January 1, 2026

Bengaluru Hit by Massive Traffic Jams as Holiday Makers Return, Toll Plazas Overwhelmed

Bengaluru's roads snarled badly on Thursday evening as thousands returned from holidays. Long queues formed at tolls on highways, turning short drives into hours-long battles despite FASTag usage.

January 1, 2026

Ramesh Chennithala Backing Community Centre, Aid Projects in Kerala's Chavakkad

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala spent New Year's Day at Moonnayini, Chavakkad. He backed a ₹25 lakh fund for a community centre and pledged aid for needy villagers under the ongoing Gandhigramam project.

January 1, 2026

Maharashtra Police Bust International Kidney Racket Linked to Cambodia

A viral video by a marginal farmer revealed an illegal kidney transplant racket spanning across India and Cambodia. Police arrested eight people, including moneylenders and agents, while two doctors remain suspects in the case.

January 1, 2026

West Bengal CEO Orders Personal Visits to Include Marginalised Voters in Electoral Rolls

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer has instructed district officers to personally visit vulnerable groups, including sex workers and tribal communities, to ensure their inclusion in the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision. This move aims to help eligible voters who lack proper documents or links to the 2002 voters’ list.

January 1, 2026

Iran Executes 1,500 People in 2025, Highest in 35 Years Amid Protests

Iran carried out at least 1,500 executions in 2025, the highest in 35 years, mostly for drug crimes. The increase follows protests since Mahsa Amini's death. Authorities use death penalty to try to stop unrest, says Iran Human Rights.

January 1, 2026

Trinamool MP Urges Govt to Act on Raw Jute Crisis in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee has warned of a 'serious crisis' in West Bengal's jute sector. He urges the government to fix raw jute shortages and protect farmers and mill workers.

January 1, 2026

Three Killed as Iran Protests Spread Over Economic Woes

At least three people have died in protests fueled by Iran's economic troubles. The unrest has spread to rural areas and involved clashes with security forces.

January 1, 2026

Haryana Law Lets Occupants Buy Village Common Land Amid Rights Concerns

Haryana's 2024 law allows unauthorized occupants to buy village common lands by paying panchayats. Experts warn this favors elites and sidelines Dalits, risking social injustice.

January 1, 2026

How Gin and Tonic Helped Keep the British Empire Alive in Malaria Zones

Gin and tonic was more than a drink. It was a vital medicine for British colonials. Quinine in tonic fought malaria, while gin masked its bitter taste, helping keep soldiers and officials alive in deadly tropical climates.

January 1, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram Police Bust Drug Racket; 7 Including Doctor Arrested with MDMA and Ganja

Thiruvananthapuram police arrest seven, including a doctor and dental student, seizing MDMA and ganja near Kaniyapuram. The gang smuggled drugs from Bengaluru to local professionals.