Following are the top foreign stories at 1730 hours

FGN21 PM-SKOREA-LD GANDHI

Terrorism, climate change biggest challenges before mankind: Modi Seoul: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said terrorism and climate change are two biggest challenges mankind is facing now and Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and values can help the world to address both the pressing issues.

FGN29 BANGLA-6THLD FIRE

81 killed as massive fire spreads at lightning speed through chemical warehouses in Bangladesh Dhaka: A fast-moving fire swept through adjoining apartment buildings and chemical warehouses in a historic part of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, killing at least 81 people and injuring several others, the latest such deadly blaze in the country. By Anisur Rahman

FGN26 PM-GANDHI-CLIMATE

Mahatma Gandhi's lifestyle did not leave any carbon footprint, a lesson for world: Modi Seoul: Mahatma Gandhi's lifestyle was a crucial lesson for the world facing the daunting challenge of global warming and climate change as he lived such a life that he did not leave any carbon footprint, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday.

FGN24 SKOREA-GANDHI-BAN

I was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings: Ban Seoul: Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Thursday said he was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and his bust, unveiled at the prestigious Yonsei University here, will serve as the source of inspiration for the people of South Korea.

FGN25 PAK-SAUDI-GUN-GIFT

Pakistan gifts gold-plated assault rifle to Saudi Crown Prince Islamabad: At a time when Pakistan is under immense global pressure on terrorism, the country's cash-strapped government has gifted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman a gold-plated assault rifle, a media report said.

FGN13 UN-INDOPAK

Perpetrators of terror acts must be brought swiftly to justice: UN chief United Nations: UN chief Antonio Guterres has said it is essential that there must be accountability under international law and the perpetrators of terrorist acts be brought swiftly to justice, as he reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama terror strike by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. By Yoshita Singh

FGN12 US-INDIAN-SANCTIONS

US slaps sanctions against Indian man, parents for running global drug smuggling network Washington: The US has slapped sanctions against a UAE-based Indian man and his parents for allegedly running a global money laundering and smuggling network for heroin. By Lalit K Jha

FGN23 CHINA-SAUDI-LD PRINCE

Saudi crown prince arrives in China Beijing: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Beijing Thursday as the monarch aims to seal partnerships on a high-profile Asia tour following a diplomatic crisis over a journalist's brutal murder. (AFP)

FGN22 VATICAN-SUMMIT-LD POPE

'Concrete measures' on sex abuse needed, pope tells Vatican summit Vatican City: Pope Francis opened Thursday a landmark summit at the Vatican on fighting child sex abuse, saying that the world expected "concrete measures" on tackling paedophilia in the Catholic Church. (AFP)

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