World News: Global Headlines Today

Israel encouraged by India's support for free maritime navigation: Envoy Azar

IANS | April 9, 2026 6:18 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Spotlighting that India continues to pursue its national interests strongly amid the ongoing geopolitical conflicts, Reuven Azar, the Ambassador of Israel to India, on Thursday lauded New Delhi's stance on unimpeded freedom of navigation as efforts continue to resume the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

US chose to use Pakistan as facilitator for own reasons: Israeli envoy on Iran ceasefire

IANS | April 9, 2026 5:53 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Reuven Azar, the Ambassador of Israel to India, on Thursday said that the United States has chosen to use Pakistan as a facilitator for its own reasons and Jerusalem trusts Washington's decision as long as the 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East is implemented.

India and Sweden agree to strengthen ties in trade, defence and innovation

IANS | April 9, 2026 4:38 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) India and Sweden held the eighth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) in New Delhi on Thursday, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in political engagements, trade and investment, defence and security, innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties.

Pakistan: Three killed, 14 injured as rains wreak havoc in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

IANS | April 9, 2026 4:34 PM

Islamabad, April 9 (IANS) Three people have been killed and 14 others injured in rain-related incidents in Peshawar, Mohmand and Nowshera districts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported on Thursday.

Pledges BNP made to protect minorities in Bangladesh under scrutiny amid rising concerns

IANS | April 9, 2026 3:18 PM

Brussels, April 9 (IANS) Bangladesh's persistent failure to ensure effective restitution for Hindus, coupled with escalating attacks on the minority communities during the 18-month tenure of the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, has sparked concerns over the protection of their fundamental rights, a report detailed this week.

Pakistan's oil companies face crisis as govt holds up funds

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:52 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Pakistan's oil marketing companies are facing an acute liquidity crisis as up to Rs107 billion in unpaid price differential claims remain stuck, with industry players accusing the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority of repeatedly shifting documentation requirements instead of clearing dues, according to an article in the local media.

Israel claims killing nephew of Hezbollah chief Qassem in Beirut

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:46 PM

Jerusalem, April 9 (IANS) The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that it has killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, personal secretary of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, in Beirut. Harshi was also nephew of the Hezbollah chief who heads the Lebanese group backed by Iran.

World Bank warns higher inflation, low fiscal space for Bangladesh

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:33 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) A protracted conflict in the Middle East could push Bangladesh's inflation higher, widen the current‑account deficit, weaker exports, lower remittances and reduce fiscal space as energy subsidies rise, a new report has said.

Pakistan’s economy faces deeper stress amid West Asia crisis

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:08 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Pakistan’s economy has come under further stress due to external shocks triggered by the West Asia crisis, as the country struggles under a mountain of foreign debt with weak GDP growth, declining investment and rising inflation, according to an article in Lisbon Post.

Taiwan's NSB warns of China's shifting infiltration strategy

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:02 PM

Taipei, April 9 (IANS) Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen has described China's attempts to infiltrate Taiwan as 'systematic, planned and targeted', with strategy shifting from recruiting mid-level military officers to rank-and-file enlisted personnel, local media reported on Thursday.