Human Interest

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at Republic Day celebrations, honouring his historic achievement as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station during the Axiom-4 mission

Republic Day Parade enclosures along Kartavya Path have been uniquely named after Indian rivers, replacing VVIP labels. Musical instruments will name Beating Retreat enclosures, reflecting cultural themes as celebrations highlight the sesquicentenary of “Vande Mataram"

Gold surged past $5,000 an ounce to record highs amid global uncertainty, while silver crossed $100. Analysts cite strong safe-haven demand, central bank buying and supportive liquidity, maintaining a bullish outlook for precious metals through 2026 despite brief corrections

Late January 2026 winter storm threatens central and eastern U.S. with snow, sleet, freezing rain, outages and emergencies. Scientists link impacts to jet stream dynamics, Arctic air, Gulf moisture and stratospheric polar vortex interactions amid a warming climate trend concerns

China investigates top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli for corruption and challenging party control, reinforcing Xi Jinping’s absolute leadership over the military and anti-graft campaign

  CJI Surya Kant urged compassionate legal action against drug abuse at Goa’s Legal Service campaign, highlighting law’s role in social change and youth rehabilitation 

In Kurnool, four—including a woman and a nurse—were arrested for allegedly injecting HIV into a doctor, wife of the woman’s ex-lover, following a staged road accident

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin paid tribute to the Language Martyrs on Language Martyrs Day, reaffirming opposition to Hindi imposition and honoring those who died during the 1964-65 anti-Hindi agitation. AIADMK and other leaders also paid respects

Fans of Sunny Deol arrived at theatres on tractors to watch the release of "Border 2," a sequel to the 1997 hit. The film, starring Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh, earned ₹32.10 crore on its first day

Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo held final public viewing of panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei before their return to China, leaving Japan without pandas for the first time in 50 years. Fans and businesses worry about emotional and economic impact

At the Kerala Literature Festival, actor Prakash Raj said mainstream Hindi cinema has lost its roots, becoming fake and money-driven. He praised Malayalam and Tamil films for strong storytelling, social themes and young filmmakers addressing real issues 

India is rebalancing crude oil imports toward Middle Eastern suppliers as Russian volumes dip due to sanctions and compliance risks. While Russian crude remains economical, refiners are prioritising supply reliability, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia regaining share in early 2026

On Republic Day 2026, the Union home ministry announced gallantry and service medals for 982 police, fire and civil defence personnel. Of these, 125 bravery medals were awarded, with most recipients from Jammu and Kashmir operations

An abandoned newborn was discovered at a wayside eatery in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, triggering a police probe. The infant was rescued, given medical care, and authorities launched efforts to trace parents and ensure protection under child welfare laws promptly nationwide 

Two life-sentenced murder convicts, Priya Seth and Hanuman Prasad, who developed a relationship in Jaipur’s Sanganer open jail, are set to marry on Friday after being granted 15-day parole, sparking legal opposition from victims’ families

Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland now appear shaky amid public opposition, Republican resistance, European military reinforcements and fears of economic retaliation. With diplomacy stalled and force deeply unpopular, Trump faces shrinking options and risks lasting damage to U.S.–Europe relations

The Indian Air Force’s Sarang helicopter display team will perform at the Singapore Airshow 2026 alongside global military aerobatic teams. The event will feature advanced fighter jets, helicopters and commercial aircraft, highlighting international participation and cutting-edge aviation technology

President Vladimir Putin held overnight talks with envoys of US President Donald Trump on a Ukraine settlement, with the Kremlin insisting territorial issues must be resolved. The discussions follow Trump’s Davos meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and precede trilateral talks in the UAE

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for January 22, 2026. May the day bring you happiness

A 45-year-old woman survived a leopard attack in Beed, Maharashtra, after her thick scarf protected her neck. She sustained minor injuries and is stable; authorities plan camera traps and may set up a cage if the threat continues

The CISF commissioned 324 sports personnel, including 171 women, at Deoli to boost India’s medal prospects in national and international events, including the Olympics. Recruits, many decorated, join as Head Constables after four months’ paramilitary and sports training

The Supreme Court declined to issue nationwide guidelines on preventing stampedes at public gatherings, directing the petitioner to pursue the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Election Commission. The bench cited law-and-order expertise and feasibility concerns

Campaigning began in Bangladesh for the first national elections since the 2024 uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Interim PM Muhammad Yunus aims for free elections and a referendum on a national charter, amid a reshaped political landscape

A 1989 article by PM Narendra Modi, under the pseudonym ‘Aniket’, described the Ram Mandir Shilanyas as a historic awakening of Hindu consciousness, critiqued Congress’ “minority appeasement,” and highlighted sustained public mobilisation and VHP efforts leading to the temple’s foundation stone laying