Armed teen arrested outside US Capitol

IANS | February 18, 2026 7:33 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) An 18-year-old man wearing a tactical vest and carrying a loaded shotgun was arrested after running toward the US Capitol, prompting a swift response from United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers.

Substantively, nothing has changed in US-Pakistan relationship: Expert

Lalit K Jha | February 18, 2026 7:29 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) Despite improved optics and high-level engagement over the past year, the substance of the US-Pakistan relationship remains largely unchanged, a leading South Asia expert said, cautioning that symbolism has yet to translate into tangible economic or military gains for Islamabad.

US lawmakers urge indictment of Cuban leader Raul Castro

IANS | February 18, 2026 7:01 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) Four Republican lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to direct the Justice Department to reopen a criminal probe into Cuban leader Raul Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, calling for possible charges and international arrest notices.

US Congressman Ro Khanna slams Trump on Taiwan policy

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:48 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) A senior Democratic lawmaker has sharply criticised President Donald Trump over remarks suggesting he discussed future US arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling the move a break from long-standing American policy.

AI may reshape global power before 2030: Anthropic chief

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:37 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) Artificial intelligence could alter the global balance of power before the end of this decade, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said, warning that countries that reach advanced AI capabilities first may gain decisive geopolitical leverage — a development with implications for India's strategic rivalry with China.

US, Mauritius security talks on Chagos set for Feb 23

IANS | February 18, 2026 6:31 AM

Washington, Feb 18 (IANS) The United States and Mauritius will hold bilateral discussions next week in Port Louis focused on security cooperation and the future operation of the military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos archipelago, the US State Department said.

$198M World Bank boost for India rooftop solar

IANS | February 17, 2026 9:28 PM

Washington, Feb 17 (IANS) India’s ambitious rooftop solar expansion plan on Tuesday secured a $197.67 million guarantee from the World Bank Group’s guarantee arm. ​