Washington, April 24 (IANS) The US on Friday sharply criticised European allies for failing to take a more active role in securing global shipping lanes, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth saying the “time for free riding is over” as tensions escalate around Iran. Hegseth said Europe and Asia were far more dependent on energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz than the US, and should contribute more to safeguarding maritime routes.”Europe and Asia have benefited from our protection for decades,…
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Washington, April 24 (IANS) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday that Washington’s actions helped prevent global oil prices from surging to $150 per barrel, keeping them closer to $100 amid geopolitical tensions, as he outlined a broader strategy linking energy stability, sanctions policy and financial leadership. Testifying before a Senate panel, Bessent noted that US decisions on sanctions and supply played a key role in stabilising markets during the ongoing conflict.”If we had …
Washington, April 24 (IANS) The United States on Friday said its expanding naval blockade of Iran was tightening “by the hour”, as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that Tehran faced a stark choice between a nuclear deal and mounting economic collapse under sustained American pressure.“Operation Epic Fury has delivered decisive military results in just weeks,” Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon, contrasting it with “endless wars of the past” that “dragged on for years and…
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) India’s currency may be under pressure in the short term, but its long-term story remains compelling, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran has said, describing the rupee as “fundamentally undervalued” and an attractive opportunity for investors.Speaking to Bloomberg, Nageswaran said the current valuation of the rupee offers a strong entry point, particularly for long-term investors looking at India’s growth potential.His remarks come at a time when the …
Washington, April 24 (IANS) RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale outlined a civilisational vision of India rooted in unity, diversity and sustainability, arguing that the country is positioned to play a decisive role in shaping a more harmonious global order.Addressing an exclusive dinner reception on “India’s Global Vision and Role in the Emerging World” in the Washington area, Hosabale said India’s philosophical traditions offer a framework to address modern global challenges, fro…
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) Gross FDI (equity) flows to India accelerated to $90.8 billion (2.3 per cent of GDP) in January 2026 on a on a 12-month trailing basis, up by a healthy 13 per cent from $80.3 billion in January 2025 (2.1 per cent of GDP), a Morgan Stanley report showed on Thursday.Gross FDI (ex repatriation) improved to a three-year high of $36.3 billion in January 26, rising 38.4 per cent on-year. The trend in gross FDI has recovered steadily since January 2024, underpinned by strong …
New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed condolences following a mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Kerala, which claimed at least 12 lives. “Saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Thrissur, Keralam. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he said on X.The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given…
New York, April 21 (IANS) India has highlighted the need for greater representation of the Global South, particularly in the permanent category, in the United Nations Security Council. Secretary, West, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, delivered India’s national statement at the IGN meeting on the United Nations Security Council in the UN headquarters. “He highlighted the need for greater representation of the Global South, particularly in the permanent category. He underlined the…
Washington, April 20 (IANS) India’s growth outlook remains relatively strong, but a prolonged rise in global energy prices could pose risks to the economy, the International Monetary Fund said. “We have modestly increased our forecast by 0.1 percentage point,” Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, said at a press briefing during the Spring Meetings.He said the upgrade reflects strong momentum entering 2026 and easing tariff pressures. “Momentum coming i…
Washington, April 20 (IANS) Asia’s growth remains resilient, but a surge in oil and gas prices driven by the Middle East conflict is raising risks for inflation and external balances, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.“Asia entered 2026 on a solid footing with growth remaining resilient despite the region bearing the brunt of US tariffs and heightened uncertainty,” Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, said at a press briefing during the Spring M…