Nepal, World Bank explore 'catastrophe bond' to protect against disaster risks

IANS | October 15, 2026 4:04 PM

Kathmandu, Oct 15 (IANS) Nepal and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), part of the World Bank Group, have signed a mandate agreement to explore the development of a catastrophe bond that could help the Himalayan nation secure rapid access to funds in the event of a major natural disaster.

Pakistan army shedding Pashtun blood like water: PTM chief

IANS | October 15, 2026 2:57 PM

Toronto, Oct 15 (IANS) Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pashteen has accused Pakistan’s military of killings, enforced disappearances and plunder of resources in the country’s Pashtun regions while urging the diaspora to work towards isolating Islamabad internationally.

Activist urges US to reject Balochistan mineral deals with Pakistan without local consent

IANS | October 15, 2026 2:09 PM

Washington, Oct 15 (IANS) Tara Chand, President of the Baloch American Congress, has written to US President Donald Trump, urging his administration to refrain from supporting mineral extraction agreements in Balochistan negotiated through Pakistani authorities without the "free and informed" consent of the Baloch people and credible human rights safeguards.