India, New Zealand sign historic Free Trade Agreement

IANS | April 27, 2026 1:18 PM

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) India and New Zealand signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) here on Monday that removes tariffs on 100 per cent of India’s exports to New Zealand, and either sharply reduces or removes tariffs on 95 per cent of the country’s imports from New Zealand.

Activist seek global intervention over rising enforced disappearances of Baloch women

IANS | April 27, 2026 12:06 PM

Quetta, April 27 (IANS) Shalee Baloch, the central organiser of the Baloch Women Forum (BWF), has written to international human rights bodies seeking intervention in the abuse cases across Balochistan by Pakistani forces, including what she described as the "systematic pattern of enforced disappearances", especially targeting Baloch women.

Rising food, gas, utility costs squeeze Americans amid tariff, war concerns

IANS | April 27, 2026 10:24 AM

Los Angeles, April 27 (IANS) Americans are feeling the strain as the cost of groceries, gasoline, and utilities continues to rise. Economists say a one-two punch of new US tariffs and a war-driven spike in global energy prices are pushing up everyday expenses and threatening to slow growth just as households had begun to regain some breathing room.

Iran presents new proposal to US for reopening Hormuz, ending war: Report

IANS | April 27, 2026 8:48 AM

Washington, April 27 (IANS) Iran has presented the United States with a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, according to a report, which cited a US official and two sources familiar with the matter.