India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the **PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite (nicknamed “Anvesha”), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The hyperspectral Earth-observation spacecraft will significantly enhance surveillance, strategic monitoring, agriculture and environmental mapping capabilities from orbit, tracking terrain and features that are otherwise hard to detect. The mission also carries 18 co-passenger satellites from Indian and international partners, reaffirming ISRO’s role in global space collaboration and continuing its trusted PSLV workhorse launch record. (PC: ISRO)

The United States military, as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, conducted large-scale airstrikes across Syria targeting multiple Islamic State (ISIS) positions on January 10, 2026. The campaign, carried out with partner forces, was launched in retaliation for a December ISIS ambush in Palmyra that killed three Americans and aims to degrade ISIS capabilities, disrupt infrastructure and deter future attacks. U.S. Central Command said the strikes hit numerous jihadist targets nationwide, reinforcing Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism and protect U.S. and allied forces in the region. Damage and casualty details have not been publicly released. (PC: X)

Iran’s attorney-general Mohammad Movahedi Azad has warned that anyone involved in the ongoing nationwide protests — including participants and those who “helped rioters” — will be treated as “enemies of God,” a charge under Iranian law that carries the death penalty. Prosecutors are instructed to pursue cases swiftly without leniency or compassion, intensifying a harsh government response to nearly two weeks of demonstrations driven by economic hardship and unrest. Security forces have reportedly killed dozens and detained thousands, while the state has also cut internet and phone access amid efforts to suppress dissent. (PC: NDTV)

A 44-year-old Resident Welfare Association (RWA) chief, Rachna Yadav, was shot dead in broad daylight in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, while returning from a neighbour’s home. Police believe the killing may be connected to the 2023 murder of her husband, Vijendra Yadav, currently under trial, as Rachna was a key witness in that case. Two men approached her on the road; one asked her name before firing at point-blank range. Investigators suspect the murder was meant to intimidate witnesses and weaken the prosecution’s case. Police have formed teams to trace the accused. (PC: PTI)

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts from seizure by courts or creditors, aiming to support U.S. foreign policy objectives and political stability in Venezuela. The order blocks any judicial process against these funds, which are considered sovereign assets of Venezuela but held under U.S. custody. Washington says controlling the revenue helps advance its strategic interests, including stabilising Venezuela and countering illicit networks. This move follows heightened U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s political and energy sectors and comes amid broader geopolitical and economic shifts involving Venezuelan oil exports. (PC: India Today)

India’s Supreme Court has asked the Centre to consider introducing a “Romeo-Juliet” clause in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to shield consensual adolescent relationships with minimal age gaps from criminal prosecution, citing frequent misuse of the law by families and others to settle personal scores. The bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh also ruled that high courts cannot mandate medical age determination at the bail stage in POCSO cases. The recommendation aims to balance protecting children from abuse with preventing unjust criminalisation of teen couples. (PC: The Hindu)

India’s ODI captain Shubman Gill is set to lead the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, marking his return after a two-month injury layoff caused by a neck problem suffered during the South Africa Test series. Gill, 26, who has played only three T20Is recently, said the series is crucial for preparing for the 2027 50-over World Cup and to assess player roles. He also highlighted the value of veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the squad. Despite being omitted from the T20 World Cup squad, Gill remains committed to his leadership role. (PC: Reuters)

Political leaders in Greenland’s parliament have firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed calls to acquire the Arctic island, stating the territory’s future should be decided only by Greenlanders themselves. In a joint statement, leaders from all five major parties declared: “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” emphasizing autonomy and self-determination. Trump argues U.S. control is needed to counter Russian and Chinese influence, but local leaders and Denmark have strongly opposed any external interference. The move has raised broader geopolitical and NATO concerns as discussions continue. (PC: The Guardian)

Petrol stations across Manipur’s valley and surrounding areas were shut indefinitely after a bomb was hurled at a fuel station in Bishnupur district’s Moirang area, prompting safety fears among dealers. The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) said the blast — part of ongoing threats and extortion risks — underscored persistent danger to outlets, staff and customers. Dealers wrote to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla demanding enhanced security, government accountability and compensation for damage and injuries before resuming operations. No injuries were reported in the incident, and police are investigating. The closure is likely to disrupt fuel supply and affect daily life. (PC: ANI)

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major defence technology milestone by conducting a long-duration ground test of a full-scale scramjet engine at its Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad. The actively cooled scramjet combustor ran for over 12 minutes at the advanced Scramjet Connect Pipe Test facility, validating design and test infrastructure as part of India’s hypersonic cruise missile programme. Hypersonic missiles can exceed five times the speed of sound, and this breakthrough positions India among nations advancing sophisticated air-breathing propulsion technology. Defence officials called it a “solid foundation” for future missile development. (PC: NDTV)