US Democratic lawmakers urge Meta, Google to end ICE ad partnerships

IANS | January 23, 2026 8:21 AM

Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) Two senior Democratic lawmakers, including Indian American Pramila Jayapal, have pressed Meta and Google to end their digital advertising partnerships with the US Department of Homeland Security, alleging that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has used the companies’ platforms to run recruitment and “self-deportation” advertisements drawing on white nationalist imagery and rhetoric.

US expands Mexico City Policy on foreign aid

IANS | January 23, 2026 8:09 AM

Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) The US State Department is set to finalize an expanded version of the Mexico City Policy on Friday, sharply widening restrictions on how American foreign assistance can be used overseas.

Ramayana exhibit draws Maryland lawmakers

IANS | January 23, 2026 8:05 AM

Annapolis, Jan 23 (IANS) A one-day exhibition on the Ramayana’s spread across Asia and beyond was held at the Maryland State Assembly Building, drawing state lawmakers, diplomats, and community leaders to the Annapolis complex.

US exits WHO, citing COVID failures

IANS | January 23, 2026 8:03 AM

Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) The United States announced that it has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization, ending its membership in the global health body. The move, the Trump administration said, fulfills a promise made on the president’s first day in office.

Trump says Putin, Zelensky want deal, cites complex war

IANS | January 23, 2026 7:54 AM

Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said the main obstacle to a Ukraine-Russia agreement remains the same factors that have stalled talks for months, describing the conflict as complex and insisting it was not his war.

PM Modi receives call from Brazilian President Lula; AI Summit, UN reform discussed

IANS | January 23, 2026 6:32 AM

Washington, Jan 23 (IANS) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said during a telephone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that he intends to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next month. The two leaders aligned on Global South priorities and pressed for United Nations Security Council reform ahead of their bilateral summit scheduled for February in India.