Archive | The Columns

Archive News of January 21, 2026

Chinese researchers develop eye surgery robot

A team of Chinese researchers has developed an autonomous robotic system that is capable of performing delicate eye injections within the confined space of the human eye.

The surgery robot, developed by a team from the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, can potentially enhance the precision and safety of surgeries used to treat debilitating retinal diseases, news agency reported.

In the paper published in the journal Science Robotics, the team reported that the robot successfully performed subretinal and intravascular injections in animal tests with 100 per cent success.

Gold prices jump over 4 pc to hit record high

Gold futures on the MCX surged over Rs 4,100 or 4 per cent on Wednesday to a fresh record high, as investors jumped to buy safe‑haven assets amid fears of a widening US‑EU trade conflict and a softer dollar.

MCX gold February futures rose 4.25 per cent to Rs 1,56,970 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, MCX silver March futures rose 2.71 per cent to Rs 3,32,451 per kg.

International markets also saw new peaks as US gold futures jumped to $4,849 per troy ounce on COMEX. COMEX silver consolidated in the $92.5–$95.7 range.

Priyanka Chopra enjoys the sea with her 'favourite people'

Global star Priyanka Chopra knows how to balance work and play. Taking a breather from her hectic schedule, PeeCee took off on a fun trip exploring the sea with her 'favourite people' husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.

The 'Desi Girl' took to her official Instagram handle and posted a video of herself enjoying the Vastness of the sea, and accompanying her were Nick and little Malti.

In the background, we could hear an audio of someone asking, "What’s your favourite place?"

Delhi-NCR air remains in ‘very poor’ category; winter chill eases

Air pollution levels across Delhi-NCR continued to remain alarming on Wednesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 380 at 8:00 a.m., placing the region firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Most parts of the national Capital recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, while a few locations slipped into the ‘poor’ category, offering little relief to residents grappling with prolonged pollution.

Two killed in head-on collision in Australia's Queensland

Two people were killed in a head-on collision between two vehicles in the Australian state of Queensland, police said.

A statement from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) on Wednesday said that the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on a highway when they collided near the small town of Epsom, 790 km northwest of the state capital of Brisbane, around 10:10 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

The sole occupants of both vehicles, a 49-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were declared deceased at the scene.

Heavy rain creates rare bird haven in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi salt pans

Forest and Environment officials in Tamil Nadu have described the recent surge in bird activity near Thoothukudi Harbour as a rare and ecologically significant development triggered by this year's heavy rainfall.

According to officials from the Forest Department, the unusually heavy rain has led to large-scale water accumulation in suburban salt pans around Thoothukudi. These salt pans, normally used exclusively for salt production, have temporarily transformed into shallow wetlands, creating ideal habitats for water birds to feed and rest.

Sensex, Nifty open lower over weak global cues, FII selling

The Indian benchmark indices continued their losses on Wednesday, tracking persistent global risk-off sentiment, continued foreign fund outflows and mixed earnings cues.

As of 9.30 am, the Sensex lost 168 points, or 0.20 per cent to reach 82,012 and the Nifty declined 28 points, or 0.11 per cent to 25,204.

Main broadcap indices performed in line with benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 losing 0.18 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 easing 0.11 per cent.