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 […]
Asia growth steady; energy shock raises risk for inflation: IMF
Washington, April 20 (IANS) Asia’s growth remains resilient, but a surge in oil and gas prices driven by the Middle East conflict is raising risks for inflation and external balances, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. “Asia entered 2026 on a solid footing with growth remaining resilient despite the region bearing the brunt of US […]
First tranche of India-US trade deal almost finalised: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday that the first tranche of the India-US bilateral trade agreement has almost been finalised, and a team of his ministry officials is in Washington for the discussions. “We have almost finalised the free trade agreement, the first tranche of the bilateral […]
Viksit Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis orders plan to cut regional disparity
Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed all departments to finalise a concrete action plan within the stipulated timeframe, focusing on reducing regional disparities and ensuring balanced development across all districts. During a review meeting of the ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’ Vision Management Regulatory Board, he reviewed the progress of various departments and […]
India-New Zealand FTA to be signed on April 27 as legal vetting completed
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) Legal verification of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been completed, with both countries agreeing to its signing in New Delhi on April 27 in the presence of a large contingent of representatives of businesses from the two countries, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said on Monday. […]
India, S. Korea discuss resuming CEPA upgrade talks, boosting cooperation in green energy: Piyush Goyal
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) India and South Korea have discussed ways to resume and revamp negotiations for upgrading their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), while also exploring deeper cooperation in industrial sectors, green energy and digital trade, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. Sharing details of his meeting with South Korea’s Trade […]
100 entities onboard to use Aadhaar-based offline verification: Govt
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) In a significant push towards privacy-first digital services, the government on Monday said that at least 100 entities have been onboarded as Offline Verification Seeking Entities (OVSEs) within just three months of the rollout of Aadhaar-based offline verification. The milestone, achieved by the Unique Identification Authority of India, marks a […]
