Pioneer in short

India, GCC restart FTA talks

India and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday signed the terms of reference to formally launch negotiations for a free trade agreement, reviving talks stalled for over a decade. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal presided over the signing with the GCC, which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain. Goyal said the proposed pact would boost trade, investment and supply-chain stability between the two regions, which already share nearly USD 179 billion in annual trade. About 10 million Indians live and work in GCC countries, underlining deep economic and people-to-people ties built over centuries. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, encourage investment, and enhance food and energy security. While India is a major food producer, GCC nations are key suppliers of oil and gas. Sectors such as infrastructure, petrochemicals and information technology are expected to benefit. GCC chief negotiator Raja Al Marzouqi said the pact sends a strong signal of cooperation amid global economic uncertainty. India and the GCC last held FTA talks in 2008.

Himachal bans phones in schools

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced a complete ban on mobile phones for students in all Government and private schools across the State, effective March 1, 2026. The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 69th National School Games Under-19 Girls Handball Tournament in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur district. Sukhu said the move aims to improve academic focus and students’ social development, noting that mobile phone use during school hours and lunch breaks had become a major distraction. Under the new rules, students found carrying phones will be fined `500 and have their devices confiscated. Parents will also be required to attend mandatory counselling sessions. The Education Department has been directed to draft a standard operating procedure to deal with repeat violations.  

Woman, paramour murder husband

A 23-year-old woman allegedly orchestrated the murder of her husband just three months after their wedding, in collusion with her long-time boyfriend and two accomplices in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, police said on Thursday. Anjali (23), her lover Sanjay (25), and his friends Rohit (20) and Siddharth (20) were arrested on Tuesday, SP Amrita Duhan said. Ashish Kumar (27), a private school teacher, was killed on January 30 while walking with his wife after dinner. He was beaten with sticks and later strangled with a muffler when he did not die immediately. Police investigations revealed that Anjali had been in a 6-7-year relationship with Sanjay and resented her arranged marriage.