US warns robot fighters may surpass human pilots

IANS | May 14, 2026 8:12 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) A top US Air Force official warned lawmakers that autonomous fighter aircraft could eventually outperform human pilots, reflecting growing Pentagon concerns over the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence-driven warfare.

Trump administration's 'Golden Fleet' aimed at countering China faces scrutiny

IANS | May 14, 2026 8:02 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) The Trump administration has unveiled an expansive naval modernisation push centred on the proposed “Golden Fleet” strategy to counter China’s rapidly growing maritime power, as top Navy and Marine Corps officials warned lawmakers that the United States risks losing its edge without urgent investments in ships, submarines, munitions and advanced technologies.

US Air Force seeks MQ-9 successor as drone warfare reshapes combat

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:48 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) US Air Force officials have told lawmakers that they are urgently studying a successor to the MQ-9 Reaper drone after recent combat operations exposed both the platform’s battlefield value and its vulnerabilities, a development closely watched by India, which has purchased MQ-9B drones from the United States.

Sharia debate sparks sharp partisan divide in US Congress

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:43 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Republican and Democratic lawmakers clashed sharply during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing over whether political Islam and Sharia law pose a threat to the US Constitution, with critics condemning the proceedings as anti-Muslim fearmongering.

Iran 'weeks away' from nuclear threshold, warns US

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:05 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Top US officials told senators that Iran remains only “weeks away” from weapons-grade uranium enrichment, as lawmakers raised concerns over rising global instability, nuclear modernisation delays and energy disruptions linked to the Gulf conflict.

Parents urge US Congress to curb social media harms

IANS | May 14, 2026 6:58 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Grieving parents who lost children to viral online challenges and fentanyl-laced drugs delivered emotional testimony before a Senate panel as lawmakers intensified pressure on Big Tech companies over child safety failures.

BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meet to kick off in Delhi today

IANS | May 14, 2026 6:52 AM

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is set to begin in New Delhi on Thursday under India’s 2026 chairship of the expanded grouping, at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to escalate.

Sandwich generation crisis grips millions of Americans

IANS | May 14, 2026 6:16 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) Millions of Americans caring simultaneously for ageing parents and young children are facing mounting financial, emotional and professional strain, lawmakers and witnesses told a Senate hearing, as calls intensified for stronger federal support for family caregivers.

US lawmakers cite India’s fertiliser imports amid farm cost crisis

IANS | May 14, 2026 6:08 AM

Washington, May 14 (IANS) India’s massive fertiliser purchases and subsidy-driven farm policies were cited repeatedly during a heated US Senate hearing this week as American lawmakers and farmers warned that global supply disruptions and soaring input costs were pushing US agriculture deeper into crisis.