Concern grows in US over fate of Afghans awaiting resettlement

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:49 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US lawmakers pressed the State Department over the fate of Afghan allies awaiting relocation, raising concerns about payments for voluntary return and the planned closure of a processing facility housing more than 1,000 Afghans.

US deepens minerals, security ties with Pakistan

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:27 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The United States has described Pakistan as “another important partner” in South Asia, outlining cooperation on critical minerals, trade and counterterrorism even as lawmakers highlighted regional tensions and the risks of instability.

Lawmakers press Trump admin official on Quad priority

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:16 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Lawmakers questioned whether the Quad is being given sufficient prominence in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, even as the State Department defended the grouping as a “very important platform” central to balancing China’s influence.

Canada mass shooter was transgender female: Police

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:08 AM

Ottawa, Feb 12 (IANS) The shooter who killed eight people in British Columbia has been identified as a transgender female by officials, who said the person's mother and stepbrother were among the victims.

Strong India checks China’s leverage, says Trump admin official

IANS | February 12, 2026 6:59 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Calling South Asia “vitally important,” US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia S. Paul Kapur told lawmakers that India’s size and location make it the region’s anchor, arguing that a strong, independent New Delhi helps prevent any “single hegemon” from imposing “coercive leverage” over the Indo-Pacific.

UN concerned over violence against women as Bangladesh goes to polls 

IANS | February 12, 2026 6:51 AM

United Nations, Feb 12 (IANS) As Bangladesh goes to the polls, the world organisation has expressed concern over the reports of violence against and harassment of women candidates and voters, especially those emanating digitally, and called for a "zero-tolerance approach".

Buddhist monks end 2,300-mile peace walk in Washington

IANS | February 12, 2026 6:29 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Nineteen Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace to Washington, drawing lawmakers, faith leaders, and thousands of supporters as they delivered a message of compassion in the heart of the American Capital.

Trump, Netanyahu hold talks on Iran, 'progress' in Gaza

IANS | February 12, 2026 6:19 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said he had a “very good meeting” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, as both leaders focused on negotiations with Iran and the situation in Gaza.