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Pakistan’s security forces report killing 177 militants in Balochistan following a wave of coordinated attacks.
Simultaneously, India has unveiled a record $85 billion defense budget, a 15% increase aimed at modernization and infrastructure.
In Bangladesh, a special court sentenced former PM Sheikh Hasina to 10 years for land-allocation corruption.
Meanwhile, diplomatic ties between the Taliban and Russia strengthen as direct flights are set to increase.
Socially, Sri Lanka has officially relaxed night shift bans for women in the hospitality and sanitation sectors, mandating employer-provided transport and safety measures.
Here are top ten news articles Shaping South Asia Today:
- 1 . Security forces kill 22 more terrorists in Balochistan, taking 48-hour total tally to 177
Description: Security forces killed 22 more terrorists during the ongoing security sweeps in Balochistan, taking the tally of terrorists killed over the past two days to 177, said security officials. An increase in terror attacks in noted in Baluchistan in January.
2– India unveils record $85bn defence budget
India has announced its largest-ever defence and infrastructure spending in the new federal budget. The budget was presented in parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday. The government has allocated about $85 billion for defence. This marks a sharp increase compared to last year. Infrastructure spending has also been raised to nearly $133 billion. India’s loosing of fighter jets to Pakistan many be a factor behind Raise in budget.
Link: https://minutemirror.com.pk/india-unveils-record-85bn-defence-budget-499803/
2. Direct Flights Between Russia & Afghanistan To Increase, Says Taliban Envoy
The Taliban’s ambassador to Russia said the number of direct flights between Afghanistan and Russia is expected to increase.
Gul Hassan told Russia’s state news agency TASS that, in addition to weekly flights operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines, direct Kabul–Moscow services by Kam Air are set to be launched in the near future.
https://www.afintl.com/en/202602023251
4 – Bangladesh court hands 10-year sentence to ex-PM Sheikh Hasina over Purbachal plot allocation
In two separate cases over allegations of allocating a 20-katha plot under the Purbachal New Town government project in the country’s capital, a court has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to five years in each case, totalling 10 years in prison.
In the same cases, Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, daughter of Sheikh Rehana and a British MP, has been sentenced to two years in each case, totalling four years in prison.
5– Sri Lanka relaxes night shift ban for women workers
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has decided to conduct a series of awareness programs for police officers, focusing on anti-human trafficking laws, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act, and effective investigative techniques.
The decision has been taken after the Bureau observed an increase in foreign job seekers falling victim to human trafficking and various financial scams orchestrated via social media and other platforms.