US and Iran chose Pakistan as facilitator in specific geopolitical context: Report

IANS | April 15, 2026 9:23 PM

Islamabad, April 15 (IANS) While the recent negotiations between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad failed to deliver the anticipated outcomes, the peace process must move forward through alternative mediation efforts led by major and emerging powers aimed at achieving a sustainable and just peace in the Persian Gulf, a report mentioned.

Report paints devastating picture of child protection in Pakistan

IANS | April 15, 2026 9:15 PM

London, April 15 (IANS) Child abuse in Pakistan remains widespread, encompassing physical, sexual, and emotional violence, as well as exploitation through child labour and trafficking. Despite existing legal frameworks, entrenched stigma, weak enforcement, and cultural barriers continue to hinder reporting, leaving thousands of cases unreported every year, a report detailed this week.

Murshidabad, Malda emerge as hubs in multi-pronged push; Northeast also in focus

Vicky Nanjappa | April 15, 2026 9:11 PM

New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) The West Bengal Governor earlier this week said that the twin spectre of radicalisation and militancy poses a serious challenge for the state, particularly in border districts such as Murshidabad and Malda, which share a boundary with Bangladesh.

Baisoya ready for battle with Bhullar and Kochhar in Johannesburg

IANS | April 15, 2026 9:10 PM

Johannesburg, April 15 (IANS) One of India’s most successful professionals, Gaganjeet Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour winner, will take on last week’s winner, Sachin Baisoya, as the AM Green IGPL action shifts to South Africa.

Pakistan: Landlords, shop owners arrested for renting properties to Afghans in Quetta

IANS | April 15, 2026 9:07 PM

Kabul, April 15 (IANS) Police in Pakistan's Quetta has arrested over 20 landlords and shop owners for renting properties to undocumented Afghan migrants, local media reported on Wednesday.

DFS Secretary launches LIC's 'MyLIC', 'Super Sales Saathi' apps

IANS | April 15, 2026 8:56 PM

New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) The Finance Ministry's Department of Financial Services Secretary, M. Nagaraju, on Wednesday launched two next-generation mobile applications of Life Insurance Corporation of India -- ‘MyLIC’ for policyholders and ‘Super Sales Saathi’ for sales intermediaries -- as part of efforts to accelerate the insurer’s digital transformation.

Biofloc Technology boosts fish farming in Palamu under PMMSY, farmers see rise in income

IANS | April 15, 2026 8:55 PM

Palamu (Jharkhand), April 15 (IANS) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a flagship initiative of the central government. This scheme is playing a transformative role in strengthening the livelihoods of the population in the rural pockets of the country. In Jharkhand’s Palamu district, the adoption of biofloc technology has given a new direction to fish farming. It has significantly improved the income of small farmers as well as fishermen.

Madonna to release her comeback music this week

IANS | April 15, 2026 8:47 PM

Los Angeles, April 15 (IANS) The Queen of Pop, Madonna is all set to make her music comeback in two days. The singer-songwriter, 67, born Madonna Louise Ciccone, will finally unveil details of her upcoming 15th studio album seven years after releasing her Madame X record.

IPL 2026: Wadhera hopes for success on return to Wankhede for clash with MI

IANS | April 15, 2026 8:47 PM

Mumbai, April 15 (IANS) Familiarity with playing conditions and players breeds confidence, especially for a player going through a lean patch with the bat.

Pakistan's 'self-styled' mediation in US-Iran conflict highlights key inconsistencies: Report

IANS | April 15, 2026 8:42 PM

Islamabad, April 15 (IANS) Pakistan's "self-styled" mediation in the US-Iran conflict reflects key inconsistencies and geopolitical stakes. Being a mediator, one should be impartial and not take any sides. Furthermore, mediator should be accepted from all the conflicting sides. However, Pakistan's mediation in the West Asia conflict has steered away from these two points, a report has detailed.