A day after NASA sharply crticised India's anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile test as a "terrible thing", the US State Department has played it down saying Washington has noted New Delhi's assertion that it took into account the space debris problem.


US plays down criticism of India's A-SAT test


IANS Automatic

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will not attend a ministerial-level meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) later this week in France, the State Department has said.


Mike Pompeo to miss G7 foreign minister talks


India and Russia had wide-ranging discussions on evolving situation in Afghanistan during Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's two-day visit to the country.


India, Russia discuss situation in Afghanistan


The UN has unveiled a new initiative to raise greater awareness and action to improve the protection of children affected by armed conflict.


UN campaign to protect conflict-affected children


In measures aimed at enhancing internal security, the Congress, in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections released on Tuesday, promised to set up the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) within three months of forming the government in the Centre, and making NATGRID operational by December 2019.


Congress promises NCTC, NATGRID for internal security


In a first, Congress in its manifesto has assured digital rights of every citizen under the right to privacy. The party says it believes that every Indian shall enjoy digital rights and be able to freely access the digital world.


Congress promises to protect digital rights of citizens


Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the construction of life-size statues of herself represents the "will of the people".


Mayawati tells SC: Statues represent people's will


The Congress on Tuesday unveiled its manifesto for the coming Lok Sabha elections seeking to bring the narrative to "real issues", compared to the BJP's "hyper-nationalism" with party chief Rahul Gandhi stressing on five big economic and social ideas including Nyay that will provide Rs 72,000 a year to 20 per cent poorest families.


Congress unveils manifesto, focus on jobs, farmers (3rd Lead)


The Congress on Tuesday promised to remove anomalies in 'one rank, one pension' (OROP) and formulate a policy of compensation for families of the Services personnel who lost their lives on duty.


Congress vows compensation policy for martyr's kin


To boost border security, the Congress on Tuesday promised to increase the strength of border guarding forces, construct integrated border outposts and accelerate the construction of roads along India-China and India-Myanmar borders.


Will boost border security, says Congress in manifesto


After banning government advertisements to two English newspapers of the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday extended the ban to the popular vernacular Urdu daily 'Kashmir Uzma', the Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG) said.


J&K government ad ban extended to 'Kashmir Uzma'


Former Indian Army Captain Shalini Singh, also wife of late Major Avinash Singh Bhadauria, who was killed in action in September 2001, on Tuesday joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) here.


Army veteran, BJP leader join AAP


A cross-party group of MPs in Britain's House of Commons announced on Tuesday they plan a new bid to block a no-deal Brexit by tabling a bill to extend Article 50 beyond April 12.


Last-ditch bid to avert no-deal Brexit (2nd Lead)


The Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls recognises air pollution as public health emergency, but whether other political parties, like the BJP or the AAP, will take note of this is yet to be seen, according to green activists.


Congress manifesto recognises air pollution crisis


Tamil Nadu's opposition DMK says it is not slow-pedalling the Pollachi sexual abuse-cum-blackmail case after its initial aggression against the ruling AIADMK, but there are mixed views about the issue's impact on voters in the April 18 Lok Sabha and assembly by-elections.


Pollachi sex scandal: Stakeholders divided over fallout


The National People's Party (NPP) has filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the Nagaland Speaker's decision to approve the merger of two party MLAs with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDDP), an NPP official said on Tuesday.


NPP files plea against Nagaland Speaker's decision


The Congress on Tuesday promised to establish the office of Chief Defence Staff (CDS), provide a statutory basis to the National Security Council (NSC) and the office of National Security Advisor (NSA) as well as re-establish the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) to boost national security.


Congress promises to establish CDS, reform NSA office


The Congress on Tuesday got a shot in the arm after former RBI Chief General Manager Beryl B. Sangma joined the party in support of former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who is contesting from the Tura Lok Sabha seat.


Former RBI official joins Congress in Meghalaya


The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday constituted a five-member commission to probe the alleged abduction, forced conversion and marriage of two Hindu sisters in Sindh province that led to protests by the minority community in the country.


Pakistan HC to probe Hindu girls 'forced' conversion


Priyanka Gandhi might be making headlines for her campaign dress code, but theres plenty of mileage coming of it, and not just for her.


Priyanka's dressing makes campaign trail alive


US special envoy for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad visited the Afghan capital and exchanged views with the country's leadership, the media reported on Tuesday.

Page 110 -