India's defence expenditure surged to $92.1 billion in 2025, making it the world's fifth-largest military spender, according to SIPRI data. This 8.9 per cent year-on-year rise was primarily driven by operational and procurement needs following heightened regional tensions with Pakistan in May 2025.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting 'Melody' toffees to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, calling it a 'gimmick' while India faces an 'economic storm'. He accused Modi of prioritising public relations over addressing the struggles of farmers, labourers, and youth, a sentiment echoed by other Congress leaders.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House on Thursday stated that United States President Donald Trump is 'extremely frustrated' with both Russia and Ukraine over the slow progress toward ending the ongoing war and is unwilling to engage in 'meetings just for the sake of meeting'.
A 12-member Indian shotgun squad is set to participate in the ISSF World Cup Shotgun stage in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with competitions beginning on Monday, May 4.
India and Russia are expected to unveil a major nuclear energy partnership during Vladimir Putin's visit, potentially involving Russian small modular reactors and expanded cooperation as India pushes toward its 100-GW nuclear goal by 2047.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Banka is in Delhi for discussions with NADA officials regarding India's increasing doping cases. He is expected to address the issue in a press conference.
India and Russia have agreed to encourage joint manufacturing of military hardware and spare parts in India, aiming to improve maintenance of Russian-origin defence equipment and boost overall bilateral defence cooperation.
There are enough people at the top decision-making level in Tehran who are still willing to negotiate, provided Trump can create the right setting for the negotiation to acquire a dynamic of its own, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Three milestones in three days signal India's growing mastery in next-generation strategic technologies spanning nuclear deterrence, hypersonic propulsion and precision stand-off strike capability.
India has expressed serious concerns about the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on energy supplies and maritime stability, urging BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical challenges and unilateral sanctions.
Mirra Andreeva overcame a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to win their semi-final match and advance to the Madrid Open final.
Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'
Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'
India is conducting a special audit of 101 cities to assess ease of living from the citizen's perspective, Comptroller and Auditor General K Sanjay Murthy said.
The Wrestling Federation of India has appointed three foreign coaches and a High Performance Director to enhance national camps in preparation for the Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics.
'Every year we import approximately $70 billion worth of gold -- closer to $72 billion in 2025-2026, an all-time record.' 'There is no parallel for this anywhere in the world. And this love for gold will not disappear overnight.'
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali defeated Aleksandra Goryachkina in the 11th round of the Women's Candidates tournament, boosting her chances significantly.
Marta Kostyuk defeated Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to win the Madrid Open title, marking her third singles title.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted some 20 per cent of the global flows but even if it opens, damages to production facilities in the region will take time to repair, points out Sunita Narain.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has voted to allow teams from Russia and Belarus to return to official competitions and fully restored the rights of youth players from both countries, while postponing a final decision on the use of national flags and anthems in adult team events.
'... with the rest split between mid and smallcaps, as valuations are becoming more attractive across segments.'
'In all these years of rupee depreciation, of rising oil prices, of inflation caused by import dependence, not one leader had the courage to look the people in the eye and say: Please do this for your country.'
Putin said that the Greenland issues doesn't concern him.
Marta Kostyuk defeated Mirra Andreeva in straight sets to win the Madrid Open title, marking her third singles title.
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali defeated Aleksandra Goryachkina in the 11th round of the Women's Candidates tournament, extending her lead in the competition. Her brother, R Praggnanandhaa, struggled in the open section.
Comptroller and Auditor General of India K Sanjay Murthy highlighted the need for stronger accountability systems to support India's urban transformation and sustainable mobility push at the BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions Leaders' Summit in Bengaluru.
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy to fortify its supply chains against geopolitical volatility, logistical challenges, and regulatory risks, drawing lessons from recent global disruptions.
The government is identifying households with both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG) connections to enforce a ban on dual ownership, aiming to curb misuse and better target subsidies amid global energy supply disruptions.
R Praggnanandhaa drew with Fabiano Caruana, while his sister R Vaishali won against Tan Zhongyi in the seventh round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament.
India and Russia have called for an uncompromising global fight against terrorism without hidden agendas and double standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the menace is a direct attack on the values of humanity.
King Charles III reaffirmed the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored NATO's centrality to global security, and shared light-hearted moments with President Donald Trump during a White House state dinner.
Daniil Medvedev suffered a shocking 6-0 6-0 defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters, leading to a racket-smashing outburst.
Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.
Delcy Rodriguez has officially taken office as Venezuela's acting president, just hours after Nicolas Maduro was captured by the United States, the CNN reported.
An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, concluded high-level meetings in Islamabad, delivering an 'official list of demands' to Pakistani leaders for the US and Israel. This comes as President Trump cancelled his envoys' visit to Islamabad amid ongoing efforts to facilitate peace talks between Iran and the US.
Iran has submitted a fresh proposal to regional intermediaries offering to cease its military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities and the removal of the US blockade on Iranian maritime hubs.
Indian companies, however, are now paying a premium of $6-$7 a barrel for Russian oil, compared with discounts of $8-$10 a barrel before the start of the conflict.
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali faces a tough challenge in the Candidates chess tournament after losing her lead, while Javokhir Sindarov dominates the open section.
The pause will begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the State Department completes a reassessment of visa processing, the report said.
