Trump signs order to boost coal use

IANS | February 12, 2026 8:32 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US President Donald Trump declared himself the “undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal” as he signed a new executive order aimed at expanding coal use and keeping ageing plants online.

India reducing Russian oil buys, claims US

IANS | February 12, 2026 8:24 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The United States has claimed India has been “reducing” its purchases of Russian oil and diversifying energy imports, as lawmakers pressed the State Department on enforcement challenges tied to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Diego Garcia vital for Indo-Pacific security, countering China, says US

IANS | February 12, 2026 8:15 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Underscoring the strategic importance of the US naval support facility at Diego Garcia, lawmakers and a senior State Department official have said that safeguarding Indian Ocean sea lanes is central to countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

US lawmakers seek Ambassador Sergio Gor’s testimony on India

IANS | February 12, 2026 8:06 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Lawmakers pressed the State Department to make the US ambassador to India available for congressional testimony, underscoring the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and calling for greater oversight.

Concern grows in US over fate of Afghans awaiting resettlement

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:49 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US lawmakers pressed the State Department over the fate of Afghan allies awaiting relocation, raising concerns about payments for voluntary return and the planned closure of a processing facility housing more than 1,000 Afghans.

US deepens minerals, security ties with Pakistan

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:27 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The United States has described Pakistan as “another important partner” in South Asia, outlining cooperation on critical minerals, trade and counterterrorism even as lawmakers highlighted regional tensions and the risks of instability.

Lawmakers press Trump admin official on Quad priority

IANS | February 12, 2026 7:16 AM

Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Lawmakers questioned whether the Quad is being given sufficient prominence in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, even as the State Department defended the grouping as a “very important platform” central to balancing China’s influence.

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.