “strong support for SAARC processes and commitment to working with member states to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.” Islam highlighted Bangladesh’s historical role in promoting regional collaboration, citing late...

Tel Aviv: Tensions are brewing in Israel’s Knesset ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled address. Opposition parties have announced they will boycott Modi’s speech, creating an awkward situation for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The Controversy The dispute began when Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana decided not to invite the Supreme Court President to a special parliamentary session. Opposition leaders argued that the Netanyahu government was sidelining the judiciary, making it impossible for them to participate in Modi’s address under these circumstances. The potential boycott has put Modi’s visit in a delicate position. Having half of the Israeli Parliament empty during a speech by a close ally could send the wrong message. Israeli broadcaster KAN ...

Ottawa/New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India this week, beginning a diplomatic tour that will also take him to Japan and Australia. Notably, all three countries are core members of the Quad, alongside the United States. Observers suggest that Carney’s itinerary may send a subtle, yet pointed, message to Washington, highlighting Canada’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy. Strategic Messaging in the Indo-Pacific Carney arrives in Mumbai on Thursday, kicking off a carefully choreographed tour that could be interpreted as a “Quad Minus One” initiative. By engaging India, Japan, and Australia—while bypassing the U.S.—Canada appears to be signaling its intent to strengthen high-level partnerships in defense, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, withou...

Geneva: The United States has accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, signaling that Beijing may soon challenge Washington’s long-standing nuclear supremacy. U.S. officials are urging China to participate in future arms control agreements, following the recent expiration of the New START Treaty between the U.S. and Russia. U.S. Points to Secret Nuclear Expansion Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva, Christopher Yeaw, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, highlighted key shortcomings in the New START Treaty. “New START failed to address China’s unprecedented, rapid, and covert nuclear weapons build-up,” Yeaw said. “Contrary to its public statements, Beijing has deliberately increased its stockpile without transparency or any...

Washington/Tehran: The U.S. Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)—the world’s most expensive warship—is facing an unexpected internal crisis as it heads toward the Middle East for operations near Iran. According to reports, crew members are spending up to 45 minutes waiting in line for restrooms, highlighting severe sanitation and operational challenges on board. Sewage System Malfunctions Affect Sailors The carrier, designed to demonstrate American military might, is struggling with its own plumbing system. Thin pipes have caused repeated toilet jams, resulting in continuous sewage failures. The issue has affected hundreds of sailors, delaying even basic hygiene routines. The problem first emerged in January during the ship’s deployment in the Caribbean and h...

Dhaka: According to sources from Dhaka, Bangladesh’s newly appointed Prime Minister Tariq Rahman is cautiously navigating diplomatic waters to maintain a balance between India, China, and Pakistan. He is keen to avoid giving any early indication that Bangladesh is leaning toward any single country. India Moves to Strengthen Ties In an effort to consolidate ties with Bangladesh, both India and China are actively reaching out to the new administration. On Sunday, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka posted on social media platform X that High Commissioner Pranay Verma met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. The meeting focused on India’s desire to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors, emphasizing mutually beneficial cooperation and people-centered initiatives...