West Asia impact should not be passed on to flyers: Ram Mohan Naidu

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:03 PM

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Saturday said the government is taking steps to ensure that any impact of the ongoing war situation on the aviation sector is not passed on to passengers, even as it rolls out new passenger-friendly measures.

World leaders express readiness to make 'appropriate efforts' to open Strait of Hormuz

IANS | March 21, 2026 7:54 PM

Abu Dhabi, March 21 (IANS) The effects of Iran's actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable, several world leaders stated on Saturday while strongly condemning Tehran's attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations in the region.

Pakistan's reliance on low-cost Chinese drones limiting military capability: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 7:22 PM

Colombo, March 21 (IANS) Pakistan, barred from the higher end of the Western defence market, pivoted to China not solely out of strategic alignment but due to constrained choices, an arrangement Beijing has deliberately cultivated. The continued expansion of the relationship despite combat losses underscores Islamabad’s dependence on Beijing for advanced technologies rather than the merits of the systems, a report has highlighted.

Asim Munir has pushed Pakistan into hopeless situation, extrication very difficult: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 6:35 PM

Islamabad, March 21 (IANS) Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir's "ill-considered decision” to declare war on Afghanistan amid the fragile situation at home has plunged Pakistan into a crisis with little prospect for a swift exit. By conducting airstrikes across the Durand Line, Rawalpindi has placed the Afghan Taliban alongside its long list of adversaries, a report highlighted.