January 20, 2026

Helium Cylinder Blast Kills One, Injures 12 at Kallakurichi River Festival

A helium gas cylinder exploded during the River Festival in Kallakurichi on Monday night. A 50-year-old woman named Kala died, and 12 others were hurt. Six injured are in ICU. Officials are investigating the explosion cause.

January 20, 2026

Himachal Pradesh Adds Orphan & Widow Cess, Adopts Geothermal Policy, Expands Labs, and Greenlights Alliance Air Flights

Himachal Pradesh govt approves orphan and widow cess on petrol and diesel, adopts geothermal energy policy, sets up new food testing labs, and clears Alliance Air flights on key routes.

January 19, 2026

Over 2 Lakh Devotees Trek Traditional Sabarimala Forest Path This Season

The traditional forest path from Sathram to Sabarimala closed after the pilgrimage season. More than 2 lakh devotees trekked this route during Mandala-Makaravilakku, nearly twice last year’s count.

January 19, 2026

AP Launches Free Animal Health Camps in Villages from Jan 19 to 31

Andhra Pradesh kicks off free animal health camps for all villages between January 19-31. The move will offer free veterinary care, vaccination, and disease prevention to support farmers and boost productivity.

January 19, 2026

Calcutta High Court Takes Suo Motu Notice on Rising Air Pollution in Kolkata

The Calcutta High Court on January 19 took suo motu cognisance of the worsening air pollution in Kolkata and Howrah. The court has called on the state government to respond by February 28. An advocate's PIL highlights increasing health risks. Experts blame weather and waste burning for trapped pollutants.