world

** Dhaka/Virginia: Tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka continue to rise following Bangladesh’s demand for the extradition of its ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has sentenced Hasina to death, accusing her of crimes against humanity for allegedly suppressing a violent student uprising in July 2024. Since her overthrow in August last year, Hasina has reportedly been living in India at an undisclosed location. In a significant development, Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed, who currently resides in the United States, has issued a statement on Dhaka’s extradition request made by the Yunus-led government. Speaking to news agency ANI, Wazed expressed confidence in the Indian government’s handling of the matter. “I believe the Governmen...

As Bihar prepares to announce its election results today, many voters wonder how Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are secured and counted. A key question is: who holds the keys to the EVM strong rooms, and how is the counting process conducted? What Happens After Voting Ends Once voting concludes, the presiding officer verifies the vote records stored in each EVM. All candidates’ polling agents are provided with a verified copy of the records. After all EVMs arrive at the designated strong rooms, they are placed under strict security monitored by electoral officers. Multiple security layers and CCTV surveillance ensure the integrity of the machines. What is a Strong Room? A strong room is a secure space where EVMs are stored. Typically located in government schools or other pr...

In an era striving for gender-neutral language, why do we still insist on feminine forms for professions? We do not call a female lawyer a "vakilini," yet terms like "adhyaksha" are used, though inconsistently. Patriarchy Embedded in Language It is no secret that our society operates on a deeply patriarchal framework, reflected in festivals, traditions, attire, speech, and daily interactions. Historically, this gender bias may have gone unnoticed, but with women increasingly entering education, workplaces, and positions of authority, linguistic inequities become more evident. As women assert themselves in previously male-dominated spaces, language must evolve to acknowledge their presence. The Experiment with Feminine Terms Recently, NBT has started experimenting with feminine ...

Islamabad/Washington: In a startling revelation, reports suggest that Pakistan spent three times more than India on lobbying efforts in the US to win over President Donald Trump, following his return to power. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir reportedly leveraged promises of a major mineral deal to secure Trump’s favor, opening Pakistan’s strategic resources as bait. Sources reveal that since Trump’s second term began, his approach toward Pakistan has significantly shifted. Despite suspending economic aid to Pakistan during his first term, Trump has hosted Asim Munir for a White House lunch and later welcomed both Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for high-level meetings in Washington. According to the New York Times, Pakistan engaged six influential US lobbying firms, including...

Paris: Amid growing concerns over Russian aggression in Europe, France has for the first time publicly showcased its nuclear-capable supersonic cruise missile, the ASMPA-R, mounted on the Rafale M fighter jet. The demonstration, conducted by the French Naval Nuclear Aviation Force, was part of Operation Diomede, simulating a nuclear strike without loading an actual warhead. According to the French Defense Ministry, the ASMPA-R missile was officially inducted into the Naval Nuclear Aviation Force on November 10, 2025. Though operational since 2023 within the strategic air forces, this public display marks its first visual confirmation on the Rafale M platform, which both the French Air Force and Navy employ for missile launches. Enhanced Range and Speed The ASMPA-R boasts a range o...

Islamabad: Following the failure of Turkish combat drones during Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan Army is now shifting its focus from Ankara to Russia, Ukraine, and European countries in search of advanced drone technology. Pakistani officials are negotiating with these nations to acquire military-grade, medium-altitude, long-endurance drones, a move that has caught the sharp attention of Indian defense authorities. Previously, the Pakistan Army relied heavily on drones from Turkey and China, but the shortcomings observed during Operation Sindoor have prompted senior Pakistani officials to explore alternatives. Reports indicate that a technology transfer agreement has been signed between a European company and Pakistan’s state-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). Sources reveal that Isla...