January 2, 2026

SalamAir Starts Low-Cost Direct Flights from Muscat to Damascus in 2026

SalamAir will fly direct between Muscat and Damascus twice weekly from May 2026. Tickets start at just OMR 59.99, offering budget travellers quick and easy access to historic Syria. The new route makes weekend trips and cultural visits affordable and hassle-free.

January 2, 2026

BWSSB to Supply Ultra-Pure Water to Peenya Industrial Area via New Tertiary Treatment Plant

BWSSB plans to supply 4 MLD ultra-pure treated water to Asia's largest Peenya Industrial Area. ₹27 crore pipeline and new tertiary plant will ensure clean, non-potable water.

January 2, 2026

US Slashes Tariffs on Italian Pasta After Companies Address Concerns

The US has cut proposed tariffs on Italian pasta from nearly 92% to as low as 2.26%. This move prevents big price hikes for US buyers and comes after Italian firms cooperated with US officials.

January 2, 2026

China Starts Taxing Condoms to Boost Falling Birth Rates

China has begun taxing condoms and contraceptives for the first time in 30 years to tackle its declining population. The government also offers child subsidies but birth rates keep falling amid high costs and aging.

January 2, 2026

US Slashes Tariffs on Italian Pasta After Companies Address Concerns

The US has cut proposed tariffs on Italian pasta from nearly 92% to as low as 2.26%. This move prevents big price hikes for US buyers and comes after Italian firms cooperated with US officials.

January 2, 2026

KSEB Adds Thermal Fuel Surcharge on January Electricity Bills to Cover Extra Power Costs

Kerala State Electricity Board will charge a thermal fuel surcharge of 7 paise per unit for bimonthly consumers and 8 paise for monthly consumers in January. The fee recovers ₹18.45 crore spent on higher fuel costs for power in November 2025, as per KSEB and State Electricity Regulatory Commission rules.

January 2, 2026

UAE Banks End SMS OTPs from 2026, Switch to In-App Biometric Payment Approvals

From January 6, 2026, UAE banks will stop sending SMS OTPs for online card payments. Instead, users must approve transactions through bank apps using biometrics for stronger security.

January 2, 2026

MHA Restores ₹100 Crore Project Approval Powers to Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor

On January 1, 2026, MHA restored financial powers to Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor to approve projects up to ₹100 crore. This follows a recent withdrawal. Powers now require consultation with finance officials and quarterly reporting.

January 2, 2026

Kerala Govt Sanctions ₹3 Crore for Hi-Tech Sports Complex in Perumanna

Kerala’s state government has approved ₹3 crore to build a hi-tech sports complex in Perumanna, Kozhikode. The new center will feature an indoor stadium, swimming pool, and convention hall to boost local sports and community events.

January 2, 2026

District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar Escapes Unhurt After Kayak Overturns During Water Sports Trial

Collector R. Mahesh Kumar had a narrow escape when his kayak overturned during a trial for the upcoming national water sports event in Pulidindi canal. The official is safe and ready for the festival competitions set for January 11-13.

January 1, 2026

National Sports Governance Act Partially Enforced; National Sports Board and Tribunal Set Up

From January 1, 2026, the National Sports Governance Act’s key provisions came into force, launching an all-powerful National Sports Board and Tribunal to reform sports management in India.

December 31, 2025

NMDC and The Hindu Host FIC Chess Tournament for Kids in Hyderabad on January 3

The NMDC and The Hindu will hold the FIC Chess Tournament for young players in Hyderabad on January 3. The event welcomes players up to Under-15 across boys and girls categories. It’s free to register online, with prizes for winners and a special ceremony on January 26.

January 2, 2026

Kogilu Layout Demolition Families Still Await Promised Houses as Govt Delays Allotment

More than 150 families displaced by Kogilu Layout demolition were promised new homes by January 1, but no houses have been allotted. Delays persist as government finalizes beneficiary lists and eligibility rules. An NGO reports 180 families affected, urging their inclusion. Activists warn government against breaking promises.

January 2, 2026

Karnataka Plans Protest Against New Rural Employment Act, Eyes Own Scheme

Karnataka Congress condemns repealing of MGNREGA and may launch a movement against VB-G RAM G Act. The state plans its own rural job scheme to protect local livelihoods and panchayat powers.

January 2, 2026

CPI(M) Kozhikode Chief Flags Major Errors in Draft Electoral Roll, Demands Election Commission Action

CPI(M) Kozhikode secretary M. Mehaboob alleges serious flaws in the draft electoral roll. Many voters wrongly excluded or misplaced. He urges urgent Election Commission action to protect voting rights.

January 2, 2026

IAS Officer Rajendrakumar Patel Arrested by ED in Gujarat Bribery Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate arrested IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel in a bribery-linked money laundering case in Gujarat. The probe follows earlier arrests tied to land use approvals.

January 2, 2026

AI VTuber Neuro-sama Tops Twitch with 162,459 Subscribers, Beats Jynxzi

Neuro-sama, an AI-powered VTuber, has shocked the Twitch world by becoming the most subscribed streamer. With 162,459 subscribers, she leads by a huge margin over second-place Jynxzi. Created by programmer Vedal, Neuro-sama streams 24/7 using advanced AI, offering nonstop fun and engagement.

January 2, 2026

India’s IT Ministry Orders X to Review Grok Chatbot Over Obscene Content Complaints

India's IT Ministry has ordered X, formerly Twitter, to review its AI chatbot Grok. The chatbot faces allegations of generating and sharing obscene images of women. The ministry demands removal of such content and compliance by January 5, 2026.

January 2, 2026

TTD Cuts Darshan Waiting Time Using AI Amid Vaikuntha Ekadasi Crowds

TTD launched an AI-powered Command and Control Centre to manage huge crowds during Vaikuntha Ekadasi at Tirumala. Over 67,000 devotees saw Lord Venkateswara daily with shorter waits and smooth flow. The smart system spots crowd build-ups and reroutes queues to avoid chaos. Plans to expand AI tech across all darshan streams are underway.

January 2, 2026

UAE Banks End SMS OTPs from 2026, Switch to In-App Biometric Payment Approvals

From January 6, 2026, UAE banks will stop sending SMS OTPs for online card payments. Instead, users must approve transactions through bank apps using biometrics for stronger security.

January 2, 2026

Tamil Nadu starts All India Tiger Estimation 2026 from January 5

Tamil Nadu Forest Department begins All India Tiger Estimation 2026 on January 5. This large wildlife survey runs until February, tracking tigers and other animals using camera traps and technology.

January 2, 2026

Tamil Nadu Starts All India Tiger Estimation 2026 from January 5

Tamil Nadu's Forest Department will begin phase one of the All India Tiger Estimation 2026 on January 5. The survey will run in cycles until February to monitor tigers, other predators, and prey.

January 2, 2026

Oldest African Cremation Pyre Found in Malawi, Dating Back 9,500 Years

Scientists found a 9,500-year-old cremation pyre in Malawi. It holds remains of an adult woman and is Africa’s oldest known intentional cremation, showing early social rituals.

January 1, 2026

New Bronze Age Settlement Discovered in Ireland May Outdate Viking Towns

A huge Bronze Age settlement with 600+ houses was found in Ireland. It could be the first proto-town, 2000 years before Vikings arrived. The Brusselstown Ring challenges old ideas on Ireland's first towns.

January 2, 2026

Indore Water Crisis: Death Toll Rises Amid Contamination; Officials Transferred, Uma Bharti Demands Action

At least 5 deaths confirmed from contaminated water in Indore, with Congress alleging 15 fatalities. Madhya Pradesh shifts officials after public outcry. Former CM Uma Bharti calls for strict punishment amid ongoing health crisis affecting over 2800 people.

January 2, 2026

China Starts Taxing Condoms to Boost Falling Birth Rates

China has begun taxing condoms and contraceptives for the first time in 30 years to tackle its declining population. The government also offers child subsidies but birth rates keep falling amid high costs and aging.

January 2, 2026

Aboriginal Mother Dies in Tennant Creek Watch House; Calls for Independent Probe

A 44-year-old Aboriginal mother died at Tennant Creek watch house after a medical episode. NT police are investigating, but Aboriginal groups demand an independent inquiry for fairness and trust.

January 2, 2026

Swiss Crans-Montana Bar Fire Kills 40, Injures 115; Victims Sent Across Europe for Care

A deadly fire in a Swiss ski resort bar killed around 40 people and injured 115. Victims are being treated in burns units across Europe while authorities work to identify the severely burned dead.

January 2, 2026

Supreme Court Upholds Undertrial Innocence Despite Serious Charges

The Supreme Court of India ruled that undertrials remain presumed innocent even in serious cases or stringent laws. Bail is the rule, jail an exception. This key order came in granting bail to DHFL’s Kapil Wadhawan amid a long, complex trial.

January 2, 2026

Colorado Woman Killed in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack, Two Lions Euthanized

A woman hiker in Colorado died after a suspected mountain lion attack near Denver. Authorities euthanized two lions and are investigating the rare fatal attack.

January 2, 2026

Sparklers on Champagne Bottles Spark Deadly Swiss Bar Fire, 40 Dead

A deadly fire in a Swiss bar on New Year's Day was likely caused by sparklers on champagne bottles. The blaze killed 40 people and injured 119 in Crans-Montana. Authorities are investigating the fire safety measures and building regulations.

January 2, 2026

IAS Officer Rajendrakumar Patel Arrested by ED in Gujarat Bribery Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate arrested IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel in a bribery-linked money laundering case in Gujarat. The probe follows earlier arrests tied to land use approvals.

January 2, 2026

Colorado Woman Killed in Suspected Mountain Lion Attack, Two Lions Euthanized

A woman hiker in Colorado died after a suspected mountain lion attack near Denver. Authorities euthanized two lions and are investigating the rare fatal attack.

January 2, 2026

Karnataka Plans Protest Against New Rural Employment Act, Eyes Own Scheme

Karnataka Congress condemns repealing of MGNREGA and may launch a movement against VB-G RAM G Act. The state plans its own rural job scheme to protect local livelihoods and panchayat powers.

January 2, 2026

Telangana Assembly Demands Centre Withdraw New VB G RAM G Law, Restore MGNREGA

Telangana Assembly unanimously demands Centre revoke new rural job scheme VB G RAM G and bring back original MGNREGA to secure workers’ rights. CM A. Revanth Reddy says new law harms poor and women workers.

January 2, 2026

Trekking Banned at Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Top in Anantnag for 2 Months

Authorities have banned trekking at popular Anantnag spots Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Top for two months. The move follows security alerts highlighting risks in high-altitude areas. The ban aims to keep public safety intact and is strictly enforced by local police.

January 2, 2026

AI VTuber Neuro-sama Tops Twitch with 162,459 Subscribers, Beats Jynxzi

Neuro-sama, an AI-powered VTuber, has shocked the Twitch world by becoming the most subscribed streamer. With 162,459 subscribers, she leads by a huge margin over second-place Jynxzi. Created by programmer Vedal, Neuro-sama streams 24/7 using advanced AI, offering nonstop fun and engagement.

January 2, 2026

Disney Worker Hurt by 400-Pound Runaway Prop During Indiana Jones Show

A Disney World employee was injured when a 400-pound fake boulder ran out of control during the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. The worker stopped the boulder from hitting the crowd but got hurt. The park is supporting the staff member during his recovery.

January 2, 2026

Musée d’Art Moderne Gets Historic Donation of 61 Matisse Works Featuring Daughter Marguerite

Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris received 61 Matisse artworks from the artist’s family. Most pieces show his daughter Marguerite. It’s a rare, generous donation that adds to the museum’s collection.

January 2, 2026

Canadian YouTuber Caleb Calls Moving to India a Smart Move, Highlights Rapid Growth

Canadian YouTuber Caleb praises India's fast tech and business growth, calling it a place full of opportunity. He says many miss the real story by focusing on negatives.

January 2, 2026

Türkiye and Armenia Ease Visa Rules for Diplomats Starting January 2026

From January 1, 2026, Türkiye and Armenia will allow free e-visas for diplomatic, special, and service passport holders. This change aims to ease official travel and boost ties after decades of tension.

January 2, 2026

Saudi Airstrikes Kill 7 in Yemen Amid Fierce Southern Transitional Council Advance

Saudi warplanes struck Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council positions in Hadramawt, killing at least seven. The attack marks growing tensions between Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen’s fragmented fight.

January 2, 2026

Yemen Conflict Escalates as Saudi Arabia and UAE Clash Over Southern Territory

Yemen’s civil war worsens with Saudi Arabia and UAE in open conflict backing rival forces, threatening to split the country. Southern separatists push for independence amid deadly air strikes and political fallout.

January 2, 2026

NYC Mayor Scraps IHRA Antisemitism Rule, Angering Israel

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reversed a policy defining antisemitism under the IHRA, removing bans on boycotting Israel. Israel’s foreign ministry called it “antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” Mamdani also revoked other orders from his predecessor, seeking a fresh start but sparking strong reactions.

January 2, 2026

Kogilu Layout Demolition Families Still Await Promised Houses as Govt Delays Allotment

More than 150 families displaced by Kogilu Layout demolition were promised new homes by January 1, but no houses have been allotted. Delays persist as government finalizes beneficiary lists and eligibility rules. An NGO reports 180 families affected, urging their inclusion. Activists warn government against breaking promises.

January 2, 2026

SalamAir Starts Low-Cost Direct Flights from Muscat to Damascus in 2026

SalamAir will fly direct between Muscat and Damascus twice weekly from May 2026. Tickets start at just OMR 59.99, offering budget travellers quick and easy access to historic Syria. The new route makes weekend trips and cultural visits affordable and hassle-free.

January 2, 2026

Supreme Court Upholds Undertrial Innocence Despite Serious Charges

The Supreme Court of India ruled that undertrials remain presumed innocent even in serious cases or stringent laws. Bail is the rule, jail an exception. This key order came in granting bail to DHFL’s Kapil Wadhawan amid a long, complex trial.

January 2, 2026

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