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SIR in Bengal: ECI announces hearing relaxations for four categories of voters

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Thursday evening, had announced special relaxations for four categories of voters as regards

Zohran Mamdani begins his term as NYC mayor with an historic swearing in

New York: Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of t

Venus Williams gets Australian Open wild card at 45; set to return five years after last appearance

Australian Open begins January 18 in Melbourne; the seven-time Grand Slam singles champions record at Melbourne Park is 54 wins and 21 losses

Karnataka: Congress worker shot to death in Ballari over dispute between MLAs

What began as a dispute over banners in Ballari on Thursday night escalated into a violent clash between two groups allegedly linked to mining ba

KCR creating water disputes to save BRS: Telangana CM Revanth

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Thursday, alleged that the former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) is creating water dispu

K-Pop Popular BTS Confirms March 2026 Comeback Nearly After Four-Year Hiatus

The March 2026 comeback will bring an end to BTS's four-year hiatus since they joined the country's mandatory military services.

Bus station cleanliness should be a year-round activity

The initiatives aims are multi-pronged according to the MSRTC

Hindu seer slams SRK over IPL team signing Bangladesh cricketer

Hindu spiritual leader Jagatgu Rambhadracharya on Thursday slammed Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan over the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Rider

No to virality, yes to authenticity

Wont it be awesome if who we are online is exactly who we are offline? Maybe in 2026, we can create, and consume, more authentic content on socia

Maduro Says Venezuela Open To Talks With US, Amid Pressure

To date, Maduro has not confirmed a US land attack on a docking facility in his country that allegedly targeted drug boats, according to US Presi

In Telangana, illicit business behind an ordinary facade

From a school building in Bowenpally to a chemical unit in Cherlapalli, narcotics operations functioned undisturbed for months and years in diffe

Positive Signs' on Hospitalised Australian Cricket Great Damien Martyn

Martyn, who played 67 Tests between 1992 and 2006 and 208 one-day internationals, fell ill while lying down last week and was rushed to hospital

Bank Holiday on January 2: Are banks open or closed in your state? Check state-wise list here

January 2026 brings several bank holidays across India due to New Year, regional festivals, second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and Republic Da

Switzerland ski resort fire: Death toll rises to 47, 115 injured in New Year's Party; 16 Italians missing

At least 40 people were killed, and around 115 others injured in a non-arson fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Mo

Indias ancient trees: Are we protecting natures living timekeepers?

As cities expand, Indias old-growth trees slow time and record centuries of survival yet are felled for development

7 Killed In Iran Protests Over Economy As Inflation Hits 42%

Widening demonstrations sparked by Iran's ailing economy spread Thursday into the Islamic Republic's rural provinces, with at least seven people

Morning Digest: About 40 killed in deadly Switzerland resort fire, victims yet to be identified; Centres tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day.

India and Pakistan exchange nuclear installations list despite frozen ties

The list exchange took place under the provisions of an agreement on the prohibition of attack against nuclear installations and facilities, the

At Least 7 Reported Killed During Widening Protests in Iran Sparked By Ailing Economy

The deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Irans theocracy over the demonstrations, which have slowed in the capital, Tehran,

329 days of Trump, Trump, Trump: How he made himself 'ubiquitous' in a year

President Donald Trump dominates public attention daily in his second term. He uses over 250 media appearances, 320 official events, and thousand

Cigarettes, gutkha prices likely to rise as new excise and health cess kick in

A health and national security cess and excise duty on pan masala and tobacco products respectively will be over and above 40 per cent Goods and

Zohran Mamdani promises to govern 'expansively and audaciously' in inaugural speech as NYC mayor

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor, promising to govern expansively and audaciously for the working class. He imme

Premier League: Manchester City, Liverpool Frustrated in 0-0 Draws To Leave Arsenal With 4-Point Lead

The stalemates highlighted the strength in depth in England's lucrative top flight

Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in Russias Kherson during New Year celebrations

Meanwhile, the air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 168 Ukrainian UAVs over the regions during the New Year night, and many airport

Bulgarians withdraw euros as country joins single currency bloc

Cash machines in the capital, Sofia, dispensed brand new euro banknotes, replacing the lev, which will still be in use for cash payments in Janua

Connemara Library with new childrens corner and science park to open soon

Morning Brief Podcast: How Legacy Brands Lost GenZ

Space rings in New Year with stunning Champagne Cluster view

It was given its festive nickname because it was discovered on December 31, 2020, and its galaxies and superheated gas form a bubbly pattern that

Australia's Khawaja Announces Retirement From International Cricket

Khawaja has so far plundered 6,206 runs with 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, averaging 43.39

Flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Afghanistan kill at least 17 people

Floods also damaged infrastructure in the affected districts, killed livestock, and affected 1,800 families

2026 dawns brightly on buoyant sentiment as Indias economy hits high gear

India's economy is experiencing a strong start to 2026. December data reveals high consumer sentiment and robust economic activity. Car sales rea

Knight FinTech raises $23.6M Series A led by Accel

The round also saw participation from IIFL and Rocket Capital, along with existing investors Prime Venture Partners, 3one4 Capital, Commerce VC a

Javed Akhtar Warns Of Action Against Creators For Making Deepfake Video

He wrote, A fake video is in circulation showing my fake computer generated picture with a topi on my head claiming that ultimately I have turned

1st Vande Bharat sleeper to connect Guwahati to Howrah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon inaugurate India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Howrah. This advanced overnigh

Sambusek, fatayer and kvass at Plente, a new veggie restaurant in Bengaluru

How long can humans really live? Inside the longevity science boom

The global longevity movement is gaining steam from biohacking to blue zones. Is India ready?

How does my smartphone know which way is up?

Let food be thy medicine: on nutrition and diet in oncology

Wholesome, nutrient-rich food can both protect from non-communicable diseases such as cancer and also serve as a pillar for recovery from cancer

Gold stripped from Sabarimala through organised op: SIT

A state-appointed SIT has alleged a planned operation to strip and divert gold from Sabarimala temple's sacred structures. Gold-plated copper she

Russia asks U.S. to stop pursuit of fleeing oil tanker: report

Russia made the formal diplomatic request as Trump also seeks to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

At least six reported killed during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy

The deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Irans theocracy over the demonstrations, which have slowed in the capital, Tehran,

'Mandir-masjid' issues do not sway elections: Dilip Ghosh

Former Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh questioned the electoral impact of mandir-masjid politics and criticized ecent entrants to the state unit. G

UP Doctor Rapes Nursing Student On False Marriage Promise, Case Filed

Police have booked an intern doctor of a government medical institute here for allegedly raping a nursing student on the false promise of marriag

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Young Palestinian boy drowns in muddy water flooding his Gaza tent camp, UN says

This is the latest child death reported in Gaza as storms, cold weather and flooding worsen already brutal living conditions

J&K Police XI clinches 19th Christmas Gold Cup trophy

*Sethi encourages youth to pursue sports with passion, commitment Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU,Jan 1: In an electrifying finale of the 19

Beautiful Thiruvellarai

Hatchery for Olive Ridley nesting set up at Besant Nagar beach

The facility in Besant Nagar beach is fully operational. Plans are also on to set up hatcheries in Neelankarai, Kovalam, and Pulicat; more of the

Parking chaos at its peak in Jammu

Animesh Rohmetra animesh.rohmetra1@gmail.com Walk through Jammu at any hour that matters to ordinary life office mornings in Gandhi Nagar, evenin

Venezuela frees 88 more prisoners detained after post-election protests

The New Years Day release follows the governments announcement that it released 99 people on December 26, which would bring a total of 187 people

'Padmaavat' protests: Court refuses to permit Gujarat govt to withdraw case against 19 Karni Sena activists

A Gujarat court refused the state government's plea to withdraw a criminal case against 19 Karni Sena activists accused of vandalizing property d

Winter Vibes for Heart Care

Dr Arvind Kohli kohli_arvind@yahoo.com Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enj

Samsung to launch AI appliances, push boundaries of TVs at CES: J B Park

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Samsung is all set to rollout its vision for the Device eXperience Division in 2026 and its new AI-driven c

At least seven bodies recovered, 96 rescued after migrant boat capsizes, Gambia says

It was the latest deadly incident along one of the worlds most dangerous migrant routes frequented mostly by West Africans trying to reach Spain

To convince wife against divorce, man seeks bail; NIA court denies

A man accused in a 500-kg heroin smuggling case was denied temporary bail by a special NIA court. He had requested 30 days to persuade his wife a

The Plight of local artisans of Jammu and Kashmir

Yashvi Bhat bhatjitender@gmail.com Travelling through the by-lanes of Kashmirs Safa Kadal, Fateh Kadal, and Noor Bagh, one comes across clusters

Labour Deptt holds interaction with CCI Jammu on new Labour Codes

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: In continuation of the ongoing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign aimed at creating aw

Grand cultural event held at Jammu Club

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Jammu Club ushered in the New Year with grandeur, enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness through a spectac

Huge public response to online booking for visit to Victoria Hall

Entry charges have been fixed at 25 for the general public; the time slot for each visit is 90 minutes and up to 60 visitors will be allowed per

Fifty years ago | Jewellery forms bulk of Madras disclosures

Russia hands to U.S. what it says is proof of attempted Ukrainian strike on Putin residence

Ukraine and Western countries have disputed Russias account of the alleged attempted strike

New Year celebrations pass off peacefully in city with tight security

PM Modi lauds Karnataka BJP MLAs 702-km bicycle ride from Bengaluru to Kanniyakumari

NEW DELHI, Jan 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Karnataka BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar and lauded his feat of cycling from Bengalur

Kim Jong Un's Daughter Makes 1st Public Visit To State Mausoleum

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, who is likely being prepared as his successor, accompanied her parents on her first public vis

DRDO developed weapon systems played decisive role during Op Sindoor: Rajnath

Vital installations to get air defence system *Indias indigenous capabilities bolstered Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, Jan 1: Defence Minister Rajnath Sin

PM Modi to inaugurate grand exposition of sacred Piprahwa Relics on Sat

NEW DELHI, Jan 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Grand International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics, titled The Light &

Rajasthan, Assam clinch titles in 17th Junior National Roll Ball Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Rajasthan in the Boys section and Assam in the Girls section lifted the Champions trophies in the 17

15 Technology Business Incubators established in Universities across India: Dr Jitendra

Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 1: Department of Science & Technology (DST) has established 15 Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (i

Govts ambitious plan to develop new housing colonies remains on papers only

Housing Board officers unaware of future roadmap *PPP experiment draws blank response Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Jan 1: The Union Territory Government

BJP warns NC Govt against any misuse of disaster relief funds

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Expressing gratitude to Modi Government for Rs 1,430 crore Special Central Assistance for the Union territo

Patients suffer as power outage disrupts services at Govt Hospital Sarwal

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Patients and their attendants faced severe inconvenience at Government Hospital Sarwal today after a prolon

Om Birla inaugurates Rs 29 crore projects in Rajasthans Bundi

KOTA, (Rajasthan), Jan 1: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday inaugurated a town hall and road development projects worth Rs 29 crore in Bundi

On Day One, new CS Ladakh directs Admn Secys for field visits, overnight stay

Officers go on tour outside which isnt acceptable *Accessibility to public needs to be improved Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: On Day one

DGP reviews security at major religious sites in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat today conducted a comprehensive security revie

Australia's Khawaja to retire after fifth Ashes test

The Pakistan-born batter injured his back in the Ashes opener in Perth and missed the second test before initially being dropped from the team fo

A hundred years ago | New rugby wireless station

Owaisi advocates enhanced education access and standards in Telangana

I would like to be known for my work in the education field rather than my political speeches, says AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi

Haryana's sex ratio at birth posts first gain since 2019

Haryana's sex ratio at birth reached 923 in 2025, a significant rise after a dip last year. This improvement is attributed to intensified crackdo

Mitch Marsh century sets up Perth Scorchers win over Hobart Hurricanes

HOBART, Jan 1: Australias Mitch Marsh crashed 102 off 58 balls to set up a comfortable 40-run win for Perth Scorchers over Hobart Hurricanes in t

Public Welfare Forum submits memorandum to CS

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Amar Nath Thakur, Chairman, Public Welfare Forum, called on the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo and submitted

ED seizes Rs 10 cr worth assets

NEW DELHI, Jan 1: The Enforcement Directorate (ED_ seized Rs 1.22 crore in cash and jewellery worth Rs 8.50 crore from a Delhi farmhouse today af

Commissioner Secretary launches literary collection, smart classroom at CCM

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Commissioner Secretary Cooperative Department, Babila Rakwal, today inaugurated the Smart Classroom at the

Govt committed to bring sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh: LG

Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Jan 1: The Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta today stated that the UT Administration is making sincere efforts to b

Dozens dead, 100 injured in Swiss Alps bar fire

CRANS-MONTANA (SWITZERLAND), Jan 1: A fire ripped through a bars New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort less than two hours after midnight

TAD commences electronic disbursal of Post-Matric Scholarships

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Aimed at facilitating the educational pursuits of tribal students across Jammu & Kashmir, Tribal Affairs De

Cities around world welcome 2026 with thunderous fireworks, heightened security

NEW YORK, Jan 1: From Sydney to Paris to New York City, crowds rang in the new year with exuberant celebrations filled with thunderous fireworks

PDP opened doors for BJP in J&K: Tanvir Sadiq

Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Jan 1: National Conference MLA from Zadibal and Partys Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq today said the Peoples D

WTT Youth Contender: 334 players from 10 countries, Feeder Series in Vadodara

The second edition of the WTT Youth Contender, featuring U-11 to U-19 categories, will be held from January 2 to 5, followed by the WTT Feeder Se

Election Commission warns of action if 85+ WB voters called for SIR hearings

Strict action awaits Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and their supervisors if elderly, sick, or disabled voters are summoned for hearings. Despite pr

YSRCP questions secrecy over Naidus foreign tour