News brief: Big stories of the day

Awantipora: CRPF convoy hit by explosives-laden vehicle, several jawans killed

At least 20 CRPF jawans were killed on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama after a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus they were travelling. 

US and India hold talks to calm trade tensions

US and Indian government officials pressed on with talks on Thursday to resolve their differences over trade and investment, Indian government sources said, even though US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross called off his visit because of bad weather at home.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani blames US, Israel for attack on elite Guards that killed 27: Report

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani blamed the United States and its regional allies on Thursday for a suicide bombing in southeastern Iran that killed 27 members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards, Iranian state TV reported.

US group says Trump trade tariffs cost businesses $2.7 billion in November

The US businesses paid an additional $2.7 billion in tariffs in November 2018, according to data from a coalition of US business groups fighting President Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

Thai court to consider ban on party that nominated princess Ubolratana for upcoming general election

Thailand's Constitutional Court announced on Thursday it will consider a ban on a party that nominated princess for prime minister, raising the prospect of a further setback for opposition chances in a general election.