Pakistan acted as 'courier', not 'mediator' during US-Iran ceasefire negotiations: Report

IANS | April 13, 2026 9:02 PM

Kabul, April 13 (IANS) Pakistan's mediating role between the United States and Iran resembled that of a courier rather than a mediator, lacking leverage, proposed solutions, and the ability to push both sides toward compromise. Pakistan acted as a diplomatic channel through which big powers like China communicated their positions without any direct engagement, a report highlighted on Monday.

Trump warns Iran ships amid blockade​

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:47 PM

Washington, Apr 13 (IANS) U.S. President Donald Trump Monday warned Iran that any naval vessels approaching American ships enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would be “immediately ELIMINATED,” as tensions escalated following the collapse of peace talks.​

Steven Spielberg reveals the reason behind shelving ‘Robopocalypse’

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:42 PM

Los Angeles, April 13 (IANS) The three time Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has revealed the reason behind shelving the sci-fi epic ‘Robopocalypse’. The director shared that he shelved the film because it was on course to become "the most expensive movie" he'd ever made.

Govt launches Rs 10,000 crore ‘Startup India FoF 2.0’ to boost innovation ecosystem

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:28 PM

New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) The Centre on Monday notified the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0), announcing a fresh corpus of Rs 10,000 crore aimed at boosting venture and growth capital availability for startups across the country.

US-Iran temporary truce offers fragile window for de-escalation: Report

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:25 PM

New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) The ongoing two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran offers a narrow window for de-escalation, with its durability uncertain, a report said on Monday.

Dhiren Patel and Arjun Singh dominate, add two more golds for India at the US Open Pickleball Championship 2026

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:21 PM

Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Arjun Singh added another gold to his kitty winning the Men’s Singles 5.0 at the US Open beating Ashton Patterson in straight sets 13-11, 11-6. Seasoned stalwart, Dhiren Patel added another US Open gold medal to his tally adding to India’s total in the 40+ Pro Men’s Singles category.

UCC not agenda of just BJP but of India's Constitution: HM Amit Shah (IANS Exclusive)

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:09 PM

Durgapur, April 13 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral prospects in West Bengal, asserting that the party is witnessing a "very positive atmosphere" across the state and is poised to form the next government.

LPG ship Jag Vikram reaching Kandla on Tuesday with 20,400 tonnes cargo

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:05 PM

New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram, which safely sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, carrying approximately 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 24 seafarers onboard, is expected to arrive at Kandla port on Tuesday, according to a government statement.

MP: Drip irrigation, smart farming take center stage at Raisen Agriculture Festival

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:01 PM

Bhopal, April 13 (IANS) A three-day Advanced Agriculture Festival is currently underway in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, piquing the interest of a wide cross-section of farmers from across the country.​

ACC clears names of 48 officers as Joint Secretaries at Centre​

IANS | April 13, 2026 8:00 PM

New Delhi, April 13 (IANS) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointments of as many as 48 officers at Joint Secretary or Joint Secretary equivalent level posts in various ministries such as Civil Aviation, Defence, Agriculture, Home, Petrochemicals, Shipping and Ports, with pay at Level 14 of the Centre’s pay matrix.​