January 9, 2026

Victoria Police End Melbourne CBD Warrantless Search Powers Early

Victoria Police have ended their Melbourne CBD designated area early. Warrantless searches will stop from 11.59pm on January 9, 2026. The decision comes months before the planned 6-month period and ahead of a legal challenge in federal court.

January 9, 2026

Rajasthan Caste Panchayat Orders Women to Use Only Basic Phones, Retracts Later

In Rajasthan's Jalore district, the Chaudhury caste panchayat banned women from using smartphones with cameras. The controversial order was retracted after viral outrage and intervention by the National Human Rights Commission.

January 9, 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan Calls for Urgent Action on Severe Air Pollution in Angul-Talcher Belt

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan demands urgent and permanent measures to fight severe air pollution in Angul-Talcher. He urges strict pollution controls, mechanised coal transport, and green buffers to protect public health.

January 9, 2026

Chittoor's Dairy Boom Powers Livelihoods Amid Challenges

Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh produces 18-20 lakh litres of milk daily, supporting thousands of small farmers. Women lead the sector despite price drops and fodder shortages. Amul's entry improves prices, but farmers seek cooperative revival.

January 9, 2026

Telangana Farmers Struggle for Land Titles as Affidavit Rule Blocks Sada Bainama Regularisation

Farmers in Telangana face endless delays getting land titles due to a tough affidavit rule. Despite decades of farming, affidavit demands from original sellers’ heirs stop many from owning their land legally.

January 9, 2026

Fire Destroys Three Luxury Yachts at Sydney's Spit Marina; One Injured

A fire broke out early Friday at Sydney's Spit Marina, sinking three yachts and damaging another. Four people were safely evacuated; one woman injured. Authorities launched cleanup and investigation.

January 9, 2026

Bushfire Destroys Over 10 Properties in Ruffy, Victoria; Emergency Warnings Issued

A fierce bushfire in Ruffy, Victoria, destroyed more than 10 properties and left the town’s main street in ruins. Firefighters are battling out-of-control flames amid hazardous conditions and new emergency warnings advise residents to shelter immediately.

January 9, 2026

FBI Blocks Minnesota Officials from ICE Shooting Probe Amid Protests Over Renee Good’s Death

The FBI has stopped Minnesota officials from joining the investigation into ICE agent’s shooting of Renee Good. The move sparks protests and political tension over control of the case.

January 9, 2026

Rajasthan ACB Busts ₹2,000 Crore Midday Meal Scam From COVID-19 Period

Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau exposed a ₹2,000 crore scam in midday meal food supplies during the COVID-19 school closures. Twenty-one accused, including government and private firm officials, face charges of cheating and forgery in the major fraud.

January 9, 2026

ED and I-PAC Move Calcutta HC Over Raids at Pratik Jain's Office and Home in Coal Scam Probe

ED and I-PAC have approached Calcutta High Court over the searches at I-PAC chief Pratik Jain’s home and office. The raids are linked to a multi-crore coal pilferage scam. CM Mamata Banerjee stormed Jain’s residence and office during ED raids, alleging seizure of TMC documents and strategies.