Iran degraded but still dangerous: US intel tells lawmakers

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:38 AM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) Iran’s military and strategic capabilities have been significantly degraded by recent US-led operations, but the regime remains intact and continues to pose a serious threat to American interests and regional stability, US intelligence officials told lawmakers.

Kash Patel strikes back as Senators press FBI on threats

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:33 AM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) FBI Director Kash Patel pushed back against lawmakers here, defending the bureau’s aggressive counterterrorism and law enforcement posture as senators pressed him on surveillance, resources, and evolving threats.

US Fed keeps interest rates unchanged, flags oil shock risks

IANS | March 19, 2026 6:15 AM

Washington, March 19 (IANS) Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the US central bank was keeping interest rates unchanged as it monitored the fallout from higher oil prices and broader uncertainty linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

Several factors make Bhabanipur a key battleground in Bengal polls

IANS | March 18, 2026 11:37 PM

Kolkata, March 18 (IANS) Of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal that will go to the polls in two phases next month, the spotlight is firmly on the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, where a direct contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has turned the seat into a high-stakes battle.

Iran seeks Russia, China intel help: CIA chief​

IANS | March 18, 2026 11:16 PM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) Iran is seeking intelligence support from US adversaries, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told lawmakers on Wednesday, flagging a new dimension to the conflict as Tehran looks outward for strategic backing.​

UN Chief calls for probe in Pakistan airstrike on Afghan hospital

Arul Louis | March 18, 2026 11:10 PM

United Nations, March 18 (IANS) UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns” the deadly Pakistani air strike on a hospital in Kabul and has called for an independent investigation into the incident, his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Wednesday.