I-PAC raid row: SC to hear ED plea alleging interference by Mamata Banerjee today

IANS | February 18, 2026 7:38 AM

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday the plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging interference by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the Central agency’s recent search operations at the office of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC).

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.