Congress shut down CIRUS reactor in 2010 under US pressure, crippled India's nuclear independence: Nishikant Dubey

IANS | March 2, 2026 11:28 PM

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) The CIRUS (Canada-India Reactor US) reactor, a cornerstone of India's early nuclear programme that helped establish the country's capabilities in atomic research and fissile material production, was permanently shut down by the Congress-led UPA government in December 2010 amid allegations of yielding to external pressures.

Israel and US control skies of Iran, continue to target over 2,500 military targets: Israeli envoy

IANS | March 2, 2026 9:01 PM

Jerusalem, March 2 (IANS) Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday said that Israel and the United States (US) are controlling the skies of Iran and are continuing to target over 2,500 military targets. In an exclusive chat with IANS, he also expressed hope that a regime change will take place in Iran.

US reveals scale of multi-domain Iran strikes

IANS | March 2, 2026 8:16 PM

Washington, March 2 (IANS) The United States on Monday disclosed the scale of Operation Epic Fury, describing a coordinated air, naval, cyber, and space campaign that struck more than 1,000 targets across Iran within the first 24 hours and involved thousands of personnel, carrier strike groups, and long-range bombers operating across continents.

No boots, no nukes in Iran: Hegseth

IANS | March 2, 2026 8:05 PM

Washington, March 2 (IANS) U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday said Operation Epic Fury will not be a short campaign, ruled out American ground troops for now, and reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, outlining what he described as a limited but decisive military objective.

PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince discuss evolving situation in West Asia

IANS | March 2, 2026 7:49 PM

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, during which he also condemned the recent attacks on the country.

Three US jets downed in Kuwait, friendly fire: CENTCOM

IANS | March 2, 2026 5:33 PM

Washington, March 2 (IANS) Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury were shot down over Kuwait in what American military officials described as an apparent friendly fire incident, with all six aircrew safely recovered.

Panic mounts among Indian medical students stuck in conflict-hit Iran

IANS | March 2, 2026 5:15 PM

Isfahan (Iran), March 2 (IANS) Fear and uncertainty have gripped several Indian students stranded in Iran as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with many appealing to the Indian government for evacuation or relocation to safer places.

Centre on high alert over attempts to exploit Iran crisis for communal unrest

Vicky Nanjappa | March 2, 2026 2:09 PM

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Following an Intelligence warning, the Union government has advised states to keep a tab on radical pro-Iran preachers. The communication by the government comes in the wake of the Intelligence agencies signalling that some elements would look to take advantage of the ongoing Iran situation and incite violence across the country.

ECI gives deployment details of 480 CAPF companies ahead of Bengal election date announcement

IANS | March 2, 2026 1:37 PM

Kolkata, March 2 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given details of the advance deployment of the 480 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in two phases in West Bengal before the announcement of the polling dates for the Assembly election.

Refugee expulsions fuel Afghan unity, derail Pakistan’s regime change plans

Vicky Nanjappa | March 2, 2026 11:30 AM

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) The fragile ceasefire between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan collapsed when the latter declared an open war with Kabul. The first round of strikes went in Pakistan’s favour, and this boosted its army’s morale.