US trade gap widens; India deficit narrows

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:53 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) The United States trade deficit widened in March as imports outpaced exports, even as the American goods gap with India narrowed compared to the same period last year, according to official data.

Himanta Sarma to meet Assam Governor today to submit resignation

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:24 AM

Guwahati, May 6 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will meet Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Wednesday to tender his resignation, paving the way for the formation of the new BJP-led government in the state following the party’s emphatic victory in the Assembly elections.

US presses Iraq for action against Iran-backed militias amid rising attacks

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:17 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) The United States has pressed Iraq’s leadership to take “concrete actions” against Iran-backed militias, with a senior State Department official warning that Washington wants “action, not words” amid growing concern over attacks on American facilities in the region.

Rubio warns Iran of ‘total defeat’

IANS | May 6, 2026 8:00 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran it faced “economic collapse” and “total defeat” unless it abandoned efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to a diplomatic solution over its nuclear programme.

US shuts Peshawar consulate amid security push

IANS | May 6, 2026 7:48 AM

Washington, May 6 (IANS) The United States announced the phased closure of its Consulate General in Peshawar, saying diplomatic engagement with Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will now be handled by its embassy in Islamabad.