US lawmakers seek NASA, FBI investigation into China-linked research

IANS | February 20, 2026 7:01 AM

Washington, Feb 20 (IANS) Two senior Republican lawmakers have written to NASA and the FBI raising concerns over what they describe as potential Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked research collaborations involving US taxpayer-funded grants, including a NASA award.

China-linked firms grip US food supply: Senator Chuck Schumer

IANS | February 20, 2026 6:55 AM

Washington, Feb 20 (IANS) Foreign players linked to China are tightening their grip over America’s food supply and influencing grocery prices, a top Democratic senator said, warning that rising consolidation in agriculture and food markets is squeezing consumers and farmers while posing risks to national security.

US Senators press Pentagon on generic drugs

IANS | February 20, 2026 6:50 AM

Washington, Feb 20 (IANS) Two top American Senators have written to the Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth seeking details on vulnerabilities in America’s pharmaceutical supply chain, warning that heavy reliance on foreign sources — particularly Communist China and India — could threaten military readiness and national security.

Sharif praises Trump, meets Rubio in Washington

IANS | February 20, 2026 6:43 AM

Washington, Feb 20 (IANS) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised US President Donald Trump’s leadership at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, crediting him with preventing a potential India-Pakistan war, while also holding talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his Washington visit.

Trump dodges Taiwan strategy, sets Iran deadline

IANS | February 20, 2026 6:29 AM

Washington, Feb 20 (IANS) President Donald Trump declined to outline any potential US military strategy on Taiwan or Iran, while setting what he described as a short deadline for Tehran and weighing in on fresh controversy surrounding Britain’s royal family.

World Bank to manage Gaza reconstruction fund: Ajay Banga

IANS | February 20, 2026 6:23 AM

Washington, Feb 20 (IANS) World Bank President Ajay Banga announced the creation of a dedicated Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund to manage international contributions for rebuilding the war-ravaged territory, saying the institution would act as a “limited trustee” under the direction of the newly formed Board of Peace.

Sheikh Hasina’s son questions Awami League ban ordinance​

IANS | February 19, 2026 10:45 PM

Washington, Feb 19 (IANS) Sajeeb Wazed, the son of Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has questioned the legality of an ordinance used by the interim government to ban the Awami League, saying the country’s new BNP-led administration faces a 30-day constitutional deadline to decide its fate.​

Trump launches ‘Board of Peace,’ pledges $10B for Gaza​

IANS | February 19, 2026 10:41 PM

Washington, Feb 19 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Thursday launched what he called the “,” a new forum of world leaders meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace, and announced a $10 billion U.S. contribution tied to postwar stabilisation and relief efforts in Gaza.

Nepal: Parties unveil election manifestos, pledge friendly relations with neighbours

IANS | February 19, 2026 9:18 PM

Kathmandu, Feb 19 (IANS) As Nepal heads toward the March 5 General Elections, the country’s three major political forces — the Nepali Congress (NC), Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) — on Thursday unveiled distinct yet overlapping foreign policy agendas, placing strong emphasis on friendly relations with neighbouring countries.