January 1, 2026

Teen Falls 500 Feet on Mt Baldy; Three Hikers Found Dead in California

Three hikers, including 19-year-old Marcus Casanova, were found dead on California’s Mt Baldy. Marcus fell about 500 feet while hiking on the Devil's Backbone trail. Weather and safety concerns highlight rising dangers on this popular mountain.

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

Indians Can Renew H-1B Visas from UAE Amid Long India Wait Times

Indian H-1B holders with valid residency can now apply for visa renewal at US consulates in third countries like Dubai. A redditor shared their smooth experience with easy processing and quick approval.

January 1, 2026

Tamil Nadu: Environmentalists Demand Ban on Stone Quarries Near BPCL Pipeline Over Safety Fears

Environmentalists demand the cancellation of permits for stone quarries within 500 meters of BPCL's petroleum pipeline in Tamil Nadu's Karur, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. They claim many quarries ignore safety rules, risking catastrophic incidents. Officials call for strict action to prevent disaster.

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

3,000 Years of Kaziranga's Vegetation Change Revealed By Swamp Soil Study

A new soil study reveals how Kaziranga National Park's landscape evolved over 3,000 years to become a prime home for Indian one-horned rhinos. Scientists also found evidence that big herbivores moved here from other parts of India.

January 1, 2026

Telangana Builds 2.47 Lakh Indiramma Houses in 2025, Plans Urban Affordable Housing Policy for 2026

Telangana grounded 2.47 lakh affordable Indiramma Houses in 2025 with ₹5 lakh aid each. Rising construction costs challenge beneficiaries. The government plans an Affordable Housing Policy for urban LIG and MIG groups in 2026.

January 1, 2026

Iran Protesters Attack Government Building Amid Currency Crisis Unrest

Protesters in Iran tried to break into a government building in Fars province. The unrest follows a sharp fall in the Iranian currency. Police clashed with crowds; three officers injured and four arrested. The government declared a bank holiday in Tehran to try to stop the protests.

January 1, 2026

Woman Found Dead After Being Swept Into Ocean at Maroubra; Another Swimmer Missing at Coogee

A 25-year-old woman died after being swept out to sea from Sydney's Maroubra Beach early New Year's Day. Later, a man went missing at Coogee Beach. Emergency teams are searching for the missing swimmer.