A devastating fire tore through the Le Constellation bar at the Crans-Montana ski resort in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations, killing at least 40 people and injuring 119 others, many critically. Authorities said investigators believe sparkler-style party candles (“Bengal lights”) attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling, igniting a blaze that spread rapidly through the crowded venue. Officials are also examining whether flammable ceiling materials contributed to the rapid fire spread and if safety violations occurred. Victim identification is ongoing, and Switzerland has entered a period of national mourning. (PC: AP)  

A Buddha Air ATR 72-500 turboprop (Flight 901) carrying **51 passengers and four crew members veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal late Friday night. The aircraft, arriving from Kathmandu, overshot the runway by about 200–300 metres and came to rest near a grassy area beside the strip, sustaining minor damage. Emergency teams from Kathmandu were dispatched, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries. Aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the runway excursion.

The FBI announced it disrupted a planned New Year’s Eve attack in Mint Hill, North Carolina, arresting 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, who officials say was inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) and pledged loyalty to the extremist group. Sturdivant was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after allegedly communicating his plans to undercover agents posing as ISIS associates. Authorities found a handwritten “New Years Attack 2026” plan and weapons at his home. The suspected target locations included a grocery store and fast-food restaurant, and the plot was prevented before any violence occurred. (PC: AP)

At least 20 fighters from the Southern Transitional Council were killed in Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen on Friday, group officials said. The attacks hit military camps in Al-Khasha and Seiyun in Hadramout province. Witnesses said the strikes also hit Seiyun airport, halting flights for more than a day. The raids came after pro-Saudi forces moved to take control of military sites in the area. The UAE said its last troops had left Yemen and called for calm. The STC accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes despite claims of a peaceful operation. Saudi sources said the strikes would continue unless STC forces withdraw from the two provinces. (PC: HT)

Families are waiting for news after a deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, early on New Year’s Day. Sixteen-year-old Achille Barosi is still missing. His aunt said the family only wants to find him. Arthur Brodard’s parents are also searching. His mother said she fears he may be in critical care or among the dead. Officials said 40 people were killed and 119 injured. Of the injured, 113 have been identified, including Swiss, French and Italian citizens. Local leaders said the wait for answers is very hard. Investigators believe sparklers near the ceiling may have caused the blaze. (PC: BBC)

Saudi Arabia carried out air strikes on UAE-backed separatist forces in southern Yemen on Friday, killing at least seven people, according to local officials. The raids hit a camp used by the Southern Transitional Council in Hadramawt. The attack followed a 24-hour deadline by the Yemeni government asking the UAE to leave the country. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s recognised government, while the UAE backs the STC, which seeks control of parts of the south. The STC had recently taken several military sites in the region. Riyadh said its forces would continue operations until the separatists withdraw from Hadramawt and Mahra. The UAE has rejected claims that it is sending weapons to the group. (PC: India Today)

A Buddha Air turboprop aircraft veered off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur airport in Nepal on Friday, the airline said. The ATR 72-500 was flying from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and four crew members. No one was injured in the incident. The plane overshot the runway by around 200 metres and came to a stop near a small stream, suffering minor damage. The airline said technical and relief teams were sent from Kathmandu to inspect the aircraft and assist passengers. Authorities are reviewing the incident to understand what led to the runway overrun. Flights at the airport were briefly disrupted after the landing. (PC: NDTV)

The FBI said it stopped a New Year’s Eve attack plan in North Carolina and charged 18-year-old Christan Sturdivant in the case. Officials said the Mint Hill resident was inspired by ISIS and planned knife and hammer attacks on civilians and police. Agents searched his home and found a handwritten note titled “New Year Attack 2026,” which listed plans to stab several people at a local grocery store. Sturdivant was taken into custody on Wednesday and ordered to remain in jail after a court hearing on Friday. He is charged with trying to provide material support to a foreign terrorist group. Investigators said the probe began after posts praising ISIS appeared on social media. (PC:HT)

Swiss officials said a deadly fire at a ski resort bar may have started when sparklers fixed to champagne bottles came close to the ceiling. The blaze killed 40 people and injured 119 others. Valais attorney general Beatrice Pilloud said several causes are still under review. Police have formally identified 113 injured people so far, including 71 Swiss citizens, 14 French, and 11 Italians. Identification of those who died is still under way. Regional president Mathias Reynard said the wait for answers is very hard for families. Hospitals in Geneva said some patients being treated for severe burns are as young as 15.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against violently suppressing nationwide protests, saying the United States is “locked and loaded and ready to go” and would intervene if Iranian forces shoot and kill peaceful demonstrators. His statement on Truth Social comes amid the largest unrest in Iran in three years over economic hardship, inflation and a collapsing currency, which has led to several deaths. Iranian officials, including advisers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, rejected U.S. interference as a “red line,” warning it could destabilize the region. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have sharply escalated as both sides exchange threats. (PC: India Today)