News Digest: January 21 Highlights
Every day, many events happen around the world, and it«s impossible to keep up with all of them in the news flow. That»s why we gather the main stories in this digest. Today, we summarize January 21.
Scammers Devise New WhatsApp* Update Scheme
In Russia, scammers are luring users by pretending to offer a new version of WhatsApp* that is free from glitches and restrictions.
As State Duma deputy Anton Nemkin explained, this is a social engineering scheme often aimed at less tech-savvy people. Installing such programs risks data theft, SMS interception, and access to bank accounts. The device could be turned into part of a fraudulent network.
Official messenger updates only come through legitimate app stores. Nemkin urged people not to click on suspicious links or download programs from unverified sources, TASS reports.
* Owned by Meta Corporation — an extremist organization whose activities are banned in the Russian Federation.
Driver Training School Rules to Change
From March 1, 2026, new driver training programs will come into force in Russia and will be valid for six years. Key changes will affect future Category B drivers. This was announced by First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Transport Pavel Fedyaev in a conversation with TASS.
Main innovations:
Practice: The number of hours will increase. It can be completed not only on training grounds but also on the premises of auto enterprises.
Theory: It will be allowed to be mastered entirely remotely.
Additional categories: To obtain them, it will be sufficient to complete a shortened module instead of a full course.
New topics: The program will include interaction with scooter users, the use of digital licenses and OSAGO (compulsory motor third-party liability insurance) policies, first aid in road accidents, and an analysis of the concept of «dangerous driving».
Universities Changed List of Unified State Exams for Admission
Russian universities have approved lists of entrance exams for 2026. The changes, made 12 days before the end of the application period for the Unified State Exam (USE), affected 48 fields of study and caused concern among graduates.
Key innovations:
For future teachers, the USE in the specialized subject (history for historians, chemistry for chemists) has become mandatory. The possibility of admission with social studies for all pedagogical fields has been abolished;
For engineering specialties (radio engineering, nuclear physics, etc.), physics has become a mandatory exam for 26 fields;
For a number of humanities fields, universities have received the right to make history a mandatory specialized exam.
The Ministry of Education and Science believes the changes will ensure an influx of motivated applicants with the necessary knowledge base and improve the quality of admissions. This position is supported by many experts and leading technical universities.
However, the innovations are criticized for their tight deadlines, which leave graduates no time to adjust their preparation plans. This creates additional stress for applicants and their families.
Large-Scale Indexation of Social Payments to Take Place
From February 1, 2026, social benefits and allowances will increase in Russia. The indexation will be 5.6%.
Main changes:
Federal beneficiaries (disabled people, veterans, etc.) will receive increased monthly cash payments (EDV) and compensation for the set of social services (NSU) — up to ~1,800 rubles (approximately $20 at current rates).
Maternity capital will increase. For the first application, the payment will be nearly 729,000 rubles (approximately $8,100 at current rates), and for a second child — up to 963,000 rubles (approximately $10,700 at current rates). Balances on existing certificates will also be indexed.
Payments for occupational injury insurance (from workplace accidents) will be raised. Maximum amounts: a lump-sum payment — up to 163,600 rubles (approximately $1,800 at current rates), monthly — up to 125,800 rubles (approximately $1,400 at current rates), sick leave — up to 503,000 rubles (approximately $5,600 at current rates).
The Russian Social Fund will recalculate all payments automatically. No application will be required.
Greenland Recommends Five-Day Food Supply Due to Threat of US Invasion
For the first time, Greenland«s authorities have recommended that the population create a five-day supply of food and water in case of a possible military invasion. This unprecedented measure is a direct response to statements by US President Donald Trump about intentions to take control of the island.
Autonomous Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that while the use of force is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out. In addition to household recommendations, a working group will be created to assist the population. Danish politicians reacted sharply. MP Rasmus Jarlov told CNN that an invasion would mean war, and Member of the European Parliament Anders Vistisen used profanity against Trump in his speech.
The reason was Trump«s recent rhetoric, calling Greenland »absolutely necessary« for US security. When asked how far he was willing to go, the politician evasively replied, »You«ll find out.»
One Killed in Novosibirsk Shopping Center Collapse Due to Snow on Roof
In Novosibirsk, the roof of a two-story shopping center collapsed. One of the main versions of the incident cited by specialists is excessive snow load.
The moment of collapse was caught on video: first, windows fly out of the building, after which the structure collapses like a house of cards, hitting parked cars nearby.
During search and rescue operations, three victims were found inside. Regional Health Minister Rostislav Zablotsky reported that one of them could not be saved.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, there should be no other people in the building. For a final check, the shopping center is planned to be dismantled to the ground. The Novosibirsk Region Prosecutor«s Office has launched an investigation into the collapse.
Russians Warned of Phased Restrictions on Telegram
The phased introduction of restrictive measures against the Telegram messenger in Russia is due to its failure to comply with requirements to counter criminal activity. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Council for Digital Economy Development under the Federation Council Artyom Sheikin.
The senator emphasized that foreign messengers are used to organize terrorist attacks, fraud, and other crimes against Russians, and Telegram does not comply with Russian norms designed to curb such activities.
Sheikin recalled that since August 2025, restrictions have been consistently imposed on the service: audio and video calls have become unavailable, and file transfer has partially slowed down. This gradual approach, he said, allows users to adapt and switch to other platforms.
Parents Proposed Right to Block Children«s Social Media Registration
Parents have been proposed the right to allow or prohibit children from creating social media accounts. This initiative was put forward by State Duma deputy Vitaly Milonov.
In the parliamentarian«s opinion, parents should be able to control children»s presence on social networks and, for example, temporarily block access if a child«s academic performance drops.
Milonov stressed that the responsibility for upbringing lies with parents, and they should control this important part of children«s lives.
«I am generally not in favor of children sitting on social networks. But at the very least, it should be under parental control,» the deputy concluded in a conversation with Lenta.ru.
Scientists Find Way to Completely Remove Hepatitis B Virus from Liver
Scientists from Sechenov University have created a method capable of completely removing the hepatitis B virus from liver cells, rather than just suppressing it as current drugs do.
To do this, they used the CRISPR/Cas gene-editing system, which cuts viral DNA. To deliver it precisely to the liver, safe nanoparticles that do not cause an immune response were developed, writes Gazeta.ru.
This approach offers a chance for a complete cure for chronic hepatitis B, which currently requires lifelong therapy. After success in preclinical trials, scientists hope to begin human trials in the coming years.
State Duma Proposes Giving Gamers Right to Self-Ban In-Game Payments
State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin reported that parliamentarians are discussing the possibility for citizens to set a voluntary self-ban on payments in computer games. This measure is designed to protect people, especially teenagers, from scammers and uncontrolled spending in online games.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over 10 months in 2025, about 1,000 crimes were committed in gaming communities, and experts estimate the damage from cybercrimes against children at 850 million rubles (approximately $9.4 million at current rates). So far, the initiative is under discussion.
In Spain, Train Collides with Wall Collapsed on Tracks
In Catalonia, a passenger train collided with a retaining wall that had collapsed onto the railway tracks. According to preliminary data, at least 15 people were injured, reports the Catalan government«s emergency medical service on its social media page X.
The incident occurred on the section between the towns of Gelida and Sant Sadurní d«Anoia. The cause of the accident was the wall falling onto the rails.
Free Test for Hidden Heart Attack Risk Now Available Under Compulsory Health Insurance
Starting in 2026, a test for lipoprotein (a) — an important marker of genetic risk for early heart attacks and strokes — has been included in the medical check-up under the compulsory health insurance (CHI) system. All Russians aged 18–40 can take it once.
An elevated level of this indicator, which is practically independent of lifestyle, indicates a high risk of cardiovascular diseases. For people over 40, the test is available for a fee (approximately 1,500–2,000 rubles, or $17–$22 at current rates). Based on the results, doctors will give personal recommendations for risk reduction, writes RIA Novosti.
Also included in the check-up is an expanded cholesterol check («lipid profile») every six years (for ages 18–39) or every three years (after 40).
State Duma Proposes Abolishing Commission for Money Transfers Between Close Relatives
State Duma deputies Sergey Mironov and Yana Lantratova have proposed abolishing commissions for money transfers between close relatives — spouses, parents and children (including adult children up to 24 years old). The initiative has been sent to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.
It involves implementing a special mechanism for free transfers through banks and the fast payment system after a one-time confirmation of kinship — through documents at the bank or a verified account on the Gosuslugi public services portal.
The deputies believe this will reduce the financial burden on families, writes RIA Novosti. For now, this is merely a proposal that must be considered.
Critically Ill Patient Disappears from Hospital in Krasnodar
In Krasnodar, a critically ill patient has mysteriously disappeared. Her daughter Elena believes her mother, who has been in critical condition since October, may have been secretly transported to Moscow without notifying relatives.
After hospitalization, the woman was given contradictory diagnoses, and then the daughter noticed negligence: the catheter was not changed for weeks, and drugs were administered after which her mother stopped recognizing loved ones. Elena insisted on a transfer to a Moscow clinic, but doctors refused, citing transportation risks, writes 112.
On January 19, the patient disappeared. The hospital issued discharge documents «due to improved condition,» although the day before she could not care for herself and had not spoken for several weeks. Later, Elena was told her mother was presumably in Moscow. The arrival of a capital medical team was confirmed by the head doctor of the ambulance service.
The woman«s current whereabouts are unknown, and official structures are not providing information.
Bodies Lie in Corridors of Kursk Hospital
Kursk Region Governor Alexander Khinshtein demanded the urgent equipping of a room for bodies at Kursk City Hospital No. 6. The reason was photos of deceased patients in the hospital corridor published on social media.
The photos, showing bodies on gurneys wrapped in polyethylene, were taken by one of the institution«s employees. She explained to journalists that this happens not infrequently because the hospital has no morgue. Bodies are temporarily left in the common corridor, where patients and staff walk, until transfer to the pathology bureau.
Upon seeing these photos, Governor Khinshtein ordered the hospital to be provided with a separate room by the end of the day on January 21. At his direction, Regional Health Minister Svetlana Yermolova will meet with the medical institution«s staff, and the Health Ministry will conduct inspections at other hospitals in the region.
According to Kommersant, hospital orderly Tatyana Samuilova said that bodies can remain in the corridor for several hours, sometimes up to eight. She also noted that patients being taken to intensive care see these bodies, which has a heavy psychological impact on them.
