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.

World Bank warns higher inflation, low fiscal space for Bangladesh

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:33 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) A protracted conflict in the Middle East could push Bangladesh's inflation higher, widen the current‑account deficit, weaker exports, lower remittances and reduce fiscal space as energy subsidies rise, a new report has said.

Pakistan’s economy faces deeper stress amid West Asia crisis

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:08 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Pakistan’s economy has come under further stress due to external shocks triggered by the West Asia crisis, as the country struggles under a mountain of foreign debt with weak GDP growth, declining investment and rising inflation, according to an article in Lisbon Post.

Taiwan's NSB warns of China's shifting infiltration strategy

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:02 PM

Taipei, April 9 (IANS) Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen has described China's attempts to infiltrate Taiwan as 'systematic, planned and targeted', with strategy shifting from recruiting mid-level military officers to rank-and-file enlisted personnel, local media reported on Thursday.

Fresh $600 million borrowing flags Pakistan’s fragile finances: Report

IANS | April 9, 2026 2:01 PM

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Pakistan’s economy remains under pressure, as its decision to secure a $600 million short-term loan from Standard Chartered Bank has once again highlighted the country’s fragile external financing position amid mounting fiscal and external challenges, according to a new report.