Desperation mounts as ISI hunts Afghan Taliban dissidents to sustain Kashmir operations

Vicky Nanjappa | February 9, 2026 11:47 AM

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) After ties with the Afghan Taliban soured, Pakistan has been hunting for disgruntled elements and recruiting them into the Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian agencies have learnt that the ISI has been scouting for disgruntled elements from the Afghan Taliban and other breakaway factions. The idea is to recruit such persons and take them into the Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan PM's aide says 'innocent people' could be taken in custody in Balochistan crackdown

IANS | February 9, 2026 9:43 AM

Islamabad, Feb 9 (IANS) A discussion on the prevailing situation in Balochistan turned contentious after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah suggested that innocent civilians could end up being detained during security crackdowns following militant attacks, including those reported across the province on January 31, local media reported on Monday.

Global IIT gathering to shape future innovation, strengthen ties with India (IANS exclusive)

Lalit K Jha | February 9, 2026 8:40 AM

Washington, Feb 9 (IANS) When thousands of Indian Institute of Technology alumni, entrepreneurs and executives gather in Long Beach, California, next April, the agenda will extend well beyond networking and keynote speeches. For the organisers of the Global Pan-IIT Conference, the four-day event is intended as a statement about how a relatively small community of Indian-origin technologists has come to play an outsized role in shaping innovation, capital and public life in both India and the United States.

Former FDA Commissioner warns US measles surge part of global cycle

IANS | February 9, 2026 6:36 AM

Washington, Feb 9 (IANS) Former US Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb warned that the accelerating measles outbreak in the United States is part of a broader global cycle driven by falling vaccination rates and a growing anti-vaccine backlash that has spread well beyond America.

US senator calls FBI ballot seizure 'Nixonian'

IANS | February 9, 2026 6:29 AM

Washington, Feb 9 (IANS) US Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, raised fresh alarms Sunday over what he described as an effort by President Donald Trump to undermine confidence in US elections, calling the FBI’s seizure of 2020 voting records in Fulton County, Georgia “almost… Nixonian.”

Jeffries warns on ICE actions, election rules as US tensions rise

IANS | February 9, 2026 6:22 AM

Washington, Feb 9 (IANS) A sharp political standoff over immigration enforcement and election rules is intensifying in Washington, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries warning that aggressive federal actions could undermine civil liberties and democratic norms as the United States heads toward the November elections.

Nepal elections: Border points with India to shut for 72 hours

IANS | February 8, 2026 10:05 PM

Kathmandu, Feb 8 (IANS) Security officials of Nepal and India have agreed to close border checkpoints for 72 hours during Nepal’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, with the aim of ensuring a secure polling environment.