Zohran Mamdani took oath as New York City mayor just after midnight on Thursday at the closed City Hall subway station in Manhattan. He placed his hand on the Quran during the ceremony, becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin person to lead America’s largest city. Mamdani is a Democrat and was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The station, now decommissioned, is among the city’s oldest subway stops and is known for its arched ceilings. In a short address, Mamdani said it was “the honour and the privilege of a lifetime” to serve the people of New York City. (PC: India Today)

Shares of major Indian tobacco firms fell sharply on January 1, 2026, after the government announced a new excise duty on cigarettes set to take effect from February 1. The finance ministry’s order imposes levies ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 cigarettes depending on length, on top of the existing 40% Goods and Services Tax, significantly raising costs for producers and smokers. ITC’s stock dropped over 4% and Godfrey Phillips fell around 8%, marking notable declines in the market as investors reacted to the expected impact on sales and profitability. The tax change is part of broader efforts to curb tobacco use and increase revenue. (PC: Reuters)

Indian government officials have firmly rejected claims by China and the United States that either played a mediating role in ending the May 2025 India-Pakistan military standoff following Operation Sindoor. New Delhi reiterated that the May 10 ceasefire was the result of direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, with no third-party intervention involved. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently listed the India-Pakistan conflict among global disputes Beijing said it mediated—a claim India dismissed as inaccurate. India’s longstanding policy opposes external mediation in bilateral security matters with Pakistan.

New research shows air pollution is chemically degrading India’s historic monuments, with pollutants from vehicles, factories and power plants reacting with stone surfaces to form damaging black crusts and corrode architectural details. At the Red Fort in Delhi, sulphation processes on sandstone are turning its iconic red façade black, while erosion also threatens other sites like Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal, which has long suffered discoloration due to pollution. Experts warn that without stronger emissions control and conservation efforts, these cultural treasures will continue to lose structural integrity and aesthetic value, imperiling India’s heritage for future generations. (PC: AFP)

A severe cold wave and dense fog gripped northern and eastern India as the New Year began, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha, disrupting travel and daily life. Dense to very dense fog reduced visibility, affecting road, rail and air services, with numerous flight cancellations and delays reported. Widespread cold day conditions are forecast to continue, while several states extended school closures due to safety concerns amid plunging temperatures and heavy fog. Authorities have urged precautions as winter chills persist. (PC: HT)

A magisterial inquiry into the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire in Goa, which killed 25 people on December 6, 2025, found document forgery, licence violations and illegal construction were key factors in the tragedy. The report revealed the club was built illegally on protected salt pan land and operated without a valid trade licence after March 2024, yet authorities failed to shut it down. Local officials, including the panchayat secretary, allegedly colluded with the owners, issuing licences with forged paperwork and ignoring regulatory lapses. The inquiry highlighted serious governance failures, environmental violations and systemic negligence that allowed the unsafe venue to function and endanger lives. 

A wild elephant in a national park reacted strongly upon seeing a camera installed to monitor wildlife. In a viral 28-second video shared by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan, the elephant charges at the device and knocks it over, seemingly annoyed by the unnatural setup in its space. Kaswan joked on X that “privacy is important,” highlighting the animal’s awareness. The camera, part of a network of about 210 units used for habitat and population studies, survived the encounter and captured the footage. The clip amazed social media users, who praised the elephant’s intelligence and behavior.

As the world steps into 2026, people across continents have welcomed the New Year with fireworks, prayers, music, and quiet reflection. From Kiribati, the first place to enter the year, to India, where crowds filled Marine Drive and Connaught Place despite winter cold, streets glowed with colour and hope. Sydney paused to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach attack, while Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Seoul lit up the night sky. In Europe, swimmers braved icy waters and towns kept alive age-old customs. Each celebration, big or small, carried one shared wish for peace and better days. We thank our readers for their trust and wish every family in India and around the world a safe, healthy, and joyful New Year.

Several countries across the Asia-Pacific region welcomed 2026 with fireworks and public gatherings. India marked the New Year in dense fog and cold, with crowds at Marine Drive in Mumbai and Connaught Place in Delhi. Hill towns such as Shimla and Manali were packed with tourists. New Zealand was among the first major nations to celebrate, with about 3,500 fireworks launched from Auckland’s Sky Tower. The Chatham Islands entered the year before the mainland. Australia followed with a large show in Sydney Harbour, where a minute’s silence was held for victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong also rang in the New Year with traditional events.

India rang in 2026 with large crowds at public spots and high security across major cities. In Delhi and Mumbai, people gathered at India Gate, Connaught Place, and Marine Drive despite cold weather. Police deployed extra staff and issued traffic advisories to manage the rush. Checkpoints were set up and action was promised against drunk driving. Gurugram and Noida also saw heavy footfall. In Rajasthan, teams inspected vehicles and enforced safety rules. Maharashtra allowed hotels and restaurants to stay open till 5 am. Hyderabad police warned drivers to take cabs after drinking. Bengaluru planned to deploy about 20,000 police personnel. (PC: HT)