Human Interest

Priyanka Chopra Jonas says, as a producer, she backs stories that move her personally, highlighting the documentary 'Born Hungry' on chef Sash Simpson, and aims to support bold, unique filmmakers

A new study shows coral reefs have regulated Earth's climate and marine evolution for over 250 million years. Reef growth and collapse affected ocean alkalinity, carbon absorption, and plankton evolution, revealing long-term climate recovery processes relevant to modern CO₂ increases

Aamir Khan announced *Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos*, a quirky spy comedy marking Vir Das’ directorial debut. Starring Das and Mona Singh, the film releases on January 16, 2026, under Aamir Khan Productions, blending comedy, action, romance, and spy elements

The FBI has offered a US$50,000 reward for information on Indian national Nazeer Hameed, wanted for the 2017 New Jersey murders of Sasikala Narra and her son. US authorities urge India to extradite him after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to the crime 

Lok Sabha conducted an undisrupted Question Hour for the first time this Winter Session after resolving a standoff over the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the SIR exercise. Members agreed to upcoming debates on *Vande Mataram*’s 150th anniversary and election reforms

Two Delhi colleges—Ramjas and Deshbandhu—received bomb threat emails early Wednesday, triggering swift responses from police and bomb disposal teams. Campuses were cordoned off and thoroughly inspected, but no suspicious items were found as verification and security checks continue

Dr Salvador Plasencia, who admitted to illegally selling ketamine to Matthew Perry before the actor’s fatal overdose, faces sentencing in Los Angeles. Prosecutors seek three years in prison, while his lawyers argue he’s already suffered severe personal and professional consequences

Severe, late-season storms and heavy rains have unleashed deadly floods across Southeast Asia, overwhelming governments and exposing weak preparedness. Scientists warn these increasingly destructive, unpredictable events reflect a climate-driven “new normal,” with rising losses, vulnerable communities hit hardest, and adaptation funding still insufficient

Census 2027 in India will be conducted in two phases: House Listing and Housing Census (April–September 2026) and Population Enumeration (February 2027), including caste data, using digital tools and mobile apps, with adaptations for snow-bound and special regions

Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the mandatory pre-installed Sanchar Saathi fraud-reporting app can be deleted by users. The DoT has ordered all new and updated mobile devices to include the app, aiming to expand awareness and protection against phone-related fraud

Ranveer Singh apologized after backlash for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s sacred Daiva portrayal from 'Kantara Chapter 1' at IFFI 2025. Accused of hurting religious sentiments, he clarified his intentions were appreciative, acknowledging Rishab’s warning and expressing respect for cultural and spiritual traditions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a presidential pardon to halt his years-long corruption trial, citing national security demands. Critics warn the move threatens judicial independence and reflects his efforts to secure political survival ahead of elections expected next year

The Centre has said it is promoting AI, AR-VR and other digital tools for heritage preservation, museum digitisation and cultural dissemination. It also highlighted initiatives like JATAN, NMMA and SPPEL, along with funding support for ASI’s excavation and conservation work

As Princess Aiko turns 24, her rising popularity intensifies calls to end Japan’s male-only imperial succession. Supporters fear the monarchy’s extinction as only one young male heir remains, while conservatives resist reforms despite public admiration for Aiko’s growing role and service

You are in the best years of your life — free of responsibilities, surrounded by teachers and parents shaping your future. Value them. Learn from their experience

Hong Kong firefighters continue searching a high-rise complex after a massive fire killed at least 128 and injured over 70. Seven of eight towers were engulfed, with renovations and flammable materials suspected. Authorities arrested three for alleged manslaughter and gross negligence

The Supreme Court directed the Law Commission to treat a Buddhist group’s plea—challenging the applicability of Hindu personal laws to Buddhists—as a representation. The bench said only the Law Commission can recommend constitutional or statutory changes, not the court through mandamus

The Supreme Court-appointed SIT arrested serving TTD official RSSVR Subrahmanyam in the Tirumala laddu ghee adulteration scam. Investigators allege he certified substandard ghee for bribes, linking TTD officials with fake dairy suppliers that provided 68 lakh kg spurious ghee between 2019 and 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mangaluru for a major spiritual visit to Udupi, featuring a roadshow, temple rituals, and participation in the massive ‘Laksha Kantha Gita’ chanting event. Tight security and extensive cultural preparations mark his first Udupi visit as PM

Delhi Police arrested alleged gangster Bandhu Man Singh, linked to Canada-based Goldy Dhillon, for involvement in the firing at Kapil Sharma’s Canadian restaurant. A Chinese pistol was seized, and investigators are probing his role, foreign links, and wider extortion network

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to hoist a symbolic saffron flag atop the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, marking its construction completion. His visit includes multiple temple darshans, spiritual observances, and an address highlighting unity, heritage, and cultural significance

A study of 738 UK harbour porpoises (1990–2021) shows mercury levels rising about 1% annually, nearly doubling since the 1990s. Higher mercury burdens increased the risk of death from infectious disease, revealing persistent ocean contamination despite the Minamata Convention

Frida Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait *El sueño (La cama)* sold for US$54.7 million in New York, setting a new auction record for any female artist and surpassing Georgia O’Keeffe’s previous record, while prompting cultural debate over its sale and future visibility

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara temple, accompanied by Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu and officials. She received traditional honours, including Sesha Vastram and Veda Ashirvachanam, following visits to Sri Varaha Swamy and Sri Padmavathi temples