India

Two software engineers in Annamayya district, Mani Kumar (35) and Pushparaj (27), died after choking on food following heavy alcohol consumption with friends. Police registered a case, sent bodies for postmortem, and samples for laboratory analysis

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until 2030-31, including government support for outreach, capacity building, and gap funding. Over 8.66 crore subscribers benefit from guaranteed old-age pensions of Rs 1,000–5,000 per month

Kashmir’s minimum temperatures improved slightly, ending a dry spell in the plains, as meteorologists forecast two western disturbances this week. Widespread light to moderate snowfall, including in Srinagar, is expected, potentially disrupting surface and air traffic

Mozambican activist Graca Machel has been awarded the 2025 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for her transformative work in education, health, nutrition, economic empowerment, and humanitarian efforts, inspiring global progress toward equity and justice

A plot to derail the Maharaja Express near Jaipur was foiled thanks to the alert loco pilot, who applied emergency brakes after spotting iron bars on the track. Authorities have launched an investigation and enhanced railway security measures

A Kerala court granted bail to businessman Unnikrishnan Potty in the Sabarimala Sreekovil gold loss case due to delay in filing charges. However, he remains in custody in connection with a separate case involving missing gold from temple idols

India’s first privately built national earth observation satellite constellation will be launched from 2026 by a Pixxel-led startup consortium. The 12-satellite project, backed by IN-SPACe, will deliver high-resolution data for government and global commercial use

Security was tightened at Puri’s Jagannath Temple after a social media bomb threat surfaced online. One person has been detained, a cyber case registered, and investigations are underway amid threats also targeting a BJD MP and local locations

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for January 21, 2026. May the day bring you happiness

Senior journalist Dasu Krishnamoorty passed away in New Jersey. He was 99. He belonged to the first batch of Journalism course of Osmania University in 1954-55

A leopard that entered a sweet shop in Daman’s Nani Daman area triggered a 10-hour rescue operation. Forest teams, aided by outside units, tranquillised and captured the animal after cordoning off the busy market area

Newly appointed BJP National President Nitin Nabin will chair his first major organisational meeting in New Delhi, bringing together senior party leaders to discuss organisational strengthening and future political strategy under the party’s new leadership

Nitin Nabin assumed charge as BJP’s 12th national president, succeeding JP Nadda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a “millennial” leader and said he would be his boss on party matters. Nabin urged youth participation ahead of key Assembly polls

The Supreme Court has ruled that State police can investigate and file chargesheets against central government employees for bribery and corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, holding that no prior permission from the CBI is required

National pole vault record holder Dev Kumar Meena and his coach were forced to deboard a train at Panvel after being denied permission to carry poles. They later paid a fine to travel, sparking outrage and calls for clear guidelines

Indian chess star Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu has been confirmed for Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo. The world number four, who qualified for the Candidates Tournament, will return after his 2024 victory over Magnus Carlsen, continuing his rise in elite chess

Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 51 to guide Delhi Capitals to a seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 66 not out lifted MI to 154, but Jemimah ensured DC chased it down in 19 overs

The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over former Union minister Maneka Gandhi’s remarks on court orders in the stray dog issue, observing that her comments amounted to contempt, though it refrained from initiating proceedings citing judicial magnanimity

Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals lead Punjab Royals 3-2 at the halfway stage of their Pro Wrestling League 2026 clash in Noida. Mukul Dahiya, Rohit Rahal and Aman Sehrawat secured wins, while Ana Godinez and Priya Malik kept Punjab in contention

Defending champions Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and hosts Odisha stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s National Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 with strong quarterfinal wins in Bhubaneswar and Khordha. The semifinals will be played on January 21

Prominent Indian business leaders, including heads of Tata Sons, Infosys, Wipro and Bharti Enterprises, are likely to meet US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, amid expectations of progress in ongoing US-India trade negotiations

Tilottama Sen won the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the National Selection Trials in Delhi, while Niraj Kumar topped the men’s event. Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu secured the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol title as India’s top shooters impressed

Hyderabad Toofans defeated HIL GC 3-2 in their final league stage match of the Hero Hockey India League at Kalinga Stadium. Goals from Zachary Wallace, Amandeep Lakra and Shilanand Lakra sealed the win, keeping Toofans alive in the tournament

Costa Rican coach Amelia Valverde has been appointed as head coach of the Indian senior women’s football team. Valverde, who previously led Costa Rica and CF Monterrey to success, joins the Blue Tigresses ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026