January 7, 2026

US Plans to Seize Russian Oil Tanker Marinera Near Europe: Reports

The US may intercept and seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, believed to be in the North Atlantic near Europe. The ship, linked to Venezuelan and Iranian oil sanctions, has changed name and flag to avoid capture. Russia is monitoring the situation closely, as tensions rise over sanctions enforcement.

January 7, 2026

NMC Withdraws 50 MBBS Seats at SMVDIME Amid Kashmiri Muslim Admission Controversy

The National Medical Commission has revoked 50 MBBS seats at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute in Jammu due to non-compliance with standards. This affects 42 Kashmiri Muslim students who qualified last year. The BJP welcomes the move, while J&K's former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warns against religious bias in admissions.

January 7, 2026

India Extends Deadline to Jan 7 for X's Report on Illegal Content Via Grok AI

The Indian government has given social media platform X more time until January 7, 2026, to submit a detailed Action Taken Report on removing obscene and illegal content generated using Grok AI. This comes after stern warnings over misuse of AI tools to spread vulgar and explicit material, especially harming women and children.

January 7, 2026

The Hindu Lit For Life Festival Returns to Chennai on January 17-18 with Star Authors and Workshops

The Hindu Lit For Life, a two-day literary festival, will be held on January 17-18 at Lady Andal School, Chennai. Featuring top authors, workshops, and talks on culture, the event promises a vibrant mix of books and ideas.

January 7, 2026

Human Remains Found in WA, Australia Faces Record Heatwave

Human remains found on a WA beach likely belong to missing snorkeler from New Year's Day. Meanwhile, southern and eastern Australia prepare for a historic heatwave with severe fire risks.

January 7, 2026

Major Archbishop launches Syro-Malabar Church’s Empowerment Year 2026 with call for united faith

Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil inaugurated the Syro-Malabar Church’s Empowerment Year 2026. He stressed the power of faith united in community to shape the future and called for reforms rooted in shared values.

January 7, 2026

TTD Launches Daily Online Booking for 800 SriVani Darshan Tickets from January 9

TTD starts a new daily online booking system for 800 SriVani Darshan tickets from January 9. Tickets are available 9 am to 2 pm and must be used the same day by 4 pm. Aadhaar and mobile verification required.

January 7, 2026

Sabarimala to Play Devotional Songs by Ordinary Devotees in Temple Playlist

Sabarimala shrine will now include original devotional songs composed and sung by devotees in its public address system. The Travancore Devaswom Board will review all submissions before adding them to the official playlist.

January 7, 2026

O-1 'Genius Visa' Sees Rise in Approvals for Adult Performers and Digital Creators

The US O-1 visa, meant for people with extraordinary talent, is being granted more to adult performers and digital stars. This trend challenges old ideas and stirs fresh debates about who truly qualifies.

January 7, 2026

Deepender Hooda Demands Haryana Host 2030 Commonwealth Games, Flags Resource Neglect

Congress MP Deepender Hooda slammed the BJP government for sidelining Haryana in sports and finance. He demands Haryana be co-host for 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics and calls out low budget and water rights issues.