January 2, 2026

TTD Cuts Darshan Waiting Time Using AI Amid Vaikuntha Ekadasi Crowds

TTD launched an AI-powered Command and Control Centre to manage huge crowds during Vaikuntha Ekadasi at Tirumala. Over 67,000 devotees saw Lord Venkateswara daily with shorter waits and smooth flow. The smart system spots crowd build-ups and reroutes queues to avoid chaos. Plans to expand AI tech across all darshan streams are underway.

January 2, 2026

China Starts Taxing Condoms to Boost Falling Birth Rates

China has begun taxing condoms and contraceptives for the first time in 30 years to tackle its declining population. The government also offers child subsidies but birth rates keep falling amid high costs and aging.

January 2, 2026

TOI World Desk Delivers Accurate Global News with Strong Privacy Promise

TOI World Desk brings you the latest global news and diverse views anytime. They promise accurate updates and keep your data safe from sharing.

January 2, 2026

83.61% in Karnataka Trust EVMs, 91.31% Say Elections Are Free and Fair: Survey

A new Karnataka survey reveals 83.61% trust Electronic Voting Machines and 91.31% believe elections are free and fair. Over 95% voted in 2024 polls. State BJP and Congress leaders have reacted strongly.

January 2, 2026

Delhi HC Raises Woman's Interim Maintenance to ₹1 Lakh, Rules Foreign Income Conversion Is Not Automatic

Delhi High Court increased a woman's interim maintenance to ₹1 lakh per month. The court said maintenance can't be calculated with exact math and foreign income can't be simply converted into rupees for claims.