senate hearing

Emerging US-Iran deal details spark alarm among hawkish Republicans, who expected Iranian collapse. Instead, Iran appears strategically intact, having demonstrated leverage by disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and surviving US-Israel military pressure. This outcome has exposed fractures within Trump's coalition and emboldened Tehran's negotiating stance.

Top tech CEOs from Google, Meta, TikTok, and Snap are summoned to Washington for a crucial hearing on child online safety. Facing mounting pressure from lawmakers and thousands of lawsuits alleging harm to young users, these tech giants are under scrutiny. TikTok's CEO also faces unique questions regarding its US operations.

In a charged political atmosphere, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth is facing tough questions from lawmakers, including some from his own party, regarding the prolonged conflict in Iran and its controversial lack of congressional authorization. The Trump administration's ambitious military spending plan is taking a backseat to growing concerns about economic fallout and rising international tensions.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.

US approved major Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent to acquire Nvidia's advanced H200 AI chips. However, no sales have materialized as Beijing reportedly discourages domestic firms from buying foreign technology, prioritizing the development of its own chip industry, particularly Huawei's. Nvidia's CEO is now in China, hoping for a breakthrough.

When the US launched its bombing campaign against Iran on Feb 28, President Trump expected a swift victory. Instead, within weeks, the conflict began exposing mounting losses and damage to expensive military hardware. Here’s what a report by the US Congress’s think tank reveals

A CBS report says it did. Pakistan acknowledged the presence of Iranian aircraft but claimed these were civilian assets. Looks like the US is now faced with its second Osama bin Laden moment

Reports of a CIA raid on the Director of National Intelligence's office, allegedly seizing JFK assassination and MKUltra files, have sparked controversy. While the DNI's office denies a raid, a Congresswoman is threatening to subpoena the CIA if the files aren't returned, citing presidential declassification orders and her task force's investigation into these sensitive historical documents.

Washington's campaign against Iran has surged to nearly $29 billion, surpassing initial Pentagon estimates. Experts warn the escalating costs, driven by operational and equipment replacement, could ultimately reach a staggering $1 trillion. This financial burden is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of US elections, with concerns over inflation.

Senator Lindsey Graham has questioned Pakistan's credibility as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations, citing reports of Iranian military aircraft using Pakistani bases. Pakistan denies these claims, stating aircraft were for diplomatic arrangements. Broader scrutiny of Pakistan's mediation role has emerged within the Trump administration due to stalled talks and Iran's response to peace proposals.

Sixty-six body bags, representing daily Australian tobacco deaths, were displayed at Parliament House. Health advocates staged the protest ahead of a Senate inquiry into illegal tobacco. The proposal to lower cigarette excise, aimed at combating illicit trade, was slammed as a dangerous public health gamble that would increase smoking and deaths.

Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman wants Pluto to be a planet again. He voiced this support in a senate hearing. Nasa researchers are studying Pluto's status. Pluto was a planet until 2006. The International Astronomical Union reclassified it as a dwarf planet. This decision is still debated by scientists and the public. Isaacman believes Pluto should be a planet.

The Trump administration asserts the U.S. is not at war with Iran, despite approaching the War Powers Resolution's 60-day deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this, stating no congressional authorization is needed as active hostilities have ceased. This stance, however, faces challenges from Democrats who argue the deadline remains binding.

The Justice Department has closed its investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding headquarters renovation cost overruns. This move removes a hurdle for Kevin Warsh's confirmation as Fed chair. The probe's closure allows scrutiny to continue through the Inspector General's office, with potential for criminal investigation restart if warranted.

President Trump expressed disappointment if his Fed nominee, Kevin Warsh, doesn't immediately cut interest rates upon confirmation. Warsh, however, stressed his independence and commitment to fighting inflation, a priority given current economic pressures. Democrats questioned his past stances on rates, while Trump continues to advocate for lower borrowing costs, creating a potential conflict.

President Trump asserted drug prices dropped over 100%, a mathematically impossible claim, defending a "different way" of calculating reductions. He cited hypothetical scenarios of massive price hikes and subsequent drops to justify his administration's claims, drawing criticism for flawed math. Other disputed statements on Iran and inauguration crowds were also made.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Nvidia's H200 AI chips have not yet been sold to China, attributing the delay to Beijing's efforts to boost its domestic industry. Despite earlier Trump administration approval, China's central government is reportedly blocking purchases to encourage investment in homegrown alternatives, such as those from Huawei.

A shooting attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner led to the immediate evacuation of President Trump and other officials. This incident adds to a long list of threats and security scares faced by Trump, including armed intruders, assassination plots, and poison mail, making him a frequent target.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are likely to take cues from the US Federal Reserve stance on rate cuts in the near future, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.