The India women’s cricket team, who lifted the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, attended the Bhasm Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and offered prayers to mark the beginning of New Year 2026.

The Indian women scripted history on November 2, clinching their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title with a memorable performance. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, overcoming one of the strongest teams in women’s cricket to secure the coveted trophy.

A defining World Cup campaign

The year 2025 proved to be a defining one for Indian women’s cricket. The team endured a difficult start to their campaign, suffering three consecutive defeats against South Africa, Australia and England, leaving them with slim chances of qualification. However, India staged a remarkable turnaround, with the breakthrough coming in a crucial match against New Zealand, which they won by 53 runs.

Momentum gathered from there, and India produced one of the most memorable performances of the tournament in the semi-final against Australia, posting a massive 339 runs and completing one of the biggest run chases ever seen in a World Cup knockout match.

Ending years of heartbreak

The World Cup triumph marked India’s first-ever title in the competition, ending years of near misses. India had previously fallen short with a heavy 98-run loss to Australia in the 2005 final and a heartbreaking nine-run defeat to England in the 2017 final.

The victory was also a landmark moment for head coach Amol Muzumdar, a domestic cricket stalwart who never represented India at the international level, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who made her India debut in 2009 and finally led the team to the country’s long-awaited World Cup glory.

Strong finish to 2025 season

India built on their winning momentum after the World Cup, with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side whitewashing Sri Lanka 5-0 in a five-match T20I series, ending the 2025 season on a high.

The Indian women’s team has achieved a five-match T20I whitewash on only two previous occasions, against the West Indies in 2019 (away) and Bangladesh in 2024 (away), underlining the consistency and dominance they displayed throughout the year.

The Central government on Wednesday notified a significant revision in excise duty on cigarettes and other tobacco products. According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, an additional excise duty will be imposed on cigarettes in the range of Rs 2,050 to Rs 8,500 per 1,000 sticks, effective February 1, 2026.

The additional duty will be levied over and above the existing 40 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tobacco and similar products.

The move follows Parliament’s recent passage of the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which provides for an increase in excise duties on tobacco and allied products following the expiry of the GST compensation cess.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said in Parliament that the revenue collected will become a part of the divisible pool, and will be redistributed again to the States at the 41 per cent devolution formula.

“Many members here made the comment that this is a cess. Excise is not a cess. Excise duty existed before GST. Compensation cess is reverting back to the Centre to be collected as excise duty, which will be redistributed to the States at the 41 per cent allocated,” she had said.

Several countries revise tobacco taxes annually, while many link it with inflation, she noted. The minister added that even in India, tobacco taxes were increased regularly prior to the introduction of GST, primarily due to health considerations. “Higher prices or taxes were intended to act as a deterrent so that people would not get into the habit,” Sitharaman said.

The government is bringing back the excise duty which existed priority to the GST system.

The minister said because of various initiatives taken by the government, acreage under tobacco cultivation of over 1.12 lakh acres (45,323 hectare) moved to other crops between 2018 to 2021-22. It has shifted to sugarcane, groundnut, oil palm, cotton, chilli, maize, onion, pulses, and turmeric, she had said.

The highly anticipated ODI series between India and New Zealand will begin on January 11, with the opening match scheduled to be played at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, Gujarat.

The series has generated significant excitement, particularly as Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have retired from Test and T20 formats, are set to feature only in the ODI format. Their presence has naturally driven up fan interest and ticket demand.

 India vs New Zealand: Vadodara ODI sold out within minutes

Tickets for the first ODI in Vadodara were made available on BookMyShow and were sold out within minutes of going on sale following the announcement on Sunday. The match holds special significance for the city, which will host its first men’s international ODI in 16 years, having last staged an India vs New Zealand ODI in 2010, a match India won.

It will also mark India’s first international match of the new year. Ticket prices for the Vadodara ODI ranged from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500.

 India vs New Zealand: Rajkot to host second ODI

The second ODI of the series will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has not officially announced the date and time for ticket availability, with further details expected to be released soon, given the high demand and enthusiasm surrounding the series.

 India vs New Zealand: Ticket details for Indore ODI

The third and final ODI will take place at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18. The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has confirmed District by Zomato as the official ticketing partner for the Indore ODI. All tickets will be sold online, with prices ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 7,000.

“MPCA has engaged ‘District by Zomato’ as the official online ticketing agency. The tickets shall be available only by online mode,” the association said in a release.

Concessional tickets for students and specially abled

The MPCA has also reserved a limited number of concessional tickets for students and specially abled spectators. These tickets, available for the East Stand (Lower/II floor), will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration window opened at 11 am on December 31, 2025, and will remain open until the quota is filled or until 5 pm on January 1, 2026.

To avail of concessional tickets, applicants must upload the necessary documents, which will be reviewed by the MPCA for approval. Upon approval, applicants will receive a WhatsApp message or email containing a link to purchase the ticket and complete the payment. After successful payment, a booking confirmation will be issued, and the ticket will be delivered via courier.

The new year has kicked off with twist for fans as ‘Dhurandhar’, Ranveer Singh’s espionage thriller, steps into 2026 with revised version. The Aditya Dhar-directed action-packed saga first hit screens on December 5, 2025. Now it has been dominating the box office crossing the ₹1,100 crore mark. It has left earlier hits like ‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’, ‘Chhaava’ in the dust.

A record-breaking run for ‘Dhurandhar’

Despite just under a month in theatres, ‘Dhurandhar’ has already shattered several box office records. The film is now eyeing the title of the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. Within India alone, the first part of the story has collected ₹766.90 crore.

 

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A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

The film is made in two parts. The first follows a decade-long Indian intelligence operation, where an undercover agent navigates the criminal and political underworld of Karachi.

Fans won’t have to wait long for the sequel, with Part Two slated for release on March 19, 2026.

‘Dhurandhar’ revised version: What changes?

Even blockbusters face their share of challenges. Some viewers criticised ‘Dhurandhar’ for political undertones, labeling it propaganda.

In response, the makers have quietly rolled out a revised version. On December 31, cinema halls across India received urgent instructions from distributors to update the film’s Digital Cinema Package (DCP).

Sources told Bollywood Hungama that the changes involve muting two words and altering a dialogue, following guidance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. One confirmed edit involves the removal of the word “Baloch.”

The updated version officially hit theatres on January 1, 2026.

‘Dhurandhar’ cast

Ranveer Singh leads the charge as the determined intelligence officer supported by Akshaye Khanna. Other notable actors include R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun.

Also Read: Dhurandhar age-gap debate: What the film’s team says about Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun and the 20-year gap

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the funeral of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, had a brief meeting with Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The two met ahead of Zia’s funeral.

A picture of the meeting was shared on X by Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. “Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, exchanges greetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Dhaka on Wednesday ahead of the funeral programme of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia,” Yunus’s account posted on X.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Sadiq was no more than a courtesy call in view of the chill in relations between the two neighbouring countries. Even the Ministry of External Affairs and the minister himself did not post on social media about the brief meeting.

However, Pakistan tried to use the handshake to amplify its fake agenda and said it favours dialogue and restraint in order to avoid aggression and escalation.

It may be noted that since the Pahalgam terror attack of April last year, in which 26 people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan have had very few visible high-level contacts. In fact, India’s military action against Pakistan in view of the attack, dubbed Operation Sindoor, saw the relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours reach their historic low.

Congress attacks Jaishankar over meeting with Pakistani Speaker in Dhaka

Pakistan, dialogue, and restraint

However, Pakistan’s National Assembly Secretariat issued a press release to milk the Jaishankar-Sadiq handshake to further its agenda.

The Secretariat claimed it was Indian minister Jaishankar who approached Ayaz Sadiq during the event, as per a report in Dawn newspaper.

The press release further stated, as per news agency ANI, that since the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has “consistently emphasised dialogue, restraint and cooperative measures, including proposals for peace talks and joint investigations…to prevent unprovoked aggression and escalation.”

Pahalgam attack, Op Sindoor response

India has long held an official position that terror and talks cannot go together and that Pakistan has to stop sponsoring terrorism in India in the name of the Kashmir issue before any meaningful relations can be restored between the two countries. In fact, following Operation Sindoor, India has amended its policy further to categorically state that any terror attack carried out by Pakistan on Indian soil would trigger a military reaction, as seen during the Pahalgam episode.

India’s response to Pahalgam was multi-pronged, with diplomatic and policy measures complementing military action to teach Pakistan a lesson.

Following the attack, India had scaled down diplomatic engagement and suspended the landmark Indus Waters Treaty as well as cross-border trade to choke Pakistan.

The New Year started with style and a dash of superstar swag outside the residence of Rajinikanth. Fans braved chilly weather to catch a glimpse of their favourite Thalaivar and the legendary actor did not disappoint. He showed up, greeted them, and extended new year wishes.

A walk down ‘Muthu’ lane

True to his unique style, Rajinikanth shared a special New Year greeting on social media. But this wasn’t just any greeting. It came straight from his blockbuster film ‘Muthu’.

pic.x.com/MFgRTOVqmJ

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) January 1, 2026

In the clip, Rajini rides a chariot with actress Meena by his side. When Meena asks, “The route we are taking is correct, or is it?”

Rajinikanth delivers the iconic line fans know and love, “Who knows? I never bother about the route I take. I put my burden on God and take the path my vehicle picks, chanting ‘Shiva’!”

Rajinikanth: Celebrating life and cinema

 

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While greeting fans is a yearly tradition, Rajinikanth’s festive streak continued recently with his birthday celebrations. On December 12, the actor marked another milestone surrounded by the ‘Jailer 2’ crew.

Also Read: Rajinikanth turns 75: Dhanush’s birthday wish for former father-in-law steals the spotlight

Sun Pictures, the production house for his upcoming action thriller, shared glimpses of the celebrations on X (formerly Twitter).

The video showed the superstar walking from his caravan to the cake-cutting venue, joined by director Nelson and core team members. In a touching gesture, Rajinikanth fed cake to the director before heading back to his caravan.

The anticipation for ‘Jailer 2’

All eyes are now on ‘Jailer 2’, which promises high-octane action and Rajini’s signature style. Following the blockbuster success of the first film which amassed around Rs 650 crores at the box office expectations for the sequel are sky-high.

A very, very happy new year 2026 to each of you reading this. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the planet held its breath. One by one, cities, islands, and villages stepped into a brand-new year. New Year 2026 celebrations did not arrive all at once. It traveled slowly, following the sun, crossing oceans and borders.

From quiet shores with no streetlights to crowded city squares bursting with sound, the world welcomed 2026 in many different ways.

Happy New Year ✨
Wishing you health, happiness, new beginnings, meaningful stories, positive change, and a year filled with hope and resilience.#HappyNewYear #NewYear2026 #Welcome2026 #TheStatesman

[Happy New Year 2026, New Year Wishes, New Year Celebrations, The Statesman] pic.x.com/mw6995yKk1

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) December 31, 2025

The first hello to 2026 came from a lonely beach in Kiribati

The first place on Earth to welcome 2026 was Kiritimati, a small island in the Pacific nation of Kiribati. Far away from busy cities, this remote atoll saw the New Year arrive in complete darkness.

India steps into 2026 with joy and colour

As midnight struck in India, cities across the country came alive. Streets sparkled with lights. Skies bloomed with fireworks. People poured out in tier one cities to celebrate together.

Also Read: Devotees across India begin New Year 2026 with prayers, holy dips and temple visits

2026 की आप सभी को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। कामना करते हैं कि यह वर्ष हर किसी के लिए नई आशाएं, नए संकल्प और एक नया आत्मविश्वास लेकर आए। सभी को जीवन में आगे बढ़ने की प्रेरणा दे।

ज्ञानं विरक्तिरैश्वर्यं शौर्यं तेजो बलं स्मृतिः।

स्वातन्त्र्यं कौशलं कान्तिर्धैर्यं मार्दवमेव च ॥ pic.x.com/vMhlHe3fGR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2026

| Central Railway rang in the New Year at #CSMT with the traditional horn salute at midnight on January 1, 2026, extending warm wishes for a #HappyNewYear and a safe journey to all passengers. @Central_Railway | #CentralRailway #NewYear #TheStatesman pic.x.com/mVT69r9SOS

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 1, 2026

London and Edinburgh celebrate despite the cold

In the United Kingdom, celebrations continued despite chilly weather and warnings. And in London, thousands watched as fireworks lit up the sky over the Thames. In Edinburgh, people celebrated in true Hogmanay style.

Happy New year from London the most beautiful city in the world.#London pic.x.com/RDvBn8uYc1

— BigGhost (@Konghosts) January 1, 2026

New York’s Times Square gets a million cheers at midnight

Few New Year celebrations are as famous as the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City. As 2026 arrived, nearly a million people stood shoulder to shoulder in freezing temperatures to witness the moment.

Wearing tall party hats and glowing necklaces, revelers waited for hours. At midnight, the massive ball weighing over 12,000 pounds slid down its pole as confetti filled the air.

Waiting for the ball to drop at midnight in Times Square
New York City pic.x.com/kVetBCFXud

— New York City Kopp (@NYCkopp) January 1, 2026

For the unversed, the Times Square Ball Drop is not new. It began in 1907. The very first ball was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr. That original ball was made of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds, and used just 100 light bulbs.

The only years without a ball drop were 1942 and 1943, during World War II. Instead, people observed a moment of silence followed by church bells ringing.

This year, more than one ton of biodegradable confetti was released. Each piece carried personal wishes sent in by people from around the world.

Sydney celebrates with fireworks and reflection

In Australia, Sydney delivered one of the world’s most stunning firework displays. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge lit up the night sky in a show watched by millions.

But this year’s celebration also carried sadness. Earlier in December, a tragic attack at Bondi Beach claimed 15 lives. To honour them, Sydney Harbour fell silent for one full minute before midnight.

Asia welcomes 2026 with light, water, prayer

Across Asia, celebrations were bright and diverse.

In Singapore, fireworks sparkled over Marina Bay. Manila, Philippines had skyscrapers in Makati lit up as fireworks reflected off glass towers.

Fireworks adorn the Singapore sky as the country celebrates #NewYear2026.#Singapore #NewYear2026 #NewYearCepebrations #TheStatesman

[New Year 2026, New Year Wishes]

~ ANI pic.x.com/azztCqNEQT

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) December 31, 2025

In Bangkok, thousands lined the Chao Phraya River cheering as Thailand entered 2026. And in Dubai, crowds gathered to watch fireworks burst from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

| Dubai ushers in #NewYear2026 with a stunning fireworks display at the #BurjKhalifa. #HappyNewYear2026 #HappyNewYear #TheStatesman pic.x.com/ztzuVeSKI9

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 1, 2026

Seoul, South Korea saw laser lights painting the sky above the Lotte World Tower.

Also Read: Happy New Year 2026: New Zealand, Australia lead celebrations as world rings in the New Year

Japan ends the year with tradition and grace

In Osaka, Japan, the mood was calm and spiritual. Young women dressed in beautiful traditional kimonos took part in a Shinto ritual procession at Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.

As the Earth completed another turn around the sun, humanity stepped forward together into a new year, carrying both the lessons of the past and dreams for the future.

Also Read: New Year 2026 wishes, greetings, quotes, WhatsApp and Facebook statuses to share with your family and friends

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted party workers and supporters on the Foundation Day of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), reiterating the party’s commitment to Ma-Mati-Manush and vowing to continue its struggle for the common people.

In a post on X, Banerjee wrote, “On the occasion of the Foundation Day of the All India Trinamool Congress, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all. With the aim of serving Ma-Mati-Manush (Mother, Motherland and People), the journey of the Trinamool Congress began on this day in 1998. The core guiding principle of this historic journey is the honour of the motherland, the development of Bengal, and the protection of the democratic rights of the people. Even today, every worker and supporter of our party remains steadfast and committed to this goal. I humbly pay my respects and homage to their tireless efforts and sacrifices.

“The Trinamool Congress family is today blessed with the grace, love, and prayers of countless people. With your unwavering support as our sustenance, we remain resolute in the fight for every individual in this great democratic nation. We will not bow to any malevolent forces, and disregarding all enmity, our struggle for the common people will continue lifelong. I offer my salutations and respects to all the dedicated workers and supporters of the Ma-Mati-Manush family,” she added.

TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said that on the occasion the party renews its pledge to stand beside the people.

“On Trinamool Congress Foundation Day, I bow my head in gratitude to every member of our ever-expanding family. What began as a movement for change has evolved into a powerful democratic force. My deepest respect is reserved for our grassroots workers. You are the authors of this story. It is your discipline, your sacrifice and your unshaken faith that fuels our politics. As long as we remain anchored to our Maa, Mati, Manush, no force, however arrogant or oppressive, can defeat the collective resolve of Bengal. Today, we renew our pledge to stand beside the people, to shield their democratic voice, and to ensure that no one in Bengal is harassed, humiliated, or intimidated by the Bangla-Birodhi zamindari powers,” he said.

The TMC was formed on January 1, 1998, after Banerjee broke away from the Congress following ideological and political differences. From a fledgling regional party, the TMC rose to national party status in 2016. In 2011, it brought an end to the 34-year-long Left Front rule in West Bengal and has since remained in power, winning three consecutive Assembly elections.

This year’s Foundation Day comes amid heightened political activity as the state prepares for the next West Bengal Assembly elections, expected in March-April 2026. The TMC is locked in a confrontation with the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Draft rolls released by the ECI in December show that 58,20,899 names, about 7.59 per cent of the electorate, have been provisionally deleted due to reasons such as death, permanent migration or untraceability. The party has raised concerns over the scale of deletions, alleging possible disenfranchisement. The ECI has since revised the SIR timeline, deferring the final publication of electoral rolls to February 14, 2026.

From Chris Gayle to Anil Kumble, the cricketing fraternity across the globe extended warm greetings on Thursday on the occasion of the New Year 2026.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a heartwarming post on X on the occasion of the New Year. “Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy New Year,” BCCI wrote.

Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy New Year #TeamIndia pic.x.com/l0AjVXFTK4

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 1, 2026

In a post shared on X, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wrote, “Wishing our passionate fans at home and around the world a Happy New Year 2026 from all of us at Sri Lanka Cricket. May the year ahead bring joy, unity, and many proud moments in blue and gold.”

Legendary West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle wished fans on the occasion of Happy New Year. In a post shared on X, the former cricketer wrote, “Happy New Year Everyone! Hope 2026 will be a better one. Wish Yall happiness and success.”

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman extended warm greetings on the occassion of New Year. Laxman shared a heartwarming post on X and wrote, “Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful New Year. May 2026 bring peace, purpose and progress.”

Cricketer-turned-commentator Irfan Pathan extended warm greetings on New Year. “Pichle saal Azmaaye bhi gaye the or nawaze bhi. Is saal nayi umeede. Happy New Year to everyone from Pathan family,” the former Indian cricketer wrote on X.

Former Indian captain Anil Kumble wishes fans a happy and healthy New Year. In a post shared on X, the legendary cricketer wrote, “Warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to everyone. Here’s to new beginnings and a prosperous 2026 for all!”

Current India men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a heartwarming post with his family on Instagram on ocassion of New Year. The post captioned,” Entering 2026 hand in hand with my favourites! Happy New Year to all!”

Across the world, the New Year 2026 was welcomed with fireworks, prayers and public gatherings. Cities, hill towns and religious centres witnessed celebrations as people marked the occasion with family and friends.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday extended New Year greetings to the nation and hailed India’s decision action under Operation Sindoor, saying the “operation continues even today.”

In an X post by the ADG PI-Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi noted that the army is undergoing a decade of transformation, stating “jointness, self-reliance, and innovation” as the pillars of India’s defence strategy.

He called for indigenous technologies and new ideas to make the Army future-ready.
The COAS said, “On the auspicious occasion of New Year 2026, on behalf of the Indian Army, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens. May this New Year bring happiness, good health, and prosperity to you and your families. The Indian Army is ensuring the security of the nation with utmost vigilance and determination.”
“Last year, the enemy’s nefarious designs were given a befitting reply through firm and decisive action under Operation Sindoor, and this operation continues even today. Along with vigilance on the borders, the Army has played a vital role in national progress through rapid response during disasters within the country and nation-building efforts,” he said.

India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting the terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 individuals were killed.

Further, Army Chief General Dwivedi noted that networking and data-centricity are providing new impetus to the Army’s transformation process.
“The Indian Army is undergoing a decade of transformation, where jointness, self-reliance, and innovation are the core pillars of our strategic power. Through the effective use of indigenous technologies, new ideas, and continuous improvements, we are making the Army more capable and future-ready. Networking and data-centricity are providing new impetus to this transformation. I express my gratitude to every citizen for their contribution. Your trust, cooperation, and solidarity are our greatest strength. To achieve the goal of Developed India 2047, the Indian Army will continue to contribute to security and nation-building,” General Upendra Dwivedi said.

Post Operation Sindoor, the Army Chief has repeatedly called for jointness and the use of technology for modern warfare. In November 2025, following the commissioning of INS Mahe, General Upendra Dwivedi said that the Indian Army had also launched a series of initiatives under an overall umbrella in which jointness and integration are important pillars, recognising that modern conflicts will be multi-domain and hybrid.

COAS Upendra Dwivedi had then said, “The Indian Army too has launched a series of initiatives under an overall umbrella of a decade of transformation in which jointness and integration are important pillars, recognising that modern conflicts will be multi-domain, hybrid and require united national strength. The Indian Navy plays an important role in our neighbourhood as well as the global environment in far-off lands, where the efforts of the army can play both a supplementary and a complementary role in soft and hard diplomacy, which I refer to as smart diplomacy.”

Around forty people have been killed and many others injured after an explosion at a bar in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland during New Year celebrations, as per media reports. The explosion triggered a violent fire at the bar in the canton of Valais (Wallis) in southwestern Switzerland. The incident was reported at around 1.30 a.m. (0030 GMT) in a bar called “Le Constellation”.

At a press conference on the incident, the Italian foreign ministry said that the latest details from Swiss police indicated about forty deaths. Also, authorities said that many people were receiving treatment for burn injuries. Notably, some of the victims are from other countries, said Stephane Ganzer, head of security for the Valais canton.

MULTIPLE DEAD & MANY MORE INJURED BY BLAST AT TOP SKI RESORT CELEBRATING NEW YEAR pic.x.com/0Y7jKD8UB5

— RT (@RT_com) January 1, 2026

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed condolences to Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis over the loss of lives in the incident in Crans-Montana town.

Rescue ops underway

Rescue operations had started immediately after the fire broke out at the bar, with emergency services rushing to the spot for evacuation and taking the injured to the hospital. Authorities confirmed that around ten helicopters and forty ambulances had been mobilised.

“There has been an explosion of unknown origin,” Gaetan Lathion, a spokesperson for the Valais cantonal police told the media. The police spokesperson confirmed that there were more than 100 people in the bar at the time of the explosion.

The authorities have sealed off the area surrounding the incident and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana, police said in a statement. Officials added that the cause of the explosion remains unclear. The circumstances leading to the incident are yet to be investigated.

Several people were killed and many others injured after an explosion at a bar in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana in Switzerland during New Year celebrations, as per reports. The explosion triggered a violent fire at the bar in the canton of Valais (Wallis) in… pic.x.com/XY5ZNt803v

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) January 1, 2026

Further details are awaited as authorities continue their probe and assess the full extent of the damage.

Flight operations across several parts of northern and eastern India, including Delhi, were affected on Thursday as dense fog engulfed large swathes of the region, sharply reducing visibility and prompting airlines to issue advisories for passengers.

Low visibility conditions led to disruptions at multiple airports, including those in Delhi, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati, with airlines cautioning travellers to remain alert and check flight updates to avoid inconvenience.

Delhi began the New Year under a thick blanket of fog, pollution and biting cold, as air quality continued to remain in the “very poor” category.

Dense fog combined with low temperatures further tightened its grip on the national capital, worsening already poor environmental conditions.

According to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 372, indicating persistently high pollution levels across the city.

Air India, early on Thursday, issued an advisory on X warning passengers that low visibility conditions in parts of north India, including Delhi, could disrupt flight operations.

“Weather forecasts for tomorrow morning indicate low visibility due to fog in parts of northern India, including Delhi, which may impact flight schedules across the network,” the airline said.

The carrier added that its ‘FogCare’ initiative was in place to assist travellers. “Our ‘FogCare’ initiative provides advanced alerts to passengers on flights most likely to be affected. It offers the option for you to either reschedule your flight at no extra cost or receive a full refund,” Air India informed passengers late Wednesday.

The airline also advised travellers to check the latest flight status on its official website and to allow additional time for travel to the airport due to prevailing conditions.

IndiGo airline also flagged weather-related disruptions, stating in a post on X, “Low visibility and fog over #Ranchi and #Bhubaneswar have impacted flight schedules. We are keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.”

The airline urged passengers to remain updated on their flight details through official channels.

“We request you to stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Be assured, our teams are here to assist you at every step and ensure support. Here is hoping clearer skies help us serve you better soon, and thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time,” IndiGo said.

As fog continued to linger over parts of the Northeast, IndiGo also alerted passengers about slower aircraft movement at Guwahati airport.

“Departures and arrivals to and from the city, as well as certain routes across our network, may experience short delays as we work through the weather conditions,” the airline stated.

Visibility dropped sharply in Guwahati as fog and haze covered the skies over the Assam capital, affecting normal flight operations.

SpiceJet, meanwhile, informed its passengers about adverse weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya and Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala, cautioning that the situation could impact flight operations at both airports.

Lucknow airport also recorded low visibility early on Thursday. According to forecasts, visibility at the airport is expected to improve to around 1,200 metres, with the India Meteorological Department predicting further improvement to nearly 2,000 metres between noon and 2 p.m.

New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, was sworn into office early Thursday, taking his oath on a centuries-old Quran in a ceremony that marked a series of historic firsts for the city.

At 34, Mamdani becomes New York City’s 112th mayor and makes history as its first Muslim mayor, the first South Asian mayor, and the youngest person to hold the office in more than a century, according to news agency ANI.

“This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said moments after taking the oath, as quoted by CNN.

A midnight oath at a historic subway station

Mamdani was sworn in shortly after midnight during a private ceremony held at the long-shuttered City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan. The location, closed to the public since 1945, is one of the city’s original subway stops, dating back to 1904 and known for its tiled arches, stained-glass skylights and chandeliers.

The oath was administered by Letitia James, New York State’s Attorney General, whom Mamdani has previously described as a political inspiration.

Family members were present at the ceremony, including his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, and his parents — filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mamdani said the venue symbolised the importance of public transport to the city’s past and future, calling it “a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city”.

A second, public swearing-in ceremony will take place on the steps of City Hall later on Thursday afternoon. That oath will be administered by Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Mamdani has often cited as a political inspiration. The event is scheduled to begin at 1 pm local time.

India’s aviation regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Air India cockpit crew for operating multiple flights between Delhi and Tokyo despite being aware of safety and compliance lapses., seeking a response to the notice in two weeks.

The notice by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pertains to operations of flight AI-357 from Delhi to Tokyo and AI-358 from Tokyo to Delhi.

“The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) applicable to the aircraft was incompatible,” according to the DGCA notice.

Air India was yet to reply to the DGCA notice. The notice stated that this was not an isolated incident and that similar issues had been detected on other sectors in the past.

The DGCA has also asked the pilots to explain why action should not be initiated against them under the Aircraft Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

The aviation regulator issued the notice to Air India for operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repetitive technical snags.

Last month, following an engine shutdown on Air India’s Delhi-Mumbai flight, the DGCA said it will probe the incident. The Mumbai-bound Air India B777-300ER aircraft returned to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi.

“The AIC 887 (Delhi-Mumbai) was involved in Airturnback as during flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2 (Right-Hand engine),” the regulator said.

Soon after the take-off, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. Following the procedure, the crew shutdown the No. 2 engine and the aircraft landed safely at Delhi, it added.

The DGCA noted that “the inspection/rectification is in progress”.

“The incident would be investigated by the Permanent Investigation Board of the Airline under the supervision of Director Air Safety (NR), DGCA”, it added.

India’s Olympic gold medallist and former world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra shared photos highlighting some of his most memorable moments from 2025.

The images featured moments with his wife, Himani Mor, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending their wedding reception, as well as pictures with family and close friends. Neeraj and Himani got married in January 2025 and hosted a wedding reception later in December, which was attended by PM Modi, who congratulated the couple.

Sharing the pictures on X, Neeraj wrote:
“Ending 2025 with beautiful memories. A beautiful time with family, friends, and endless blessings. Thank you for being part of our celebration and showering us with love.”

Ending 2025 with beautiful memories

A beautiful time with family, friends, and endless blessings.

Thank you for being part of our celebration and showering us with love. pic.x.com/tC4kRWxbNv

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) December 31, 2025

Earlier, the couple also met the Prime Minister at his residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where Modi shared photos from the meeting on X with the caption:
“Met Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. We had a great interaction on various issues including sports, of course!”

Met Neeraj Chopra and his wife, Himani Mor at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. We had a great interaction on various issues including sports of course!@Neeraj_chopra1 pic.x.com/YYQjV324aV

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2025

On the sporting front, 2025 proved to be an eventful year for Neeraj, marked by significant achievements as well as moments of disappointment on the biggest stage. He began his season with a win at the Potch Invitational in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in April.

One of the standout moments of his year came at the Doha Diamond League, where he breached the 90-metre mark with a throw of 90.23 m, setting a new Indian national record. He followed this up with victories at the Paris Diamond League, Ostrava Golden Spike, and the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic, a competition named after him, held at the Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium in Bengaluru in July. He also finished second at the Diamond League Final in Zurich.

Neeraj ended the season having competed in 26 events, continuing his consistent run of podium finishes. Off the field, he was appointed an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, an honour conferred by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He also shared photographs from the ceremony with his family and friends.

With a season of highs and learning moments behind him, Neeraj will now look to make the most of the 2026 season.

Bangladesh Awami League Chairperson and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today extended greetings for 2026 and called on citizens to unite to “save the country from this journey into darkness.”

The message was posted on the official X handle of the Bangladesh Awami League, carrying New Year message from Sheikh Hasina to the people of the country.

Accuses unnamed forces of driving Bangladesh into crisis

n a strongly worded message, the Awami League chairperson referred to the conspiracies working to destroy the country. She claimed that those attempting to destroy Bangladesh had been exposed. She accused unnamed forces of pushing Bangladesh into crisis.

Sheikh Hasina said, “You have seen how illegal usurpers, holding you hostage, have pushed the country toward darkness through limitless corruption, falsehood, and the intoxication of serving personal interests.”

Calls for collective national commitment

In her New Year’s address, Sheikh Hasina appealed to Bangladesh citizens to come together to save the country from the journey into darkness. She urged people to make a collective commitment at the start of the year. She said, “Let us, as we welcome the New Year, pledge ourselves to that commitment of protecting the nation.”

Highlighting Bangladesh’s history and identity, she warned that the distinct identity of Bangladesh and its historic struggle for liberation were being questioned.

She also recalled past moments of national unity during crises. She added, “In the past, whenever such critical times have arisen, this nation has united, forgetting differences of class, religion, colour, language, and ethnicity, and has leapt forward to realize a collective dream.”

Expressing confidence in the people, Sheikh Hasina said she believed Bangladeshis would not allow the current hardships to continue for long and that a decisive outcome would be seen in the New Year itself.

Takes note of Bangladesh’s global standing

Sheikh Hasina also raised concerns about Bangladesh’s global standing, saying the country’s name had become associated with fear internationally, resulting in a loss of respect for its people. Referring to economic challenges, she said insecurity among foreign investors and donor groups, coupled with chaotic conditions, had led to an economic collapse

Hasina’s hope for renewal

“Happy New Year, my beloved Bangladesh. May the New Year bring boundless harmony, happiness, and prosperity for all the people of Bangladesh,” the Awami League chairperson said.

The message reflected her hope for renewal and reconciliation in the year ahead. She stated, “May it wipe away the sorrows and afflictions of the past, correct mistakes and shortcomings, and become a memorable year for everyone.”

Reiterating her long-standing vision for the country, Sheikh Hasina said it was her “deepest dream and lifelong aspiration” that Bangladesh should truly belong to all its people, irrespective of religion, colour, class, profession, or ethnic identity.

Concluding her message, she wished for peace and stability in 2026, hoping that every citizen’s life would “shine in safety and harmony.”

The message ended with, “Happy New Year 2026! Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu. May darkness give way to dawn. May Bangladesh live forever.”

So many years of hard work, so many seasons, one epic story! And it ends now as the ‘Stranger Things’ finale episode releases on Netflix, crashing records and leaving fans in tears, and a lingering question: Who dies in ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 episode finale?

New year for ‘Stranger Things’ fans was devastating. A lot of them sobbed with tissue boxes in hand. We saw no deaths in ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Volume 1 and 2 but the finale episode gave us so many reasons to feel sad. The finale episode had a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes, and the Duffer Brothers tried to tie all the loose ends and give us an epic finale. This is the last time we are seeing Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Will, Max and Elle together. One last time!

Also Read: ‘Stranger Things’ final episode trailer explained: Key moments, hidden clues and what episode 8 sets up

Who dies in ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 finale episode?

Heartbeats skipped for many fans as Steve falls from SQWK tower in the first 21 minutes of the show. But thankfully, Jonathan saves him.

Kali Prasad aka Eight

The first major death in the finale episode of ‘Stranger Things’ was of Eleven’s sister Kali as she was shot by the Akers the Hawkins soldier halfway through the end. First Vecna uses Kali’s powers to manipulate Hopper by controlling her mind. But she does not survive.

Vecna and mind flayer

Then comes the obvious one. The mean villain of the show dies. Vecna and the mind flayer die, but the way Joyce, Eleven and Will kill him is so epic. The satisfactory death of Vecna left everyone in tears (happy or sad, you decide).

And with the death of Vecna aka Henry the mind flayer also died because it was living inside Vecna’s body. Will tries to woo Henry to join him and select the right path. But he rejects Will’s proposal and says he cannot resist mind flayer.

With the death of Vecna, the group successfully saved all the kids from Upside Down.

Death of the hero

The hero of the show from the start of season one is Eleven, who has sacrificed herself so that her body and powers are not again misused by scientists. This leaves everyone in tears. Her last conversation with Mike was the most emotional part of the whole season. She enters inside Upside Down just before the finale blast to close the Abyss. And then, away she goes!