Shocking human rights record, massive gaps in governance put Pakistan's GSP+ status under scrutiny

IANS | July 29, 2026 4:40 PM

Islamabad, July 29 (IANS) The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, commonly known as GSP+, is a special trade arrangement offered by the European Union that grants full duty-free access to its 27-member single market for select developing economies, contingent on their ratification and effective implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate action and good governance.

Govt-backed EDF mobilises Rs 1,335.77 crore for 128 startups, companies

IANS | July 29, 2026 4:21 PM

New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) The government's Electronics Development Fund (EDF) has helped channel investments worth Rs 1,335.77 crore into 128 startups and companies engaged in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) and Information Technology (IT), according to an official statement on Wednesday.

Awami League hits out at Bangladesh govt after attack on Hindu family

IANS | July 29, 2026 4:20 PM

Dhaka, July 29 (IANS) Amid rising violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, the Awami League has accused the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of failing to protect the Hindu families who have repeatedly been targeted during periods of political upheaval.

After hours of heated debate, anti-paper leak Bill gets Lok Sabha nod

IANS | July 29, 2026 4:17 PM

New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) After an intense and often acrimonious debate spread over two days, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, by a voice vote, paving the way for stricter legal measures to combat paper leaks and examination-related malpractices.

Pakistan passport fourth weakest in world after Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan

IANS | July 29, 2026 4:16 PM

Islamabad, July 29 (IANS) Pakistan's passport has been ranked as the fourth weakest in the world in the latest Henley Passport Index with only Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan placed below. Among 199 different passports assessed by the firm, Pakistan's passport stood at the 101st spot in the world.