December 31, 2025

Hong Kong Cancels 2026 New Year Fireworks After Deadly Fire, Hosts Music and Light Show Instead

Hong Kong will skip its famous New Year fireworks in 2026 due to a massive fire in November that killed 161 people. Instead, a music concert with Air Supply and a light show on landmarks will light up the night.

December 31, 2025

Kerala Priest Arrested in Nagpur Sparks Protests Over Forced Conversion Charges

A Kerala priest, his wife, and 10 others were arrested in Nagpur for forced religious conversion. The CSI Church and Kerala leaders condemn the arrests as unconstitutional violations, demanding immediate political action.

December 31, 2025

TOI World Desk Brings Global News Without Sharing Your Personal Data

TOI World Desk offers round-the-clock global news with accuracy and depth. They assure readers that personal data isn’t shared for ads, protecting user privacy.

December 31, 2025

Karnataka Dalit Groups Demand Death Penalty for Pregnant Woman’s Honor Killing

Karnataka Dalit organisations condemn the honor killing of a pregnant woman in Hubballi. They demand death penalty for five accused and immediate arrest of others.

December 31, 2025

Kerala Seeks 200 MW Daily Power from Feb to May 2026 to Meet Summer Surge

Kerala State Electricity Board plans to buy 200 MW daily power from February to mid-May 2026. Bids open for all generators on DEEP portal. Hydel reservoirs are 74% full.

December 31, 2025

Union Cabinet Freezes Vodafone Idea's AGR Dues of Rs. 87,695 Cr for Five Years

The Union Cabinet has decided to freeze Vodafone Idea's AGR dues till December 2025 at Rs. 87,695 crore. The payment will be rescheduled over 2031-2041, offering the telecom company vital financial relief.

December 31, 2025

Chinese Brands To Capture 10% Of UK New Car Sales In 2025

Chinese car makers like MG, BYD, and Chery will sell over 200,000 new vehicles in the UK in 2025. This will make up 10% of the UK market. Sales are on the rise across Europe, boosted by hybrids and EVs.

December 31, 2025

Hundreds of Thousands Mourn Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia at State Funeral

Thousands gathered in Dhaka to honor Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female PM, who died at 80. Flags flew at half-mast, and many leaders attended her funeral. Zia’s son Tarique Rahman is set to lead BNP as they aim for a political comeback.

December 31, 2025

Saudi Arabia Launches Four-Tier Sugar Tax on Soft Drinks from January 1

Starting January 1, Saudi Arabia will tax sweetened beverages based on their sugar content, replacing the old flat 50% tax. High-sugar drinks will be more expensive, while low or sugar-free drinks get cheaper, aiming to promote healthier options and align with GCC health plans.

December 31, 2025

Dubai Civil Defence Unveils New Logo, Uniforms, and Slogan to Boost Public Safety

Dubai Civil Defence has launched a fresh look with a redesigned logo, new uniforms, and the slogan “Safeguarding Lives and Property.” This move highlights their commitment to safety, innovation, and honoring tradition as they prepare for future challenges.