China's Zero-Covid policy exposed as report cites massive death toll

IANS | April 17, 2026 9:48 PM

Rome, April 17 (IANS) China's Covid-19 death toll has been estimated at between 1.44 million and 2.56 million excess deaths among those over 65 years – figures that align with independent studies and are significantly higher than the official count, a report stated this week.

Pakistan: People concerned about rising school expenses, textbook shortage

IANS | April 17, 2026 9:20 PM

Islamabad, April 17 (IANS) As the new academic year starts in Pakistan, people have been buying books for their children amid higher education-related expenses. Families have reported that enrolling a single child in school costs between Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 20,000 - PKR 30,000, with expenses including first-month fees and purchasing textbooks, notebooks, uniform, shoes and a bag, local media reported.

Taunsa hospital investigation exposes shocking flaws in Pakistan's healthcare system

IANS | April 17, 2026 9:00 PM

Islamabad, April 17 (IANS) A new investigation about the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Taunsa city of Pakistan's Punjab province has exposed many flaws in the healthcare system and the state's utter disregard for the locals. An investigative documentary by BBC has exposed nurses injecting patients through their clothes, giving dirty syringes for re-use and unqualified workers injecting child after child from a blood-contaminated vial of liquid medicine in the hospital.

India reiterates peaceful resolution to Russia-Ukraine conflict

IANS | April 17, 2026 8:24 PM

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov held a meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday, discussing bilateral ties and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Pakistan’s policy uncertainty is dragging down economy

IANS | April 17, 2026 8:12 PM

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) As deliberations on the upcoming budget gather pace, Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s recent engagement with trade bodies and the business community has thrown up a set of entrenched concerns that continue to weigh on economic activity, according to an editorial in the Karachi-based Business Recorder newspaper.