THE HEADLINES:-
- India and New Zealand sign Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi; Deal facilitates 100 percent duty-free access for all Indian exports and 20 billion dollar investment commitment by New Zealand.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon describe inking of FTA, a landmark moment in partnership between both countries.
- Campaigning ends for second and final phase of assembly elections in West Bengal; Polling on Wednesday.
- Prime Minister Modi holds mega roadshow at Gangtok in Sikkim; To launch development projects worth over four thousand crore rupees tomorrow on 50 years of its statehood celebrations.
- Large parts of India continue to reel under intense heatwave.
- In Badminton, Indian Men’s Team enters quarterfinals of Thomas Cup in Denmark.
- In IPL Cricket, match underway between Hosts Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
<><><>
India and New Zealand today signed the historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi. The signing ceremony was presided over by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand_s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay. The agreement finalized in December last year, facilitates 100 percent duty-free access for all Indian exports and 20 billion dollar investment commitment by New Zealand.
“The Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand will advance a new Era of Economic Partnership and Opportunity. New Zealand has committed to facilitate investments of 20 billion dollars into India over the next fifteen years. According to the FTA, a new generation trade deal for Viksit Bharat 2047, encompassing Tariffs, Talent, Investment and Farm Productivity, empowering youth, farmers, women, artisans, and MSMEs have been agreed upon. The trade includes 100 percent duty-Free Access across all tariff lines, benefiting diverse sectors. The FTA promotes India_s AYUSH systems internationally, encourages medical value travel, and positions India as a global wellness hub. The agreement has further given a boost to farms, fisheries and factories through Zero-duty market access on 100 per cent of India_s exports. To ensure protection to farmers, rural economies and the domestic industry, the Government has excluded key sensitive sectors such as dairy, animal products and agricultural products. The FTA will also boost student mobility through post-study work visas and professional pathways in New Zealand, with no numerical caps on Indian students. Aman Yadav, Akashvani News, New Delhi.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Goyal said, the FTA has been concluded in a record nine months. He said, the pace reflects the depth of trust and shared ambition.
Speaking at the event Mr McClay said, this agreement delivers opportunities that New Zealand exporters have never had in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon described the inking of FTA, `a landmark moment’ in partnership between both countries.
Prime Minister Modi in a social media post said, the FTA will add unprecedented momentum to both nations’ developmental partnership. He said, the deal will greatly benefit farmers, youth, women, MSMEs, artisans, startups, students and innovators.
In his message, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, the deal will help diversify New Zealand_s market. Prime Minister Luxon’s message was read out by New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay during the signing ceremony.
Gem and Jewellery sector has lauded the FTA between India and New Zealand. Talking to Akashvani News, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Kirit Bhansali has said, the FTA will open new opportunities for the sector.
<><><>
Campaigning ended this evening for the second and final phase of assembly elections in West Bengal. Polling in this phase will take place on Wednesday.
“On the last day of campaigning today, leaders from various political parties held meetings, rallies, and public gatherings in an effort to win over voters. In this phase, 1,448 candidates are the fray including 220 women. The largest constituency by area is Kalyani, while the smallest is Jorasanko. Voting will take place on Wednesday, 29th April across 142 constituencies in 7 districts. A total of 3 crores 21 lakhs 73 thousands and 837 voters will exercise their franchise in this round. However, as per Supreme Court directives, the Appellate Tribunal is expected to publish a revised list today after considering applications from voters excluded during SIR adjudication, which may marginally change these numbers. Sandipon Das Gupta, Akashvani News,Kolkata.”
<><><>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a grand road show at Gangtok in Sikkim today. Mr Modi arrived in Gangtok this afternoon on a two-day visit to the state. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will launch development projects worth over four thousand crore rupees on the occasion of Sikkim’s 50 years of statehood celebrations. Our correspondent has the details:
“People of Sikkim accorded a grand welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with immense fervour and full of enthusiasm. Accompanied by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay and state BJP President Dilliram Thapa, Prime Minister participated in a grand road show from Ganju Lama Dwar to Lok Bhawan. Various cultural groups and local communities performed their traditional dances Tomorrow the Prime Minister will participate in the closing ceremony of Sikkim_s 50th Year of Statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium and also inaugurate, launch and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects across the State. Manas Pratim Sarma/AKASHVANI NEWS, Gangtok.”
<><><>
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory, taking the total number of districts to seven. The newly created districts are Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass. Earlier, Ladakh had only two districts-Leh and Kargil.
Describing it as a historic step, the Lieutenant Governor said the decision fulfills a long-pending demand and aspirations of the people of the region.
<><><>
Veteran politician Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. Mr Trivedi served as Union Minister for Railways and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in UPA government. He represented West Bengal in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. He joined the BJP in 2021 after resigning from Trinamool Congress.
<><><>
The government today reaffirmed that fertilizer availability in the country remains robust, with supplies consistently exceeding demand. Additional Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers Aparna Sharma stated this during an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi today on the updates related to developments in West Asia.
<><><>
Iran has reportedly offered to end its chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly a fifth of the global oil and gas trade, in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade and ending the conflict. It has also reportedly proposed broader talks on its nuclear programme for a later stage. The offer is said to have been conveyed to Washington through Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged support to Iran and called for restoring peace in West Asia amid the ongoing regional crisis. He made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg. Mr Araghchi arrived in Russia after visits to Pakistan and Oman, and is also expected to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
<><><>
Large parts of India are reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above normal levels for this time of the year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave conditions over Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Odisha, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Vidarbha and West Rajasthan tomorrow. It has also predicted hot and humid weather conditions over Gujarat, Kerala, Mahe, Konkan and Goa.
Jharkhand is witnessing extreme weather conditions, with intense heat in some districts and rain, hailstorm and lightning in others.
“The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for April 28th, 29th, and 30th warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall in many districts, In the past 24 hours, Daltonganj district recorded a maximum temperature of 44.9°C, while Namkum recorded a minimum of 22°C. During the same period, Sundarpahari received 60.2 mm of rainfall, and Dumka and Giridih also experienced heavy rain. In the capital Ranchi, the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.2°C and the minimum at 24.6°C, causing discomfort due to heat. The Meteorological Department has advised people to remain alert and stay in safe places during adverse weather conditions. Mahvish Rahman, Akashvani News, Ranchi”
National Capital, Delhi also witnessed a sharp spike in temperature in the day today.
“Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said that detailed guidelines have been issued to all departments to ensure public safety. Employers have been asked to provide adequate rest to workers between 1 PM and 4 PM, along with arrangements for drinking water, shade, and other essential facilities. Schools have been instructed to remain fully equipped to safeguard children, ensuring availability of drinking water, proper ventilation, fans, and suitable clothing conditions. Students should be given ORS solutions before leaving school to prevent dehydration. The Transport Department has been directed to set up water counters near bus stops across the city. With Ishani Yadav, Akashvani News, Delhi. “
Meanwhile, Providing some relief from the heat, the weather department has also predicted that thundersquall with wind speed reaching 50 to 60 Kilometres per hour is likely to prevail over Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura and Punjab tomorrow.
<><><>
In our bilingual live phone-in programme Public Speak tonight, we will bring an insightful discussion on Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026.
During the programme, listeners can ask questions on the subject. To participate, simply dial the telephone numbers 011-23310481, 011-23717117, 011-23717106 and 011-23314444 from 9:30 PM onwards tonight.
<><><>
In Badminton, the Indian Men’s Team has entered the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup tournament at Horsens in Denmark. In a Group A match today, India defeated Australia 5-Nil. India will face China on Wednesday to decide the group winners.
<><><>
In IPL Cricket, hosts Delhi Capitals have set a target of 76 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Put into bat, Delhi Capitals were all out for only 75 runs in 16.3 overs. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and opted to bowl.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- India and New Zealand sign Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi; Deal facilitates 100 percent duty-free access for all Indian exports and 20 billion dollar investment commitment by New Zealand.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon describe inking of FTA, a landmark moment in partnership between both countries.
- Campaigning ends for second and final phase of assembly elections in West Bengal; Polling on Wednesday.
- Prime Minister Modi holds mega roadshow at Gangtok in Sikkim; To launch development projects worth over four thousand crore rupees tomorrow on 50 years of its statehood celebrations.
- Large parts of India continue to reel under intense heatwave.
- In Badminton, Indian Men’s Team enters quarterfinals of Thomas Cup in Denmark.
- In IPL Cricket, match underway between Hosts Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
<><><>
