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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) India and Moldova on Wednesday held the third Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) focusing on further enhancing cooperation in energy, agriculture, connectivity and capacity building.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian delegation was led by Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West) and the Moldovan delegation was led by Corina Calugaru, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Moldova.

During the FOC, discussions were held on the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, economic, education, cultural, consular and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides emphasised to further enhance cooperation in energy, agriculture, connectivity and capacity building. Views were also exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest including cooperation in multilateral fora.

"India and Moldova share warm and cordial bilateral ties. The historic visit of the President of India to Moldova in July 2026, as the first Presidential visit from India has provided renewed momentum to bilateral relations. The discussions held at the FOC will contribute to further strengthening of India-Moldova bilateral partnership," read a statement issued by the MEA.

It added that both sides agreed to hold the next session of FOC in Chisinau at mutually convenient dates.

During her landmark State Visit to the Eastern European country in July this year, President Droupadi Murmu had appreciated the role played by Indian community in Moldova, including students, in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

President Murmu had also attended a banquet hosted in her honour by President Maia Sandu of Moldova in Chisinau, before leaving for North Macedonia.

"Honoured to welcome President Droupadi Murmu, the first visit by an Indian Head of State to Moldova. India, the world’s largest democracy, is a valued friend. We’re building a partnership that delivers real results for our people," Sandu wrote on X.

Highlighting the significance of India-Moldova relations amid growing global instability, Sandu said the two democracies are bound by common values of freedom and dignity, and a shared commitment to working for the benefit of their citizens.

Addressing a joint press conference with President Murmu, Sandu said Moldova is choosing cooperation and trustworthy partnership, adding that Moldova can build a relationship with India based on shared democratic values.

"We are two democracies, a large one, a very large one, and a small one, but united through the same values: freedom, dignity, and work to the benefit of the people. In Moldova, you’ll always find a trustworthy friend," she said.

--IANS

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Islamabad, Nov 11 (IANS) One person was killed and 47 others, including nine schoolchildren, were injured after a bus overturned due to brake failure in Murree in Pakistan's Punjab province, local media reported on Wednesday.

The bus driver was killed in the accident near the Shawala area of Murree on Tuesday as the bus was on its way to Gujranwala, the Dawn reported.

Murree police said that the accident took place when the bus was heading to Miyari and overturned after hitting a roadside pillar.

After the accident was reported, Rescue 1122, district and traffic police officials reached the site of the incident and began a rescue operation to take the injured trapped in the bus to the hospital. Rescue teams and private vehicles took the injured people to the hospital.

On November 5, 11 people were killed, and 33 others were injured after a passenger bus collided with a truck near Pakpattan in the province, local media reported.

Rescue 1122 said that 11 people died in the collision between a truck and a passenger bus. It further mentioned that eight people suffered minor injuries, while 25 others were taken to the hospital in Pakpattan, Dawn reported.

The accident took place on Depalpur Road when a passenger bus was heading from Multan to Kasur, and a truck was coming in the opposite direction, according to the district administration's press release.

The rescue operation conducted for three hours involved cranes and other heavy machinery to extract people trapped in the wreckage.

As many as 464 people were killed, and 23,543 others were seriously injured in 44,797 road accidents in Pakistan's Punjab province in October. Nearly three-quarters of the road accidents involved motorcycles, local media reported, citing rescue authorities.

The statistics were shared during a monthly review of the emergency operational performance of Rescue 1122 districts in Punjab. Rescue teams responded to 231,056 emergencies and saved 233,210 people during October, according to the department, The Express Tribune reported.

The incidents involved road accidents, fires, medical emergencies, drowning incidents and other rescue operations. The department reported 1,726 fire emergencies and 94 drowning incidents in Punjab during October.

The highest number of road crashes in Punjab were reported in Lahore, with 7,874 incidents involving motorcycles. As many as 2,838 accidents involving 3,312 motorcycles were reported in Multan, while Faisalabad reported 2,615 crashes involving 2,896 motorcycles. As many as 2,092 accidents, involving 2,250 motorcycles, were reported in Gujranwala, followed by Sheikhupura, which reported 1,714 road accidents involving 1,706 motorcycles. As many as 142 accidents, involving 160 motorcycles, were reported in Taunsa Sharif.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) India on Wednesday congratulated Sri Lanka for successfully hosting the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Colombo, stressing that the meeting marks an "important milestone" in strengthening regional cooperation in the health sector.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the approval of the Revised Plan of Action (2026-2030) further reinforces collective commitment to regional health cooperation.

"Congratulations to Sri Lanka for successfully hosting the First BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo on 11 November 2026. The meeting marks an important milestone in strengthening regional cooperation in the health sector. India is pleased that all Member States have agreed to establish the BIMSTEC Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India," the MEA stated on X.

"This initiative will promote traditional medicine and strengthen preventive healthcare across the region. The approval of the Revised Plan of Action (2026–2030) further reinforces our collective commitment to regional health cooperation," the statement added.

Earlier in the day, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda addressed the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting and reaffirmed India's readiness to share its expertise and best practices in healthcare with BIMSTEC member nations.

Nadda highlighted India's progress towards Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, strengthened public health infrastructure, and digital healthcare initiatives.

"Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda addressed the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, highlighting India’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat, strengthened public health infrastructure and digital healthcare initiatives," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a post on X.

"Emphasising regional solidarity, the Minister called for enhanced cooperation in health security, pandemic preparedness, One Health and traditional medicine, while reaffirming India’s readiness to share its expertise and best practices with BIMSTEC member nations," it added.

During the meeting, Nadda highlighted India’s commitment to hosting the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine in Gujarat's Jamnagar to promote joint research, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

"Guided by PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, India remains committed to building a healthier, more inclusive and resilient BIMSTEC region," he said, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Nadda arrived in Colombo on Tuesday to participate in the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting and was received by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

Upon arrival in Colombo, Nadda said that he was looking forward to engaging with his counterparts from BIMSTEC member nations to strengthen regional health cooperation, advance shared public health priorities and foster greater collaboration in healthcare.

--IANS

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Dhaka, Nov 11 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation on Wednesday called on the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately drop the sedition charges against Hindu woman rights activist Shampa Goswami, raising concerns over a wider campaign of intimidation against her.

The appeal came after a sedition case was filed against Goswami, Executive Director of Prerna, a women's organisation based in Bangladesh's Sakthira district, in September, over allegations of involvement in anti-government activities and conspiring to overthrow the government.

Expressing grave concern, Amnesty International said that Goswami faces sedition charges that carry a possible life sentence. It noted that although she was recently granted anticipatory bail for eight weeks, the relief offers only temporary protection from arrest, while the charges and a wider campaign of intimidation against her remain.

“The reprisal against Goswami extends beyond the criminal case. She has faced surveillance, intimidation and harassment of her family. On 21 August, authorities stopped her at the airport as she attempted to travel to Indonesia to attend an international conference. A travel restriction continues to prevent her from traveling abroad,” the rights body stated.

“The pressure has also affected Prerona, which Goswami has led since its establishment in 2006. The organisation works to advance women's rights, education, health and economic empowerment, particularly among marginalised communities. Despite submitting the required documents, Prerona continues to face delays in obtaining administrative approvals for its projects, obstructing its legitimate work,” it noted.

Amnesty International urged the Bangladeshi authorities to end all harassment and intimidation against Goswami and her family, and lift the travel ban.

“They must also ensure Prerona can continue its legitimate work without obstruction or reprisals. Defending human rights is not a crime,” it added.

The sedition case against Goswami sparked serious concern in Bangladesh, with leading human rights organisations flagging threats to her safety amid allegations of harassment following the filing of the case, local media reported.

Last week, the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) raised concerns over her safety and urged the authorities to protect her right to pursue legitimate human rights activities without fear, while ensuring that her family and those associated with her organisation are not subjected to any form of intimidation, harassment or reprisals, Bangladesh's leading newspaper The Daily Star reported.

HRFB is a coalition of 20 human rights and development organisations in Bangladesh, including Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

--IANS

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Tehran, Nov 11 (IANS) Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that the country has designated the Argentine Navy and Air Force as terrorist organisations.

The move came in response to the Argentine government's decision in late March to designate Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry described Argentina's decision as "hostile and being in contradiction with the fundamental principles of international law," saying Iran's move was based on the principle of reciprocity and a domestic law on reciprocal action against the US designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

The law calls for equivalent countermeasures against countries that comply with or support Washington's actions against Tehran, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministry held the Argentine government responsible for all consequences arising from the decision, stressing that the IRGC is an integral part of Iran's armed forces.

The office of Argentine President Javier Milei announced on March 31 that Argentina had designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

The decision followed calls by US President Donald Trump's administration for its allies to designate the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist organisations.

The Argentine government said the measure had been adopted in response to the IRGC's support for Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, which Buenos Aires blames for a deadly 1994 bombing attack on the AMIA Jewish community centre in the capital city. The attack killed 85 people and injured over 300 others.

Earlier this month, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Tehran had designated Britain's Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Secret Intelligence Service as "terrorist and hostile" entities over the British government's anti-Iran actions.

Meanwhile, Qatar said Tuesday that progress had been made in negotiations between the United States and Iran, describing recent White House talks involving Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as positive, while cautioning that it was too early to predict when an agreement could be reached.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) India is seen as a credible country that can help in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine because it is one of few major powers with working relationships with both countries, according to a report in Al Jazeera.

It cited a foreign affairs expert as saying that India’s strategic autonomy puts it in a position to push for peace because New Delhi is “friends with both” sides.

India has also been even-handed. In July, it summoned Moscow’s charge d’affaires to condemn a Russian strike on a merchant vessel that killed 10 people, including four Indian crew members. Days later, it summoned Ukraine’s ambassador over an Indian seafarer killed in a Ukrainian drone strike on the MV Omorfi, the report observes.

It highlights that India is also an importer of goods from both Russia and Ukraine. In the 2025-26, India imported 1.46 million tonnes of sunflower oil from Russia and 443,000 tonnes from Ukraine, according to the Indian Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA), alongside large volumes of Russian crude.

The article cites Maximilian Hess, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, as saying that Zelenskyy approached India “because they have leverage over Moscow, and they are still one of the few major buyers of its oil.”

He added that a large amount of Russian money sits in the Indian financial system, which Moscow wants to keep access to.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, about a third of the world’s grain exports passed through the Black Sea, with Ukraine supplying a tenth of global wheat exports and 15 percent of maize. Disruption hits food-importing countries hardest, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia, the report states.

Indian officials point out that India as a leading voice of the Global South is keen that food exports to these developing nations resume to prevent adequate supplies and controlling rising inflation.

Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have discussed the issue of opening the food corridor over a phone call.

“India is ready to mediate in establishing food corridors, and we are counting on these efforts to continue,” Zelenskyy posted on X after call. The leaders discussed Russia’s blocking of grain exports in the Black Sea, he said.

PM Modi said India was ready to contribute “in every possible way” towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during a visit to Kyiv in September, spoke of a potential pause on strikes against Black Sea shipping and energy infrastructure. On October 4, he said India was talking to both Russia and Ukraine about shipping safety, grain and energy exports and “non-attack possibilities”.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha earlier called India’s proposal “the broadest”, because it covers both the Black Sea and energy infrastructure. The US plan offers only a halt to strikes on energy facilities.

--IANS

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Canberra, Nov 11 (IANS) The National Gallery of Australia has handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders' Summit in July 2026.

The artefacts include a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya, all of which are being transferred from the National Gallery of Australia in a major boost to India's efforts to restore its cultural heritage.

"Following through on the high-level commitment made by our Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders' Summit in July 2026, through its sustained efforts, the High Commission of India in Australia has formally taken over and is transferring the three precious Indian artefacts to India - a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya, from the National Gallery of Australia," the Indian mission posted on X.

"We appreciate the cooperation extended by the National Gallery of Australia in effecting this transfer. The valuable artefacts will soon be arriving in India, bringing our treasured heritage home!" it added.

Earlier in July, Prime Minister Albanese announced that items of cultural significance to India, currently displayed in museums across the Oceania nation, would be returned, while hailing the progress made in repatriating an Australian First Nations ancestor from the Government Museum of Chennai.

He said that India's decision to repatriate the First Nations ancestor reflects the strong cultural relationship and mutual respect between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi following their delegation-level talks in Melbourne, Albanese said, "I welcome progress to repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held in the Government Museum of Chennai. The ancestor will be voluntarily and unconditionally repatriated by India to their traditional custodians."

"In the spirit of friendship, Australia will voluntarily return several items of cultural significance to India, previously held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales," he added.

Lauding Prime Minister Modi's decision to repatriate an Australian First Nations ancestor, Albanese said that the initiative would promote healing, justice, and reconciliation while underscoring the deep historical bonds and expanding people-to-people ties between Australia and India.

"Australia and India share a deep history, and we are building strong people-to-people links between our two countries. The repatriation of First Nations ancestor promotes healing, justice, and reconciliation. I commend Prime Minister Modi for the decision to repatriate Australian First Nations ancestors to their Traditional Custodians," said Albanese.

--IANS

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Seoul, Nov 11 (IANS) South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for a constitutional revision, rejecting opposition claims that the revision would be aimed at allowing President Lee Jae Myung to seek a second term.

Cho's remarks came as opposition lawmakers have questioned whether he had left open the possibility of Lee seeking another term after he told a press conference in July that an incumbent president's eligibility to seek another term would be up to the people to decide.

"As stipulated in Article 128 of the Constitution, the extension of a sitting president's term is not a subject of discussions for a constitutional revision," Cho said during a discussion hosted by the Kwanhun Club, a senior journalists' association. "This should no longer be used for political conflict," Yonhap News Agency reported.

Cho said the National Assembly should take the lead in pursuing constitutional reform, adding that he plans to launch an advisory committee under his office soon to set the direction and key priorities for the revision.

"As no nationwide elections are scheduled for next year, it would be the right time to calmly hold discussions on constitutional reform," he said.

The speaker apologized for the controversy sparked by his earlier remarks, saying, "As a politician, I would like to once again extend my sincere apologies to the public for inadvertently causing such misunderstanding and controversy."

Cho also pledged efforts to further advance South Korea's national interests, saying he plans to visit major countries, including the United States and China, next year.

Currently, the Constitution limits presidents to a single, five-year term and stipulates that an amendment to extend the term will not be effective for the president in office at the time the amendment is proposed.

--IANS

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Phnom Penh, Nov 11 (IANS) Cambodia has launched a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) Multi-Age Cohort and catch-up vaccination campaign to expand cervical cancer protection for adolescent girls, according to a joint press release issued on Wednesday.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Cambodia, ranking as the second leading cancer among women of all ages. Because nearly all cervical cancer cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, vaccination stands as one of the most effective preventive measures available.

Building on the successful integration of the HPV vaccine into Cambodia's National Immunisation Programme in 2023, the new campaign will run alongside routine vaccinations for nine-year-old girls. The initiative provides free HPV vaccines to all girls aged 13 to 14, while offering catch-up doses for girls aged 10 to 12 who may have missed their routine vaccinations between 2023 and 2025, Xinhua News Agency reported.

To maximise coverage, the nationwide campaign will be rolled out in two phases from November to December 2026.

At the campaign launch on Tuesday, Cambodian Minister of Health Chheang Ra reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting future generations.

"Every girl deserves protection from cervical cancer," he said. "By expanding HPV vaccination opportunities across the country, we are ensuring that girls who missed previous opportunities can still benefit from this safe, effective, and life-saving vaccine."

The campaign will utilise a coordinated approach, delivering vaccines through schools, community centers, and local health facilities.

Marianna Trias, the World Health Organisation representative to Cambodia, said HPV vaccination is one of the most effective tools for preventing cervical cancer.

"By expanding vaccination opportunities for girls up to age 14, Cambodia is accelerating progress towards eliminating cervical cancer while safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations," she said.

HPV vaccination is among the most impactful interventions, averting an estimated 13 deaths for every 1,000 children vaccinated, according to the joint press release.

Supporting these efforts, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has committed substantial financial resources to ensure the initiative's success.

"With more than three million US dollars in funding for this campaign, which aims to protect more than 700,000 girls in schools and communities, Gavi reaffirms our commitment to support Cambodia in its efforts to build stronger links between adolescent girls and essential health services," said Priya Gajraj, Gavi's director of core countries.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said that a Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national.

In a post on X, Sonowal said that the vessel was carrying six Indian seafarers when it came under attack on Tuesday.

He added that the injured Indian seafarer had suffered minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination, while the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were safe.

"On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other 5 Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for," the Union Minister stated.

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of our seafarers," he added.

Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that as many as 23 Indian nationals, including 15 Indian seafarers, lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while five Indian nationals died in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.

Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that one Indian national died after a ship that carried 14 Indian crew members came under attack. He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing 13 Indian nationals when the ship was attacked on November 2.

On the number of Indian nationals who lost their lives in the West Asia conflict, Jaiswal said, "In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals whom we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers, and today we have lost one more, yesterday, that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of these, 15 of them are Indian seafarers."

--IANS

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