A devastating explosion and blaze ripped through the “Le Constellation” bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, killing dozens of people and injuring about 100 more, Swiss authorities said. The venue was crowded with revelers, many from abroad, when the incident occurred. Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, responded as hospitals filled with severe burn victims. Officials have ruled out terrorism and launched an investigation into the cause, which remains unclear. A no-fly zone has been imposed and support centers established for affected families. �

Even as China conducted large-scale military drills — including live-fire exercises and simulated blockades dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” — around Taiwan’s coast, everyday life largely went on as usual for residents, Al Jazeera reports. Many locals carried on routines like socialising and working without disruption, reflecting an enduring normalization of cross-strait tensions. While the exercises underscored Beijing’s growing assertiveness over Taiwan, they did not visibly alter civilian activities. The drills, widely covered in media and discussed online, highlight persistent geopolitical friction as China asserts claims over Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. (PC: Al Jazeera)

At least seven people have died and 149 more were hospitalised in Indore after drinking contaminated tap water, mainly in the Bhagirathpura area, officials said. Preliminary investigations indicate that a leak in a main water pipeline beneath a toilet allowed sewage to mix with drinking water, triggering severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration among residents. Local authorities have suspended and dismissed several municipal officials and launched an inquiry. The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered free treatment for patients and promised compensation for victims’ families. Residents had reported foul-smelling water days before the outbreak, raising concerns about infrastructure neglect and public health safeguards.

At least 40 people were killed and around 100 others injured after an explosion caused a major fire at a luxury bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, officials said. The blast occurred in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana. More than 150 people were inside at the time. Swiss police said the incident is being treated as a fire and not a terror attack, adding the toll could only be described as “tens”. The cause remains unknown, though local media cited possible fireworks during a concert. Hospitals in the area were overwhelmed with burn victims. An investigation is underway. (PC: X)

Most of the world has now welcomed 2026 after fireworks and public events across major cities. New York marked the new year with the Times Square ball drop, while Dubai lit up the Burj Khalifa. London, Paris, Sydney and Beijing also held large shows. However, a few Pacific islands were still in 2025 for several hours. Niue Island was due to reach midnight at 11:00 GMT. By 12:00 GMT, the uninhabited Baker Island in the central Pacific would become the last place to enter 2026. At the same time, parts of Kiribati were already into January 2 due to wide time gaps. (PC: BBC)

A 50-year-old Hindu man was badly injured after he was attacked by a mob and set on fire in Bangladesh, police said. The incident took place on December 31 in Shariatpur district. The victim, Khokon Das, was on his way home when a group of people stopped him. He was beaten with sharp weapons and later set ablaze, officials said. Local residents rushed him to a hospital, where he is being treated for serious burn injuries. Police have started an investigation to identify those involved. No arrests were reported at the time of writing. Authorities said security has been stepped up in the area. (PC: NDTV)

A 25-year-old woman was gang raped and badly hurt in Faridabad after she accepted a lift in a white Eeco van, police said. The attack took place late Monday night on the Gurugram–Faridabad road. The woman was driven to a lonely stretch, assaulted for hours and then thrown from the moving vehicle near Raja Chowk. She is in the ICU of a private hospital. Doctors said she has a fractured eye socket, a broken and dislocated shoulder, and deep cuts on her face that needed stitches. Two men were arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police are probing the case. (PC: HT)

At least dozens of people died and about 100 were injured after a blast sparked a major fire at a luxury bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve. Police said the explosion happened in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge while more than 150 people were inside for celebrations. Authorities said the case is being treated as a fire and not a terror attack. The cause is still unknown, though local media mentioned fireworks during a concert. Hospitals in the area were flooded with burn patients. A family helpline was opened and a no-fly zone was placed over the resort. (PC: X)

New York City entered 2026 after the famous ball dropped at Times Square just before midnight. Large crowds gathered despite cold weather to watch the countdown. Cities across the US east coast, the Midwest and parts of Central America also marked the new year. Around the world, people in London, Edinburgh, Paris, Rio, Dubai and Sydney had already welcomed 2026. London held a major fireworks show along the River Thames, while Dubai lit up the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Other countries used drumming, bell ringing and light displays to celebrate. Cleanup crews began clearing confetti from Times Square soon after the event ended. (PC: BBC)

An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver airport in Canada on December 23 after authorities raised concerns about his fitness for duty, delaying a Delhi-bound flight. Reports said a duty-free staff member alerted officials after noticing the smell of alcohol while the pilot was shopping. The pilot was taken for a breath test and later detained. Air India said the crew member was offloaded before departure and an alternate pilot was arranged to operate the flight. The airline said it is cooperating with local authorities and that the pilot has been removed from flying duties during the inquiry. It added that it follows a zero-tolerance policy and will take strict action if any rule violation is confirmed. (PC: NDTV)