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.

France proud to stand with India: Defence Minister Vautrin

IANS | February 17, 2026 11:47 PM

Bengaluru, Feb 17 (IANS) France's Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Tuesday that establishing the H125 helicopter assembly facility in India marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and France.

Hindu society must organise, have three children & halt conversions: Mohan Bhagwat

IANS | February 17, 2026 11:40 PM

Lucknow, Feb 17 (IANS) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday called upon Hindu society to unite, strengthen itself and take decisive steps to reverse population decline, halt forced or inducement-based conversions, and accelerate “Ghar Wapsi” efforts, while remaining alert to external and internal challenges.

T20 WC: Paudel credits Airee, bowlers and fans as Nepal score maiden win over Scotland

IANS | February 17, 2026 11:24 PM

Mumbai, Feb 17 (IANS) Nepal Captain Rohit Paudel gave credit to the lessons they learnt in the close defeat to England and the steely nerves shown by his bowlers and batters in the death overs for their maiden win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 12 attempts in the final league match against Scotland at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

T20 WC: No experimenting in final league match, says Kotak ahead of Netherlands clash

IANS | February 17, 2026 10:17 PM

Ahmedabad, Feb 17 (IANS) With a spot in the Super 8s sealed, India will be taking on the Netherlands in their last league match, an inconsequential clash as far as the hosts are concerned. But India are unlikely to experiment much in this match as they could be playing more matches at the venue and want to gain as much experience as possible of the conditions in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.