India, US begin crucial trade talks

Washington, April 20 (IANS) India and the United States began a fresh round of trade negotiations here on Monday aimed at giving a final shape to the much-awaited trade deal between the two countries. A team of around a dozen Indian officials arrived in the US capital for the three-day talks scheduled from April 20 […]
South Korea’s First Lady attends K-pop contest in India

Seoul/New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) First Lady Kim Hea Kyung attended a K-pop contest in India on Monday, expressing hope for stronger people-to-people ties through cultural exchange, the presidential office said. Kim joined the ‘K-Dream Stage: All India K-Pop Grand Championship’, an annual contest hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre, as a guest, while accompanying […]
US Assistant Secretary of State meets Nepal leaders

Kathmandu, April 20 (IANS) US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, who arrived in Kathmandu on Monday, has begun meetings with Nepal’s political and business leaders. It is the first visit by a senior US official since a new government was formed in Nepal under the leadership of Prime Minister […]
Second round of Israel-Lebanon peace talks on Thursday

Jerusalem, April 20 (IANS) Israeli and Lebanese officials will meet on Thursday for a second round of peace talks, an Israeli official confirmed on Monday. The two sides will meet in Washington for direct talks, the official said on condition of anonymity, without providing further details, reports indicated. “The second round of direct talks between […]
India-Bangladesh trade, investment and business collaborations discussed

Dhaka, April 20 (IANS) An interactive session was held between the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), in Dhaka on Thursday. “The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, welcomed a delegation of newly appointed Directors of the India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) over […]
Japan joins military exercise with Philippines and US

Manila, April 20 (IANS) Japan has joined a large-scale drill with the Philippines and the United States, local media reported on Monday. The military exercise is aimed at enhancing defence interoperability among the participants, including Japan’s Self-Defence Force (JSDF). The Balikatan, or shoulder-to-shoulder exercise, which runs till May 8, is being joined by a total […]
South Africa’s ANC begins poll preparations amid SACP split move

Johannesburg, April 20 (IANS) South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has begun preparations for the 2026 local government elections, even as its long-time ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), has decided to contest the polls independently. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula made the remarks on Monday in Johannesburg while briefing the media on the […]
India’s trade performance in Q3 reflects resilient trend: Niti Aayog

New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) India’s trade performance in Q3 FY26 reflected a mixed but resilient trend, with merchandise exports rising 1.6 per cent and imports surging 7.9 per cent, NITI Aayog said on Monday as it released its ‘Trade Watch Quarterly.’ Services exports grew strongly by 7.8 per cent, with relatively moderate growth in […]
Meghalaya CM launches agri schemes, stresses income and sustainability

Shillong, April 20 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday rolled out a multi-scheme agricultural support package for farmers in Tura, emphasising that over 70 per cent of households in the state depend on agriculture and that government interventions in the sector directly impact livelihoods. The initiative was unveiled during an input distribution […]
India growth upbeat; energy risks linger

Washington, April 20 (IANS) India’s growth outlook remains relatively strong, but a prolonged rise in global energy prices could pose risks to the economy, the International Monetary Fund said. “We have modestly increased our forecast by 0.1 percentage point,” Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, said at a press briefing during […]