Pakistan has announced a state of open hostilities with Afghanistan following reported cross-border attacks late Thursday night that sharply escalated tensions along the frontier. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the government would respond decisively after Afghan-based Taliban fighters allegedly targeted Pakistani military checkpoints near the border. Taliban officials claimed they launched attacks around 8 p.m., capturing 19 Pakistani military posts and two bases, and said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Those figures have not been independently verified. Pakistan

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily suspend part of Minnesota’s Medicaid funding while federal officials investigate suspected fraud, Vice-President JD Vance said on Wednesday. Vance described the step as part of a broader effort by the administration to address what it calls “waste, fraud and abuse” in federally supported programs. The funding pause affects certain federal matching dollars that help the state deliver Medicaid services to eligible residents. Medicaid is the principal public health insurance program for low-income Americans. According to fede

Iran and the United States are preparing to begin a third round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reviving discussions around Tehran’s nuclear program, even as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. Officials from both sides say they prefer a political and diplomatic resolution to the long running dispute. The talks are scheduled to begin in Geneva, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting Wednesday with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Oman has previously played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials described the m

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a two day official visit, marking his first trip to the country in nearly nine years. He was received at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his spouse, Sara Netanyahu. During the visit, Modi and Netanyahu held a one on one meeting in Tel Aviv to discuss bilateral cooperation. Officials indicated that security and strategic partnerships are expected to feature prominently in the talks, reflecting the growing ties between the two countries in recent years. Modi is also scheduled to address the Isr

British authorities have arrested former United Kingdom ambassador and senior political figure Peter Mandelson as part of an investigation tied to his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that officers detained a 72 year old man at a residence in north London on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While police did not formally identify the individual, British media have previously reported that the investigation concerns Peter Mandelson. Investigators are examining documents that allegedly suggest Mandelson shared sensiti

Widespread violence has been reported across parts of Mexico following the reported death of a senior drug cartel leader during a military operation, according to statements from the country’s defence authorities. Officials said the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, widely known as El Mencho, was detained by Mexican armed forces on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa. During the operation, an exchange of gunfire broke out between his security detail and military commandos. Authorities said the suspect was seriously injured and later died while being transported to Mexico City. Mexico’

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal says an interim trade agreement between India and the United States could be signed as early as March, with implementation expected in April. The minister shared the update on Friday, indicating that negotiations have entered a final legal stage. According to Goyal, officials from both countries are scheduled to meet in the United States starting February 23 for three days of discussions aimed at finalizing the legal framework of the proposed agreement. The interim deal is expected to address tariff issues and market access while broader tr

Bangladesh has reinstated visa services for Indian citizens just three days after a new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party took office. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced Friday that all visa categories for Indian nationals have been restored, reversing a suspension imposed nearly two months ago. The earlier halt to visa processing had been introduced under the administration of former prime minister Muhammad Yunus. At that time, Bangladeshi authorities cited administrative and diplomatic considerations for pausing services. The decision had affected travellers seeking med

The second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program has concluded, with U.S. President Donald Trump warning that Iran has 10 days to reach an agreement or face possible military consequences. Speaking after the talks, Trump said Washington expects a clear commitment from Tehran to curb its nuclear activities. He cautioned that failure to reach a deal within the set timeframe could result in military action, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions held in Gene