Afghanistan: Nangarhar unaffected due to closure of Torkham crossing with Pakistan

IANS | December 29, 2025 4:28 PM

Kabul, Dec 29 (IANS) Vegetable market in Afghanistan's Nangarhar remains unaffected even after Torkham crossing with Pakistan remaining shut for nearly three months, local media reported on Monday. Officials stated that there has been no major change in vegetable prices in the province and Nangarhar has become self-reliant in this sector.

After 'two fugitives' remark, Lalit Modi issues apology to Indian government

IANS | December 29, 2025 1:38 PM

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi on Monday issued an apology to the Indian government, days after he referred to himself and liquor baron Vijay Mallya as the two "biggest fugitives" in a viral video, a comment that was widely perceived as a swipe at India.

Zelensky, Trump signal near deal on ending Ukraine war (Ld)

IANS | December 29, 2025 8:03 AM

New York, Dec 29 (IANS) Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace plan to end the war was “90 per cent” ready, while US President Donald Trump asserted they were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close”, after their meeting to find a path to ending the four-year conflict.

Progress on Ukraine was possible, but deal remained distant: US media

IANS | December 29, 2025 7:35 AM

Washington, Dec 29 (IANS) US media did not appear to be convinced of a successful Ukrainian peace following the meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Most outlets said progress was possible, but a deal remained distant.