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US faces twin nuclear threat – China, Russia: Trump official

Washington, March 26, 2026

The United States is now confronting two nuclear peer adversaries — China and Russia — in a rapidly shifting global security landscape, Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno told lawmakers during a high-stakes congressional hearing.

DiNanno said the evolving threat environment marks a historic shift, with Washington facing simultaneous nuclear challenges from both Beijing and Moscow, as well as rising risks from smaller nuclear states.

He emphasised that traditional arms control frameworks are no longer sufficient to address the scale and complexity of current geopolitical and technological challenges.

“As a nominee… I committed to seeking verifiable and enforceable arms control agreements that enhance America’s national security,” DiNanno said, adding that his office is focused on modernising outdated mechanisms.

The undersecretary argued that existing treaties had failed to reflect present-day realities, particularly the expansion of nuclear capabilities by US adversaries.

“New START… only constrained the United States while allowing Russia to build and maintain a vast theatre-ranged nuclear arsenal,” he said, defending the administration’s decision to move beyond the expired agreement.

DiNanno said the administration is now pursuing updated frameworks aligned with President Donald Trump’s vision for new agreements that are enforceable and adaptable to emerging threats.

“The President… called for a new treaty,” he said, noting that future arrangements must account for technological change and broader strategic competition.

Outlining the scope of his office, DiNanno said the State Department’s expanded “T family” integrates key security functions, including arms control, nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and political-military affairs, under a unified structure.

“The reorganisation consolidated the department’s international security functions,” he said, adding that the new structure improves coordination across export controls, sanctions enforcement and treaty verification.

He highlighted that his team oversees a broad portfolio ranging from preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to managing arms sales and coordinating international security partnerships.

“Our team works on critical national security matters… from preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to countering terrorism,” DiNanno said.

“At the State Department, our goal is diplomacy… managing those alliances,” he said, noting the importance of information sharing to counter next-generation threats.

The remarks come at a time when global arms control frameworks are under increasing strain. The expiration of the New START treaty has removed key limits on US and Russian strategic arsenals, raising concerns about a renewed arms race.

At the same time, China’s expanding nuclear programme — outside any binding arms reduction framework — has complicated efforts to establish new multilateral agreements, signalling a shift toward a more fragmented and uncertain global nuclear order.(Agency)

US, Iran in ‘productive’ talks, says White House as strikes continue

Washington, March 26, 2026

The United States and Iran are engaged in “productive” talks even as US military operations continue, the White House said, signalling a possible diplomatic opening amid an ongoing conflict that Washington claims is nearing its objectives.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at her news conference on Wednesday (local time) that discussions between Washington and Tehran have taken place over the past three days, following intensified US military pressure on Iran.

“As President Trump announced on Monday, the United States has been engaged over the last three days in productive conversations,” she said.

The talks come as the US continues its military campaign under “Operation Epic Fury,” which the administration says has significantly weakened Iran’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

Leavitt said the diplomatic outreach followed a shift in Iran’s posture after recent US actions.

“Following President Trump’s powerful threat on Saturday evening, it was made clear to the United States that Iran wanted to talk,” she said.

As a result of these discussions, President Donald Trump ordered a temporary pause on certain planned strikes.

“The president (was led) to temporarily instruct the Department of War to postpone planned strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure only,” Leavitt said.

However, she made clear that the broader military campaign remains active.

“The remaining elements of the Iranian regime have another opportunity to cooperate… But if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment… President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” she said.

Leavitt emphasised that negotiations are ongoing but highly sensitive, declining to disclose details about participants or the substance of discussions.

“We’re not going to get into the nitty-gritty details that have been exchanged between the United States and Iran at this time,” she said.

She also pushed back against media reports about a proposed US “15-point plan” to end the war, warning against reliance on anonymous sources.

“I would caution reporters… from reporting about speculative points or speculative plans from anonymous sources. The White House never confirmed that full plan,” she said.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, the administration maintained a firm stance that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and cease threats to US interests and allies.

Leavitt said the US military campaign is “very close to meeting the core objectives” of the operation, which officials earlier estimated would take four to six weeks.

The White House also indicated that while talks are ongoing, there is no confirmation of additional meetings or locations, cautioning against speculation about future negotiations.

“Nothing should be deemed official until it is announced formally by the White House,” she said.

The conflict has raised concerns over regional stability and global energy markets, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route.(Agency)

When a robot walked into the White House

Washington, March 26, 2026

It was not a visiting leader, a celebrity, a sports star, or a senior official who drew the most attention at the White House. It was a robot.

A humanoid machine, known as Figure 03, walked beside First Lady Melania Trump as she entered a global summit on artificial intelligence and education on Wednesday (local time). The moment was brief, but striking — a visual reminder of how quickly technology is moving from concept to reality.

“It’s fair to state you are my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House,” Melania Trump said, acknowledging the unusual presence.

The event, titled ‘Fostering the Future Together’, brought together delegates and technology leaders to discuss how AI could shape the future of education. But much of the attention shifted to the robot itself.

Figure 03 did more than walk into the room. It spoke.

“Thank you, first lady, Melania Trump, for inviting me to the White House,” the robot said. “It is an honour to be at Fostering the Future Together’s global coalition inaugural meeting.”

“I’m Figure 03, a humanoid built for the United States of America,” it added, describing its role in efforts “to empower children with technology and education.”

After delivering its remarks, the robot moved through the room and exited, completing what was both a demonstration and a symbolic moment.

The First Lady used the occasion to present a broader vision for artificial intelligence. “The future of AI is personified,” she said. “It will be formed in the shape of humans.”

She described a future in which humanoid systems could act as teachers. “Imagine a humanoid educator named ‘Plato,’” she said, outlining a system where subjects like “literature, science, art, philosophy, mathematics, and history” would be instantly accessible at home.

Such a system, she argued, could adapt to each student’s needs. “Plato is always patient and always available,” she said, adding that children could develop “deep critical thinking and independent reasoning abilities.”

At the same time, she stressed the need for caution. “The safety of our next generation is always paramount,” she said, calling for cooperation between governments and the private sector.

The two-day summit included representatives from multiple countries and major technology companies, reflecting a growing global focus on integrating AI into education systems.

Figure 03 itself is designed for practical use, including household tasks and assistance in everyday environments. But its appearance at the White House highlighted a larger shift — from machines that assist in the background to systems that interact directly with people.

The idea of robots playing a role in education remains new and, in some cases, controversial. Questions about effectiveness, ethics, and the role of human teachers continue to shape the debate.

Still, the broader direction is clear. Artificial intelligence is becoming central to discussions about the future of work, learning, and economic growth. Governments and industry leaders are increasingly focused on how to use it responsibly while staying competitive.

At the White House, that future was not discussed only in policy terms. It was visible, walking beside the First Lady — a sign of how near that future may be.(Agency)

Priyanka Chopra is on ‘another adventure’ in Amritsar

Mumbai, March 26, 2026

Global head-turner Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is currently in India, is going on “another adventure” in Amritsar, Punjab.

Priyanka took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of a digital map while she was on board a flight. The map showed the aircraft, which took off from New Delhi, landing in Amritsar.

“Chalo! Another adventure,” she wrote as the caption, without divulging any details of what the “adventure” is about.

Talking about work, the actress is gearing up for her much-awaited return to Indian cinema with the upcoming film, Varanasi, directed by S.S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The big-budget project, which is expected to be released in 2027.

Last week, Priyanka had shared a glimpse of her romance-filled time with husband Nick Jonas as the couple enjoyed some time together away from their busy schedules.

In a video shared by Priyanka, the actress was seen chilling and travelling with Nick as he drove their car on a sunny day. In the video clip, Priyanka appeared relaxed and stylish in a white zip-up outfit paired with smart sunglasses and a straw hat. Nick could be seen driving a vintage-style car, wearing a navy-blue T-shirt.

She captioned the video, “Mommy daddy days are my favorite @nickjonas.”

Priyanka, who was recently seen in the movie The Bluff, and her American popstar husband first met at the 2017 at an after-party of an event and soon struck up a close friendship that blossomed into romance.

After dating for a few months, the couple married in December 2018 in a grand ceremony at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Udaipur. Their wedding blended Christian and Hindu traditions, celebrating both cultures.

The couple later welcomed their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas in January 2022 via surrogacy.(Agency)

PM Modi to inaugurate phase I of Noida International Airport on March 28

New Delhi, March 26, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh on March 28 to inaugurate Phase I of the Noida International Airport, a major infrastructure project developed at an estimated cost of Rs 11,200 crore.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will reach Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar, where he is scheduled to undertake a walkthrough of the terminal building at around 11.30 a.m. This will be followed by the formal inauguration of the airport at around noon. He will also address a public gathering on the occasion.

The inauguration of Noida International Airport marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global aviation hub. Envisioned as a key international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), the airport is expected to enhance both domestic and international connectivity while strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The airport has been developed as the second international airport serving the Delhi-NCR region, complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport. Together, the two airports are expected to function as an integrated aviation system, easing congestion, expanding passenger capacity, and positioning the region among leading global aviation hubs.

Noida International Airport is among the largest greenfield airport projects in India. Phase I of Noida International Airport has been developed at a total investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. The airport will initially have a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with scalability up to 70 MPPA upon full development. It features a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, along with modern navigation systems, including Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.

The airport features a 3,900-metre-long runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft. It is equipped with modern navigation systems, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting, ensuring efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.

In addition to passenger services, the airport includes a comprehensive cargo infrastructure. It incorporates a multi-modal cargo hub with an integrated cargo terminal and dedicated logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, with the capacity to expand to around 18 lakh metric tonnes. It also includes a 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, the airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility, integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design reflects Indian heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional ghats and havelis, thereby blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure.

Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, Noida International Airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub with seamless integration across road, rail, metro, and regional transit systems, ensuring efficient connectivity for passengers and cargo.(Agency)

Iran says messages exchanged with US through intermediaries, but no talks held

Tehran, March 26, 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that different messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries over the past few days, while Tehran has held no talks with Washington since the beginning of the US and Israeli attacks on the country late last month.

He made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Wednesday (local time).

“Since a few days ago, the American side has started sending different messages through different intermediaries. When messages are relayed to us through friendly countries and we, in response, declare our positions or issue the necessary warnings, it is called neither negotiation nor dialogue. There has merely been an exchange of messages through our friends, and we have repeated our principled positions,” Araghchi said.

He added that in some messages, Iran warned the United States against attacking its infrastructure, which caused Washington to withdraw its warning to strike Iranian power plants within 48 hours, reports Xinhua news agency.

Araghchi said that Iran does not seek war, stressing “We did not begin this war and want an end to it, however, in a way that it is not repeated.”

He noted that Iran does not want a ceasefire as it would be a repetition of the same “vicious circle” of negotiation, war, and truce, emphasising that “We want an end to this war on our own terms.”

Araghchi said that Iran’s current policy is to continue resistance and defend the country, and there is no plan for holding negotiations.

On the Strait of Hormuz, he noted that the waterway is considered part of the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, adding that Iran is studying “new arrangements for safe passage through the strait.”

The Iranian foreign minister’s remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran is negotiating with the United States and wants a deal to end the war.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East, and exercising tight control over the Strait of Hormuz, not allowing safe passage by vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States. (Agency)

UK court rejects Nirav Modi’s plea to reopen case against extradition

New Delhi/London, March 26, 2026

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi suffered a setback after the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division in London, rejected his petition seeking to reopen proceedings against his extradition order to India.

The case was argued by the Crown Prosecution Service advocate, assisted by a dedicated team from the Central Bureau of Investigation, which included investigating officers who had travelled to London to support the hearing.

The application to reopen the case was filed on the basis of the Bhandari judgment, a ruling delivered by a UK High Court in the case of defence middleman Sanjay Bhandari.

In that matter, Bhandari had argued that he could face torture if extradited to India, and the court had declined his extradition on humanitarian grounds.

Citing the same precedent, Nirav Modi contended that he too would face a risk of torture if sent back to India. However, officials from the CBI presented arguments countering this claim during the proceedings.

While delivering its decision, the UK High Court observed that the petition filed by Nirav Modi did not meet the threshold of exceptional circumstances required to justify reopening the case. The court noted that the grounds presented were not sufficient and held that it would not be appropriate to revisit the earlier ruling.

Nirav Modi is wanted in India in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case, which involved the alleged use of fraudulent guarantees issued in the name of the state-run lender to obtain overseas loans.

He had left India in January 2018, shortly before the CBI initiated its probe into the scam.

Following his arrest in the United Kingdom in 2019, British courts had approved his extradition to India. The courts, while considering the case, had accepted assurances regarding his treatment in India and found no legal impediments to his extradition, subsequently dismissing his earlier appeals.(Agency)

Democrat Gregory wins Florida bypoll seat in Trump’s home turf; Republicans suffer setback

New York, March 25, 2026

A Democrat has wrested away from President Donald Trump’s Republican Party his Florida state legislature home constituency in a by-election.

In a setback to the Republicans, Emily Gregory carried in Tuesday’s by-election the state House of Representatives seat where Trump had led by 11 per cent in the 2024 election.

Trump’s home, Mar-a-Lago, is located in the constituency where she won.

“Floridians deserve leaders who put people over politics”, Gregory said.

A critic of postal ballots, Trump himself voted by mail in the election.

The Republican candidate, Jon Maples, was endorsed by Trump.

The vacancy occurred when the Republican Mike Caruso, who won the seat by 19 per cent in 2024, quit to become the county clerk and comptroller for a local municipality.

Republicans also lost a Florida state Senate by-election to Democrat Brian Nathan, who flipped the seat.

Gregory said that the voters were motivated by concerns over the rising prices, an issue that is affecting citizens as the effects of Iran War is seeping into petrol stations and supermarkets, exacerbating an existing affordability problem.

Setting the scene for the coming showdown in the midterm elections in November, the state Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried said, “Floridians are tired of the chaos, corruption, and sky high prices on everything from groceries, to gas, and health care”.

That is a problem for the Republican Party as the country heads to the mid-term elections in November that would determine the control of Congress.

Politico reported that Democrats have seized 28 Republican-held seats in state legislatures in elections across the country over the past 14 months.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers warned of mounting pressure on American weapons stockpiles and a rapidly deteriorating global nuclear landscape, as a Senate hearing exposed sharp concerns over the Trump administration’s war with Iran and the future of arms control.

At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Ranking Member Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the pace of weapons consumption has exposed serious gaps in planning and strategy.

“Last Thursday, almost three weeks into this war against Iran, the Administration pushed through more than 16 billion dollars in arms sales to the Middle East… using emergency authority to bypass normal Congressional review,” she said.

Shaheen described the situation as a “munitions and weapons” emergency, warning that US reserves are being depleted rapidly. “In some cases, we have only about a quarter of the interceptors we need,” she said, adding that it remains “not clear what the end goal of the war in Iran is.”

The strain is already affecting other conflicts. “US support has become less predictable, and allies are increasingly stepping in to purchase or backfill American-made arms,” she said, referring to Ukraine.

Shaheen said that “over 80 per cent of their strikes are now carried out by drones,” highlighting a shift toward “autonomous systems and drone swarms.” However, she cautioned, “the support that we have in the US is not keeping pace.”(Agency)

Raising diplomacy to end Iran war, UN chief appoints personal envoy

United Nations, March 25, 2026

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised his diplomacy to end the Iran War, appointing a personal representative on Wednesday to support the mediation efforts.

Guterres said he was hopeful that despite the differing positions of the sides in the conflict, “there will be a way in which they can come to an understanding to end this horrible conflict”.

The picture of diplomacy to end the conflict, now in its fourth week, is murky.

US President Donald Trump has asserted that negotiations were on with Iran and were making headway, but Tehran has denied any talks were taking place, and its military said the US was “negotiating with itself”.

Washington is reported to have sent through third parties a 15-point plan to end the conflict, and Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are to join the negotiations along with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Trump has not identified the Iranian “man who is most respected” with whom the US was talking.

While these efforts were afoot, Israel continued attacks on Iran on Wednesday, and Tehran hit back and also hit targets in the Gulf countries.

Trump, meanwhile, was sending paratroopers to join US forces in the region.

Guterres warned, “The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock”.

But with a hint of optimism, he said: “We have mediators that have offered their services. They are very engaged”.

His Personal Envoy Jean Arnault “will directly (work) on the ground, as I try to do from New York, (and) he’ll be doing everything possible to support all the efforts for mediation, all the efforts for peace, to be in contact with all the parties,” the UN chief said speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

“I’ve been in close contact with all those that I believe can help to try to put an end to this horrible conflict,” he said.

“This conflict is having a dramatic impact in the region, with the suffering of civilians in the region and around the world, with an impact on the global economy that is causing tremendous trouble for the less developed countries,” Guterres said.

It would be a setback for the UN’s development goals, he said.

In his message to the US and Israel, he said, “It is high time to end the war – as human suffering deepens, civilian casualties mount, and the global economic impact is increasingly devastating.”

And he asked Iran to “stop attacking their neighbours that are not parties to the conflict”, noting that the Security Council had condemned its assaults on the Gulf nations and others not directly involved.

“It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder – and start climbing the diplomatic ladder (and) return to full respect of international law,” he said.

With over 40 years of work in diplomacy, Arnault was Guterres’ personal envoy on Afghanistan and regional issues, giving him an understanding of the Iran problem.

Arnault, who is from France, has also represented Guterres in Colombian and Bolivian diplomacy.(Agency)

Rajasthan: Jeweller killed in Bharatpur robbery

Jaipur, March 25, 2026

In a shocking incident in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, a 45-year-old jeweller was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants who fled with a bag containing gold and silver ornaments. The victim, identified as Yogendra Chopra, was attacked barely 100 metres from his home while returning on his scooter after closing his shop on Wednesday evening.

According to local residents, the incident occurred around 7.15 p.m. in Punjabi Colony, Nadbai. Two miscreants approached from the Nagar Road side and opened fire at close range, with the bullet hitting Chopra in the neck. He collapsed on the spot along with his scooter. The attackers then snatched his bag, reportedly filled with jewellery, and escaped through narrow lanes.

Chopra used to carry the jewellery bag daily between his home and shop located near Nagar Tiraha. Hearing the gunshot, locals rushed to the scene and shifted him to Nadbai Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

He is survived by his mother, younger brother, wife, son and daughter. The incident triggered massive outrage among traders and local residents.

A large crowd gathered at the hospital and later carried Chopra’s body on a stretcher in a protest march through the main market to the police station, raising slogans against the administration. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and refused to allow the post-mortem until action was taken.

Tension escalated, prompting the deployment of additional police forces from nearby stations, including Lakhanpur and Uchchain. Bharatpur SP Digant Anand reached the spot and held talks with the agitating crowd. He sought three days’ time to arrest the culprits, assuring that key leads have been found and the case would be cracked soon.

Protesters warned of renewed agitation if the accused are not arrested within the given timeframe. The body was later shifted to the mortuary following assurances from the police.

Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully said: “The incident involving the robbery and murder of a bullion trader in Nadbai, the Chief Minister’s home tehsil, is deeply tragic and heart-wrenching. I extend my condolences to the bereaved family members.”

He alleged that the law-and-order situation in the state had deteriorated.

“The situation has emboldened criminals to such an extent that heinous crimes such as murders and robberies are now occurring openly. When people are unsafe even in the Chief Minister’s home district, it raises serious concerns about public safety across the state,” he said.(Agency)

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