Iran war may outlast Trump as US weighs options

IANS | October 5, 2026 7:50 AM

Washington, Oct 5 (IANS) The Iran conflict could continue through the remainder of President Donald Trump's term and be inherited by his successor, a former senior White House Middle East official warned, as the Trump administration said it was simultaneously pursuing diplomatic and military pressure on Tehran and preparing for further contingencies.

AI can empower India's farmers, says World Bank chief

IANS | October 5, 2026 7:17 AM

Washington, Oct 5 (IANS) Artificial intelligence could transform the lives of farmers and other workers in India and developing countries without posing the same immediate threat to jobs seen in advanced economies, World Bank President Ajay Banga has said, citing an AI initiative helping women farmers in Uttar Pradesh diagnose crop diseases using basic mobile phones.

Pakistan conducting strikes in Afghanistan to avoid Mecca agreement commitments: Report

IANS | October 4, 2026 9:22 PM

Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan has portrayed its airstrikes in Afghanistan as actions taken in response to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory, but the increasing civilian death toll and its still worsening security situation spark serious questions over its claims, while the action is also seen as a bid to avoid the commitments it faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as well as divert attention from Army chief Asim Munir's failure on the security front, a report said.