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.

UN experts criticise China for denying medical treatment to human rights defender

IANS | February 8, 2026 8:00 PM

Beijing, Feb 8 (IANS) UN human rights experts have criticised China for their repeated refusal to Chinese human rights defender, Yang Li, for accessing medical treatment. The experts urged Chinese authorities to stop the harassment and intimidation of Li and her family and allow her to access medical treatment, a report has stated.