Conference highlights evolving dynamics in US-India ties

IANS | April 23, 2026 9:35 PM

Washington, April 23 (IANS) Senior policymakers and analysts at a high-level conference here said India’s foreign policy is being shaped by strategic autonomy, economic expansion, and a complex -- at times strained -- partnership with the United States.

Repeated school closures in Pakistan compound learning crisis: Report

IANS | April 23, 2026 9:29 PM

Islamabad, April 23 (IANS) Learning crisis deepens and existing gaps further widen when children in Pakistan, who struggle with basic literacy, keep on missing schools. In March, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced closure of schools and a shift to online classes for all higher education institutions for two weeks to manage the increasing price of fuel caused by the conflict in West Asia. However, this is not the only time when Pakistan government decided to shut down schools.

Pakistan: Staggering number of deaths in police encounters showcase failure of criminal justice system

IANS | April 23, 2026 9:02 PM

Islamabad, April 23 (IANS) A lady health worker from Muzaffargarh city of Pakistan's Punjab province requesting country's Chief Justice to conduct an independent probe into the killing of her two sons in an alleged police ‘encounter’ demonstrates the eroding trust of people in provincial authorities to deliver justice. Her statement about police torture and the subsequent killing of her sons in a "so-called encounter" is not an isolated case, a report has stated.

Five people killed in flash floods: Afghanistan

IANS | April 23, 2026 8:49 PM

Tehran, April 23, (IANS) At least five people have died and hundreds of homes destroyed after flash floods struck West Afghanistan provinces of Ghor and Badghis, local media in the country reported on Thursday citing information confirmation from various authorities.

Jitin Prasada concludes Czech visit, pushes trade and investment ties

IANS | April 23, 2026 8:44 PM

New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) The Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, concluded his official visit to the Czech Republic on Thursday, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Christians in Pakistan face severe social discrimination and untouchability: Report

IANS | April 23, 2026 8:31 PM

Colombo, April 23 (IANS) The Christian community in Pakistan continues to face severe discrimination, untouchability and oppression due to persistent misuse of blasphemy laws, societal intolerance and recurrent mob violence while state response has been inadequate, with little accountability for perpetrators, a report has stated.