News brief: Big stories of the day

China hopes US will create conditions necessary for September trade talks

China and the United States are discussing the next round of face-to-face trade talks scheduled in September, but hopes for progress hinge on whether Washington can create favourable conditions, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday.

India reacts to Pak Ghaznavi missile test, says forces are ready to deal with any eventuality

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed media and stated that Pakistan, by its activities, is portraying that the situation with India is very sensitive. 

Sikh priest's daughter abducted in Pakistan, 'forcibly converted into Islam' as parents file FIR

A Sikh priest's family has lodged an FIR in Pakistan after their daughter went missing for three days and returned after marrying a Muslim man. 

Indian Air Force plans to buy 33 MiG-29, Sukhoi 30 fighter jets

In a move likely to boost its dwindling fighter squadron strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing a proposal for acquiring 33 new combat aircraft including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Sukhoi 30s.

Italy's Giuseppe Conte gets green light to form new government

Italy's president asked Giuseppe Conte to head up a coalition of the 5-Star Movement and opposition Democratic Party (PD) on Thursday, a move could that could improve in Italy's fractious relations with the European Union.