I-PAC raid row: SC to hear ED plea alleging interference by Mamata Banerjee today

IANS | March 18, 2026 8:09 AM

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a plea on Wednesday filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), alleging interference by West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee during its search operations at the office of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain in Kolkata.

US warns of China AI, robot threat

IANS | March 18, 2026 7:58 AM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) China’s advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems pose a growing national security risk, US lawmakers and industry experts said, with concerns ranging from data access and cyber vulnerabilities to supply-chain dependence and military use.

US hits Iran missile sites near Hormuz

IANS | March 18, 2026 7:35 AM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) US forces have carried out fresh strikes on Iranian missile positions along the Strait of Hormuz, targeting what military officials described as a direct threat to international shipping, as Operation Epic Fury intensifies.

Tulsi Gabbard backs Trump as counter terrorism chief quits over Iran war

IANS | March 18, 2026 7:07 AM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard defended President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, after National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Director Joe Kent resigned in protest, marking the first high-level exit from the administration over the war.

Trump celebrates Irish ties at White House

IANS | March 18, 2026 6:54 AM

Washington, March 18 (IANS) President Donald Trump celebrated deep-rooted US-Ireland ties at the White House, hosting Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin for the annual Shamrock ceremony during which the two leaders highlighted shared history, heritage, and partnership.