US Congressman Ro Khanna slams Trump on Taiwan policy

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:48 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) A senior Democratic lawmaker has sharply criticised President Donald Trump over remarks suggesting he discussed future US arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling the move a break from long-standing American policy.

AI may reshape global power before 2030: Anthropic chief

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:37 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) Artificial intelligence could alter the global balance of power before the end of this decade, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said, warning that countries that reach advanced AI capabilities first may gain decisive geopolitical leverage — a development with implications for India's strategic rivalry with China.

US, Mauritius security talks on Chagos set for Feb 23

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:31 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) The United States and Mauritius will hold bilateral discussions next week in Port Louis focused on security cooperation and the future operation of the military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos archipelago, the US State Department said.

$198M World Bank boost for India rooftop solar

IANS | February 17, 2026 9:28 PM

Washington, Feb 17 (IANS) India’s ambitious rooftop solar expansion plan on Tuesday secured a $197.67 million guarantee from the World Bank Group’s guarantee arm. ​

India must leverage economic and political strength to engage with Bangladesh: Report

IANS | February 17, 2026 9:23 PM

Dhaka, Feb 17 (IANS) India must exercise its economic and political strength to pursue a strategy of soft deterrence, blending preventive and re-engagement diplomacy, allowing it to negotiate with Bangladesh from a position of strength on both fronts. From safeguarding its interests to advancing them, the responsibility should rest on Dhaka, a report said on Tuesday.

Pakistan: Rights body warns of disturbing pattern of child sexual abuse

IANS | February 17, 2026 9:22 PM

Islamabad, Feb 17 (IANS) A leading minority rights group on Tuesday highlighted a deeply disturbing reality in Pakistan's Punjab province, where hundreds of children have been sexually abused, noting that justice remains elusive despite registered cases and identified suspects.