January 8, 2026

One Dead, Three Injured as Sabarimala Pilgrims' Car Hits Lorry on MC Road

A car with Sabarimala pilgrims crashed into a container lorry on MC Road near Muvattupuzha. One man died and three were hurt. The driver may have dozed off.

January 8, 2026

Ernakulam Commission Fines Contractor ₹1.10 Lakh for Not Completing Houses

Ernakulam Consumer Commission penalized a contractor ₹1.10 lakh for failing to finish two houses on time. The contractor used poor materials and stopped work, causing financial loss and distress to the buyer, who had to spend extra money to fix defects.

January 8, 2026

Tamil Nadu Rolls Out Assured Pension Scheme Instead of Old Pension Plan

Tamil Nadu’s DMK government introduces the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), blending old and new pension rules. The plan aims to balance election promises and budget limits by offering 50% of last pay to pensioners. It includes employees’ contributions and promises a minimum payout, keeping fiscal health in mind.

January 8, 2026

TTD's Aseervachanam Scheme Sees ₹3.1 Crore Donations via Money Order in 2025

Despite digital payments booming, devotees still use Money Order to send donations to Tirumala. In 2025 alone, TTD got ₹3.1 crore from 1.26 lakh devotees via this method under the Aseervachanam scheme.

January 8, 2026

Violent Clashes in Kurdish Iran as Protests Hit 11th Day Ahead of General Strike

Protests flare up in Kurdish areas of Iran against tough economic conditions. Authorities respond with teargas and gunfire. A general strike is planned as pressure mounts.

January 8, 2026

US Seizes Two Tankers Linked to Venezuelan Oil in Major Anti-Sanctions Operation

The US has seized two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in back-to-back operations in the North Atlantic and Caribbean. The Russian-flagged Marinera was caught after a two-week chase, while the M/T Sophia was boarded in the Caribbean for illicit activities. The US aims to cut Venezuela's oil exports under sanctions.

January 8, 2026

BlueScope Rejects Kerry Stokes' $13.2bn Bid as 'Drastically Undervalued'

BlueScope Steel has firmly rejected Kerry Stokes' $13.2 billion takeover offer, calling it 'an attempt to buy the company on the cheap.' The board says the bid undervalues the company’s assets and growth. Shares soared 20.6% to a 17-year high after the bid.

January 8, 2026

Andhra Pradesh Launches Net-Zero Residential School Pilot to Boost Green Education

Andhra Pradesh, with Heartfulness, started a Net-Zero Residential School pilot at Kuntamukkala. The project teaches students eco-responsibility with green belts and wetlands to create a sustainable campus.

January 8, 2026

Elephant Kills 13 in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum, Panic Grips Region

A rogue elephant killed 13 people in two days in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum. Forest teams are trying to drive it back to the wild. Trains are cancelled and leaders call for urgent action.

January 8, 2026

US Seizes Russian Tanker Marinera in Atlantic in High-Stakes Sanctions Clash

US forces seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic after days of pursuit. The ship is linked to sanctions and may carry illicit cargo. Russia swiftly sent naval escorts, heightening tensions with Washington.