January 2, 2026

Arudrotsava Kalyanotsavams Begins at Sri Nataraja Swamy Temple in Vijayawada with Grand Rituals

The three-day Arudrotsava Kalyanotsavams started with vibrant rituals at the Sri Nataraja Swamy Temple in Vijayawada on January 2. The festival features pujas, homams, and a grand Nagarotsavam, attracting many devotees until January 4.

January 2, 2026

Cyberabad Police Warn Against Dangerous Nylon Chinese Manja Amid Rising Accidents

Cyberabad Police issue a strict warning against nylon Chinese manja as it causes serious accidents for riders and harms animals. The banned thread is illegal, with 53 cases filed in 2025. Citizens advised to use cotton strings and fly kites safely.

January 2, 2026

Captive Elephant Nellyakkattu Mahadevan Dies After Collapsing at Kerala Temple

Nellyakkattu Mahadevan, a 55-year-old captive elephant, collapsed and died at Thirunettoor Mahadeva temple in Maradu. The elephant showed uneasiness and was not paraded. Veterinary efforts failed, and a post-mortem is planned.

January 2, 2026

NYC Mayor Scraps IHRA Antisemitism Rule, Angering Israel

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reversed a policy defining antisemitism under the IHRA, removing bans on boycotting Israel. Israel’s foreign ministry called it “antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” Mamdani also revoked other orders from his predecessor, seeking a fresh start but sparking strong reactions.

January 2, 2026

US Slashes Tariffs on Italian Pasta After Companies Address Concerns

The US has cut proposed tariffs on Italian pasta from nearly 92% to as low as 2.26%. This move prevents big price hikes for US buyers and comes after Italian firms cooperated with US officials.

January 2, 2026

Kalaburagi Police Arrest Two, Recover 14 Stolen Bikes Worth ₹12.5 Lakh

Kalaburagi police arrested two men for stealing high-end motorcycles. They recovered 14 bikes worth ₹12.5 lakh. The accused revealed more theft cases during questioning.

January 2, 2026

Saudi-led Airstrikes Kill 7 in Yemen's Hadramout Amid Saudi-UAE Tensions

At least seven people were killed and over 20 wounded in Saudi-led airstrikes on UAE-backed separatist camps in eastern Yemen. Clashes in Hadramout province mark a rise in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over control in Yemen.

January 2, 2026

Deadly New Year’s Eve Fire at Swiss Ski Resort Bar Claims 40 Lives

A fire broke out at Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, killing 40 and injuring 115. Photos show sparklers that may have sparked the blaze during crowded celebrations.

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.