US debt ceiling deal agreed in principle

Washington (IANS) The White House and the Republicans have agreed in principle to raise the US debt ceiling and avert a default after weeks of bitter negotiations, local media reported.

The deal still needs to be approved by a divided US Congress.

6.0 magnitude quake jolts parts of Pakistan

Islamabad (IANS) A 6.0 magnitude quake - epicentred at the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region - jolted parts of Pakistan on Sunday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), local media reported.

In a statement, the department…

Ukraine seeks to fix perspective of NATO membership during July summit

Kiev (IANS) Ukraine is seeking to fix its perspective of joining the NATO during the alliance's upcoming summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July, top government offical Andriy Yermak said.

"Our expectations from the summit in Vilnius boil…

Bill introduced to make Diwali federal holiday in US

New York (IANS) A bill to make Diwali a federal holiday has been introduced by Grace Meng, a Democrat member of the House of Representatives.

"My Diwali Day Act is one step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day, and celebrating…

US congressional panel on China suggests NATO+ status for India

Washington (IANS) A US congressional committee has recommended that India should be added to an expanded group of close American allies currently called NATO+5 as part of a broader effort to deter any Chinese military aggression against Taiwan.

UN honours 3 Indian peacekeepers killed in service amid calls for increasing protection

United Nations (IANS) Three Indian peacekeepers who died in the service of the UN have been honoured with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal amid calls for better protection for personnel in its missions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres handed…

Rocket attack on Ukraine medical clinic kills 1, injures 15

Kiev  (IANS) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said that a person was killed and 15 others were injured during a Russian rocket attack on a medical clinic in the city of Dnipro.

Confirming the development on Instagram, the President…

S.Korea, US to stage massive live-fire drills marking alliance anniversary

Seoul (IANS) South Korea and the US will conduct their largest-ever live-fire drills on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of countries' alliance.

The Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise, the first of its kind in six years, will take place…

Nominee for top US military post advocates strong defence ties with India

New York (IANS) US President Joe Biden has nominated General Charles Q. Brown, a former Indo-Pacific leader and advocate of close defence ties with India, to be the nation's top military officer.

Biden is set to formally announce the nomination…

HK-flagged ship runs aground in Egypt's Suez Canal

Cairo (IANS) A Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier ran aground on Thursday in Egypt's Suez Canal.

In a tweet, the Oslo-based Leth Shipping Agency said: "M/V Xin Hai Tong 23 has grounded in the Suez Canal at KM 159/0400 hrs - leaving behind 4…