News brief: Big stories of the day

Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism."  

Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 at 7pm

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled to take place on May 30 when Narendra Modi along with the Members of Union Council of Ministers will take the oath.

Situation would have been different had BJP won just 250 seats, says Jagan Reddy after meeting Modi

''Situation would have been different had the BJP won just 250 seats, we would have then supported the BJP only after they signed the Special Category Status (SCS) document,'' said YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Sunday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, says foreign minister Javad Zarif

Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed.

Modi picks Maldives for first foreign visit in second term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first foreign visit to the Maldives after assuming office for his second term, according to Maldivian media Raajje.

"Modi is expected to visit the Maldives from 7 to 8 June," the report added.