NASA Artemis mission set for mankind’s return to moon 

IANS | April 1, 2026 8:08 PM

New York, April 1 (IANS) More than half-a-century after mankind’s sojourn to the moon, four astronauts are planned to take off Wednesday on a voyage that will take them around the celestial body in preparation for journeys beyond, deep into space.

Fuel hike in Pakistan reflects structural mismanagement, delayed reforms: Report

IANS | April 1, 2026 7:36 PM

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Factors like regional conflict and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz account for only a portion of the increase in fuel prices in Pakistan, according to a new report, which stresses that the majority reflects "structural mismanagement, delayed reforms, and political considerations".

'Debt-ridden Pakistan faces higher risk due to Middle East crisis'

IANS | April 1, 2026 7:05 PM

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Pakistan’s economy bears significantly greater risks associated with the ongoing Middle East crisis, as the impact on the general public is considerably higher than on those nations which do not have to meet strict IMF conditions due to loans taken from the multilateral institution, according to an article in the local media.

Nepal sees sharp fall in tourist arrivals from Western countries

IANS | April 1, 2026 6:10 PM

Kathmandu, April 1 (IANS) Nepal has witnessed the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis as the number of foreign tourist arrivals from Europe, the Americas, West Asia, and Africa has dropped sharply in March, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said on Wednesday.

India and Tajikistan review cooperation across various sectors

IANS | April 1, 2026 5:36 PM

Dushanbe, April 1 (IANS) Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, called on Tajikistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin on Wednesday, discussing bilateral ties, regional and global matters of common interest.