Assam polls: Female voters hail Women's Reservation Bill

IANS | April 9, 2026 3:22 PM

Guwahati, April 9 (IANS) Women who arrived to cast their votes in the Assam Assembly election, on Thursday, hailed the Women’s Reservation Bill. They appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "work" towards women empowerment and hoped the Bill will pave the way for women to come forward and raise their voices.

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.

Bengal polls: Trinamool accuses BJP of Rs 1,000 crore deal with Humayun Kabir to divide minority votes

IANS | April 9, 2026 3:11 PM

Kolkata, April 9 (IANS) Trinamool Congress, on Thursday, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of entering into a Rs 1,000 crore deal with its former legislator, Humayun Kabir, and his newly-floated Aam Aadmi Unnayan Party (AAUP), with a target to divide minority votes in those assembly constituencies in West Bengal where AAUP candidates are contesting in the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in alliance with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM.

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.