Pakistan's rapidly expanding weapons arsenal raises doubts over ‘minimum deterrence' claims

Vicky Nanjappa | March 25, 2026 3:57 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Pakistan has been placed by the United State's top Intelligence official, Tulsi Gabbard as a country whose advancing missile capabilities could eventually put the US within its reach. Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard, while presenting the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment before the Senate Intelligence Committee, also said that Pakistan was researching and developing novel, advanced or traditional missile delivery systems with nuclear and conventional payloads that put the US within range.

Afghanistan: Two people killed, eight injured after Pakistani firing in Kunar

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:57 PM

Kabul, March 25 (IANS) At least two people were killed and eight others were injured after Pakistani military fired 85 artillery shells into Afghanistan's Kunar province, an official said on Wednesday.

From truck driver’s sacrifice to Rs. 5.2 crore glory: Mangesh Yadav’s inspiring rise to RCB

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:53 PM

Bengaluru, March 25 (IANS) Before Mangesh Yadav ever pitched a ball in professional cricket, his father Ramavadh Yadav worked overnight, contemplating how he would secure funds for his son’s dream. He invested all his resources in a boy who initially played cricket in a modest courtyard with his mother. Today, Mangesh Yadav has a contract worth Rs. 5.2 crore with the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

CAPF Bill tabled in RS, Oppn questions statuary competence

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:50 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday began discussion on the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, which seeks to ensure a dominant role for Indian Police Service officers in the top leadership of the country's paramilitary forces.

Akashvani to air full 6-stanza Vande Mataram from tomorrow in revamped national broadcast

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:49 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Akashvani will begin broadcasting a new and complete six-stanza version of the national song Vande Mataram from Thursday, the government announced on Wednesday, marking a significant shift from the long-followed two-stanza rendition.

FCRA Amendment Bill suffers from constitutional maladies: Manish Tewari

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:41 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Congress MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday criticised the introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, stating that the proposed legislation suffers from “serious constitutional maladies”.

DMK to contest 165 seats, alliance finalised; Stalin calls for unity ahead of TN polls

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:32 PM

Chennai, March 25 (IANS) The DMK is set to contest at least 165 seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, as the party finalised its seat-sharing arrangement within the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), comprising 26 political parties.

UN experts seek prompt probe into Pakistan's airstrike on Kabul rehab facility

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:31 PM

Kabul, March 25 (IANS) Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, on Wednesday stated that UN experts have called for prompt, independent and transparent investigations into the Pakistani airstrikes on the Kabul rehabilitation centre.

Iran agreeing to negotiate implies they are under pressure: Israeli envoy Azar

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:27 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Iranian leadership making different statements and its decision to negotiate indicates that there are significant cracks within the system now with Tehran seemingly under a lot of pressure, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has emphasised.

Congress criticises Centre over LPG shortage, black marketing

IANS | March 25, 2026 3:27 PM

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over rising fuel prices, LPG shortages, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from key discussions, accusing the central government of ignoring pressing public concerns.