World

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

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer begins a landmark China visit seeking economic gains and warmer ties with Beijing amid strained US relations. The trip aims to boost trade and investment but risks criticism over security, human rights and potential fallout with Washington

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

A massive winter storm has killed at least 28 people across the United States, knocking out power to thousands, grounding flights nationwide and closing schools, as Arctic air prolongs dangerously cold conditions in several states

World Champion D Gukesh defeated Vladimir Fedoseev to bounce back at the Tata Steel Masters. Anish Giri beat leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov, while Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa held draws. Abdusattorov still leads with 5.5 points after eight rounds

Young Indian shuttlers including Priyanshu Rajawat, Kiran George, Tharun Mannepalli and Anmol Kharb will begin their campaigns at the Thailand Masters Super 300 in Bangkok. Several players face seeded opponents in a crucial early-season test on the BWF World Tour

Jannik Sinner defeated Luciano Darderi to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals, joining Djokovic, Swiatek and Musetti in the last eight. Anisimova and Pegula advanced in women’s singles, while Rybakina set up a clash with Swiatek. Sabalenka and Alcaraz headline day 10

Strategic patience, backed by calibrated leverage, remains India’s best option for navigating the Bangladesh crisis

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek defeated Australia’s Maddison Inglis 6-0, 6-3 to reach her 14th Grand Slam quarterfinal and third at the Australian Open. She now faces Elena Rybakina, with a career Grand Slam in sight

India’s men’s futsal team defeated Pakistan 4-1 to clinch the silver medal at the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 in Bangkok. Lalsawmpuia scored twice, while Vincent Laltluangzela and Nikhil Mali added goals as India finished second behind Maldives

  A ferry carrying over 350 people sank near Basilan, Philippines, early Monday. At least 316 were rescued and 15 bodies recovered. The cause is under investigation, while coast guard and navy teams continue search-and-rescue operations 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a U.S. security guarantees document for Ukraine is fully ready, awaiting signing. Talks with the U.S. and Russia continue as Kyiv pushes EU membership, insists on territorial integrity, and explores ceasefire options amid ongoing war

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

Five US states have proclaimed January 26, 2026, as India’s Republic Day, recognising the adoption of India’s Constitution, shared democratic values and the growing contributions of the Indian and Indian American community to cultural and economic life.

World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul 7-6, 6-4, 7-5 to reach his third consecutive Australian Open quarterfinal. The 22-year-old Spaniard, chasing a Career Grand Slam, will face Alex de Minaur or Alexander Bublik next at Melbourne Park

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 16th Australian Open quarterfinal after Jakub Mensik withdrew with an abdominal injury. Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, will face Lorenzo Musetti or Taylor Fritz next, having equalled Roger Federer’s 102 match wins at Melbourne Park

World Champion D Gukesh lost to Anish Giri in round 7 of Tata Steel Masters, while Arjun Erigaisi and Aravindh Chithambaram also suffered defeats. Nodirbek Abdusattorov leads with 5.5 points, as Indians struggle in the prestigious chess event

Sonali Mondal scored a brilliant hat-trick as India defeated Sri Lanka 5-2 to finish runner-up at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Bangkok. Mithila Ramani and Pooja Gupta added goals, while Bangladesh claimed the overall title

BCB’s confrontational stance has exposed deep fear and frustration within Bangladesh cricket

Abhishek Sharma’s stunning 12-ball fifty and Suryakumar Yadav’s fluent 57 not out powered India to an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I at Guwahati. Bishnoi and Bumrah starred with the ball as India sealed the series 3-0

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

In Minneapolis, Border Patrol fatally shot Alex Pretti, sparking protests and political backlash. Democrats demanded federal immigration officers leave Minnesota, citing excessive force. Video evidence and family accounts dispute official claims, intensifying tensions days after a previous ICE-related killing

In Narsingdi, Bangladesh, 23-year-old Hindu man Chanchal Chandra Bhowmik was reportedly burned alive while sleeping in a garage, raising concerns over minority safety ahead of national elections. Police are investigating, and CCTV footage of the suspected attackers has been seized

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