India-New Zealand FTA: PM Modi, Luxon aim to double bilateral trade over 5 years

IANS | December 22, 2025 11:55 AM

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, on Monday as the two leaders jointly announced the successful conclusion of the historic, ambitious and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Sonia Gandhi accuses Centre of bulldozing MGNREGA, warns of 'catastrophic fallout'

IANS | December 22, 2025 11:02 AM

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of systematically bulldozing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and cautioning that its replacement would have "catastrophic consequences" for India's rural population.

Bengal SIR hearing sessions: ECI not to consider certificates issued by individual educational institutions

IANS | December 22, 2025 9:38 AM

Kolkata, Dec 22 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it clear that academic qualification certificates issued by individual educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will not be recognised as valid identity documents or age proof during the hearing sessions on the claims and objections to the draft voters’ list in West Bengal, which will start this week.