India likely to join US-led Pax Silica maintaining strategic autonomy

IANS | January 21, 2026 1:38 PM

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) In the war between China and the West to secure critical mineral supply chains needed for advancing AI initiatives, New Delhi may lean towards Pax Silica, a US-led initiative but without sacrificing strategic autonomy, according to reports.

SAMPANN-DigiLocker integration offers paperless documents for all pensioners

IANS | January 21, 2026 11:30 AM

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) The government on Wednesday said that SAMPANN pension portal, developed by Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts, has integrated with DigiLocker and pensioners can gain anytime access to Pension Payment Orders (e-PPOs), gratuity sanction orders and other important documents through Digilocker accounts.

Gold prices jump over 4 pc to hit record high

IANS | January 21, 2026 11:15 AM

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) Gold futures on the MCX surged over Rs 4,100 or 4 per cent on Wednesday to a fresh record high, as investors jumped to buy safe‑haven assets amid fears of a widening US‑EU trade conflict and a softer dollar.

Chinese researchers develop eye surgery robot

IANS | January 21, 2026 11:14 AM

Beijing, Jan 21 (IANS) A team of Chinese researchers has developed an autonomous robotic system that is capable of performing delicate eye injections within the confined space of the human eye.