Trump says US enters new Gaza phase, backs technocratic rule

IANS | January 16, 2026 8:40 AM

Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said the United States has officially entered the next phase of its Gaza peace plan, backing a newly appointed Palestinian technocratic administration and calling for full demilitarisation of Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of tunnel networks.

India’s AI summit to focus on people, planet, progress

IANS | January 16, 2026 8:05 AM

Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi will be anchored around three core themes — people, planet and progress — with the aim of shifting global artificial intelligence discussions from principles to practical outcomes, India’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, Namgya Khampa, said.

IMF to assess economic damage in Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah

IANS | January 16, 2026 7:16 AM

Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said a fact-finding mission will visit Sri Lanka from January 22 to 28 to assess damage from Cyclone Ditwah and discuss the implications for the country’s ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.

India’s Union Budget likely to stay steady, focus on tech and jobs: Economist

Lalit K Jha | January 16, 2026 6:50 AM

Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) India’s upcoming Union Budget is expected to broadly stay the course, with the government maintaining its focus on fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and stepped-up investment in high-technology sectors, according to Anit Mukherjee, Senior Fellow at ORF America, who has worked extensively on fiscal and development policy.

White House defends ICE after Minneapolis violence

IANS | January 16, 2026 6:36 AM

Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) The White House strongly defended US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following violent unrest in Minneapolis, accusing Democratic leaders and sections of the media of inciting hostility against federal law enforcement officers carrying out immigration operations.