US lawmaker seeks death penalty for child rapists

IANS | February 27, 2026 6:18 AM

Washington, Feb 27 (IANS) A Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation in the US House of Representatives to authorise the death penalty for individuals convicted of raping children under federal law, declaring there would be “zero mercy for child rapists” and that those who prey on minors should face “the harshest consequence we can deliver.”

Iran showdown deepens divide in Congress

IANS | February 26, 2026 10:51 PM

Washington, Feb 26 (IANS) Republicans and Democrats sharpened their differences over Iran on Thursday, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune backed President Donald Trump’s approach while House Democrats moved to force a vote on a resolution limiting any military action.

India, Israel cement trade, investment & tech ties

IANS | February 26, 2026 9:41 PM

Tel Aviv, Feb 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday emphasised the importance of unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment between India and Israel, according to the joint statement issued after the successful conclusion of the summit.

Bangladesh: Supreme Court acquits another 1971 Liberation War convict

IANS | February 26, 2026 9:21 PM

Dhaka, Feb 26 (IANS) Bangladesh's Supreme Court on Thursday acquitted Khan Akram Hossain, a war crime convict from Bagerhat district, overturning his life sentence in a crimes against humanity case linked to the country’s 1971 Liberation War, local media reported.

Exiled East Turkistan leaders call for global action against China's abuses in Xinjiang

IANS | February 26, 2026 9:13 PM

Washington, Feb 26 (IANS) The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) has called on the international community, including the United Nations, to take principled, coordinated action against what it described as Beijing’s ongoing “institutionalisation of a coercive security-and-control system” in East Turkistan, also known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

PM Modi and Netanyahu discuss IMEC, advance cooperation to promote connectivity

IANS | February 26, 2026 8:21 PM

Jerusalem, Feb 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday discussed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), expressing their intent to advance cooperation to promote regional connectivity, stability and shared prosperity through the initiative and explore Israel's role within its frameworks.