FirstUp: Austrian Chancellor Stocker in India; Pope Leo in Cameroon... The news today

Good morning.

You are reading Firstpost’s FirstUp edition for April 15, 2026.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker is in India. Stocker arrived on Tuesday (April 14) and will remain till Friday (April 17). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Stocker will hold discussions on boosting bilateral cooperation.

Also, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Meloni in Rome today.

Chancellor Christian Stocker in India

Chancellor Stocker arrived in India yesterday (April 14). He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including representatives from the economy, energy, and tourism, according to the external affairs ministry. This marks his official visit to Asia.

During his trip, Stocker will meet PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He is also expected to hold discussions with the PM on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

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Meloni to meet Zelenskyy in Rome

Italian Prime Minister Meloni is set to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting will occur today at 15:30 at Palazzo Chigi, the official residence of Italy’s prime ministers.

According to several media reports, Italy has provided Ukraine with weapons, military equipment, and other resources since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Pope Leo visits Cameroon

Today, (April 15), Cameroon will welcome Pope Leo as part of his official African tour. Cameroon is one of the nations chosen for this historic tour, underscoring its significance on the continent.

Upon arriving in Cameroon, Pope Leo will spend three days in the country before proceeding to other African nations. His African tour is set to include only four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and one other yet to be confirmed.

Cong to convene all-party meet on women’s reservation bill

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (April 13) asserted that the party would convene a meeting of all the opposition parties today (April 15), to discuss the Women’s Reservation Bill.

While speaking to reporters, Kharge maintained that Congress "fully backs" the legislation.

“If they (Centre) call all parties and allow discussions, we can participate and offer our suggestions. But they are not prepared to call an all-party meeting. That is why we are convening an all-opposition party meeting again on April 15. Whatever decision we take in that all-party meeting, we will convey it,” Kharge added, as quoted by the Deccan Herald.

New Bihar CM to take oath

Preparations are in full swing for the new cabinet in Bihar.

BJP leader Samrat Chowdhury, who is likely to succeed Nitish Kumar as Bihar's next CM, is overseeing all preparations.

Sources from the Lok Bhawan said that the new cabinet will take the oath today (April 15) around 11 am, India Today reported.

With inputs from agencies