India, Bangladesh discuss ways to strengthen defence ties

IANS | April 9, 2026 10:45 AM

Dhaka, April 9 (IANS) India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma held a meeting with Defence Adviser to Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Brigadier General (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam and underlined the importance of sustained development of bilateral ties.

Stablecoin yield ban may not boost lending: White House

IANS | April 9, 2026 10:32 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) A White House economic study has found that banning yield on stablecoins would do little to increase bank lending, challenging a central argument made by traditional banks in the debate over digital assets.

10 Indian fishermen from TN arrested by Sri Lankan Navy; boat seized

IANS | April 9, 2026 10:24 AM

Ramanathapuram, April 9 (IANS) Ten fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested on Thursday by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters, escalating tensions once again in the Palk Strait region.

Hindu American Foundation moves court over caste, Hinduism row

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:33 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has approached a US appeals court, arguing that California’s civil rights regulator has wrongly linked caste discrimination to Hinduism and targeted Indian and South Asian communities, in a case that could shape how caste is addressed in US workplaces.

Trump NATO exit illegal, warns US lawmaker

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:28 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) An Indian-American Congressman has warned President Donald Trump that any move to withdraw the United States from NATO without congressional approval would be illegal and would weaken national security.

Pakistan faces debt strain, weak outlook

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:10 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) Pakistan is facing mounting debt pressures, weak growth prospects and persistent structural vulnerabilities, which risks its economic stability, the World Bank said.

White House forced Pakistan to reach Iran: Report

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:02 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) The White House used Pakistan as a primary channel to reach Iran on a temporary ceasefire, underscoring Islamabad’s pivotal yet contested role in sensitive back-channel diplomacy, the Financial Times, London, reported.

Bangladesh growth to pick up after slowdown

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:02 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) Bangladesh’s economy is expected to see a gradual recovery after a period of slowdown, supported by improving domestic demand and stabilising conditions, the World Bank said.