January 1, 2026

Maharashtra's Savannas Are 750 Years Old, Not Degraded Forests: New Study

A study uncovers Maharashtra savannas date back 750 years. Using medieval Marathi texts and traditions, it calls for conserving savannas as vital ecosystems tied to local culture.

January 1, 2026

Government Hikes Tobacco Duty, Shares of Godfrey Phillips and ITC Fall Sharply

From February 1, the government will charge higher excise and health cess on tobacco and pan masala. Shares of Godfrey Phillips dropped 10%, ITC down 6.11% on BSE following the announcement.

January 1, 2026

Hyderabad Records 5% Drop in Drunk Driving Cases on New Year’s Eve with 2,731 Bookings

Hyderabad police booked 2,731 drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve, down 5% from last year. Two fatal accidents occurred but were not linked to celebrations. Special enforcement and heavy police presence helped curb violations.

January 1, 2026

UAE Welcomes First Babies of 2026 at Midnight Across Emirates Hospitals

At midnight on January 1, 2026, UAE hospitals celebrated newborns including Saeed, the first baby of 2026. Families and staff shared joy as new lives began the year.

January 1, 2026

Deadly Explosion Hits Bar in Swiss Ski Resort Crans-Montana on New Year

A powerful explosion at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana kills and injures many. The blast struck just after midnight as tourists celebrated the New Year.

January 1, 2026

Opposition Charges Bias in Thane Election Nomination Rejections

Opposition parties slam returning officer for allegedly favoring Shiv Sena in Thane Municipal elections. Several nominations rejected, sparking protests and hunger strike plans.

January 1, 2026

Six Firearms, Large Explosives Cache Seized in Manipur’s Kakching District

Police recovered six firearms, explosives, and a quadcopter drone in Kakching district, Manipur. Security forces continue operations in sensitive areas to ensure safety.

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.

January 1, 2026

Top 10 Most-Read News of 2025: Air India Crash Tops the List

In 2025, The Hindu's most-read articles cover major events like the Air India crash killing 242, the Pahalgam terror attack, Delhi election results, and celebrity Saif Ali Khan’s knife attack.

January 1, 2026

DRI Busts Gold Smuggling at Mumbai Airport, Seizes ₹3.89 Crore Worth Gold

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 3.05 kg of 24-carat gold worth ₹3.89 crore at Mumbai airport from a passenger arriving from Bahrain. The gold was hidden in capsules inside a water tumbler. A probe is ongoing.