January 21, 2026

Kerala Hikes Ration Dealers' Salary and Commission From January 1, 2026

Kerala government raises ration dealers' maximum basic wage to ₹21,000 and commission rates up to ₹270 per quintal. The move ends planned dealer protests and starts from January 1.

January 21, 2026

Rare Whale Shark Spotted by Divers off Visakhapatnam Coast

A rare 10-metre whale shark was seen close to the Visakhapatnam coast by scuba divers from Dive Adda. The gentle giant was calm and allowed a five-minute underwater view.

January 21, 2026

Madras Sappers Military Band to Celebrate 150 Years of Vande Mataram at Lalbagh

On January 25, the Madras Sappers military band will play stirring martial music at Bengaluru's Lalbagh to honor 150 years of Vande Mataram. Known for their precision and patriotic spirit, the band aims to inspire unity and pride through their performance.

January 21, 2026

Japan Restarts Reactor at World’s Largest Nuclear Plant After 15 Years

Japan has restarted a reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, its largest, nearly 15 years after Fukushima disaster. Reactor no.6 will start commercial operations next month amid safety upgrades and public concerns.

January 21, 2026

Bengaluru Police Act Against Reckless Lamborghini Huracan Zooming in Traffic

Bengaluru traffic police start suo motu case after viral video shows green Lamborghini Huracan speeding recklessly on Mysuru Road. The case is registered under Section 281 of BNS for rash driving.

January 21, 2026

Semipalatinsk: Earth's Most Nuked Zone Haunts Kazakhstan with Radiation Legacy

Semipalatinsk in Eastern Kazakhstan saw 456 nuclear tests by the Soviets between 1949-1989. Over 1.5 million locals faced radiation risks. Atomic Lake, a nuclear crater lake, remains dangerously radioactive decades later.

January 21, 2026

UAE Lawmakers Demand Review of High Medicine Prices, Seek Tougher Controls and Local Drug Production

The UAE faces rising medicine prices as lawmakers push for a review of pharmaceutical pricing. Officials admit gaps in enforcement and plan reforms focusing on local manufacturing and transparency.

January 21, 2026

GOPHA and IVI Launch Global Forum to Boost Eye Care Access Aligned with WHO SPECS 2030

The Global Optometry Public Health Alliance and India Vision Institute launched a global forum to strengthen eye care access and integrate optometry within public health systems, aligning with WHO SPECS 2030 targets. Over 900 delegates from 69 countries joined the event.

January 21, 2026

Syrian Army Enters Al-Hawl Camp After Kurdish Forces Withdraw to Defend Northern Cities

The Syrian army has entered the al-Hawl detention camp housing relatives of suspected Islamic State fighters after Kurdish forces withdrew. The shift follows Kurdish claims of defense needs and a new ceasefire deal. Syria is set to take responsibility for IS prisoners in the region.

January 21, 2026

Winter Storm Fern Strikes Southern US With Heavy Snow and Ice, 58 Million Warned

Winter Storm Fern is set to hit the Southern and Eastern US with heavy snow, sleet, and ice this weekend. Over 58 million people face power outages and dangerous roads. Travel disruptions and damage are expected from Texas to the Carolinas.