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Rights group raises alarm over debt bondage of poor communities across Pakistan

IANS | April 30, 2026 9:31 PM

Berlin, April 30 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation has highlighted the plight of the poorest section in Pakistan, including a disproportionate number of Christians, who are often trapped in debt bondage after taking cash advances from “dubious” moneylenders in times of need, without being informed of the terms and conditions.

US: Growing alarm over food chemicals fuels calls for reform in Congress

IANS | April 30, 2026 9:28 PM

Washington, April 30 (IANS) A growing alarm over chemicals in the US food supply is driving calls in Congress to tighten oversight, as lawmakers warned that gaps in regulation and labelling are leaving consumers unsure about what they are eating.

US Congress examines campus speech conflicts

IANS | April 30, 2026 8:58 PM

Washington, April 30 (IANS) Top American lawmakers clashed sharply over free speech and academic freedom on US college campuses, a development that showed deep political divisions over whether universities are suppressing dissent or facing growing government overreach.

China’s UN influence alarms US lawmakers

IANS | April 30, 2026 8:52 PM

Washington, April 30 (IANS) China’s growing influence at the United Nations drew sharp warnings from US lawmakers on Wednesday, as they expressed concerns that Beijing is expanding its reach across the global body while Washington debates pulling back.

As terror networks converge across West Asia, India emerges as a trusted balancer

IANS | April 30, 2026 8:36 PM

New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) An instability persists across the Middle East from Gaza to the Gulf, regional voices are increasingly warning that the real threat is no longer confined to state rivalries, but lies in the growing convergence of terror networks and ideological movements. Amidst this, India is beginning to be seen as a potential balancer.

Afghanistan ranks 175th out of 180 nations in press freedom index

IANS | April 30, 2026 8:32 PM

Kabul, April 30 (IANS) Afghanistan has been ranked 175th out of 180 nations in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, the local media reported on Thursday citing data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Iran is ready for diplomacy if US changes approach: President Pezeshkian

IANS | April 30, 2026 8:01 PM

Tehran, April 30 (IANS) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that Tehran is ready for the path of diplomacy if Washington changes its approach, local media reported.

Pakistan: Human rights lawyers approach SC for early hearing of appeals against conviction

IANS | April 30, 2026 7:53 PM

Islamabad, April 30 (IANS) Human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, on Thursday filed a petition in Pakistan's Supreme Court, requesting an early hearing of their appeals against their conviction under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in the social media posts case, local media reported.

Putin to decide ceasefire dates for Victory Day: Kremlin

IANS | April 30, 2026 7:12 PM

Moscow, April 30 (IANS) Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is going to decide the dates and timings of the ceasefire with Ukraine for the 'Victory Day' celebrated on May 9, the Kremlin spokesman stated on Thursday.

Bangladesh: Rights body flags intimidation, harassment against Chittagong Hill Tracts activist

IANS | April 30, 2026 6:55 PM

Dublin, April 30 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation has called on the Bangladeshi government to immediately withdraw the cautionary letter issued to a woman human rights defender, Rani Yan Yan, and to provide a clear explanation of the legal basis for its issuance and dissemination to multiple government offices.