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.

Suriya's 'Karuppu' release issue: Director R J Balaji urges fans to keep faith

IANS | May 14, 2026 7:30 AM

Chennai, May 14 (IANS) Even as the makers of actor Suriya's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Karuppu' continued to make desperate efforts to find a way to ensure the film's smooth release on Thursday, the film's director R J Balaji has put out a post on X, exuding faith in God and urging fans to keep the faith, saying the film would definitely release on Thursday.

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.