FIFA World Cup 2026 uncertainty grows as Iran eyes venue change

IANS | March 17, 2026 1:53 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is uncertain as the country’s football federation are in talks with FIFA to move its scheduled matches in the United States to Mexico due to rising security concerns.

India's immunisation journey one of verified, milestone-by-milestone achievement

IANS | March 17, 2026 1:36 PM

New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) From eradicating smallpox in 1977 to eliminating polio and neonatal tetanus, administering 200 crore COVID-19 doses, and now pursuing Measles-Rubella elimination — India's immunisation journey is one of verified, milestone-by-milestone achievement, an official fact-sheet said on Tuesday.

UN Special Rapporteur 'dismayed' by Pak's strike in Kabul, urges de-escalation

IANS | March 17, 2026 1:24 PM

March 17 (IANS) The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, on Tuesday expressed his distress over reports of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan and resulting civilian casualties. He urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint and respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects like hospitals.