About 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan remain excluded from secondary education: UNESCO

IANS | August 12, 2026 1:45 PM

Kabul, Aug 12 (IANS) Around 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been unable to access secondary education since 2021, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said adding that the continued exclusion of girls and women from education constitutes a grave violation of their fundamental human right to learn.

Texas court orders care for surrogate baby

IANS | August 12, 2026 9:04 AM

Washington, Aug 12 (IANS) A Texas court has ordered that life-saving medical care be provided to a baby diagnosed before birth with a serious heart condition, after the state intervened in a dispute involving a surrogate mother and the child’s intended parents.

New York woman admits smuggling migrants

IANS | August 12, 2026 8:58 AM

Washington, Aug 12 (IANS) A New York woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to helping smuggle migrants into the United States across the Canadian border, the Justice Department said.

US senators flag student visa delays

IANS | August 12, 2026 8:22 AM

Washington, Aug 12 (IANS) A group of 30 US senators on Tuesdat urged the State Department to address delays in student and exchange visitor visas, warning that applicants may be unable to enter the country before the new academic year begins.