India, Canada open crucial trade talks

IANS | October 5, 2026 7:52 AM

Ottawa, Oct 5 (IANS) India and Canada will begin a crucial fifth round of negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement here Monday, accelerating efforts to conclude a deal before the end of the year as the two countries rapidly expand an economic relationship that only recently emerged from a prolonged diplomatic chill.

Iran war may outlast Trump as US weighs options

IANS | October 5, 2026 7:50 AM

Washington, Oct 5 (IANS) The Iran conflict could continue through the remainder of President Donald Trump's term and be inherited by his successor, a former senior White House Middle East official warned, as the Trump administration said it was simultaneously pursuing diplomatic and military pressure on Tehran and preparing for further contingencies.

AI can empower India's farmers, says World Bank chief

IANS | October 5, 2026 7:17 AM

Washington, Oct 5 (IANS) Artificial intelligence could transform the lives of farmers and other workers in India and developing countries without posing the same immediate threat to jobs seen in advanced economies, World Bank President Ajay Banga has said, citing an AI initiative helping women farmers in Uttar Pradesh diagnose crop diseases using basic mobile phones.

GRP personnel shot at by three unidentified men in Amritsar; BJP condemns attack, questions Mann govt

IANS | October 5, 2026 7:13 AM

New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Punjab Police, who is currently posted with the Government Railway Police (GRP), was shot at by three unidentified motorcycle-borne men while he was returning home from duty in Amritsar, with the incident prompting BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu to condemn the attack and question the Bhagwant Mann government over the law and order situation in the state.

SC to hear petitions against CEC Gyanesh Kumar today

IANS | October 5, 2026 6:41 AM

New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court will hear petitions on Monday challenging whether Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar can single-handedly exercise powers constitutionally designated for the entire multi-member poll panel.