Indonesia flood death toll exceeds 1,000 as rescue, recovery efforts continue
Jakarta, Dec 13 (IANS) The death toll from floods and landslides that struck three provinces on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island has exceeded 1,000, with 218 people still missing, according to the latest data released Saturday by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The disasters have caused extensive infrastructure damage. BNPB data listed damage to about 1,200 […]
Malaysia to convene special ASEAN meeting on Cambodian-Thai border clashes
Kuala Lumpur, Dec 13 (IANS) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday that Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, will convene a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting soon on Cambodia-Thailand border tensions. He noted that the meeting will assess the situation and support de-escalation measures. The Prime Minister made the remarks on social media, saying he […]
No end to military operations until threats against territory, people cease: Thai PM
Bangkok, Dec 13 (IANS) Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in a social media post on Saturday that his country will continue its military operations until Thailand’s territory and people are no longer under threat. Anutin also responded to US President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks, stating, “It’s definitely not a roadside accident.” Trump had previously […]
Iran confiscates oil tanker for smuggling fuel
Tehran, Dec 13 (IANS) Iran on Saturday announced seizure of a foreign oil tanker in the Sea of Oman on charges of carrying six million litres of smuggled fuel. Local media quoted Hormozgan Chief Justice Mojtaba Qahremani as saying that the seizure was carried out as part of ongoing intelligence monitoring and surveillance of suspicious […]
US Senate calls China’s Sri Lanka port role a global warning
Washington, Dec 13 (IANS) China’s role in Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure was cited in a US Senate hearing this week as a cautionary example of Beijing’s overseas financing practices, with lawmakers warning that such projects can undermine sovereignty and strategic independence in the Indo-Pacific. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing this week, Chairman Jim […]
US sees Sri Lanka as key Indian Ocean security partner
Washington, Dec 13, (IANS) The United States views Sri Lanka as a crucial partner in safeguarding Indian Ocean security and protecting global shipping lanes, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the US Ambassador to Colombo told lawmakers. Eric Meyer said Sri Lanka’s geographic position places it at the centre of US efforts to promote maritime stability […]
Namibia grants one-month amnesty to overstayed foreign nationals
Windhoek, Dec 13 (IANS) Namibia has announced a one-month amnesty programme allowing foreign nationals who have overstayed their immigration permits to leave the country voluntarily without facing prosecution, fines or detention, the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has announced. The amnesty, which is effective from December 15, 2025, to January 15, […]
Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak wraps up goodwill visit to Kuwait
Kuwait City, Dec 13 (IANS) Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarthak concluded its goodwill visit to Kuwait on Saturday after participating in the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Kuwait Navy Ship KNS Al Garoh, underscoring the growing maritime cooperation between the two countries. According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, the exercise helped enhance India-Kuwait […]
