Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, a historic venue for political rallies and demonstrations, is set to host the swearing-in ceremony of Bengal's first BJP government, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. The ground has been a stage for political heavyweights and pivotal moments in Bengal's history.
Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.
Indian equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged significantly in early trade, mirroring a global market rally and a drop in crude oil prices below USD 100 per barrel, driven by renewed hopes of diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran.
US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Islamabad for peace talks with Iran has been put on hold after Tehran failed to respond to American negotiating positions, according to a New York Times report.
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.
Indian stock markets are poised for volatility this week, driven primarily by the outcomes of five state assembly elections, ongoing high crude oil prices amid West Asia tensions, and the release of Q4 corporate earnings, according to market analysts.
China has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and expressed appreciation for Tehran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, a key demand of the US to end the conflict.
India has firmly rejected Nepal's objection to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, dismissing Kathmandu's territorial claims over the region.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rallied nearly 1 per cent, driven by optimism over easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and fresh foreign fund inflows, with the Sensex gaining over 500 points.
The Congress party has criticised the Modi government on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan has gained global respectability due to the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy.
Pakistan has received the second and final tranche of USD 1 billion from Saudi Arabia, completing a USD 3 billion aid package aimed at boosting its foreign reserves, the state bank said.
US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in America's position amid US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, stating that Washington stands to 'win' regardless of a deal.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.
US President Donald Trump said the United States faces a stark choice in its approach to Iran, either to pursue a negotiated settlement or escalate militarily, as tensions continue to rise in the West Asia region.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has indicated that further Iran-US negotiations are anticipated soon, following talks in Pakistan. Despite initial optimism, the previous round of negotiations did not result in a lasting peace agreement.
The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
China's Foreign Ministry has refuted allegations of providing military support to Iran, warning the US against imposing tariffs based on these accusations. The statement follows reports of Iran acquiring a Chinese satellite for targeting US military bases. Meanwhile, a rescheduled meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping is set for May.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open for normal passage of ships, describing it as an 'international waterway' amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.
An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.
Former Union minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India's next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, signalling efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
US President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that a high-level American negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is en route to Pakistan to initiate critical negotiations with the Iranian leadership.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss deepening strategic partnerships and the regional situation, following meetings with Saudi Arabian leaders earlier in April.
The US embassy spokesperson issued a statement clarifying President Trump's views on India after a controversial social media repost. The statement emphasised the strong relationship between the two countries and Trump's positive view of India's leadership.
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that ten Indians have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine war. The court is hearing a plea seeking the repatriation of Indians allegedly forced to fight.
US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.
Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt convened in Antalya to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and stability.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to initiate a 10-day ceasefire, following intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities in the region.
US Vice President J D Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad for peace talks with Iran to end the seven-week war, amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing tensions.
US President Donald Trump has asserted that the destruction of an American military aircraft will have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News.
The Congress party has criticised the Indian government's diplomatic efforts, questioning how Pakistan was able to secure a role as a mediator between the US and Iran despite India's attempts to isolate it after the Pahalgam attack. The party also raised concerns about India's standing on the global stage and its relationship with the US and China.
India is in communication with Iranian officials to ensure the safety and secure passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent firing incidents involving Indian vessels.
Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has described India as a "reliable and compassionate" partner while asserting Tehran's territorial authority over the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Small- and midcap stocks have delivered their biggest monthly rally in 12 years, but rising oil prices and global tensions could make the road ahead volatile.
A social media post by Shehbaz Sharif has triggered widespread debate after an apparent 'draft' message was mistakenly published on X and later edited.
Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Tehran will engage in diplomatic talks, warning that the country will 'see problems' should it refuse to cooperate.
...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
A convoy of India-bound ships carrying crude oil and gas was stopped by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to several vessels returning to the Persian Gulf.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Bishkek to discuss maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and broader regional security concerns.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant tumble in early trade, driven by surging global oil prices, continuous outflows by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), and persistent geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in West Asia.
If Trump doesn't like India, that is his choice. But to use such distasteful language on a public platform is deeply offensive and needs to be called out, points out Amberish K Diwanji.
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