Gates Foundation and OpenAI Launch Horizon1000 AI Health Initiative in Africa
The Gates Foundation and OpenAI announced a $50 million Horizon1000 partnership to help African countries harness artificial intelligence to strengthen health systems and mitigate aid shortfalls. Initial work will begin in Rwanda, focusing on improving health worker efficiency, data use, and service delivery amid funding constraints. Bill Gates framed AI as a potential equalizer in resource‑strained settings, while acknowledging implementation challenges. The program seeks collaboration with national leaders and local health agencies to tailor solutions, address regulatory concerns, and build durable health infrastructure that can adapt to future needs and emergencies.
Horizon1000 partnership between Gates Foundation and OpenAI.
Initial focus on Rwanda; $50 million funding.
AIT solutions to improve health worker efficiency and data use.
Aims to mitigate international aid shortfalls.
Numbeo Safety Index 2026: Mangaluru Tops Indian Cities; Qingdao Leads Globally
The Numbeo Safety Index 2026 ranks global cities by perceived safety based on resident surveys. In India, Mangaluru (Karnataka) was listed as the safest city, reflecting strong local safety perceptions. Globally, Qingdao (China) topped the index. The report, released in January 2026, underscores regional variations in urban safety and highlights the importance of policing, infrastructure, and social factors in shaping residents’ sense of security. Analysts note that such indexes influence tourism, investment, and urban planning decisions across countries.
Mangaluru identified as India's safest city in 2026 index.
HPCL to Purchase LNG from ADNOC Gas under $3 Billion 10-Year Pact
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has signed a $3 billion deal to buy LNG from ADNOC Gas of the United Arab Emirates, making ADNOC Gas a principal supplier. The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) was signed during a brief visit to India by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement reinforces energy trade ties between India and the UAE and secures long‑term LNG supplies for India’s growing energy needs. The pact will help HPCL diversify its gas portfolio and stabilize pricing over the decade.
HPCL signs $3 billion LNG SPA with ADNOC Gas.
Long‑term supply arrangement for 10 years.
Announced during UAE President’s visit to India.
Strengthens India‑UAE energy trade relations.
Diversifies HPCL LNG sourcing portfolio.
IMTEX Forming 2026 Inaugurated at BIEC, Bengaluru
The ninth IMTEX Forming 2026 exhibition opened at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru. Running January 21–25, the event gathers 714 exhibitors from 24 countries to showcase metal forming technologies. Co‑located shows include Tooltech, Digital Manufacturing, Weldexpo, and Moldex India. Organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), the five‑day program aims to accelerate manufacturing innovation, automation, and export readiness. Industry leaders and policymakers are attending to discuss technology adoption, supply chains, and workforce development for India’s evolving metal forming sector.
IMTEX Forming 2026 opened at BIEC, Bengaluru.
714 exhibitors from 24 countries; Jan 21–25.
Co‑located shows: Tooltech, Digital Manufacturing, Weldexpo, Moldex India.
Focus on manufacturing innovation and export readiness.
Deepinder Goyal Steps Down as Eternal Group CEO; Dhindsa to Succeed
Deepinder Goyal will step down as CEO of Eternal Group, with Albinder Singh Dhindsa slated to replace him as chief executive from February 1, 2026. Goyal will move to a non‑executive role as Director and Vice Chairman, pending shareholder approval. The board’s filing notes the transition, with Dhindsa assuming leadership from February 1, 2026. The move signals a strategic leadership shift for the group, with ongoing governance changes and potential changes in corporate strategy as the company aligns with market dynamics and investor expectations. Further details of governance transitions will be shared post‑approval.
Deepinder Goyal to step down as Eternal Group CEO.
Aldbinder Singh Dhindsa to become CEO from Feb 1, 2026.
Goyal to become Director and Vice Chairman pending approvals.
Ancient Cave Handprint Likely the World’s Oldest Rock Art
Researchers report a faded handprint as possibly the oldest cave art, dated to at least 67,800 years ago, in a limestone cave on Muna Island, Sulawesi. The finding, led by Maxime Aubert and Adam Brumm of Griffith University, suggests early humans in Southeast Asia produced symbolic art far earlier than previously thought. The stencil‑style image, found among later paintings, was confirmed through dating methods published in Nature. If confirmed, the discovery reshapes timelines of symbolic expression and highlights the prehistoric artistic capabilities of early humans in the region.
Handprint dated to at least 67,800 years ago.
Location: Muna Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Led by Prof. Maxime Aubert and Prof. Adam Brumm.
Published in Nature; potential oldest known rock art.
KKR Appoints Dishant Yagnik as Fielding Coach Ahead of IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) appointed former wicketkeeper‑batter Dishant Yagnik as fielding coach for IPL 2026, aiming to strengthen squad discipline and performance on the field. Yagnik brings extensive domestic experience and a keen eye for fielding, which are expected to enhance team efficiency in catching, throwing, and overall athletic coordination. The move accompanies other preseason preparations as KKR seeks to improve both pace and spin balancing. The franchise announced the appointment on January 21, 2026, signaling its intent to bolster its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season.
Dishant Yagnik named KKR fielding coach for IPL 2026.
Focus on improved catching, throwing, and athletic discipline.
Part of broader preseason optimization.
3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament to Kick Off January 23 at AMTZ
The 3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament will be held from January 23 to 26, 2026 at AMTZ, Visakhapatnam. Organized by Wheeling Happiness Foundation and Indian Para Kabaddi Association, the event features 20 state teams, around 280 para‑athletes and 90 officials. The competition highlights high‑performance para kabaddi and broader disability inclusion in sport. Opening ceremonies coincide with Republic Day celebrations, and the event is expected to boost talent identification and the pathway from grassroots to elite competition. Organisers emphasize collaboration among sports bodies, policymakers, and the public to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament dates: Jan 23–26, 2026.
Venue: AMTZ, Visakhapatnam; 20 state teams.
Approximately 280 para‑athletes and 90 officials involved.
Punjab Police Launches 72-hour Operation Parhar to Dismantle Gang Networks
Punjab police launched Operation Parhar on Tuesday, a 72‑hour effort to dismantle the state's organised crime ecosystem. Officials said the operation targets networks of gangsters operating from abroad and their Punjabi associates, with a focus on weapon supply chains, logistics, safe houses and communication links. About 12,000 police personnel have been deployed to raid about 2,000 locations, including 600 houses linked to gangsters’ families and hundreds of suspected hideouts. The operation aims to neutralise 60 identified criminals overseas and 1,200 associates in the state. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the raids are intelligence‑driven and coordinated across districts to disrupt the syndicates.
72-hour crackdown named Operation Parhar.
12,000 police personnel deployed across ~2,000 locations.
Targets 60 gangsters abroad and 1,200 associates in Punjab.
Focus on weapon supply chains, logistics, safe houses, and communications.
600 houses of family members targeted; hundreds of hideouts identified.
Officials call the operation intelligence‑driven and cross‑regional.
IAF Band Rehearses in Delhi for 150 Years of Vande Mataram Ahead of Republic Day
Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, an Indian Air Force band performed in Delhi’s Central Park, celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram through a concert blending patriotic renditions with jazz and modern orchestration. The ensemble’s program highlighted national pride, musical fusion, and military heritage during formal events in the capital. Organisers described the performance as a morale booster and a showcase of Indian music’s diverse influences. The event underlined the role of ceremonial music in reinforcing national identity during key national holidays and public commemorations.
IAF band performance in Delhi for Republic Day countdown.
Celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram including fusion elements.
Event linked to national pride and ceremonial traditions.
Highlights IAF’s role in public diplomacy and culture.
Republic Day Security Alert: 26‑26 Channelled Threats Prompt Mobilisation Across Delhi and Ayodhya
Security agencies issued a heightened alert ahead of Republic Day, citing online chatter using the code '26‑26' linked to potential attacks. Delhi and Ayodhya were among locations with intensified surveillance, posters of wanted individuals were distributed, and counter‑terror units prepared for rapid deployment. Intelligence inputs suggested possible threats targeting major temples and public spaces. Police sources emphasised coordination across central and state forces, with preventive measures including checkpoints, crowd management, and contingency plans for high‑risk events as Republic Day approaches on January 26. Investigations continue to assess the credibility of the threat and actionable leads.
Security alert issued for Republic Day due to '26‑26' chatter.
Delhi and Ayodhya among high‑risk locations.
Posters of wanted terrorists distributed; counter‑terror units activated.
Coordinated action across central and state forces.
Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement from Competitive Badminton
India’s Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal confirmed her retirement from competitive badminton during a podcast, stating she had stopped playing two years earlier and chose to leave on her own terms. The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist had not played since the Singapore Open in 2023 due to a chronic knee condition. She emphasized that there was no formal retirement announcement needed, given her personal decision to exit the sport. Nehwal’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian badminton, which has seen rising stars in recent years and a growing women's doubles and singles program.
Saina Nehwal confirms retirement from competition.
Last played at the 2023 Singapore Open.
Cites knee condition and personal exit terms.
No formal retirement announcement was made earlier.
Legacy includes Olympic bronze and trailblazing achievements.
Indian Doctor Wins Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025
Chandrakant Lahariya, a public health physician and former WHO staffer, has won the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025, becoming the first Indian recipient of this international award. The prize recognizes researchers whose work is inclusive, innovative and impactful. Lahariya’s work includes vaccination strategies, conditional cash transfers for maternal health, and immunization program improvements that helped introduce several vaccines in national programs. The award highlights India’s growing footprint in global health research and policy translation, reflecting ongoing efforts to link evidence with practical health outcomes.
Chandrakant Lahariya wins Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025.
First Indian recipient of the International Wiley Prize.
Research areas: vaccination, cash transfers, neonatal care.
AIIMS Bibinagar Inaugurates CSR-driven Medical and Academic Facilities in Telangana
AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana inaugurated advanced medical and academic facilities worth over Rs 5.4 crore under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of IOCL. The package includes a robotic‑assisted surgery system to enable precision-based care, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections, and a high‑fidelity adult patient simulator to enhance simulation‑based training for medical and nursing students. Executives from IOCL and AIIMS Bibinagar attended the ceremony, underscoring a public‑private collaboration to boost tertiary care and medical education. The facilities are expected to improve patient safety, training quality, and access to advanced procedures in the region.
IOCL CSR funded Rs 5.4 crore for facilities.
Robotic‑assisted surgery system installed.
High‑fidelity patient simulator for training added.
Aimed at improving care for economically weaker sections.
Public‑private collaboration between IOCL and AIIMS Bibinagar.
DGCA Introduces Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) Services for ATPL
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched Electronic Personnel Licence (EPL) services for Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) at its headquarters. The EPL, a secure ICAO‑aligned digital licence, enables real‑time verification and tamper‑resistant credentials, accessible via the eGCA mobile application. The EPL rollout began earlier in 2025 with CPL and FRTOL; the ATPL addition strengthens regulatory systems, transparency, and efficiency across civil aviation. DGCA officials highlighted the move as part of a broader digital transformation to modernize licensing, improve service delivery, and reduce processing times for aviation professionals and stakeholders.
DGCA launches EPL for ATPL.
Digital, ICAO‑aligned licence with real‑time verification.
Accessible via the eGCA app.
Follows earlier EPL rollout for CPL and FRTOL.
Aims to improve efficiency and regulatory oversight.
NHAI and Konkan Railway Sign MoU to Elevate Road–Rail Infrastructure
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster integrated road‑rail infrastructure development. The umbrella MoU sets a framework for collaboration on projects, resource optimization, and coordinated planning. A Joint Working Group will oversee project identification, preliminary feasibility, and proposal development, with a five‑year initial validity. Officials emphasized that combined road and rail solutions can enhance connectivity, safety, and economic value, especially in challenging terrains. The partnership signals a push toward multimodal infrastructure to support national growth and regional accessibility.
NHAI and KRCL sign broad MoU for collaboration.
Joint Working Group to identify and assess projects.
Initial validity: five years with review provisions.
Aims to integrate road and rail infrastructure planning.
Targets improved connectivity and safety in challenging terrains.