India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi, April 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pakistan's already weak economy is coming under fresh pressure as the country prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates this month, even as relations between the two sides show signs of strain. According to a report by The Express Tribune, Islamabad has decided to return the loans in phases throughout April. The report said that around $450 million will be paid next week, followed by $2 billion and another $1 billion later in the month. The move comes after months of uncertainty over these loans. Unlike in the past, when Gulf countries often gave Pakistan more time to repay, the UAE had only been extending the loans for short periods. This change signals a tougher stance from a long-time ally. The repayment is expected to put pressure on Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, which are already under stress. Using reserves to pay back such a large amount could weaken the country's ability to manage its external finances. The situation has become more serious due to recent tensions with United Arab Emirates. Reports suggested that Abu Dhabi is unhappy with Pakistan's perceived closeness to Iran during the ongoing regional conflict. This has raised questions among Emirati officials about Pakistan's foreign policy priorities. These tensions could also affect future financial support. A separate $2 billion assistance package from the UAE is now seen as uncertain, the report said. Pakistan continues to rely heavily on support from friendly countries as part of its programme with the International Monetary Fund. Nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China have been helping by maintaining deposits to support Pakistan's economy. However, the latest developments suggest that such support is no longer guaranteed and may come with stricter conditions. Even within the country, there is growing concern over this dependence. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently admitted that repeatedly seeking financial help from other countries affects national "self-respect," as lenders often expect something in return. With exports declining, investment slowing, and debt repayments rising, the $3.5 billion repayment highlights deeper economic challenges, as per the report.
New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI) Taking a swipe at the government, the Congress on Wednesday said the role played by Pakistan in bringing about the ceasefire between the US-Israel and Iran is a "severe setback" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "highly personalised diplomacy" and asked what happened to "papa ne war rukwa di". The opposition party also asked why Modi, who claims very special friendship with the US, Israel, Iran, and the Gulf countries and who also holds the BRICS plus presidency this year, was not in the picture at all during the ceasefire negotiations. Congress general secretary (comm ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has suggested prioritising women in allocation of deceased donor organs.In a letter to the states/UTs, the apex authority for regulating organ donations and transplants in the country, has said a provision should be made to mark additional points for women recipients of donor organs, to address gender disparity. Studies have shown that while women make up a large percentage of donors, they receive fewer organs than men. "Women are equally vulnerable when it comes to end-stage organ failure due to illness, and it is import ...Read More >
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held in New York on Friday UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2025) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held in New York on Friday. Following are the highlights of the prime minister's speech: - This was the third time PM Shehbaz Sharif addressed the UNGA session -- In September 2022, Septembe ...Read More >
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Dhaka: Barely a month and a half after Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assumed office, the world is witnessing turbulence over the Iran war. Bangladesh, like many other countries, is also facing problems in getting enough fuel because of the unrest. It is putting pressure on the new government. To address these challenges, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir recently toured Middle Eastern countries with an aim to strengthen Bangladesh's ties in the region and checking on the welfare of the country's workers affected by the war. This week, Bangladesh's f ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 2 (ANI): Waiel Awwad, West Asia Strategist and Journalist, said that the US saw the outcome of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit as against its hegemony, and the US recognised its importance. Awwad, while talking to ANI, said that US President Donald Trump, therefore, sought his convenience and imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India. "So therefore, the United States, under tremendous pressure of President Trump, he might have come up with this statement only just to say that because of the development and because the outcome of this summit is again ...Read More >
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 8 (ANI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over Pakistan's role in the US-Iran ceasefire, saying that it "ruined our foreign policy." "The BJP has ruined our foreign policy. There was a time when it seemed like India would become the world guru, but Pakistan is strengthening its foreign policy at the international level. India appears weak in foreign policy. The dream of becoming the world guru is an opportunity that India has missed. If India had succeeded in stopping this war, today India's position in the world w ...Read More >
Alappuzha (Keralam) [India], April 5 (ANI): Congress leader KC Venugopal on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks accusing the Congress of politicising the impact of the West Asia crisis. He alleged that the government had followed the advice of the United States and claimed that the government's stance in the West Asia crisis had not helped in dealing with the challenges faced by Indians. "That is also a big tamasha... This crisis of Gulf countries and the crisis of Indians residing in the Gulf countries happened due to our foreign policy. The India government didn ...Read More >
Jaishankar speaks with Iranian, Qatari and UAE leaders on West Asia conflict, notes sixth call with Irans Araghchi since war began External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Sunday shared that he received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In a series of posts on X, Jaishankar said that he also spoke with Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, She ...Read More >
New Delhi, Mar 2 (PTI) Amazon India on Monday announced 'Zero Referral fee' on more than 12.5 crore products, a move, the ecommerce giant said, aims to accelerate growth for lakhs of sellers across the country. Building on last year's fee revision, the company has expanded zero referral fees coverage more than 10-times from 1.2 crore products in 2025 to over 12.5 crore products priced under Rs 1,000 across 1,800-plus categories, the company said in a release. In addition, Amazon has reduced Easy Ship fees by over 20 per cent for products priced below Rs 300. Easy Ship allows sellers to stor ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 6: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to eliminate, at the earliest, distortions in the pricing of petroleum products due to the subsidy extended by the federal government to consumers amid the surge in global prices triggered by the Iran war, local media reports said on Monday. A senior government official has confirmed that the IMF remains concerned about existing distortions, particularly in diesel pricing, and is pushing for their early removal, the Dawn reported. Initially, the government attempted to balance finances by adjusting the petroleum deve ...Read More >
New Delhi, March 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war could shape the global economy in different ways -- all roads leading to higher prices and slower growth. The IMF said the war in the Middle East is upending lives and livelihoods in the region and beyond. "It is also dimming the outlook for many economies that had only just shown signs of a sustained recovery from previous crises. The shock is global, yet asymmetric. Energy importers are more exposed than exporters, poorer countries more than richer ones, and those with mea ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 5 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday held separate high-level conversations with leaders from the UAE and Qatar to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia amid the regional conflict. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated that he spoke with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reviewing ongoing developments in the region. "Discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with DPM & FM Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE," he wrote. In a separate post, the External Affairs Minister said he al ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, April 8: The Congress on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India's absence from the US-Iran ceasefire, describing Pakistan's role in brokering the deal as a "severe setback" to Modi's "highly personalised diplomacy." The opposition questioned why India, despite Modi's claims of strong ties with the US, Israel, Iran, and Gulf nations, as well as holding the BRICS+ presidency, was not involved in the negotiations. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted Modi's silence on Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, calling it a demonstration ...Read More >
Following the US-Iran ceasefire, the Congress party is attacking Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic strategies, arguing that Pakistan's involvement highlights the failure of his personalised approach to foreign policy and his silence on critical international issues. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump, at The White House in Washington, DC on February 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Congress claims Pakistan's role in the US-Iran ceasefire is a setback to M ...Read More >
Srinagar, Apr 8: National Conference president and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, today welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, saying that war is not a solution and warned that a prolonged conflict could have pushed the world towards a deeper global crisis. Click here to watch video Speaking to reporters here, the National Conference chief said dialogue remained the only viable path to peace, "war is not the solution to anything". "I would like to thank God that he gave courage to both countries to sit on a table and solve their problems. Because without talk ...Read More >
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that expanding strategic ties with Pakistan will not negatively impact relations with India. He emphasized a pragmatic foreign policy, noting that partnerships with one nation do not preclude them with another. The US is seeking to expand its strategic relationship with Pakistan but those ties don't come at the expense of Washington's relations with India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Just like India has ties with countries that the US doesn't, t ...Read More >
New Delhi: As US President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, key nations have issued a wave of cautious support. The pause in hostilities, mediated in part by Pakistan, comes just as a devastating "total destruction" deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump was set to expire. The reaction from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and New Zealand, and other nations reflects a region deeply concerned by both the humanitarian toll and the s ...Read More >
Kuwait/Hyderabad, May 27 (Maxim News) AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticised Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir for presenting a fake photo of a military operation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, alongside BJP MP Baijayant Panda, Owaisi mocked Pakistan's "desperate PR tactics" and accused Islamabad of supporting terror networks through illicit funding. "Yesterday, the Pakistani Army Chief gave a photo to the PM. They want to rival India, but the image was from a 2019 Chinese military drill. As I said, 'nakal ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 27 (ANI): Former Indian diplomat Mahesh Sachdev on Saturday tore into Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), likening it to a virtuous performance, worthy of a role in a Bollywood film and slamming it as a fake narrative riddled with factual inconsistencies. Speaking to ANI, Sachdev excoriated Sharif speech for its doublespeak and glorification of terrorism, a charge echoed by First Secretary at India Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, in India rebuttal to Sharif speech while exercising the righ ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a call from his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi as the tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and the tensions in West Asia. Also Read | Afghanistan Floods: Over 31,000 Affected As Flash Floods Kill 77 and Destroy 3,400 Homes in 2025. In a post on X, S Jaishankar said, "Received a call from the Foreign Minister of Iran. Discussed the present situation." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2040840035491365062?s=20 Also Read | Iran Internet Bla ...Read More >
New Delhi, April 6: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to eliminate, at the earliest, distortions in the pricing of petroleum products due to the subsidy extended by the federal government to consumers amid the surge in global prices triggered by the Iran war, local media reports said on Monday. A senior government official has confirmed that the IMF remains concerned about existing distortions, particularly in diesel pricing, and is pushing for their early removal, the Dawn reported. Initially, the government attempted to balance finances by adjusting the petroleum deve ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 8 (ANI): Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel, expressing hope that the temporary halt in hostilities would turn into a permanent peace arrangement, while also criticising the "Vishwaguru" and India's foreign policy response to the developments. US President Donald Trump suspended the "bombing and attack" campaign on Iran, announcing a two-week double-sided ceasefire and accepting the 10-point proposal from Iran. The Iranian side then accepted Trump's peace ov ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has scrapped most passenger discounts and cut flight frequencies as rise in jet fuel prices squeezed the air carrier's finances, a new report has said. Pakistan-based Dawn cited a PIA spokesperson as saying that concessions are currently limited to children and infants, and all other fare discounts withdrawn. The move followed a high-level review of rising fuel costs and potential losses after Jet fuel (JP‑1) prices jumped significantly over four times in recent weeks. The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) latest fuel monitor s ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): The Congress on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Union government for its alleged missteps over the Pakistan-brokered US-Iran war ceasefire, calling on the government for a "unified national approach" to restore India's role as a peacemaker, in coordination with the Opposition. In a post on X, Congress Foreign Affairs Department President Salman Khurshid released the official statement from the party and condemned the BJP's "missteps, partisan alignment and cowa ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a call from his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi as the tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and the tensions in West Asia. In a post on X, S Jaishankar said, "Received a call from the Foreign Minister of Iran. Discussed the present situation." The Iranian Embassy in India added, "Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a phone conversation with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): External Affairs Ministry (EAM) Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan on Monday said that India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, stressing that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals remains the top priority. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing here, Mahajan said, "The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and the West Asia region. Ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the large Indian community in the region remains our highest priority. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 6 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said that India has facilitated the return of 1,777 Indian nationals from Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which is currently in its second month. It noted that the facilitation was made possible by support from the authorities of Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the region, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has been actively coordinating evacuation efforts. Also Read | IMF Urges Pakistan to ...Read More >
New Delhi: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday raised strong concerns over the Central government's foreign policy, calling Pakistan's role in the ceasefire between the United States and Iran a "severe setback" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. US President Donald Trump suspended the "bombing and attack" campaign on Iran, announcing a two-week double-sided ceasefire and accepting the 10-point proposal from Iran. The Iranian side then accepted Trump's peace overture and agreed to safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, as well as a pause in military operations. Pakistan has pl ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 8 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, stating that it sends a strong message to the American establishment that the rhetoric of "regime change" or "ending a civilisation" does not work in the modern world. Speaking to ANI, Jha expressed relief over the de-escalation of a conflict that had created global turmoil and economic uncertainty. "The world had become engulfed in great turmoil and uncertainties. It had an impact on different countries. Yesterday, when the Presiden ...Read More >
While Pakistan is set to chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council in 2025, it failed to get what it wanted - to secure chairmanship of other UN Sanctions Committees - possibly due to its dismal record of keeping cross-border terrorism emanating from its soil in check. Apart from chairing the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee, Pakistan will also be the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation UN body. According to a list of chairs of the subsidiary bod ...Read More >