Pakistan's human rights record has come under fresh scrutiny after the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the detention of more than 20 civil society activists during a demonstration in Sindh. The commission has urged authorities to release those who remain in custody and uphold citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The HRCP said members of the Sindh Youth Action Committee, Sindh Sagar Party and other civil society organisations were detained during a protest in Kandiaro on November 10. The demonstrators had reportedly assembled peacefully to demand that government-owned land be used for the construction of a university, a hospital and a children's park. Following the demonstration, the activists were booked on charges including unlawful assembly, obstructing public officials and disturbing public order. According to the commission, at least 12 of those detained have been granted bail, while several others continue to remain in custody.

Condemning the arrests, the HRCP maintained that peaceful protest and dissent are essential democratic rights and should not be treated as criminal activities. It called on the authorities to ensure the release of all detained demonstrators and safeguard fundamental freedoms. The latest incident comes amid continuing concerns among rights organisations over restrictions on public demonstrations and freedom of expression in Pakistan. Civil society groups have repeatedly questioned the handling of protests and the response of authorities to demands raised by local communities.

The HRCP had earlier raised concerns over reports of renewed violence in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where clashes reportedly resulted in casualties among protesters and security personnel. Referring to its fact-finding visit to the region in August, the commission urged both federal and regional authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further violence and address public grievances through meaningful dialogue. It also called for unrestricted media access, emphasising that journalists should be able to cover developments independently.

The commission stressed that preventing further loss of life should remain the foremost priority and urged authorities to pursue political engagement instead of relying on force. The unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been driven by public grievances over electricity prices, rising inflation, taxation and access to essential services. Demonstrations organised by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee have previously resulted in confrontations with security forces, reflecting continuing tensions between local communities and the authorities over economic and governance-related issues. The latest detention of civil society activists in Sindh has added to the debate over the treatment of peaceful demonstrators and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Sikkim has brought renewed attention to the remarkable story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier whose legacy continues to inspire troops stationed along the India-China border. Known for the belief that he continues to protect soldiers even decades after his death, Harbhajan Singh occupies a unique place in the military folklore of the Himalayan region.

During his visit to the forward areas of Sikkim on November 8, 2026, Singh paid tribute to soldiers at the Sherathang War Memorial and visited the memorial dedicated to Harbhajan Singh. The visit highlighted the sacrifices of Indian Army personnel deployed in difficult high-altitude conditions while bringing the spotlight back on a soldier whose story has remained popular among troops for generations.

Harbhajan Singh served with the 23rd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment and was posted in eastern Sikkim. He died in October 1968 at the age of 22 while performing his duties near the Nathu La sector. According to accounts of the incident, he was escorting a convoy of mules when he slipped into a mountain stream and drowned. His body was reportedly recovered several days later after a fellow soldier claimed to have received information about its location in a dream.

The incident gave rise to the belief that Harbhajan Singh continued to watch over his fellow soldiers even after his death. Over the years, several stories have circulated among Army personnel about his alleged presence in the region. Some soldiers have claimed that he appeared in their dreams and warned them about possible dangers, enemy movements and difficult weather conditions. Although these accounts remain part of military folklore and have not been independently established, they have strengthened his reputation as a guardian of the Himalayan frontier.

A memorial dedicated to Harbhajan Singh has since become a recognised landmark in eastern Sikkim. Situated in the high-altitude region near the Nathu La sector, the shrine is visited by soldiers and tourists alike. The traditions associated with the memorial include maintaining his uniform and boots and keeping his quarters in military order as a mark of respect. These practices reflect the deep emotional connection that troops continue to share with the young soldier.

The legend has also become associated with India-China military interactions at Nathu La. According to popular accounts, Chinese soldiers have sometimes left an empty chair during flag meetings as a mark of recognition for Harbhajan Singh. However, this story remains an anecdotal part of the region's military folklore rather than a formally established military practice.

During his Sikkim visit, Rajnath Singh also interacted with Army personnel stationed at Sherathang and praised their commitment to protecting the country's borders. Drawing a connection with Diwali, the Defence Minister compared soldiers to lamps that allow millions of people to celebrate the festival peacefully with their families. He acknowledged the difficult conditions in which troops operate and highlighted the importance of their contribution to national security.

Singh also paid homage to soldiers who lost their lives during the 1967 Nathu La and Cho La clashes, remembering their role in safeguarding India's territorial integrity. He emphasised that the sacrifices of military personnel must never be forgotten and recognised the contribution of their families, who endure long periods of separation while their loved ones serve in remote border areas.

The story of Baba Harbhajan Singh has remained an important part of military tradition in eastern Sikkim because it represents more than an unusual legend. For soldiers serving in remote Himalayan locations, the harsh climate, difficult terrain and constant demands of border security create a challenging environment. Stories associated with courage, loyalty and sacrifice provide a lasting connection between generations of servicemen. Rajnath Singh's visit has once again brought attention to this extraordinary chapter of Indian Army history. Whether viewed as a story of faith, military folklore or remembrance, the legacy of Baba Harbhajan Singh continues to reflect the respect accorded to soldiers who dedicate their lives to the service of the nation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu on Wednesday, as part of his two-day official visit to the neighbouring country. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to expand the multifaceted Nepal-India partnership and further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two nations.

Misri arrived in Kathmandu earlier on Wednesday and was received at Tribhuvan International Airport by Nepal’s Joint Secretary Gehendra Rajbhandari and India’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nepal, Sudhakar Dalela. The visit, at the invitation of Nepali Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, aims to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on issues of mutual interest. A key focus is also on laying the groundwork for Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed official visit to New Delhi later this month.

During his stay, Misri is scheduled to hold discussions with his Nepali counterpart Rai, meet Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and call on Prime Minister Shah. He is expected to return to New Delhi on Thursday. This is Misri’s second visit to Kathmandu since taking charge as India’s Foreign Secretary in July 2024.

India and Nepal share longstanding historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people connections, supported by extensive cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, hydropower, development and security. The high-level diplomatic engagement reflects the commitment of both countries to further strengthening their close and friendly relationship amid changing regional dynamics.

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Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to strengthen regional connectivity by developing the Matarbari-Maheshkhali area into a major centre for logistics, energy, industry and trade, with the Matarbari deep-sea port serving as a key part of the plan. The agreement was highlighted in a joint statement issued after talks between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Tokyo on October 27, 2026. Rahman was on an official visit to Japan from October 26 to 29.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding regional connectivity to support sustained economic growth. The Matarbari deep-sea port, located along the Bay of Bengal and being developed with Japanese economic and technical assistance, is expected to play an important role in improving trade links and strengthening regional supply chains.

The two countries also agreed to expand their flagship bilateral initiative, previously known as BIG-B, into “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity.” The initiative aims to bring together investments in power, energy, port facilities, industrial development and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.

The expanded partnership is designed to establish a major industrial value-chain network, improve trade and supply-chain connections, and create new opportunities for economic growth. It will also focus on strengthening resilience against natural disasters, geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions to international supply chains. The leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining an international order based on openness, stability and the rule of law. They also discussed Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative as a framework for promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity.

During the summit, the two sides discussed potential investments worth 1 trillion Japanese yen (approximately US$6.3 billion) in Bangladesh's energy, infrastructure and ICT sectors. According to a statement from the Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office, the discussions also included plans to send a Japanese team to Bangladesh promptly to advance implementation. The agreement marks a significant step in Bangladesh-Japan economic cooperation, with the Matarbari-Maheshkhali development corridor expected to serve as a strategic gateway for trade, industrial investment and regional connectivity across the Bay of Bengal.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Despite recurring haze and air-quality warnings in Singapore, many people continue to exercise outdoors and participate in large public events. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examine whether frequent exposure to haze is causing people to underestimate its potential health effects, and how observing others going about their daily routines may shape individual decisions. They discuss these issues with Dr Olivia Jensen, Deputy Director of the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Simon Hattenstone, a features writer at The Guardian, has supported Manchester City for more than five decades. His connection with the club began when he was a child, during a difficult period in his life when he was recovering from a serious illness. He would attend matches in his hometown alongside his father, forming a bond with the club that would remain with him for much of his life.

For many years, being a Manchester City supporter meant experiencing far more disappointment than success. The club endured long periods away from the spotlight, with occasional moments of excitement breaking up years of frustration. That changed dramatically when City's fortunes began to improve, eventually leading to an extraordinary period of trophies, high-profile players and international attention. According to the original account, that remarkable rise was later overshadowed by allegations and a major legal dispute.

Guardian football writer Jonathan Liew has described the case as being about much more than Manchester City's transformation into one of football's biggest clubs. The allegations concern claims that the club benefited from hundreds of millions of pounds in improperly reported or unlawful income following its change in fortunes after 2008. The legal findings and the club's position on those matters have become part of a much wider debate surrounding football finances.

The story also raises broader questions about how the Premier League has evolved as international investment has poured into English football. The arrival of enormous amounts of overseas money has transformed clubs, transfer markets and commercial competition, while also raising difficult questions about financial regulation, ownership and competitive balance. Manchester City's story, therefore, has become part of a much larger discussion about how money has reshaped both English football and the business surrounding it.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Severe flooding in Bangkok has displaced thousands of residents and put the city’s drainage network under immense strain. Intense rainfall has also triggered deadly flooding in Nepal, India and the United States. Poh Kok Ing and Hairianto Diman speak with Bangkok-based Singaporean Ang Geck Geck and Tim Fletcher, Professor of Urban Ecohydrology at the University of Melbourne, to explore why cities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme downpours and how improved drainage, green infrastructure and smarter urban planning could help reduce flood risks.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Singapore is set to increase the salaries of its political officeholders by as much as 9 per cent, marking the first adjustment to ministerial pay in 15 years. The move has renewed debate over how Singapore determines compensation for its political leaders, including whether salaries should continue to be linked to earnings among the country’s highest-paid private-sector professionals. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman explore the principles behind Singapore’s political pay framework and the broader question of how public service should be valued. They also discuss the issue with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU).

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.