Iran Declines Participation in Second Round of US Peace Talks

Tehran — Iran has rejected reports suggesting it would take part in a second round of peace talks with the United States, according to its official news agency IRNA.

IRNA stated that Tehran’s decision stems from what it described…

18 Killed in Firecracker Factory Blast Near Virudhunagar

At least 18 people lost their lives and six others were injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti, near Virudhunagar, on Sunday. The incident has left the region in shock.

The blast occurred at the…

Iran Sees ‘Progress’ in US Talks, but Says Final Deal Still Distant

Tehran — Iran has reported some headway in its ongoing discussions with the United States, but officials caution that a final agreement remains far from reach as the current two-week ceasefire nears its April 22 deadline.

Speaking in…

IRGC Claims Strait of Hormuz Blocked, Seeks End to US Naval Restrictions

Tehran — Iran’s elite force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has announced that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has been blocked since Saturday evening, escalating tensions in the region.

In a statement published…

Narendra Modi Targets Opposition After Women’s Quota Bill Fails in Lok Sabha

New Delhi — A day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women’s reservation failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised opposition parties, accusing them of putting “selfish politics”…

India Raises Alarm Over Hormuz Firing Incident, Seeks Safe Passage for India-Bound Ships

New Delhi — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday expressed serious concern over a firing incident involving Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and called on Iran to help ensure the safe passage of ships heading to India.

ATS Probes Alleged Pakistan Link in Noida Workers’ Protest Violence

Noida: The investigation into the recent violent workers’ protests in Noida has intensified, with the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) stepping in after initial findings hinted at a possible foreign connection, including suspected links to Pakistan.

US Extends Waiver on Russian Oil Shipments Till May 16 Amid Global Energy Concerns

Washington: The United States Department of the Treasury has extended a key waiver allowing the delivery and sale of already-loaded Russian oil shipments, pushing the deadline to May 16.

The earlier 30-day waiver had expired on April 11. The…

Four Maoists Killed in Jharkhand Encounter, Rs.15 Lakh Reward Commander Among Dead

Ranchi: In a major breakthrough for anti-Maoist operations, security forces killed four Maoists, including a top commander carrying a ?15 lakh reward, during an encounter along the Chatra–Hazaribagh border in Jharkhand on Friday.

According…

Jharkhand CID Files Chargesheet in Rs.116-Crore JTDCL-Energy Scam, Kingpin Among Three Accused

Ranchi: The Crime Investigation Department Jharkhand has filed a chargesheet against three individuals in connection with a major ?116-crore embezzlement case linked to the JTDCL-Energy scam.

The accused include the alleged mastermind Aradhya…