Human Interest

Ahead of February elections in Bangladesh, political leaders are reportedly using anti-Hindu and anti-India rhetoric to polarize voters. Minority communities face threats, fake narratives, and potential violence, raising fears of persecution and exodus amid attempts to consolidate religious vote banks

Russia is recruiting both locals and foreigners, including prisoners, through contracts offering high pay, benefits, and citizenship to fight in Ukraine, avoiding a full mobilization. Many are misled, coerced, or trafficked, highlighting rising costs and human rights concerns

An all-party meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is underway to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament’s upcoming Budget session. The session begins Wednesday with the President’s address, with the Union Budget scheduled for February 1

Madras High Court set aside a single judge’s order directing CBFC to certify actor Vijay’s film *Jana Nayagan*, citing lack of opportunity for CBFC to respond. The decision revives uncertainty over the film’s release, reportedly Vijay’s last before entering politics

Public sector bank services may be disrupted Tuesday as employee unions launched a nationwide strike demanding a five-day work week. SBI, PNB and Bank of Baroda could be affected, while private banks and digital services are expected to function normally

Seashells, the durable skeletons of marine animals, are abundant and long-lasting, offering scientists vital clues about ancient ecosystems, climates and species interactions. Through biomineralization and fossilization, shells act as natural archives, revealing how marine life lived, evolved and died

Heavy snowfall in Kashmir forced cancellation of 50 flights at Srinagar International Airport on Tuesday, disrupting inbound and outbound operations. Adverse weather stranded hundreds of tourists after the Republic Day weekend, with airlines advising passengers to seek updates and alternatives

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand military parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing missiles, indigenous weapon systems and new formations. President Droupadi Murmu led celebrations themed on “Vande Mataram,” with EU leaders attending as chief guests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial on the 77th Republic Day, laying a wreath and observing silence. The ceremony honoured martyrs from multiple wars, with top defence leadership present

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