108,000 US troops in 160 countries, Generals tell Senators

IANS | March 5, 2026 9:33 AM

Washington, March 5 (IANS) More than 108,000 US soldiers are deployed or forward positioned across 160 countries, senior American military leaders told lawmakers, underscoring the global scale of US military operations even as Washington fights an ongoing conflict with Iran and confronts rising security threats from China and Russia.

China's coercion in Europe alarms US panel

IANS | March 5, 2026 9:11 AM

Washington, March 5 (IANS) US lawmakers, foreign leaders, and experts have warned that China is expanding its influence in Europe. They said Beijing uses investment, pressure, and covert tactics, and urged closer US-Europe coordination on technology, supply chains, and security.

Homeland Security chief defends US border crackdown in tense hearing

IANS | March 5, 2026 8:53 AM

Washington, March 5 (IANS) US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced intense questioning from Democratic lawmakers during a congressional hearing, as she defended the administration's sweeping immigration crackdown and border enforcement policies amid sharp criticism from lawmakers.

Trump, Carney extend Holi greetings to Hindu community

IANS | March 5, 2026 8:47 AM

Washington, March 5 (IANS) Political leaders in the United States and Canada extended greetings to Hindu communities celebrating Holi, the festival of colours that marks the arrival of spring and symbolises renewal, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.

USDA spotlights India, China in farm trade strategy

IANS | March 5, 2026 8:37 AM

Washington, March 5 (IANS) US farm trade strategy increasingly centres on major markets such as India and China, the Agriculture Department's top trade official told lawmakers, highlighting new export opportunities even as legislators clashed over tariffs, food aid policy, and the country's widening agricultural trade deficit.

Indian economist wins University of Chicago's alumni honour

IANS | March 5, 2026 8:02 AM

Washington, March 5 (IANS) Indian economist Krishnamurthy V. Subramanian has received the University of Chicago’s Alumni Award for Professional Achievement. He is the first Indian economist to receive the honour in the award’s 85-year history.