Top News

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.

Gold, silver prices today, January 2, 2026: Check city-wise rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and more

On January 2, 2026, gold prices in India range from Rs 13,488 per 1 gram for 24K gold and Rs 12,364 per 1 gram for 22K gold. Silver is priced at

Control or be controlled: Why owning hospitals will be non-negotiable for India's healthtech startups

When cancer-care platform Onco shut down operations in early 2025, it offered a lesson for India's healthtech sector: connecting patients to hosp

In Haryana, provocative pop picks guns and goons

In Haryana, folk music has given way to Haryanvi pop over the past decade, marking a generational shift and taking the local music industry to in

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

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

Swiss face arduous task of identifying victims of deadly bar fire

So severe were the burns suffered by the mostly young crowd of revellers in the Le Constellation bar that Swiss officials said it could take days

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?

Judgement, prejudice, misunderstandings: what trans men face when they access healthcare

The healthcare system for trans men and gender-diverse people remains constrained by limited research, poor understanding of their identities, an

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

CM

.

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

People flock to tourist spots, shrines as India welcomes New Year with gusto

NEW DELHI, Jan 1: Crowds thronged illuminated malls, recreational centres and tourist spots and devotees visited places of worship and took a dip

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

Mushroom cultivation training prog concludes at SBI RSETI

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: A mushroom cultivation training program of 10 full days conducted by SBI Rural Self Employment Training Ins

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

Sakeena for inspection on fortnightly basis of all health facilities

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today emphasized on t

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

JKPL: Royal Goodwill, Kanwal Tigers win

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 1: The New Year began with high drama and thrilling cricket action in BIG Jammu Kashmir Premier League

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

Aravalli-like row in Bengaluru: SC panel visit today

A Supreme Court panel will inspect Bannerghatta National Park following a plea against a government decision to drastically shrink its eco-sensit

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

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

State records 5.78% growth in net GST collections in December 2025

At 2,652 crore, the collections are the highest-ever for the month of December since the GST regime began in 2017, says official

Cave in on R.K. Mutt Road disrupts traffic

Approached HC 104 times to hold rallies in West Bengal: BJP leader

Suvendu Adhikari said that interventions by the Calcutta High Court were necessary because the police routinely denied permission purely to stifl

First time in its history, Bangladesh to try postal ballots in 2026 election

According to the Election Commission of Bangladesh, more than 1.2 million Bangladeshi citizens both living at home and abroad have registered a

ED searches seven locations in Rajasthan in Digi Mudra scam case

The ED initiated investigation based on the first information reports registered by the Special Task Force, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, and other pol

NMC orders hosps to stock rabies drugs after Supreme Court flags stray threat

Medical colleges nationwide must now maintain constant stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, following Supreme Court directives. Thi

Weather forecast for Friday: Snow, arctic air disrupts post-New Year's day travel

U.S. weather forecast: In the West, while California experiences a lull in rain on Friday, sporadic rain will extend from that state to Washingto

ED attaches 33.66-crore assets in Birla Emporium-Ira Finance case

The ED probe is based on a First Information Report registered by the police in Manipur, against Yumnam Irabanta Singh, director of Birla Emporiu

Nadia bomb blast victim Tamannas mother hospitalisedin Kolkata after condition deteriorates

Opposition blames government and police for the situation; Trinamool says police taking necessary action

AP Introduces First-Ever Supplementary Exams For Paramedical Students

The supplementary examinations will be held on February 2, 3 and 4, according to an official statement issued by the Secretary of the Allied and

Indore sewage-water mix toll rises, now 9

Tragedy struck Bhagirathpura as nine individuals succumbed to illness after consuming contaminated water. Diarrhoea and vomiting plagued resident

Police act against 130 locals for possessing VPNs on mobile phones in Kashmir

Genuine users were released after detailed device analysis with a strict warning to refrain from VPN usage in the future, the police said

DC Edit | Regional Powers Face Bigger Challenge In 2026 Polls

What 2026 holds for the ruling alliance and an array of powerful regional parties like the DMK and the TMC which hold the upper hand in their lai

Rajnath Singh to unveil Vajpayees portrait at Assembly on January 3

Deadly Chinese Manja Leaves 4 With Neck Injuries

On December 29, the deadly string nearly proved fatal for a food delivery executive, Md Jameel, at Shamsheergunj. The abrasive thread wrapped aro

Indore water contamination: Kin tending to ill, deathly silence in Bhagirathpura

A contaminated water supply in Indore's Bhagirathpura has led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak, claiming nine lives and hospitalizing over 200 resi

Chief Justice John Roberts shares quote of the day amidst constitutional crisis fears

Chief Justice John Roberts' letter on Wednesday comes after a year in which legal scholars and Democrats raised fears of a possible constitutiona

Arunachal celebrates Indias first sunrise of 2026 with Dance of the Dawn

The performance was an artistic narrative through chants, songs, and indigenous rhythms of the Meyor and Mishmi communities, combined with contem

Videos, automated tests to tackle vehicle fitness fraud

The transport ministry is proposing mandatory fitness and pollution tests at automated test stations (ATS) for private vehicles, ending home-deli

Sajjanar Pats Police for Keeping Hyderabad Safe

Sajjanar said he had personally monitored the security arrangements across all nine zones throughout the night.

IRS issues nationwide notice that could help some taxpayers save $10,000 in 2026

The IRS has confirmed a new nationwide tax deduction that could save car buyers up to $10,000 in 2026. The rule covers interest on new, American-

NY Stories: Driver Who Tore Clothes, Mystery Man Who Disappeared

The special enforcement drive, from 7 pm on Wednesday to 3 am on Thursday, resulted in 1,198 cases in Hyderabad, 928 in Cyberabad, and 605 in Mal

City records cleanest air in 8 years: Sirsa

Pilot found tipsy in Vancouver, act by Jan 26: Canada to Air India

Air India faces scrutiny from Transport Canada after a pilot was found intoxicated before operating a flight from Vancouver on December 23, 2025.