International WhatsApp users filed a San Francisco lawsuit, claiming Meta can read private messages. They labeled the security feature a “sham” and seek damages. Meta responded by calling the allegations “false and absurd,” denying any ability to access users’ encrypted conversations and defending the integrity of its privacy.
➢Republic Day of India, ➢National Spouse Day, ➢Auckland Anniversary Day, ➢1957: Jammu and Kashmir state formed, ➢1957: Birth of former Indian cricketer Shivlal Yadav, ➢1968: Birthday of film actor Ravi Teja, ➢1986: Birthday of Tollywood hero Navdeep, ➢2001 Earthquake in Gujarat: 20,000+ people died, and ➢2010: Death of film actor Gummadi Venkateswara Rao.
India invited European Union leaders to the 77th Republic Day celebrations to highlight strengthening strategic, economic, and diplomatic ties with Europe. The presence of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reflects India’s focus on multilateral cooperation and shared democratic values.
Apple’s iPhone 16e price drops during the Republic Day sale on Croma. The 128GB model now costs Rs 52,390, and with an ICICI Bank card discount, the effective price is Rs 48,390. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, A18 Bionic chip, 48MP rear and 12MP front cameras, 5G, iOS 18, and multiple storage options.
Motorola Signature, priced from ₹59,999, offers a premium build, advanced triple 50MP cameras, 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, and lighter 186g design. OnePlus 15R, starting at ₹47,999, features a larger 7,400mAh battery, solid performance, and longer software support. Choose based on camera and design versus battery life and affordability.
As India marks its 77th Republic Day, digital tools are changing daily life. UPI enables fast, safe payments; Aadhaar ensures welfare reaches the right people; DigiLocker stores documents securely; UMANG provides access to government services in one app. These initiatives promote transparency, convenience, and citizen empowerment across India.
Ahead of the Republic Day parade, defence expert Dr Rajiv Narang says India has moved from arms importer to designer, with strengths in missiles, rockets, drones and AI-enabled systems. Indigenous projects like BrahMos, Pinaka and LCA show progress, though true self-reliance still needs engines, sensors, testing infrastructure and faster R&D to match global leaders.
➢World Leprosy Day, ➢National Tourism Day, ➢National Voters’ Day, ➢National Irish Coffee Day, ➢2026: Ratha Saptami festival, ➢1918: Birth of the famous Telugu poet Kondaveeti Venkatakavi, ➢1950: The post of Governor General of India was officially abolished, and ➢1971: Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state.
Realme is launching the Realme P4 Power in India on January 29. It features a 10,001mAh battery, delivering up to 1.5 days of use and 12 hours from a 5-minute charge. The phone offers Android 16, long software support, fast charging, strong cameras, and IP68/IP69 protection. The device offers reliable power for gaming, streaming, and […]
A survey reveals nearly 6 in 10 Indians face obesity-related health issues, yet awareness of medical treatments is low. GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, help manage obesity by reducing appetite, regulating blood sugar, and promoting weight loss. Combined with diet and exercise, they can improve metabolic, cardiovascular, and overall health.
Flipkart’s Republic Day Sale drops Motorola Edge 50 Fusion from Rs 25,999 to Rs 18,999. EMI starts at Rs 668/month, with trade-in offers up to Rs 15,350. The phone features a 6.7-inch curved OLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, up to 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 50MP camera, and water-dust resistance.
Meta is temporarily restricting teens from accessing AI characters on Instagram and WhatsApp, citing updates to the experience. The ban affects verified minors and suspected teen accounts. Teens can still use Meta’s AI assistant. The move follows rising child safety concerns and precedes Meta, TikTok, and YouTube’s trial over alleged harms to children.
Experts warn users not to share sensitive data with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok. Reports say millions seek health advice weekly, often uploading diagnoses, medications, and test results. Despite privacy assurances, policies may change, risking misuse of medical data. Sharing personal health details with chatbots could prove dangerous for users.
YouTube plans to launch AI-powered video tools in 2026 that let creators appear in videos without recording. AI will generate Shorts using creators’ faces from text prompts. The platform will also add AI tools for games, music, and photos, plus new monetisation features to help creators earn more and reach audiences faster.
Sunita Williams, retired NASA astronaut, does not get a direct pension from NASA. She qualifies for a pension under the Federal Employees Retirement System, based on her highest average salary over three years of her 27-year service. Reports say her annual pension is around ₹36 lakh, providing her a secure post-retirement income.