Pakistan conducting strikes in Afghanistan to avoid Mecca agreement commitments: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:22 PM

Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan has portrayed its airstrikes in Afghanistan as actions taken in response to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory, but the increasing civilian death toll and its still worsening security situation spark serious questions over its claims, while the action is also seen as a bid to avoid the commitments it faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as well as divert attention from Army chief Asim Munir's failure on the security front, a report said.

Asian Games: PM Modi praises Indian contingent, says performances brought 'immense joy'

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:21 PM

New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian contingent for its performance at the Asian Games 2026, praising the athletes for representing the country with determination, passion and remarkable sporting spirit.

Pakistan's information watchdogs left without a public voice for years: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:17 PM

Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan's right to information commissions have been running without their civil society members for years, leaving the public with no seat on the bodies meant to enforce its constitutional right to know, a report said.

Bangladesh reeling under 'invisible' pharmaceutical pollution: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:14 PM

New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other active pharmaceutical ingredients have been "invisibly" polluting rivers in Bangladesh, thereby impacting marine life and threatening fishing communities, a media report said.

Over 30 serving or former Pakistani military personnel linked in terror cases since 2003: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:05 PM

New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) As many as 32 serving or former Pakistani military personnel have been convicted, prosecuted, investigated, designated, or credibly associated with terrorist groups, terrorism-related conspiracies or militant activity from December 2003 to October 2026, according to a media report which cited a review of documented cases.

Pakistan inks drone deal with US firm, raises regional security concerns

IANS | October 4, 2026 8:55 PM

New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) The Pakistani Army, despite its troubling record of shielding terror elements, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United States firm, under which Islamabad will reportedly get access to Ukraine drone technology.

Pakistan disappearing, jailing women who refuse to be silenced: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 8:51 PM

Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan is turning abuses it has long used in Balochistan, such as enforced disappearances and detention without charge, against women who refuse to stay silent, from Baloch students to former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sisters, according to a media report.

Indian envoy, Saudi Minister review preparations for Haj 2027

IANS | October 4, 2026 8:43 PM

Jeddah, Oct 4 (IANS) India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, met Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Suleiman Al-Mashat, and reviewed preparations for Haj 2027, besides inspecting the Haj Terminal at Jeddah Airport and the Haramain High Speed Railway Station, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said on Sunday.

AIFF elections scheduled for December 20, Rajeev Sharma appointed electoral officer

IANS | October 4, 2026 8:41 PM

Kolkata, Oct 4 (IANS) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will conduct its general elections on December 20, with former Haryana State Election Commissioner Rajeev Sharma appointed as the Electoral Officer to oversee the process.

Kuldeep wins Impact Player of the Series award after ODI series win over the West Indies

IANS | October 4, 2026 8:36 PM

New Chandigarh, Oct 4 (IANS) Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was named the winner of 'Impact Player of the Series' award following India's 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies. He earned high praise from team physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar for putting his body on the line and achieving major milestones throughout the leg.