International

In a significant administrative reform aimed at gender inclusivity and dignity in public offices, the Bangladesh government has announced the removal of the mandatory ‘sir’ salutation for women officials. This decision reverses a long-standing protocol from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s earlier tenure that institutionalised addressing both male and female officers as ‘sir’, sparking decades of…

Germany’s defence ministry has confirmed it has no plans to purchase additional F-35 fighter jets beyond the 35 units already ordered, despite speculation that Berlin might expand its procurement to bolster NATO’s deterrence capabilities. The clarification came amid ongoing budget negotiations within Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition and persistent debates on meeting NATO defence spending targets….

China has sharply criticised the recent decision by US lawmakers to restrict Chinese purchases of American farmland, calling the move “discriminatory, unjustified, and a violation of international trade norms.” The reaction from Beijing comes amid escalating tensions between the two global economic giants over trade, technology, and national security. Details of the US ban The…

In a significant escalation of his protectionist economic agenda, former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced new tariffs on six additional countries, including the Philippines and Iraq, drawing sharp criticism from international trade bodies and raising concerns over global economic stability. Details of Trump’s announcement Addressing a rally of supporters and business leaders, Trump…

In yet another significant diplomatic milestone, Namibia has conferred its highest civilian honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising his contributions to strengthening India-Namibia bilateral relations, global south cooperation, and leadership on international platforms. This becomes the 27th top award conferred on PM Modi by foreign governments, further consolidating his image as a widely recognised…

India has abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that strongly condemned the Taliban’s repressive policies, particularly those targeting Afghan women and girls. The Indian delegation emphasised that mere symbolic resolutions would not yield practical results for the Afghan people and stressed the need for “credible and inclusive initiatives” to ensure…

Former Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar’s recent comments defending a US-designated terrorist by suggesting there are “millions named Rauf” have sparked intense criticism domestically and internationally, adding to Islamabad’s diplomatic discomfort as it struggles to shed its perceived leniency towards extremist groups. Background Of The Controversy The row began when the US Department of…