Pakistan faces risks of losing 'EU GSP+' status amid governance concerns

IANS | October 24, 2026 5:03 PM

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Pakistan faces a growing risk of losing preferential access to the European Union market under the revised Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework after an EU assessment flagged weak implementation of human‑rights and governance commitments, a new report has said.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron concludes engagements in Maldives

IANS | October 24, 2026 5:01 PM

Male, Oct 24 (IANS) Ships from the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) have concluded their training and military engagement in the Maldives, including a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard, the High Commission of India in Male said on Saturday.

Stagnant wages, rising prices create ‘new poor’ class in Bangladesh: Report

IANS | October 24, 2026 4:09 PM

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) An increasing number of Bangladeshi households are falling into poverty despite remaining above the official poverty line, as stagnant wages, rising prices and weak social protection erode financial resilience, a new report has said, calling this "new poor" as an emerging class.