First tranche of India-US trade deal to be signed soon: Commerce Secretary

IANS | January 15, 2026 5:11 PM

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) The first tranche of the India-US trade deal, which is expected to result in lowering of the tariff hike imposed by the US administration on Indian exports, is close to being finalised, though no timeline can be committed, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Thursday.

Bhutan kicks off work on new solar power project

IANS | January 15, 2026 4:18 PM

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) A groundbreaking ceremony for a 240 kW grid-integrated and 25 kW off-grid solar project at Bhutan’s Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in Dewathang took place on Thursday as part of the Himalayan kingdom’s strategy to enhance renewable energy.

50 pc of Indian startups emerging from Tier 2, 3 cities; women lead inclusive growth

IANS | January 15, 2026 3:15 PM

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Startups are increasingly bridging India’s rural-urban divide by deploying solutions across agri-tech, telemedicine, microfinance, tourism, and ed-tech, directly addressing developmental gaps and supporting rural livelihoods, an official statement said on Thursday, ahead of the National Startup Day.

Pakistan selling off state-owned firms in distress sales

IANS | January 15, 2026 3:01 PM

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Poor governance and mismanagement due to political interference are leading to huge losses in Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, after which they are put up for distress sale at throwaway prices, a Pakistani media report said.