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

Disney Worker Hurt Stopping 400-lb Fake Boulder at Indiana Jones Show

A Disney worker is recovering after being hit by a 400-lb fake boulder that rolled off track during an Indiana Jones stunt at Walt Disney World. The brave staffer stopped the boulder from hitting the audience. Disney promises a safety review and support for the injured worker.

January 1, 2026

China Imposes 13% Condom Tax, Exempts Childcare to Boost Birth Rates

From January 1, China will tax contraceptives at 13% while making childcare services VAT-free to encourage more births. The nation faces a population drop with only 9.54 million babies born in 2024. Critics warn this policy may risk unwanted pregnancies and miss deeper social issues behind the low birth rates.

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

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.