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As New Year celebrations approach, the Centre has placed top cities on high alert to ensure safety. Delhi has enforced traffic curbs around India Gate, deploying 3,000 police personnel and setting up over 50 check posts. Enhanced security arrangements are also in place across Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and HYD to prevent untoward incidents.
Hyderabad is buzzing with New Year cheer as youngsters gear up to welcome 2026 in style. Pubs, clubs, restaurants, and resorts glow with vibrant lights, while Hi-Tech City, Madhapur, and Gachibowli host grand celebrations. To ensure safety, HYD police have enforced traffic restrictions and heightened security, ensuring a smooth and joyful start to the year.
The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has appointed senior IPS officer Sadanand Vasant Date as the new Director General of Police. A 1990-batch officer, Date is widely respected for his leadership during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Maha Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal issued the official orders, with Date set to assume charge on January 3.
The Union Cabinet approved the 8th Pay Commission, effective Jan 1, 2026, bringing salary, pension, and allowance hikes for central govt employees and pensioners. Dearness Allowance will be adjusted for inflation. While exact hike percentages are awaited, basic salaries could rise from ₹18,000 to ₹51,480, benefiting over 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners.
MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya acknowledged lapses by officials in the Indore water contamination that has claimed 7 lives and affected over 1,100 people in Bhagirathpura. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed the deaths and hospitalizations. Vijayvargiya warned that those responsible will not be spared and urged focus on patient recovery first.
Security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from a forested hill near Gondpalli village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district. The haul, found during an anti-Naxal operation by the CRPF and district police, included rifles and over 400 live rounds of ammunition. The operation highlights ongoing efforts against Maoist activities.
EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar met Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Govt of India after the passing of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia. The meeting reflected India’s respect for the late leader and continued engagement with Bangladesh’s political stakeholders during national mourning.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath recalled PM Modi’s Nov 25 Ayodhya visit, when he hoisted the saffron flag atop the Ram Temple. He said Modi reaffirmed no one is above Sanatan Dharma and criticized previous govts for ignoring the holy city. Yogi also marked Aug 5, 2020 and Jan 22, 2024 as milestones in the temple’s […]
Fireworks are usually central to Hong Kong’s New Year celebrations, but 2026 will be different. Authorities have cancelled the iconic Victoria Harbour display following a massive fire in Nov. The blaze claimed at least 161 lives, prompting officials to scale back festivities and mark the holiday with subdued observances instead across the city this year.
Zomato and Swiggy are offering extra incentives to delivery partners, a usual festive strategy, to avoid service disruptions on New Year’s Eve amid a nationwide strike call. Gig worker unions TGPWU and IFAT say lakhs of delivery and app-based workers are striking over pay and working conditions. Demand peaks during New Year.
A total of 2,516 nominations were filed for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, with 2,122 submitted on the final day. Polls for 227 wards will be held on January 15 and counted on January 16. M-Eastward recorded the highest, 183 filings. Scrutiny began today, while withdrawals are open until January 2 and the nomination process […]
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake jolted northeastern California near Susanville, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck shortly after and occurred at a shallow depth of 4.7 kilometres. Tremors were felt in surrounding areas, with residents in Nevada County reporting the shaking. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were issued by local authorities.
Denmark has officially stopped its postal services, becoming the first country to do so. The government cited the growing preference for digital communication among citizens as the reason. With people increasingly using emails, messaging apps, and online services, traditional mail has seen a significant decline, prompting this historic decision.
Andhra Pradesh government announced good news for liquor consumers. To avoid inconvenience to tourists and locals, alcohol shops will remain open today and tomorrow until midnight. Bars, licensed hotels, AP Tourism hotels, and event-permitted venues can serve and sell alcohol until 1 AM, ensuring smooth festive celebrations across the state.
The Central government has declared today as the final date to link PAN with Aadhaar. PANs not linked by this deadline will be canceled from January 1, 2026, preventing income tax filings, stopping tax refunds, and attracting higher TDS on bank transactions and investments, including mutual funds. Taxpayers must ensure timely linking to avoid penalties.