EU raises human rights concerns, warns Pakistan over GSP+ status

IANS | July 17, 2026 11:38 AM

Brussels, July 17 (IANS) The European Union has expressed serious concerns over human rights abuses in Pakistan, warning that the country’s continued access to the trade benefits under Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) granted by the EU will depend on compliance with its international commitments under the revised GSP rules from 2027.

FBI arrests Punjab gang suspect in US in major organised crime case

IANS | July 17, 2026 11:28 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) The FBI has arrested Indian national Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, days after placing him on its Most Wanted list, in what marks a major development in a sweeping US prosecution of an alleged Punjab-based transnational organised crime syndicate accused of operating across North America, Europe and Oceania.

Trump unveils sweeping election overhaul plan

IANS | July 17, 2026 10:18 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled the most sweeping election reform agenda of his second presidency, combining the release of declassified intelligence with a series of executive actions and a renewed push for legislation that would tighten voting rules ahead of next year's US midterm elections.

INS Sudarshini completes historic US voyage, showcases India’s maritime legacy at America’s 250th celebrations

IANS | July 17, 2026 9:02 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) Indian Naval sail training ship INS Sudarshini has concluded its landmark participation in the United States’ Semiquincentennial (250th) Independence celebrations, with the Indian Embassy in Washington describing the deployment as another milestone in strengthening the India-US strategic partnership and showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage.

Trump targets illegal immigrant truck drivers

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:34 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) US President Donald Trump this week announced plans for a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrant truck drivers, saying his administration would remove those working illegally on American roads and replace them with military veterans under a new licensing initiative.

US warns voter databases vulnerable to cyber attacks

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:31 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) The Trump administration released newly declassified intelligence and cybersecurity assessments warning that America's voter registration databases remain vulnerable to foreign cyber attacks, arguing that compromised election data could be exploited long after it is stolen.

US Democrats reject Trump's election claims

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:30 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) Senior Democrats swiftly rejected President Donald Trump's claims of widespread foreign interference and election vulnerabilities after his prime-time address to the nation, accusing him of reviving false narratives about the 2020 election and laying the groundwork to influence next year's midterm elections.

US spy agencies split over China election intel

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:22 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) Newly declassified US government records released by President Donald Trump's administration show sharp internal disagreements within the American intelligence community over how to assess and report alleged Chinese efforts to influence the 2020 US presidential election.

Trump accuses China of targeting US elections

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:21 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating a wide-ranging campaign to interfere in US elections, alleging that Beijing sought to undermine his presidency, acquire millions of American voter records and conceal its activities through what he described as a cover-up inside the US intelligence community.

US envoy vows Cambodia scam crackdown

IANS | July 17, 2026 8:02 AM

Washington, July 17 (IANS) President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as the next US ambassador to Cambodia told lawmakers on Thursday (local time) that dismantling cyber scam centres operating in the Southeast Asian nation would be his top priority, while also pledging to deepen bilateral ties and counter China's growing influence in the region.