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

Man Killed as Lorry Carrying Illegal Sand Overturns in Tirupattur

A 37-year-old man died when a lorry overturned and crushed him in Tirupattur. Police arrested the owner and driver for illegal sand mining after a chase.

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

CPI(M) Raises Alarm Over Secret Voter Survey in Assam's Muslim-Dominated Bajali

CPI(M) accuses Bajali officials of ordering a secret voter survey in 115 Muslim-majority booths without formal orders, violating election rules. The party demands strict action for impartial elections.

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

Australian Privacy Watchdog Targets Businesses Over Customer Data Misuse

Australia’s privacy regulator has launched a major sweep targeting real estate agencies, car dealerships, and pubs for mishandling personal data. Firms risk fines up to $66,000 if they fail to protect customer information or keep it too long. Sixty businesses across six sectors face scrutiny in January.

January 2, 2026

Aboriginal Mother Dies in Tennant Creek Watch House; Calls for Independent Probe

A 44-year-old Aboriginal mother died at Tennant Creek watch house after a medical episode. NT police are investigating, but Aboriginal groups demand an independent inquiry for fairness and trust.

January 2, 2026

Russia Says Ukraine Killed 27 in Drone Strike at New Year Party in Occupied Kherson

Russia claims 27 died in a drone attack on a New Year's party in Kherson. Ukraine denies targeting civilians, saying strikes hit military sites only. The UN will investigate reported civilian casualties amid ongoing tensions.

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.

January 2, 2026

Andhra Pradesh Approves New Greenfield Port and Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board gets go-ahead to build a greenfield port and mega shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam. The project aims to boost India's shipbuilding under Maritime India Vision 2030.