Bangladesh faces deepening debt crisis

IANS | April 24, 2026 3:46 PM

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) In the five fiscal years from 2026 to 2030, Bangladesh will need to spend a staggering $26 billion to repay external debt, which is expected to create a huge economic burden on the country, according to an article in the local media.

Need to create space infrastructure for national security: Shubhanshu Shukla

IANS | April 24, 2026 3:36 PM

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Astronaut and Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, on Friday urged for the creation of space infrastructure for national security. Further, dwelling on the preparations for the much-hyped Gaganyaan mission, he underlined that human space missions are "more complex".

Japan to release additional 20 days' of oil reserves from May 1

IANS | April 24, 2026 3:25 PM

Tokyo, April 24 (IANS) Amid growing uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese government has announced that it will begin releasing additional oil reserves worth around 20 days from May 1, local media reported on Friday.

Pakistan emerges as key reservoir of poliovirus: Report

IANS | April 24, 2026 3:13 PM

Athens, April 24 (IANS) Pakistan is evolving into a significant reservoir of poliovirus, raising concerns within the international community that it may become a hub for broader cross-border transmission. This resurgence is driven by systemic challenges, including corruption, administrative failures, government inaction, barriers to access in vulnerable communities, and widespread vaccine hesitancy, a report stated.

Debate continues over record turnout in 1st polling phase of Bengal polls

Jayanta Bhattacharya | April 24, 2026 2:58 PM

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) A large voter turnout, being attributed to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' roll, acute polarisation on religious lines, anti-incumbency factor, and conversely, overwhelming mandate favouring West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress -- are among reports coming after the first phase of state election held on Thursday.