US seals $57 billion Indo-Pacific energy deals

IANS | March 17, 2026 9:27 AM

Washington, March 17 (IANS) The United States has secured energy agreements worth $57 billion with Indo-Pacific partners, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said noting that this is part of a broader push to strengthen allies' energy security.

ISIS calls for attacks on Hindus in India, South Asia: Report

IANS | March 17, 2026 9:05 AM

Washington, March 17, (IANS) Extremist networks linked to ISIS have called for attacks against Hindus in India and across South and Southeast Asia, even as they praised recent violence in the United States and expanded online recruitment, according to a new report by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP).

Pakistani airstrike on Kabul rehab centre kills hundreds, says Taliban

IANS | March 17, 2026 8:47 AM

Kabul, March 17 (IANS) Pakistani airstrike on a major addiction treatment hospital in Kabul killed more than 400 people and injured at least 250 others, Taliban officials and local media reported, in what could become one of the deadliest incidents in the Afghan capital.

Trump admin reviewing voter rolls across states: Official

IANS | March 17, 2026 8:43 AM

Washington, March 17 (IANS) The Trump administration has started reviewing voter rolls across several states, a senior official said, warning that some jurisdictions are “resisting” compliance with federal election laws.

US allows Iranian oil flow amid war: Bessent

IANS | March 17, 2026 8:18 AM

Washington, March 17 (IANS) The United States is allowing Iranian oil tankers to move through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict, as part of efforts to stabilise global energy supplies, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

Illegal Chinese vapes spark US alarm

IANS | March 17, 2026 7:39 AM

Washington, March 17 (IANS) A group of more than 70 US lawmakers has urged the Trump administration to crack down on a surge of illegal Chinese e-cigarettes entering the American market, citing risks to public health, national security, and links to organised crime.

US Flight schools training Chinese pilots: Senator Banks

IANS | March 17, 2026 7:35 AM

Washington, March 17 (IANS) A senior Republican senator has warned US aviation security authorities that American flight schools are training Chinese nationals in ways that could indirectly support Beijing’s military ambitions.