India

Selection Shake-Up: India Names Fresh-Looking Test Squad for West Indies Series

Selection Shake-Up: India Names Fresh-Looking Test Squad for West Indies Series

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): With the white-ball campaign nearing its climax in the UAE, India's focus is quickly turning to the traditional format of the game. As preparations begin for the upcoming Test series at home against the West Indies, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has unveiled a squad that blends fresh energy with experienced hands. The 15-member team, announced today, features Shubman Gill continuing in his leadership role, but it's Ravindra Jadeja’s promotion to vice-captain that has caught many eyes. The veteran all-rounder steps up as deputy with regular vice-captain Rishabh Pant still unavailable for selection. While the core of…
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India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-Based Launcher

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-Based Launcher

National Times Bureau :- India marked a major milestone in missile technology on Thursday with the successful test-firing of the new-generation Agni-Prime missile from a specially designed rail-based mobile launcher. With a range of 2,000 kilometers, the missile demonstrated precision and reliability during the trial. Historic First for India’s Missile Program This is the first time India has launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile from its extensive rail network. The test, conducted from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha, showcased the country’s enhanced strategic capabilities and the ability to transport and launch the system from anywhere across the nation. Features of…
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India Criticizes Pakistan at UNHRC for Bombing Civilians in Its Own Territory

India Criticizes Pakistan at UNHRC for Bombing Civilians in Its Own Territory

Geneva (Rajeev Sharma): India delivered a scathing rebuke to Pakistan during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), calling out Islamabad for targeting its own civilian population in recent airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Addressing the Council during discussions on global human rights concerns, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi used the platform to sharply criticize Pakistan’s domestic actions and foreign policy priorities. In a pointed statement, Tyagi said Pakistan should focus on its internal crises — including economic instability, military interference in politics, and systemic human rights violations — rather than fixating on India's territorial sovereignty. He accused…
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Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Ties Highlight Complex U.S. Foreign Policy, Says Rubio

Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Ties Highlight Complex U.S. Foreign Policy, Says Rubio

Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that the Trump administration imposed trade penalties on India due to its ongoing energy dealings with Russia, despite New Delhi being one of Washington’s key allies in the region. Rubio’s comments came during an interview with Good Morning America, where he was pressed on the former president's approach to Russian aggression in Ukraine and the claim that Donald Trump often avoided following through on threats directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response, Rubio defended the administration’s record, pointing to specific economic decisions. “India is one of our…
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GST 2.0 Rollout: Simpler Tax Regime Promises Savings for Households, Hits Luxury Goods

GST 2.0 Rollout: Simpler Tax Regime Promises Savings for Households, Hits Luxury Goods

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): India has entered a new phase of indirect taxation with the launch of GST 2.0, which takes effect nationwide from today. The overhaul replaces the earlier four-rate structure with a streamlined system that has just two regular slabs – 5% for essentials and 18% for most goods and services – along with a steep 40% levy on luxury and sin products. The government has pitched the reform as a consumer-friendly move that will ease compliance, reduce disputes, and ultimately bring down the cost of living. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing the transition as the start of…
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U.S. Revokes Chabahar Port Sanctions Waiver

U.S. Revokes Chabahar Port Sanctions Waiver

Toronto/New Delhi (Bureau)– The Trump administration has announced the revocation of the U.S. sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port, effective September 29, 2025. The waiver, initially granted in 2018, permitted India to invest $500 million in the Shahid Beheshti terminal, thereby securing strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while circumventing Pakistan.The U.S. move exposes Indian operators to potential sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act (IFCA). Analysts caution that this development may bolster China's influence in the region through Pakistan's Gwadar Port, part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).India now confronts a critical decision: comply with…
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PM Modi’s Nationwide Address Scheduled for 5 PM

PM Modi’s Nationwide Address Scheduled for 5 PM

New Delhi, September 21, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 5 pm today, focusing on significant economic and global developments, including the introduction of GST 2.0 and the recently announced changes to H-1B visa rules by the United States.Government sources suggest that the Prime Minister is likely to discuss how GST 2.0 will simplify the tax system, improve compliance, and enhance digital integration for businesses. The reforms are expected to facilitate smoother trade, strengthen revenue collection, and boost the overall economic environment ahead of the festive season.Alongside domestic economic updates, PM Modi may also address India’s…
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India-US Trade Talks Begin Amid Renewed Criticism on Russian Oil Imports

India-US Trade Talks Begin Amid Renewed Criticism on Russian Oil Imports

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A new round of India-US trade discussions is set to begin today as American negotiator Brendan Lynch lands in the capital, though the agenda has been clouded by fresh remarks from White House adviser Peter Navarro. Navarro alleged that Indian refiners have been “quick to align with Russian suppliers” since the Ukraine conflict, claiming such purchases indirectly strengthen Moscow’s military capacity. “American workers lose while India profits. On top of that, they maintain some of the steepest tariffs globally,” Navarro said on Monday. Despite these pointed remarks, both governments are attempting to push forward with dialogue…
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Post-Match Handshake Row Sparks Tensions Between India and Pakistan at Asia Cup

Post-Match Handshake Row Sparks Tensions Between India and Pakistan at Asia Cup

Colombo (Rajeev Sharma): Tensions flared off the field following the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over what it described as “unsporting conduct” by the Indian team. The protest stems from Indian players’ refusal to engage in the customary post-match handshake after defeating Pakistan by seven wickets. The decision, as explained by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, was taken collectively as a tribute to the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists and was reportedly…
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India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash Sparks Protests; Prayers Held for Team India’s Victory

India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash Sparks Protests; Prayers Held for Team India’s Victory

National Times Bureau :- The high-voltage Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan is set to take place this evening, but the match has sparked protests in several parts of the country. The opposition to the game comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left tensions running high between the two nations. Protesters argue that Pakistan has cost Indian lives, and therefore the BCCI should not engage in cricketing ties with the neighboring country. Amidst this backdrop, a special havan was organized in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, by the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). The ceremony drew…
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