Indian-American Paul Kapur Confirmed as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs
Despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, the Senate has confirmed Indian-American academic and policy expert S. Paul Kapur as the new Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs in a single en bloc vote. Kapur was among 107 nominees approved by the Senate on Tuesday.
Japan on Brink of Historic Change as Takaichi Wins Ruling Party Leadership
Japan is on the verge of appointing its first female prime minister after former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi secured the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The leadership election took place on Saturday, following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s earlier resignation announcement aimed at preventing internal division within the party.
Deadly Unrest Grips Pakistan-Administered Kashmir as Protests Enter Fifth Day
The unrest, now in its fifth consecutive day, has left at least 12 civilians dead and more than 200 injured, many of them critically with gunshot wounds. Violence has spread from Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, to Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Kotli, and Dadyal, despite heavy security presence and strict curbs on communication.
How the UAE Assembled a Military Ring to Dominate the Gulf of Aden
Satellite imagery analyzed by Middle East Eye reveals that the United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded its network of military and intelligence bases, stretching from the Socotra Islands in the Indian Ocean to the coastlines of Somalia and Yemen. This growing ring of strategic control—located near one of the world’s busiest maritime routes—has rapidly intensified following the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The UAE’s key allies, including Israel and the United States, have reportedly been involved in the establishment and expansion of these bases.
Eight Muslim Nations Endorse Trump’s Gaza Plan
Jewish communities have been deeply worried for a long time. From Hollywood to the international sports world, calls to boycott Israel are growing louder. Among young people across the globe, Israel has become the most hated state. Even in the United States — a stronghold of Jewish life — the younger generation is turning away from Israel.
EU Leaders Should 'Sleep Well,' Not Fear Russia, Says Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Western claims that Moscow poses a threat to NATO member states, labeling them a “nonsense mantra” repeated by European Union leaders. Speaking during his annual address at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Putin said such assertions were either rooted in incompetence or used deliberately to mislead the public.
Crisis Point for Media Freedom in Bangladesh
The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has sounded the alarm over a “crisis point” for press freedom in Bangladesh, citing mass arrests, fabricated charges, and harassment of journalists under the interim administration of Mohammad Yunus.
EU Leaders Raise Alarm Over Abuses in Pakistan and Bangladesh
At a side event during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Members of the European Parliament, senators, and human rights advocates expressed grave concern over escalating human rights violations in South Asia—particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Trump Unveils Roadmap for Peace in Gaza
US President Donald Trump has announced a new peace initiative aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and presenting a comprehensive framework for the territory’s future governance.
Absent From a U.N. Discussion on Refugee Aid: The Refugees Themselves
They reside in the world’s largest network of refugee camps, with little freedom to leave. Within these camps, their shops have been demolished and schools shut down. Back in their homeland, the only common ground among warring groups is their shared hostility toward these stateless people.