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In Hyderabad, GHMC has announced that property tax and trade license payments in merged areas will now be fully online. Cash transactions are banned, and payments can only be made via UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking. The move aims to increase transparency and make the payment process faster and easier for citizens.
Cigarette prices in India will rise sharply from February 1. The Tobacco Institute of India warns that sudden large price increases may encourage smuggling. The industry suggests avoiding a steep one-time tax hike, saying gradual adjustments are better to prevent illegal trade and protect both consumers and the legal tobacco market.
Several parts of Hyderabad will face an 18-hour drinking water disruption starting at 10 AM today due to leak repairs and maintenance on the Krishna Phase-III pipeline and the 132 kV Peddapur feeder. Areas affected include Madhapur, Kondapur, Balanagar, Miyapur and surrounding localities. Normal water supply is expected to resume by 4 AM on January […]
Yemen’s UAE-backed separatists announced a 2-year independence transition despite 20 fighters killed in Saudi-led airstrikes. The Southern Transitional Council plans “South Arabia,” with dialogue and a referendum, warning it may declare immediate independence if attacked, following its rapid southern advance, escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
US Homeland Security faced backlash after sharing a Japanese artist’s artwork to promote deportations without consent. The image showed an empty beach and message on mass deportations. Artist Hiroshi Nagai objected publicly. Critics say DHS keeps misusing art and music for immigration messaging, despite past objections from artists and singers.
UN chief Antonio Guterres urged Israel to lift its ban on foreign aid groups in Gaza. Israel blocked 37 NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders, for refusing to share staff lists. NGOs say the rule breaks humanitarian law. The UN warns the ban could worsen suffering and weaken a fragile ceasefire during ongoing war recovery efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he plans to replace the Defence Minister and has offered the role to Digital Transformation Minister Mikhailo Fedorov. In his daily social media address, Zelensky said he wants to change the structure of the defence ministry as part of a broader leadership reshuffle, outlined during the ongoing war with Russia […]
Delhi is planning reforms to curb pollution, including allowing privately owned electric vehicles to operate as taxis, shared ride services and airport shuttles. The plan emerged from a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta with auto makers and ride-hailing firms, stressing that reducing vehicles on roads is vital for sustainable pollution control.
Saudi-led airstrikes killed 20 people in Yemen after clashes with UAE-backed separatists. The fighting followed the takeover of areas in Hadramout and Mahra. Saudi officials urged withdrawal, but separatists refused. Both sides accused each other of escalation as tensions rose, despite calls for calm and peaceful talks nationwide unrest.
Israeli former hostage Romi Gonen said in a interview that 4 Hamas militants sexually assaulted her during 15 months of captivity in Gaza. Released in Jan 2025, she described repeated assaults and threats. Hamas denied the allegations. Other released Israeli captives have also reported sexual abuse during captivity. She was abducted from the Nova festival.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said cricket should not be linked to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, reacting to criticism of KKR picking Mustafizur Rahman. He said sports must remain separate from politics, stressing the cricketer has no role in such issues and that isolating neighbours through sporting boycotts serves no constructive purpose.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico, interrupting a press conference by President Claudia. Sirens sounded as she asked people to evacuate. The quake was felt in Guerrero and Mexico City. Officials said no serious damage occurred, though some buildings were evacuated and residents reported fear. Hospitals checked safety, and alerts woke many residents.
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has extended the deadline for municipal commissioners to publish polling station-wise voters’ lists, including duplicate names, to today, January 3. The update was issued on December 27. Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16.
The Chhattisgarh High Court granted bail to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former CM Bhupesh Baghel, in two cases linked to the alleged ₹200 crore liquor scam. The Enforcement Directorate and Chhattisgarh ACB/EOW had arrested him in July and September 2025, respectively. He remains under investigation in both corruption and money laundering probes.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR revoked Stage-3 GRAP curbs following a significant improvement in air quality. Delhi’s AQI dropped from 380 yesterday to 236 today, showing a positive trend and cleaner skies for residents. Officials confirmed all restrictions under GRAP 3 are lifted immediately across the NCR region.