Top US South Asia diplomat begins India visit

IANS | March 2, 2026 7:13 PM

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, S Paul Kapur, currently on an official visit to India, is scheduled to meet top Indian officials and hold discussions on regional security and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

EPFO okays 8.25 per cent interest rate on PF deposits for 2025-26

IANS | March 2, 2026 4:20 PM

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Monday approved an interest rate of 8.25 per cent on employees’ provident fund (EPF) deposits for 2025-26, retaining the same rate for the second year in a row, according to an official statement.

As Sunetra Pawar takes control, NCP merger hopes fade away

Sanjay Jog | March 2, 2026 3:40 PM

Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Following the untimely demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife, Sunetra Pawar, officially assumed the role of National President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on February 26, signalling a definitive shift in the state's political landscape, effectively dimming the prospects of a reconciliation or merger between the NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led faction.