Following are the top foreign stories at 1700 hours

    
     FGN1 US-INDIA-DEMOCRACY
* India is world’s largest democracy and an important strategic partner: US
     Washington: The Biden administration asserted that India was an important strategic partner of the US and added that the status of the relationship is expected to remain unchanged. *

     FGN12 US-INDIA-LD MILITARY
* India took steps to modernise its military and reduce dependence on Russian arms: US intel official
     Washington: India in 2023 showcased itself as a global leader as it demonstrated a greater willingness to counter China's activity throughout the Indo-Pacific region and took steps to modernise its military and reduce its dependency on Russian origin-equipment, the top US intelligence official has told Congress. *

     FGN22 UK-SUNAK-SMOKE BAN
* UK PM Rishi Sunak faces resistance over his smoking ban plans
     London: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces very vocal resistance against his plans to effectively ban smoking for anyone aged 15 and younger as a new bill comes up for a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday. *

     FGN19 US-PAK-NUCLEAR
* Pakistan sustained its nuclear programme despite economic turmoil: top US intelligence official tells Congress
     Washington: Pakistan sustained its nuclear modernisation efforts last year despite its economic turmoil as its contentious relationship with India continues to drive its defence policy, the top US intelligence official has told Congress. *

     FGN18 US-CONGRESSMAN-LD HINDUS
* Substantial increase in attack on Hindus in US: Indian-American Congressman
Washington: Observing that there is a substantial increase in attacks against Hindus in the US, an Indian-American Congressman has said that this was just the “beginning of a coordinated anti-Hindu attack”, as he asked the community members to unite against hate crimes. *

     FGN23 PAK-ECONOMY-AURANGZEB
* Pakistan needs 2-3 years to implement IMF-advised structural reforms: Finance Minister Aurangzeb
     Washington: Cash-strapped Pakistan would need two or three years to implement structural reforms prescribed by the IMF, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said, warning that the country would be looking for another bailout programme if it fails to go through these measures. *

     FGN15 CHINA-CHATTERJEE
* Decorated ex-Indian Army officer, UN diplomat Siddharth Chatterjee makes waves in China with his fitness regime
     Beijing: Siddharth Chatterjee, the head of the UN in China, is making waves on Chinese social media where he showcased his tough yoga and fitness exploits, including breathing exercises in sub-zero temperatures, which he says helped him to maintain physical and mental equilibrium. *
    
     FGN7 US-INDIAN-STUDENTS
* US continues to offer welcoming environment to Indian students: Indian-American academician
     Washington: The United States continues to offer a welcoming environment to students from India, an eminent Indian-American academician said Monday amid reports of deaths of 11 students from India or of Indian origin this year, a development that has caused concerns among the community and their parents in India. *

     FGN25 PAK-IMRAN-BUSHRA-COURT
* Pak court disposes of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi’s plea seeking transfer to Adiala jail
     Islamabad: A Pakistani high court on Tuesday disposed of a petition filed by Bushra Bibi seeking her transfer to the high-security Adiala jail, where her husband, former prime minister Imran Khan is incarcerated. *

    

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)