Defence deal with US could result in Bangladesh surrendering intelligence sovereignty: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:11 PM

Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) The newly-elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government's 'Bangladesh First' policy — if more than just a slogan - must guide all future negotiations on General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)-related agreements with the United States. President Donald Trump’s letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last month indicates that the negotiations stalled during the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government are likely to resume once the West Asia crisis ends, a report said on Saturday.

Elon Musk offers to pay TSA staff salaries amid US funding impasse

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:11 PM

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Saturday said he is willing to pay the salaries of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel amid an ongoing funding impasse in the US that is affecting airport operations.

Pakistan's aggressive military operations in Afghanistan risk severe regional consequences

IANS | March 21, 2026 9:04 PM

Washington, March 21 (IANS) Pakistan's pursuit of aggressive military operations in Afghanistan, if unchecked by meaningful diplomatic pressure, could turn the conflict into a prolonged war with severe regional consequences. This would not only destabilise Afghanistan but also entrench a pattern of coercion that undermines international norms, a report said on Saturday.

Subhash Ghai recalls his first film as an actor 'Taqdeer', shares throwback pic

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:58 PM

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Subhash Ghai has delivered several noteworthy projects as a director, but did you know he has also done a few noteworthy projects as an actor.

Haryana dominates 24th National Para Athletics Championships 2026 with 95 medals

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:51 PM

Bhubaneshwar, March 21 (IANS) The 24th National Para Athletics Championships 2026, held from March 17–21 in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, concluded on a high note with Haryana emerging as the overall champions after a dominant performance across track and field events.

China’s anti-corruption campaign key tool of elite control and insecurity: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:50 PM

Naypyidaw, March 21 (IANS) The central problem with Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign is one the Chinese Communist Party has consistently ignored - in a one-party system corruption is not an exception but deeply embedded in the system, a report said on Saturday.

Centre modifies credit guarantee scheme to bolster MSME manufacturers, exporters

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:44 PM

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) The Centre, on Saturday, introduced major modifications to the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME), aimed at improving credit access and supporting growth in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector, the Ministry of Finance said.

India emerges critically important for Bangladesh amid supply disruptions: Report

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:38 PM

New Delhi/Dhaka, March 21 (IANS) While Bangladesh and India have engaged in extensive discussions on trade and connectivity extensively at the bilateral level, the emergency supply security – with clearly defined, structured, and contractually binding terms – is yet to be formalised despite its clear significance, a report said on Saturday.

Aditi moves to tied-3rd after strong second day; Aaron Rai and Theegala miss the cut in Valspar

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:37 PM

Menlo Park, March 21 (IANS) Aditi Ashok carded a second round of 6-under 66 to move into T-3 alongside world number one Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand. Both Ashok and Thitikul carded rounds of 6-under 66 following their opening even par rounds to move up into T-3 alongside Karis Davidson, Nelly Korda, Hye-Jin Choi, Minjee Lee and Jin Hee Im.

Tamil Nadu’s international quarter-miler Rajesh Ramesh stamps his authority in season opener

IANS | March 21, 2026 8:25 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, March 21 (IANS) Tamil Nadu’s 27-year-old international quarter-miler Rajesh Ramesh stamped his authority in the season opener competition in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.