January 1, 2026

Goa Govt Disqualifies Arpora-Nagoa Sarpanch and Dismisses Panchayat Secretary Over Nightclub Fire

Goa government disqualified Arpora-Nagoa's sarpanch and dismissed its former panchayat secretary after a magisterial report on a nightclub fire that killed 25 people.

January 1, 2026

Goa Nightclub Fire: Illegal Salt Pan Structure and Licence Lapses Blamed for 25 Deaths

A magisterial inquiry found Goa's deadly nightclub was built illegally on a salt pan and ran without a valid licence. The fire, lacking safety measures, killed 25. Authorities and owners face probe and arrests.

January 1, 2026

Villupuram Police Install Over 100 CCTV Cameras on Highways to Catch Traffic Offenders

Villupuram police have installed 100+ high-res CCTV cameras at key highway points. These cameras will capture offences like speeding and red-light jumping, linking to a new control room for better crime detection and traffic safety.

January 1, 2026

Teen Falls 500 Feet on Mt Baldy; Three Hikers Found Dead in California

Three hikers, including 19-year-old Marcus Casanova, were found dead on California’s Mt Baldy. Marcus fell about 500 feet while hiking on the Devil's Backbone trail. Weather and safety concerns highlight rising dangers on this popular mountain.

January 1, 2026

Disney Worker Hurt Stopping 400-lb Fake Boulder at Indiana Jones Show

A Disney worker is recovering after being hit by a 400-lb fake boulder that rolled off track during an Indiana Jones stunt at Walt Disney World. The brave staffer stopped the boulder from hitting the audience. Disney promises a safety review and support for the injured worker.

January 1, 2026

China Imposes 13% Condom Tax, Exempts Childcare to Boost Birth Rates

From January 1, China will tax contraceptives at 13% while making childcare services VAT-free to encourage more births. The nation faces a population drop with only 9.54 million babies born in 2024. Critics warn this policy may risk unwanted pregnancies and miss deeper social issues behind the low birth rates.

January 1, 2026

Indians Can Renew H-1B Visas from UAE Amid Long India Wait Times

Indian H-1B holders with valid residency can now apply for visa renewal at US consulates in third countries like Dubai. A redditor shared their smooth experience with easy processing and quick approval.

January 1, 2026

Tamil Nadu: Environmentalists Demand Ban on Stone Quarries Near BPCL Pipeline Over Safety Fears

Environmentalists demand the cancellation of permits for stone quarries within 500 meters of BPCL's petroleum pipeline in Tamil Nadu's Karur, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. They claim many quarries ignore safety rules, risking catastrophic incidents. Officials call for strict action to prevent disaster.

January 1, 2026

Devotees Take Holy Dip Ahead of Dwadasi Chakrasnanam at Lord Venkateswara Temple

Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Lord Venkateswara temple to take a holy dip in the pushkarini on Dwadasi Chakrasnanam day. TTD managed the huge crowd while Lavu Rattaiah donated ₹1 crore to the temple trust.

January 1, 2026

3,000 Years of Kaziranga's Vegetation Change Revealed By Swamp Soil Study

A new soil study reveals how Kaziranga National Park's landscape evolved over 3,000 years to become a prime home for Indian one-horned rhinos. Scientists also found evidence that big herbivores moved here from other parts of India.