world

Riyadh/Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are expected to generate nearly 3 lakh new jobs annually over the next five years, according to a recent research study. By 2030, both countries could see a demand for over 1.5 million additional workers, presenting a significant opportunity for Indian professionals. Despite the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Global Workforce Study indicates that human labor demand in the Gulf region will not decline. On the contrary, robust economic growth, large-scale development projects, and expanding public and private service sectors are expected to drive the need for skilled workers. Saudi Arabia’s Workforce DemandSaudi Arabia’s labor requirements are growing rapidly under Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 initiatives, w...

Islamabad/New Delhi: The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has announced a major reorganization of its structure for 2026, including the formation of an “Air Force Unit” under the leadership of Salim Haqqani, raising concerns over a potential surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan. The TTP has declared Kashmir as a new “Wilayat” (province) within its organizational framework, marking a first in the group’s history. Additionally, the Gilgit region has been split into two separate Wilayats – Diamer and Darrel – further expanding the group’s operational footprint. Surge in Pakistan AttacksOver the past two to three years, terrorist incidents in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have sharply increased. In November 2022, the TTP officially abrogated its ceasefire agreement ...

Washington/Delhi: Indian professionals seeking employment in the U.S. face growing uncertainty following a worldwide alert issued by the American embassy regarding H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. The alert, announced on 22 December, expands the screening of visa applicants’ social media accounts and online presence as part of the U.S. State Department’s efforts to prevent misuse of the H-1B program and ensure companies recruit international talent responsibly. The new protocol requires consular officers to review applicants’ social media profiles, public digital footprints, and online activity during the standard visa screening process. While intended to strengthen the program, the alert has raised concerns among Indian applicants, who fear delays and complications in obtaining visas. ...

Islamabad: While Pakistan celebrates the 149th birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 25 December, honoring him as the founder of the nation, strong dissent continues in Balochistan. Prominent Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has called Jinnah a “devil and deceiver,” holding him responsible for forcibly bringing Balochistan under Pakistan’s control in March 1948. Mir Yar Baloch, a long-time advocate for Balochistan’s independence, shared a social media post with Jinnah’s photograph labeled “Satan.” He wrote, “On 25 December 1876, a devil was born named Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose ancestors belonged to Punja. He served as the employee and lawyer of the Khan of Kalat, Ahmed Yar Khan, representing Balochistan in Britain. He betrayed Balochistan and, on 27 March 1948, launched a military at...

Ottawa/New Delhi: After a prolonged period of diplomatic tension, India and Canada are set to revive discussions on a bilateral trade agreement. Relations between the two nations had deteriorated sharply during former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure in 2023, when negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were stalled. Trudeau’s administration had also expelled Indian diplomats and halted discussions, citing concerns over Khalistan supporters in Canada. Renewed Momentum Under Prime Minister Mark CarneyThe tide is now turning under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in March 2025. In a recent interview, Carney confirmed that Canada has formally resumed trade talks with India. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also stated that both countries are prepar...

Washington/Beijing/New Delhi: While recent months have seen a notable reduction in tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, the Pentagon warns that this apparent calm is part of a calculated Chinese strategy rather than a genuine effort to resolve long-standing border disputes. The United States Department of Defense’s Annual Report to Congress on China’s Military and Security Developments – 2025 highlights that China continues to rapidly expand its military infrastructure along the LAC, maintaining a strong troop presence. Strategic Disengagement, Not PeaceThe report indicates that China’s reduced confrontations with India are temporary and tactical. Analysts emphasize that Beijing aims to buy time, manage international pressure, and prevent India from i...

Ottawa/Edmonton: The tragic death of 44-year-old Indian-origin Prashant Shrikumar in Canada has raised serious questions about hospital care and emergency response protocols. On 22 December, Shrikumar was rushed to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton after experiencing severe chest pain. Despite his repeated complaints, he reportedly waited for eight hours before receiving treatment, ultimately succumbing to a cardiac arrest. Family Alleges NegligenceAccording to Shrikumar’s family, hospital staff initially conducted a check-up and then sent him to the waiting area, assuring him there was “nothing serious” and that he should remain calm. Shrikumar repeatedly reported unbearable chest pain and high blood pressure, but staff delayed urgent treatment. Several hours later, he was final...

Dhaka: With Bangladesh gearing up for its 13th national parliamentary elections on 12 February, political parties are entering a phase of intense alliance-building. The country’s Chief Election Commissioner, A.M.M. Nasiruddin, recently announced the official election schedule, setting the stage for pre-election negotiations. Reports indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are in advanced discussions to form a coalition. While details of seat-sharing are still being negotiated, both parties are known for their staunchly India-critical stances, and the alliance, if finalized, could consolidate their influence in certain constituencies. Background of the PartiesJamaat-e-Islami has a decades-long history of anti-India positions and is often seen as aligned with...

Ottawa/Toronto: In a tragic incident, 20-year-old Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi was shot dead near the Scarborough campus of the University of Toronto. The shooting took place in broad daylight at Highland Creek Trail on Old Kingston Road, leaving students and the local community in shock. The Indian High Commission in Canada expressed deep grief over the incident, stating that it is in contact with the victim’s family and is coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary assistance. “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic death of young Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi in the shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus,” the High Commission posted on social media. Police Investigation UnderwayToronto police confirmed that the shooting ...

Washington: Renowned American political scientist and author Professor Francis Fukuyama has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies toward India, claiming they have undermined decades of strategic cooperation. Speaking to France 24, Fukuyama said, “For the past 30 years, the United States has sought to strengthen ties with India to counterbalance China. Donald Trump has thrown all of that away, driven by personal ego and a failed quest for the Nobel Prize.” Trump’s Policies Strain India-US RelationsFukuyama emphasized that Trump’s grievances stemmed from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to support his Nobel Peace Prize nomination. “Trump placed his personal ambitions above the long-term national interests of the United States, weakening an essential strate...