The Economic Times

Myanmar's junta commenced the second phase of its elections on Sunday, a process democracy watchdogs criticize for enabling the military to extend its rule under a civilian facade. Despite a farmer's hope for peace and future generations, many residents express little interest, viewing the vote as rigged and disconnected from their suffering.

A white-tailed deer near Jaffray in British Columbia has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. This is the ninth confirmed case in the province. Officials are working with various groups to track the disease. Hunters are urged to submit samples from harvested animals. This is crucial for early detection and management.

Pathanamthitta police took Congress-expelled MLA Rahul Mamkootathil into custody late Saturday night. This is in connection with a sexual assault case registered in Palakkad. Mamkootathil was staying at a hotel in Palakkad. He was brought to Pathanamthitta on Sunday morning. This marks the third sexual assault case against the MLA. His formal arrest is expected soon.

Delhi Police's Special Cell has apprehended three shooters linked to the Himanshu Bhau gang in connection with an attempted murder in Bawana. The gang, operating from abroad, targeted an individual due to a personal vendetta. Recovered items include weapons and a stolen motorcycle. Separately, a sophisticated international cyber fraud syndicate using terror narratives has been busted.

A 24-year-old Mississippi man is in custody after allegedly killing six people, including family members and a pastor, at three separate locations. Authorities apprehended Daricka M Moore at a police roadblock following a violent rampage. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the shootings.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that additional sanctions on Venezuela could be lifted as soon as next week to facilitate oil sales. He also plans to meet with IMF and World Bank heads regarding their re-engagement with Venezuela, with nearly $5 billion in frozen IMF assets potentially deployable for economic rebuilding.

Global oil firms are rushing to secure tankers and establish safe transfer operations for Venezuelan crude exports to the United States. Companies like Chevron, Vitol, and Trafigura are competing for U.S. government deals. Venezuela has stored significant oil on old, sanctioned tankers. Transferring this oil presents logistical and safety challenges due to aging infrastructure and vessel limitations.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering a snap election. This move could happen in the first half of February. A key coalition partner believes Takaichi has entered a new phase of consideration. He stated he would not be surprised if the Prime Minister proceeds with the election as reported by media.

American forces conducted multiple strikes in Syria against the Islamic State group. These actions followed an operation launched in December after an attack on U.S. personnel. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes targeted ISIS throughout Syria. The operation aims to counter the militant group's activities in the region. U.S. troops remain in Syria as part of ongoing efforts.

States met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of the FY27 budget. They asked for more special assistance for capital investments and help with GST revenue losses. Increased funding for urban and rural schemes was also requested. Support for housing programs and disaster management was highlighted. The minister urged states to undertake reforms for India's developed nation goal by 2047.

India is set to participate in a key US-organized meet on critical minerals, with Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw likely to represent the nation. This engagement signals a broader US effort to diversify supply chains away from China's dominance. India will also join the US-led Pax Silica initiative ahead of its AI summit.

Observing different forms of life other than humans, we can sharpen our physical senses like eyesight, hearing, sense of smell. Observing Mother Nature can whet our sixth sense. Birdwatchers are known to even feel birds behind their backs. Such are the many possibilities outside the realms of our discovered lives, our rinse and repeat routines. Who knows how such skills might help us in the uncertain times ahead?

Protest organizers announced plans for over a thousand demonstrations this weekend. The protests follow the death of Renee Good, 37, who was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Wednesday. Minnesota law enforcement agencies have been excluded from the investigation into the shooting, according to state officials.

China vs US AI race: China's top AI minds are downplaying hopes of surpassing US rivals soon. Executives from Alibaba, Tencent, and Zhipu AI suggest breakthroughs are unlikely in the next three to five years. Despite strong investor interest and recent IPOs, a significant compute gap remains. Industry leaders are now focusing on collaboration and next-generation AI challenges.

Sleep quality is declining nationwide. Research links poor sleep to higher disease risk. Evening habits play a decisive role. Caffeine delays melatonin release. Sugar spikes disrupt blood glucose. Screens suppress circadian rhythm. Noise fragments REM sleep. Heat raises core temperature. Exercise too late overstimulates the brain. Small changes before bedtime deliver measurable, science-backed sleep gains.

Barron Trump's niece, Kai Trump, has revealed details about her uncle's private life. She described him as a great guy who avoids the public eye. Melania Trump is reportedly very strict about Barron's privacy, with measures in place to prevent photos and filming at Mar-a-Lago. Barron attends university and stays close to his mother.

The copy of Action Comics No. 1 was originally sold for 10 cents. In 1996, actor Nicolas Cage purchased it from Metropolis Collectibles and ComicConnect for $150,000. In 2000, the comic was stolen from Cage's home during a party and remained missing until 2011, when it was discovered in a storage unit in California.

The world's largest iceberg, A-23A, is turning blue as it breaks apart. This massive ice formation, which broke from Antarctica in 1986, is now shrinking rapidly. Scientists expect A-23A to completely disintegrate within weeks. Its journey has been long, but its end is near. Another iceberg, D15a, has now claimed the title of the largest.

President Trump calls for a one-year 10% credit card interest cap starting January 20, 2026. Average U.S. APRs hover above 20%. Banks warn of credit loss, higher fees, and revenue cuts. Millions of Americans could see lower payments. Congress must approve. This move intensifies debate on consumer costs, debt relief, and financial access.

On January 11, 2026, six Chinese zodiac signs attract steady luck and practical prosperity. Rooster, Ox, Snake, Rabbit, Dragon, and Pig experience smoother decisions, financial stability, and reduced stress. A Wood Rooster Success Day rewards preparation, discipline, and follow-through. Plans hold, money stretches, and relief arrives quietly, offering meaningful wins readers can apply today.

Netflix's Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, has been instrumental in the streaming giant's decade-long journey in India and its global expansion. Her leadership has driven a strategy of locally rooted stories with global appeal, resulting in breakout hits and strong financial growth. Bajaria's influence shapes what millions worldwide watch, showcasing a remarkable career trajectory.

Assam's ruling alliance, comprising BJP, AGP, and others, will contest all three Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in April, confident of securing at least two. The AIUDF has nominated Badruddin Ajmal for the third seat and is seeking Congress support, highlighting past opposition unity.

Veteran actor T.K. Carter, celebrated for his role as Nauls in the 1982 sci-fi horror classic The Thing, has passed away. He was discovered deceased at his California residence on Friday, with no foul play suspected. Carter's extensive career spanned decades, including memorable roles in Punky Brewster, Space Jam, and Dave. His cause of death remains undisclosed.

With the countdown to the 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh underway, political currents are shifting dramatically beneath the surface. While Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths approach to governance raises eyebrows among local BJP officials, he remains committed to engaging diverse communities. Concurrently, the administration is striving to enhance investment flow and push forward necessary regulatory changes.

In a bold move, the Congress party has launched a countrywide campaign dubbed 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram', aimed at thwarting the Modi government's proposal to dismantle the vital MGNREGA scheme. Through a series of press briefings and vibrant street demonstrations, party leaders are fiercely advocating for the right to work and sustainable livelihoods.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir recovered an arms consignment, likely drone-dropped from across the border, in Samba district, containing pistols, ammunition, and a grenade. This comes amid concerns of disruption to Republic Day celebrations. Separately, a suspicious pigeon with markings and a suspected drone were found near the LoC, prompting further investigation.

Due to rising security risks, petrol pumps across Manipur will go offline from Saturday. This precaution comes after a bomb blast near a fuel station in Bishnupur district raised alarms within the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity, who assert that their safety continues to be jeopardized, despite governmental support.

Social Security 2026 payment schedule: Social Security benefits are increasing by 2.8% in 2026, adding about $56 to average monthly payments. Around 75 million Americans will receive payments. Some Social Security and SSI payments will arrive earlier than usual due to weekends and federal holidays. SSI recipients may experience months with no payment as a result of these schedule shifts.

India's Army leadership, historically dominated by infantry and armour, has marginalized the technically proficient artillery. This imbalance, a relic of colonial-era distinctions, hinders modern warfare capabilities. Realigning leadership structures to include artillery is a strategic necessity for national security, reflecting its decisive role in contemporary conflicts.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to shield Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. Treasury accounts from seizure. This move aims to prevent the attachment of these funds, which the White House states could jeopardize critical U.S. efforts to foster economic and political stability in Venezuela.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro fears a potential conflict after US forces ousted Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. President Petro is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House. He hopes dialogue will prevent regional escalation. Petro has urged Venezuela to join Colombia in fighting drug trafficking groups along their shared border.

Medicare costs are rising again in 2026, with higher Part B premiums, deductibles, and hospital charges confirmed by CMS. Monthly premiums climb above $200, while inpatient and outpatient costs increase nationwide. Higher-income retirees face steeper IRMAA surcharges. These changes arrive amid inflation pressures, making budget planning critical for millions of beneficiaries heading into next year.

The National Park Service is warning that altering the 2026 America the Beautiful pass, even with stickers covering President Trump's image, could void it. This clarification follows widespread protests and a lawsuit challenging the pass's design, which replaced traditional nature imagery with presidential portraits.

NFL all pro team 2025-26 by AP: Two teams have been selected by a list of members.

NFL schedule: The 2025 NFL playoffs are here. Surprising teams like the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots have made the postseason. Traditional contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens did not qualify. This creates an unpredictable playoff field. The defending champions, Philadelphia Eagles, are still in contention.

Wealth quote of the day by Steve Jobs, Being the richest man in the cemetery doesnt matter to me. Going to bed at night saying weve done something wonderful thats what matters to me. Steve Jobs transformed Apple from a $3 billion firm in 1997 into a global powerhouse. While his net worth hit $10.2 billion, he prioritized wonderful inventions over cash. He revolutionized computing, music, and phones. By merging liberal arts with technology, Jobs saved Apple from bankruptcy. His legacy proves tha

Washington blacklisted two more ICC judges, making 11 of the court's top officials -- eight judges and the three top prosecutors -- subject to American sanctions.

Dannah Battino, 28, was found to have operated an OnlyFans account containing explicit material, which was recently shared among her colleagues within the department. The episode has also reignited scrutiny of the NYPDs background-screening process, particularly its practice of examining recruits social media presence.

Mississippi shooting: Tragedy struck West Point, Mississippi, on Friday night. A gunman opened fire at three different locations, claiming the lives of six people. Authorities have taken a suspect into custody. The community is urged to keep the victims and their families in their prayers. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the violence.

Iran's authorities are intensifying their crackdown on widespread anti-government demonstrations, with the Revolutionary Guards blaming errorists for unrest and vowing to protect the governing system. Reports of violence continue amid an internet blackout, as the exiled son of the last shah calls for a revolt to topple clerical rulers. Security forces have reportedly opened fire, and arrests are being made.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot on January 11, focusing on Saurashtra-Kutch's economic growth. The two-day event aims to foster collaboration among innovators, investors, and global partners, with over 1,500 MoUs expected and a focus on renewable energy and sustainable development.

Thought of the day by Kristen Stewart resonates in a world increasingly shaped by image management and fear of failure. Her words challenge the notion that mistakes undermine credibility, instead framing them as evidence of honesty and engagement.