Pakistan conducting strikes in Afghanistan to avoid Mecca agreement commitments: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:22 PM

Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan has portrayed its airstrikes in Afghanistan as actions taken in response to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory, but the increasing civilian death toll and its still worsening security situation spark serious questions over its claims, while the action is also seen as a bid to avoid the commitments it faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as well as divert attention from Army chief Asim Munir's failure on the security front, a report said.

Indian envoy, Saudi Minister review preparations for Haj 2027

IANS | October 4, 2026 8:43 PM

Jeddah, Oct 4 (IANS) India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, met Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Suleiman Al-Mashat, and reviewed preparations for Haj 2027, besides inspecting the Haj Terminal at Jeddah Airport and the Haramain High Speed Railway Station, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said on Sunday.

Key economic reforms in last decade have made India resilient amid global shocks: Shaktikanta Das

IANS | October 4, 2026 6:10 PM

New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) India’s broad range of economic reforms rolled out over the past decade have created stronger institutions, macroeconomic stability and led to investment in productive sectors, which have made the country resilient amid successive global shocks that have slowed the world economy, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shaktikanta Das, said on Sunday.