1. Japan Rattled: 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Shimane and Tottori
A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Shimane and Tottori prefectures in western Japan today, causing immediate disruptions to the country’s high-speed rail network. While no tsunami warning was issued, the tremors—which originated about 10km underground—forced an emergency halt of Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train services between Okayama and Hiroshima. Fortunately, no immediate casualties or major damages have been reported, and authorities at the Shimane nuclear power plant confirmed the facility remains stable.
2. The "Chillai Kalan" Deep Freeze: Srinagar Plummets to -4°C
The Kashmir Valley is currently enduring the harshest phase of winter, with Srinagar recording a bone-chilling -4°C and Gulmarg hitting a staggering -8.6°C. Meteorologists warn that a lack of significant snowfall until at least January 20 could spell disaster for the region’s water levels during the summer months. Locals are currently relying on the traditional "Pheran" (wool cloaks) to survive the 40-day intense cold spell known as Chillai Kalan, which is set to last until the end of the month.
3. Republic Day 2026: 'Amantran' App Opens for Parade Tickets
In a major digital push by the Ministry of Defence, tickets for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations are now officially available via the 'Amantran' mobile app. Citizens can now book seats for the January 26th Parade at Kartavya Path, as well as the Beating the Retreat ceremony on January 29th. The move is designed to streamline the ticketing process and ensure better crowd management for the nation’s most prestigious national event.
4. Economic Pulse: India’s Services Sector Remains Strong at 58.0
Despite a slight dip from November’s highs, India’s service sector growth remained robust in December. The HSBC India Services PMI was recorded at 58.0, well above the critical 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. While new orders and exports (particularly from the UK and Middle East) remain strong, the report noted that business confidence has hit a 41-month low due to competitive pressures and rising input costs, though inflation remains largely under control.
5. Red Alert: Heavy Rain & Frost Warning for Tamil Nadu
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high alert for Tamil Nadu, predicting heavy rainfall on January 9 and 10. A developing low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing drenching rains to Delta districts like Mayiladuthurai and Thanjavur. Simultaneously, a rare frost warning has been issued for the hill stations of Nilgiris and Kodaikanal, where temperatures are expected to drop significantly, threatening local tea and vegetable crops.
