Union Ministers hail PM Modi’s 25 years as head of govt; praise his governance, leadership

IANS | October 7, 2026 9:18 AM

New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 years as the head of government, Union Ministers on Wednesday hailed his leadership, saying he has transformed the very definition of governance through people-centric policies, effective implementation, firm decision-making, transparency and a focus on results, while establishing the ideal of the 'politics of performance'.

US spice industry seeks tariff shield for India

IANS | October 7, 2026 9:13 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) The US spice industry is seeking continued tariff exemptions for Indian spices and wants the protection made permanent as Washington and New Delhi move towards a trade agreement, arguing that many of the products cannot be grown commercially in the United States.

RBI set to announce repo rate decision amid geopolitical tensions

IANS | October 7, 2026 9:12 AM

New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) -- led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra -- is set to announce its bi-monthly interest rate decision on Wednesday amid challenging factors, including rising inflation and crude oil prices above $100 a barrel driven by Middle East tensions.

US watching Russia plague case 'hour by hour'

IANS | October 7, 2026 9:06 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States and international agencies are monitoring a suspected plague case in Russia “hour by hour”, while urging Moscow to provide more information to the world.

Anthony Hopkins remembers George Fenton: He encouraged rather than instructed

IANS | October 7, 2026 9:02 AM

Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) Actor Anthony Hopkins has paid a tribute to acclaimed composer George Fenton, remembering not only his extraordinary musical talent but also his warmth and generosity as a friend.

Trump launches $6.6 billion US shipyard project

IANS | October 7, 2026 9:01 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a $6.6 billion public-private investment to develop what the administration says will be the largest new shipyard built in the United States since World War II, expanding production of nuclear submarine components and autonomous underwater vessels.

Trump says Covid exposed US reliance on China

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:47 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that the Covid pandemic exposed America's dependence on China and other countries for critical products, arguing that the United States must rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity to protect its economic and national security.

Free trade agreement era may be over: Rubio

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:45 AM

Washington, Oct 7 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the era of free trade agreements is unlikely to return “for the foreseeable future”, signalling that Washington sees bilateral and reciprocal trade arrangements as a more viable path for expanding economic ties.

India accuses OIC of 'wilful blindness', failing to distinguish between terror's victim and perpetrator

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:43 AM

United Nations, Oct 7 (IANS) India has strongly criticised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), accusing it of being unable to distinguish between “victim and perpetrator” and between fact and fiction due to "wilful blindness" when it brings up Kashmir and New Delhi's action against Pakistan-based terror infrastructure.

May grace of Vighnaharta bring welfare to all: PM Modi offers prayers at Delhi's Vinayak Mandir

IANS | October 7, 2026 8:38 AM

New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Shri Vinayak Mandir in Sarojini Nagar, Delhi, on Wednesday to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha on completing 25 years in public office.