Akshay Kumar reveals he failed in school three times

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:22 AM

Mumbai, April 9 (IANS) In a rare and unfiltered moment, Bollywood superstar and quiz reality show Wheel of Fortune host Akshay Kumar introduced his childhood best friend from his school days who was seated in the live audience.

Pakistan faces debt strain, weak outlook

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:10 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) Pakistan is facing mounting debt pressures, weak growth prospects and persistent structural vulnerabilities, which risks its economic stability, the World Bank said.

White House forced Pakistan to reach Iran: Report

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:02 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) The White House used Pakistan as a primary channel to reach Iran on a temporary ceasefire, underscoring Islamabad’s pivotal yet contested role in sensitive back-channel diplomacy, the Financial Times, London, reported.

Bangladesh growth to pick up after slowdown

IANS | April 9, 2026 7:02 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) Bangladesh’s economy is expected to see a gradual recovery after a period of slowdown, supported by improving domestic demand and stabilising conditions, the World Bank said.

Vance to lead Iran talks in Islamabad

IANS | April 9, 2026 6:57 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) US Vice President J D Vance is headed back home from Hungary before he flies to Islamabad, leading a high-level American delegation for talks with Iran this weekend, as Washington moves to consolidate a fragile ceasefire following weeks of military escalation.

IMF sees growth boost from India defence push

IANS | April 9, 2026 6:52 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) The move by India to expand its domestic defence manufacturing could strengthen economic growth, the International Monetary Fund said, noting that higher military spending can lift output when it supports local industry.

Trump weighs NATO exit after meeting with Mark Rutte

IANS | April 9, 2026 6:47 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) US President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of the United States stepping back from NATO, as he met with Secretary General Mark Rutte, amidst widened differences over the alliance’s response to the Iran conflict.

India's growth momentum stays strong: World Bank

IANS | April 9, 2026 6:36 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) India’s economy is maintaining strong growth momentum, driven by robust domestic demand, resilient services exports and sustained reforms, the World Bank said in its latest report.

Pakistani man pleads guilty in New York terror plot

IANS | April 9, 2026 6:27 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) A Pakistani national has pleaded guilty to attempting to carry out an ISIS-inspired mass shooting at a prominent Jewish centre in New York, US authorities said, detailing a plot timed to coincide with the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Steven Spielberg wants to direct a pure horror film

IANS | April 9, 2026 3:19 AM

Los Angeles, April 9 (IANS) Filmmaker Steven Spielberg has expressed his wish to direct a horror film in the future. The legendary 79-year-old filmmaker has provided big screen scares thanks to his movies such as 1975 shark blockbuster ‘Jaws’, 1993 resurrected dinosaur romp ‘Jurassic Park’ and 1977 sci-fi flick ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’.