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.

US no longer interested in containing China in Southeast Asia: Report

IANS | February 11, 2026 9:08 PM

Washington, Feb 11 (IANS) The National Security Strategy (NSS) of US President Donald Trump's administration serves as a wake-up call for Southeast Asia, signalling that the US may no longer act as a counterbalance to China’s assertiveness in the region. The era of US security guarantees for parts in the region may also end sooner than anticipated, a report said on Wednesday.

Bangladesh: Jamaat’s promises on women empowerment mask enduring regressive attitude

IANS | February 11, 2026 9:05 PM

Male, Feb 11 (IANS) Bangladesh’s radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statements and manifesto expose a striking contradiction, projecting an image of inclusivity and protection for women, while its longstanding regressive attitudes towards them remain unchanged. The promises of representation and safety by Jamaat are weakened by the exclusion of women from leadership roles, the absence of female candidates, and the continued rhetoric that confines women to the domestic sphere, a report said on Wednesday.