India-Finland trade surges 19 pc in FY26 as deficit narrows

IANS | March 5, 2026 4:52 PM

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) India-Finland bilateral trade rose 19 per cent in April–December (FY26) compared to the same period last year, marking “a new phase of momentum and structural realignment", a report said on Thursday amid Finnish President Alexander Stubb's first official visit to the country.

We have always been open towards supplying oil to India: Russian Ambassador

IANS | March 5, 2026 4:31 PM

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) As tensions continue to escalate amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov on Thursday called for resolving the issue through negotiations. As concerns over the prices rising globally after the closure of Strait of Hormuz grow, the Russian diplomat also asserted that it is for New Delhi to decide on suppliers even though Moscow has always been open towards supplying oil to India.

India clocks 27 per cent surge in new businesses as reforms drive growth

IANS | March 5, 2026 3:27 PM

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) India has recorded a 27 per cent surge in the number of new business registrations from 1.55 lakh in 2020–21 to 1.98 lakh in the first 10 months of 2025–26 (as on February 3, 2026) on the back of economic reforms that have enhanced the ease of doing business in the country, according to an official factsheet issued on Thursday.

Gas supply to GAIL stops after Petronet LNG issues force majeure notice

IANS | March 5, 2026 3:22 PM

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) GAIL (India) Limited on Thursday said the allocation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Petronet LNG Limited under a long-term contract has been reduced to zero after the supplier issued a force majeure notice due to disruptions linked to maritime navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and possible shutdown of facilities in Ras Laffan.