Pakistan's poverty rate rises 29 pc after six years of economic shocks

IANS | July 20, 2026 3:26 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Pakistan's poverty rate has risen sharply over the past six years, with nearly 29 per cent of the population now living below the poverty line, as repeated economic shocks, high inflation and weak growth eroded household incomes and consumption, a report has said.

China’s expanding role in Kyrgyzstan fuels concerns among locals

IANS | July 20, 2026 2:40 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) China's expanding role in Kyrgyzstan has fuelled concerns over jobs, land, natural resources, and national sovereignty in Kyrgyzstan, with many ordinary Kyrgyz citizens saying that the country’s leaders are ignoring the national interest, a report has said.

Cybercrime surge at alarming level in Bangladesh; women,children most affected

IANS | July 20, 2026 1:55 PM

Dhaka, July 20 (IANS) As cybercrime continues to surge across Bangladesh, online fraud networks are widening their operations, with women and children accounting for nearly 97 per cent of the victims. Teenagers have emerged as the primary targets of these scams, local media reported , citing the police headquarters and intelligence sources.

Pakistan faces fresh external risks despite FY26 current account improvement

IANS | July 20, 2026 1:39 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Pakistan closed fiscal year 2026 with a near-balanced current account and stronger foreign exchange reserves, but the apparent improvement in its external position is largely driven by record remittance inflows rather than a meaningful expansion in exports or productivity, raising concerns about the sustainability of the country's economic recovery, a report has said.

Voluntary recruitment fuels rapid rise of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s women wing

Vicky Nanjappa | July 20, 2026 1:27 PM

New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Taiyabbat, the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s all-women wing, was established in 2025. By early 2026, the wing gained traction with several women being recruited. Today, the wing is fully functional, and what has surprised the Indian agencies is that a majority of the recruits have joined the group voluntarily.

President Murmu arrives in Moldova on historic first-ever visit by Indian Prez

IANS | July 20, 2026 1:04 PM

Chisinau, July 20 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Chisinau on Monday on the first leg of her State visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Moldova. She was warmly received at Chisinau International Airport by Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi.