January 9, 2026

Karnataka Sets Minimum Fire Safety Rules for Small Hospitals and Clinics

Karnataka govt issues clear fire safety norms for non high-rise hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. This ends delays in fire clearances for KPMEA registration and renewals.

January 9, 2026

Bengaluru Records Nearly 39,000 Drunk Driving Cases in 2025, Licence Suspensions to Rise in 2026

Bengaluru saw a big jump in drunk driving cases in 2025, reaching 38,919. Police increased enforcement citing high accidents. Licence suspensions will be tougher from 2026, with stricter checks and new systems to catch offenders.

January 9, 2026

Two New Slender-Armed Frogs Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh by Delhi Scientists

Scientists from the University of Delhi found two new slim-armed frog species in Arunachal Pradesh. One is named after journalist E. Somanath. These discoveries highlight rich biodiversity in the Himalayas and the role of the Brahmaputra river in species division.

January 9, 2026

US Seizes Olina Tanker in Caribbean to Block Venezuelan Oil Exports

The US is taking control of the Olina tanker near Trinidad. It is the fifth ship seized recently to stop Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel was sailing under a fake Timor Leste flag and was carrying oil from Venezuela.

January 9, 2026

Bharat Coking Coal IPO Subscribed Over 8 Times on Day One

Bharat Coking Coal's IPO is oversubscribed 8.09 times on first day due to high demand from retail and non-institutional investors. The offer size was 34.69 crore shares and bids reached 280.61 crore shares.

January 9, 2026

Karnataka Releases Bengaluru Ward Reservation Draft, OBC Quota Challenge Looms

Karnataka govt has issued a draft ward-wise reservation for Bengaluru's five new city corporations. Objections are open for 15 days. OBC reservation is set at 33% but faces challenge over Supreme Court’s 'triple test'. Elections may be held this summer if no delays occur.

January 9, 2026

Dubai Cancels Six Flights to Iran Amid Rising Protests and Safety Concerns

Dubai abruptly cancels six flights to Iran on January 9, 2026, due to protests and instability across Iran. Travelers face cancellations and new transit rules.

January 9, 2026

Andhra Pradesh Cocoa Farmers Demand Price Policy Linked to Global Rates

Cocoa farmers in Andhra Pradesh urge the government to set a clear price policy tied to international rates. They want fair pay and protection from company exploitation.

January 9, 2026

Keir Starmer Excludes Financial Services from EU Talks, Calms City Leaders

Keir Starmer will keep financial services out of UK-EU alignment talks, reassuring City firms. Officials say cooperation will continue only where beneficial. Experts warn reversing Brexit-era financial rules could hurt London's markets.

January 9, 2026

Rare Rubens Painting With Duck-Rabbit Illusion Found for Under €100,000

Belgian art dealer Klaas Muller bought a rare Rubens study showing a duck-rabbit illusion. Valued much higher usually, it will be shown at Brafa art fair.