world

Riyadh: The holy month of Ramadan has begun in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other Gulf countries. The crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening, marking Wednesday, 18 February, as the first day of fasting in these countries. Afghanistan will also observe the first day of Ramadan on Wednesday. India and Pakistan to Begin a Day Later In India and Pakistan, the crescent is generally sighted a day after Gulf countries. Accordingly, the first day of fasting in both countries will be Thursday, 19 February 2026. In Oman and Turkey, where the moon was not sighted on Tuesday, Ramadan will also begin on Thursday. Fasting Practices During Ramadan, Muslims begin their day with Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, and break their fast at Iftar, after sunset. Fasting involves abs...

Geneva: The second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran took place on Tuesday in Geneva, focusing exclusively on Iran’s nuclear program. The discussions were held indirectly, with Oman acting as the mediator. The meeting lasted nearly three hours, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as more positive and constructive compared to the first round. “The discussions with the United States took place in a highly productive environment,” Araghchi told Iranian television. Consensus on Guiding Principles Araghchi added that the two sides reached a consensus on the “guiding principles,” which will serve as the foundation for drafting a potential agreement. “This gives us a clear and positive path forward,” he said, emphasizing that while the ...

In a decisive military move, India forced Pakistan into a defensive stance during Operation Sindoor by striking the Kirana Hills. India fired two missiles at the strategic location, a blow that reportedly compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire. This revelation comes from renowned aerial warfare analyst and historian Tom Cooper, who has extensively studied the operation. Targeting Pakistan’s Strategic Facility According to Cooper, the Indian Air Force targeted Kirana Hills, which reportedly houses a secret underground nuclear facility where Pakistan stores several nuclear weapons. “There is ample evidence that India struck Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor,” Cooper told NDTV. “Pakistanis themselves have released at least two videos on social media showing missile trails and imp...

Islamabad/New Delhi: Following India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty last year, Pakistan has expressed mounting frustration and is now taking its grievances to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India had paused the treaty in April 2025 after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, marking a rare assertive move, as the treaty had remained intact even after three wars between the two countries. Despite attempts by Islamabad to pressure New Delhi, India has maintained its stance. On 31 December, Pakistan’s UN Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmed argued that India’s unilateral suspension challenges the global order, portraying the move as a test of international norms. Analysts note that recent trade agreements between India, the European Union, and the...

Dhaka: As Bangladesh prepares for the swearing-in of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, outgoing Interim Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has sparked concerns with statements seen as critical of India. Yunus, who assumed office in August 2024 after protests toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic potential in the “Seven Sisters” region of India in his farewell speech. Yunus stated that Bangladesh’s open sea access could significantly influence the North-Eastern states of India and neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. “Our ports and maritime gateways are not just borders; they are key links to the global economy. Bangladesh can play a pivotal role in the economic growth of this region,” he said. While Yunus did not explicitly mention India, his refere...

Riyadh/Washington: Saudi Arabia has recently taken steps to strengthen defense ties with Turkey and Pakistan, signaling a diversification of its military procurement beyond its traditional partnership with the United States. Talks are reportedly underway for Saudi Arabia to purchase Turkish Kaan stealth fighter jets, raising concerns in Washington about potential losses in the U.S. arms market. The Trump administration has sought to ensure Saudi Arabia continues to buy F-35 warplanes from the U.S., emphasizing its benefits over foreign alternatives. During a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in November, Donald Trump had reaffirmed this stance. While Riyadh has assured Washington that it will not acquire JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, there is no guarant...

Washington: The first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur today, Tuesday, 17 February. This will be an annular solar eclipse, popularly known as the “Ring of Fire,” visible only from select regions of the world. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but appears smaller than the Sun in the sky, leaving a bright ring around the Moon. Unfortunately, this eclipse will not be visible from India. The “Ring of Fire” phase will be visible mainly in the icy regions of Antarctica, while a partial eclipse can be observed from parts of South Africa, southern South America, and some areas in the Indian Ocean. Upcoming Lunar Eclipse and Blood MoonAstronomers are already preparing for the full lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026, which will be visible across a much lar...

Dhaka: With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returning to power after 20 years, political shifts are creating unease among close associates of Muhammad Yunus, whose caretaker government has ruled the country for the past 18 months. Following BNP’s decisive victory in the general elections on 12 February, Tarique Rahman is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on 17 February. Reports indicate that some of Yunus’s aides have left the country in anticipation of the new administration. According to The Daily Star, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Yunus’s special assistant for International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and telecommunications, departed for Germany the day after the election results, prompting questions about whether Yunus’s allies fear potential legal or political repercussions. Experts c...

Islamabad/Oslo: Former caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, faced intense protests from the Baloch community during his visit to Oslo, Norway. Demonstrators questioned him about the Pakistani Army’s operations in Balochistan and publicly denounced him as a “killer of Baloch people” and a “puppet of the army.” Videos shared by separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch on social media show protesters shouting at Kakar and highlighting the plight of Baloch citizens under Pakistan’s military campaigns. Despite the confrontations, Kakar did not respond and attempted to leave the scene quietly. Mir Yar emphasized that Baloch representatives continue to expose, through democratic and legal means, Pakistan’s oppressive policies, alleged war crimes, systematic injustices, and huma...

Dhaka: Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister, political tensions have emerged in Bangladesh. Following its decisive election victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced that its elected MPs will not take the oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, dealing a significant blow to the agenda of interim leader Muhammad Yunus. BNP sources told leading media outlet Pratham Alo that the party’s decision was directed by Chairman Tarique Rahman. Salahuuddin Ahmad, the BNP MP from Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, clarified that none of the party’s MPs were elected to the Constitutional Reform Council and instructed them not to sign any council forms. He emphasized that any action regarding the council can only occur after formal constitutional ...