FGN66 PM-LDALL OMAN

India, Oman ink free trade agreement as PM Modi holds talks with Sultan Haitham Muscat: India and Oman on Thursday signed a historic free trade agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik comprehensively reviewed the multi-faceted Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability.

FGN63: BANGLA-INDIA-LD VISA

India resumes visa centre operation in Dhaka, functioning suspended at two others following protests Dhaka: India on Thursday resumed operations at its visa application centre in Dhaka, a day after closing it over escalated security concerns, but closed two other identical facilities in other parts of Bangladesh as anti-India protestors tried to march towards the Indian missions there.

FGN53: PM-LD OMAN

India-Oman free trade pact to infuse new energy into bilateral trade: PM Modi Muscat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA) will infuse new energy into bilateral trade and investment ties while creating opportunities for mutual growth.

FGN62 PM-OMAN-LD AWARD

PM Modi conferred with the Order of Oman Muscat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Thursday conferred with the Order of Oman, the Sultanate's uniquely distinct civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his "exceptional contribution" to India-Oman ties and his "visionary leadership".

FGN61: CHINA-US-ARMS-REAX

China sharply criticises US for plans to sell advanced weapons worth USD 11.1 bn to Taiwan Beijing: China on Thursday sharply criticised the US for its plan to sell massive advanced weapons worth USD 11.1 billion to Taiwan, saying Washington's move "grossly violates" the one-China principle and infringes on its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

FGN64 NEPAL-PROTEST-PROBE-COMMISSION

Gen Z protest probe commission seeks one-month extension in Nepal Kathmandu: The commission formed to investigate incidents related to the Gen Z protests has requested the Nepal government to extend its tenure by one month, citing the need for additional time to complete statements.

FGN47: PM-OMAN-LD COMMUNITY

21st century India takes big, swift decisions, delivers results in time-bound manner: PM Modi in Oman Muscat: India of the 21st century takes "big" and "swift" decisions and moves ahead by setting big goals and delivering results in a time-bound manner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Thursday.

FGN41: BIZ-INDIA-OMAN PACT

India, Oman ink free trade agreement Muscat: India and Oman signed a free trade agreement on Thursday, which will provide duty free access to 98 per cent of India's exports including textiles, agri and leather goods in Oman.

FGN65: BIZ-LD INDIA OMAN-CEPA SENSITIVE LIST

India excludes agri items, gold, silver, footwear from trade pact with Oman Muscat: India has protected the interest of domestic farmers and MSMEs by not extending any duty concessions on products across several sectors, including agricultural items such as dairy, as well as chocolates, gold, silver, jewellery, footwear, and sports goods, under the trade pact with Oman.

FGN46: BANGLA-ZIA-HEALTH

Former Bangladesh PM Zia’s health continues to be critical: doctor Dhaka: Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia remains critical even as she continues to receive treatment at a Dhaka hospital, her personal doctor AZM Zahid Hossain said on Thursday.

FGN19: AUS-SHOOTING-INDIAN

Wanted to get attacker down: Indian-origin man who helped restrain Australia's Bondi Beach shooter Melbourne: A 34-year-old Indian-origin man who helped restrain one of the alleged shooters of the Bondi Beach attack in Australia said he wanted to help bring one of the assailants down and assist anyone who needed help.

FGN49: NEPAL-POLITICS

Deposed Nepal PM Oli gets re-elected as CPN-UML chair for third term Kathmandu: Ousted Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was on Thursday elected as the CPN-UML's chairman for the third consecutive term with a two-thirds majority.

FGN35: CHINA-SMOG

Rare smog spike hits Beijing after years of pollution clean-up Beijing: Beijing was shrouded in heavy smog on Thursday with AQI climbing to “very unhealthy” levels of 215, a rare spike in pollution in the Chinese capital after years of expensive cleaning up.

FGN14: US-TRUMP

Trump lists his administration’s successes on migration, ending wars in year-end address to nation New York/Washington: US President Donald Trump touted his administration’s successes on immigration and in ending eight wars as he listed the various accomplishments of his second term in the White House in a year-end address to the nation.

FGN9: US-INDIA-SUPPLY CHAIN

India 'highly strategic potential partner' in supply chain security-related efforts: US New York/Washington: The US views India as a “highly strategic potential partner” in supply chain security-related efforts and welcomes the opportunity to engage with the country, following New Delhi's exclusion from a recently launched Washington-led initiative on silicon supply chain.

PTI AMS AMS

India-Oman free trade pact grants duty-free access to 98% of exports but protects sensitive domestic items. India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement granting duty free access to about 98% of India's exports while India retained a sensitive list excluding agricultural items, dairy, chocolates, gold, silver, jewellery, footwear, and sports goods to protect domestic farmers and MSMEs.