US keeps forces ready as Iran truce holds

IANS | April 9, 2026 12:10 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) The United States will maintain full military readiness in the Middle East despite a two-week ceasefire with Iran, the White House said, signalling that Washington is prepared for a rapid escalation if negotiations falter.

White House defends tough rhetoric by Trump on Iran

IANS | April 9, 2026 12:05 AM

Washington, April 9 (IANS) The White House on Wednesday strongly defended President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric during the Iran conflict, arguing that it directly contributed to forcing Tehran into a ceasefire and reopening negotiations after weeks of intense military confrontation.

IPL 2026: Rashid, Prasidh star, Rahul, Miller efforts go in vain as GT edge DC by one run

IANS | April 9, 2026 12:02 AM

New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Gujarat Titans edged Delhi Capitals by one run in a humdinger finish in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will be replayed in the minds of everyone inside the Arun Jaitley Stadium for a long time to come. David Miller very nearly pulled off the impossible, but the run-out of Kuldeep Yadav on the last ball led to one of the great IPL finishes going in GT’s favour, as they got their first win of IPL 2026.

Hormuz reopening key: White House

IANS | April 8, 2026 11:55 PM

Washington, April 8 (IANS) A fragile ceasefire with Iran hinges on the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the White House asserted Wednesday, even as it claimed sweeping military gains that forced Tehran to agree to negotiations after weeks of sustained strikes.

Trump sending VP Vance to lead Iran talks in Islamabad: White House

IANS | April 8, 2026 11:53 PM

Washington, April 8 (IANS) The United States President Donald Trump is sending Vice President J.D. Vance to Pakistan to lead a high-stakes round of negotiations with Iran, marking a new diplomatic phase following a fragile ceasefire brokered after weeks of intense military operations.

Rayo Vallecano look for European history in Conference League

IANS | April 8, 2026 11:32 PM

Madrid, April 8 (IANS) Spanish side Rayo Vallecano has a chance to make European history on Thursday when it hosts AEK Athens in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinal. The tie gives Rayo a chance to reach a European semifinal for the first time after playing in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup in the 2000-2001 season, when they lost to Deportivo Alaves.

Assam polls: BJP eyes hattrick, Congress looking to come back​

IANS | April 8, 2026 11:12 PM

Guwahati, April 8 (IANS) Assam is set to witness a high-voltage electoral battle on Thursday, with polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies, with the contest largely shaping up as a direct fight between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition alliance. ​