Overview
- Police in Valais canton reported 40 dead and more than 100 injured after an explosion and fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana around 1:30 a.m., with evacuations and forensic work ongoing.
- Officials said the blast’s cause is under inquiry and currently viewed as a fire-related incident rather than an attack, noting the venue was crowded with roughly 150 people celebrating the new year.
- The India Meteorological Department forecast dense fog, a cold spell and pockets of light rain across North India from 1–5 January, warning of reduced visibility and likely disruptions to road, rail and air travel.
- From 1 January, India saw commercial LPG prices rise by up to Rs 111 per 19-kg cylinder as ATF rates were cut (Delhi to Rs 92,323.02/kl), carmakers raised sticker prices by 2–3 percent, Australia moved to zero tariffs on all Indian export lines, and banks posted a January schedule with 16 holidays by state.
- Large New Year gatherings across India unfolded under tight security and traffic curbs at major hubs such as Connaught Place and India Gate, with temple visits and tourist hotspots drawing heavy crowds.