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.

January 1, 2026

Telangana Builds 2.47 Lakh Indiramma Houses in 2025, Plans Urban Affordable Housing Policy for 2026

Telangana grounded 2.47 lakh affordable Indiramma Houses in 2025 with ₹5 lakh aid each. Rising construction costs challenge beneficiaries. The government plans an Affordable Housing Policy for urban LIG and MIG groups in 2026.

January 1, 2026

Iran Protesters Attack Government Building Amid Currency Crisis Unrest

Protesters in Iran tried to break into a government building in Fars province. The unrest follows a sharp fall in the Iranian currency. Police clashed with crowds; three officers injured and four arrested. The government declared a bank holiday in Tehran to try to stop the protests.

January 1, 2026

Woman Found Dead After Being Swept Into Ocean at Maroubra; Another Swimmer Missing at Coogee

A 25-year-old woman died after being swept out to sea from Sydney's Maroubra Beach early New Year's Day. Later, a man went missing at Coogee Beach. Emergency teams are searching for the missing swimmer.

January 1, 2026

Bulgaria Joins Eurozone Amid Mixed Public Feelings and Political Turmoil

Bulgaria, the EU's poorest member, adopts the euro, joining the eurozone as its 21st country. The move sparks excitement among young urbanites but fear among older rural folk. Political unrest and public worries on prices mark this major currency change.

January 1, 2026

Ernakulam Police Book Manager and Customers After Knife Threat at Fried Chicken Outlet

Two cases filed by Ernakulam police after a fried chicken outlet manager allegedly threatens customers with a knife over food quantity. The customers then allegedly manhandled the manager.

January 1, 2026

France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s to Cut Screen Time by 2024

France is set to ban social media access for children under 15 by September 2024. Backed by President Macron, the law aims to protect kids from online harms and limit screen time, including a mobile phone ban in schools.

January 1, 2026

Indonesia Raises Volcano Alert to Second Highest at Mount Bur Ni Telong

Indonesia has raised the alert level for Mount Bur Ni Telong volcano in Aceh due to rising volcanic earthquakes. Residents near the volcano are urged to stay clear amid fears of eruptions.