China exploiting Middle East security vacuum to counter US: Report

IANS | April 4, 2026 6:44 PM

Sofia, April 4 (IANS) China is exploiting the security vacuum in the Middle East to position itself as a "strategic alternative", amid growing doubts in Beijing over the viability of US bases in the region following repeated attacks on American and Israeli interests, a recent report has highlighted.

Chile grapples with Chinese organised criminal networks: Report

IANS | April 4, 2026 5:36 PM

Santiago, April 4 (IANS) Chile's El Barrio Meiggs region has emerged as an operational hub for the 'Bang Clan', a Chinese organised crime group with roots in the Fujian province on China's southeastern coast. The organisation is involved in a range of criminal activities, including "intensive cannabis cultivation; human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation; as well as the trafficking of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and ecstasy", a recent report has detailed.

Taiwan must build 'self-deterrence' to counter Chinese threat: Report

IANS | April 4, 2026 3:51 PM

Washington, April 4 (IANS) Taiwan faces a stark challenge in preserving its democratic way of life amid persistent threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The answer lies in "self-deterrence" – developing the capacity to raise costs on aggression to make any attempt at subjugation prohibitively expensive for Beijing, a report mentioned.

Indian envoy meets Cyprus President, discusses upcoming India visit

IANS | April 4, 2026 2:00 PM

Nicosia, April 4 (IANS) Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus Manish on Saturday called on Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, reviewing the preparations for the President’s visit to India in May, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taxes, margins eat half of Pakistan's petrol price, consumers cry: Report

IANS | April 4, 2026 1:45 PM

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Pakistani consumers are bearing almost half of petrol's retail cost in the form of government levies and industry profit margins, an internal government document has revealed, coming just a day after a massive increase in the prices of both petrol and diesel was announced, a report said.

Pakistan fuel price hike sparks Oppn protests, calls to oust Shehbaz Sharif govt

IANS | April 4, 2026 12:38 PM

Islamabad, April 4 (IANS) A sharp hike in fuel prices by the Pakistan government has triggered strong backlash from opposition parties and civil society groups, with calls for mass protests and demands for the removal of the coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to local media reports.