Indian-American scientist overseeing vaccine, new therapy approvals resigns

IANS | March 8, 2026 10:59 AM

New York, March 8 (IANS) Indian-American scientist Vinay Prasad, who oversees the approval process for vaccines and new therapies, is stepping down amid controversies over his decisions to tighten certain regulations. His departure for the second time from the post of director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research within a year was announced on Friday by the agency’s head, Marty Makary.

Nepal’s only billionaire suffers defeat in parliamentary elections

IANS | March 8, 2026 10:43 AM

Kathmandu, March 8 (IANS) Nepal’s only billionaire, Binod Chaudhary, a candidate from the Nepali Congress, suffered a humiliating defeat in the country's parliamentary elections at the hands of Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Bikram Khanal in the Nawalparasi West-1 constituency.

Self-defence to continue till US-Israel ‘aggression’ ends or UN names aggressors: Iran

IANS | March 8, 2026 9:15 AM

Tehran, March 8 (IANS) Iran on Sunday declared that its right to self-defence will continue until what it described as “aggression” by the United States and Israel comes to an end or until the United Nations Security Council identifies and names the “aggressors” under Article 39 of the UN Charter and determines the responsibilities arising from their actions.

Tehran reels under strikes as war escalates: Media reports

IANS | March 8, 2026 8:06 AM

Washington, March 8 (IANS) Tehran has emerged as the epicentre of an intensifying war as US and Israeli airstrikes pound targets across Iran’s capital, leaving widespread destruction and deepening fears of a prolonged conflict, a media report said.

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahalvi says democracy within reach after regime weakens

IANS | March 8, 2026 7:41 AM

Washington, March 8 (IANS) A week after the US and Israel attacked Iran, decimating its military and top leadership, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has said the country may be nearing a political turning point, telling CBS’s 60 Minutes that “this is our chance now” as he outlined a plan for democratic transition after decades of clerical rule.