The Economic Times

Police prevented Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai from visiting the family of Rohit Kashyap, an OBC youngster allegedly murdered last week. Rai alleged suppression of victims' voices by the ruling party. The investigation into Kashyap's death has been transferred to the Crime Branch. The accused, a minor, is in a child reform home.

JEE Mains 2026 Admit Card: JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards are coming soon. Candidates can download them from jeemain.nta.nic.in. The exam is scheduled for January 21 to 29, 2026. Paper 1 will have two shifts daily. Remember to carry your admit card and a valid photo ID. Check the official website for updates.

NITI Aayog has proposed converging similar MSME schemes across ministries for smoother implementation and greater efficiency. A centralized portal and coordinated skill development framework are suggested to enhance scheme impact and beneficiary mobilization. However, caution is advised for schemes targeting specific groups or large flagship programs.

New H-1B visa rules, including a $100,000 fee and wage-based selection, have sparked online hostility towards Indian professionals and businesses in the US. A coordinated harassment campaign has started portraying Indians as job stealers, with threats and slurs against South Asians significantly increasing, claims a FT report.

Delhi witnessed a significant surge in burglaries in 2024, becoming the year's most prominent crime trend. Attempt to murder cases also saw a substantial rise. While murder incidents remained relatively stable, the overall increase in property crimes and violent attempts is a cause for concern. Police have intensified patrols to combat this trend.

Cricketing legend Virat Kohli, considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket, has always inspired people and children through his motivational speeches and words of wisdom. In one of his quotes, Virat Kohli advises people to stay focused and obsessed with their goal and tells them to follow their path with passion and work hard for it.

Russia voices deep worry as NATO forces arrive in Greenland. This deployment follows a failed US-led meeting regarding President Trump's desire to control the Arctic island. Russia claims NATO is expanding its military presence under false pretenses. The move strains NATO unity as the region opens to new activities.

A BJP spokesperson has raised concerns about West Bengal's changing demography. He stated that the Hindu population growth rate is declining, particularly in border districts. This decline, he claimed, is linked to an increase in illegal infiltration activities. The spokesperson highlighted a significant drop in the decadal growth rate of the Hindu population over the decades.

U.S. Stock Market today: S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq were flat on Thursday as Wall Street will have a crucial day today.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras researchers have achieved a world first with ramjet-powered artillery shells. This innovation is set to boost the Indian Army's firepower. The shells will extend the range of existing howitzers by 50 percent. This development offers greater tactical flexibility and deeper strike options. It enhances deterrence without requiring new gun platforms or expensive missile systems.

Uddhav Thackeray has accused the Maharashtra government of irregularities in local body elections. He claims old voting machines and a new system called 'PADU' were used. Thackeray also alleged that the indelible ink applied to voters' fingers can be rubbed off. He urged people to vote in large numbers.

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar demanded Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's arrest if the Sabarimala chief priest is jailed. He accused the Congress of a fake campaign regarding a new rural employment scheme. Chandrasekhar highlighted alleged corruption in the previous MGNREGA scheme. He also questioned a Congress leader's meeting with a prime accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case.

In a memo titled 'The Bar is raised', Citi CEO Jane Fraser has issued a stark warning to employees to improve their performances this year, asking them to adopt more commercial mindset. This comes after New York-based Citi Bank announced 1,000 job cuts to reduce the headcount in 2026. Jane Fraser also said the company is shifting the focus of how they can turn the focus to AI for further innovation.

Maharashtra local elections: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has accused the Maharashtra civic polls of irregularities. He stated it was an attempt to undermine democracy. Thackeray demanded the suspension of the State Election Commissioner. Voting is currently happening for elections in 29 municipal corporations across the state, including Mumbai. He called the State Election Commission an anti-constitutional body.

The US, UAE and China were top three export destinations in April -December FY26. Goods exports to China were up 36.68% on-year and to the US up 9.75% in the first nine months of the fiscal.

The Supreme Court has halted FIRs against Enforcement Directorate officers. These officers were investigating a coal-pilferage scam. The court observed that central agencies probing serious offenses should not face obstruction from political activities. This decision follows raids at I-PAC's office and its director's residence. The probe agency alleged evidence was removed during the raids.

The Supreme Court has halted FIRs against Enforcement Directorate officers. These officers were investigating a coal-pilferage scam. The court observed that central agencies probing serious offenses should not face obstruction from political activities. This decision follows raids at I-PAC's office and its director's residence. The probe agency alleged evidence was removed during the raids.

Google is boosting India's AI startups. A new programme helps them reach global markets. Indian AI companies are now building real products for healthcare, agriculture, and education. Compute costs are falling, allowing more focus on innovation. India's AI market is projected to reach $126 billion by 2030.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the Granthavali of Adi Shankaracharya, acknowledging the sage's monumental influence in shaping the essence of Indian culture and the tenets of Sanatana Dharma.

Gold rate prediction: Traders anticipate two Fed interest rate cuts this year. A low-interest-rate environment, geopolitical and economic uncertainty traditionally favour non-yielding assets such as gold.

NASA carried out its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday and brought back an ailing astronaut along with other crew members. Though NASA has not revealed the details about the medical condition of the astronaut but stated that the crew member is stable and safe.

Jensen Huang, the visionary behind NVIDIA, transformed computer graphics and propelled the company to the forefront of artificial intelligence. His leadership has made NVIDIA a global powerhouse. Huang's insights suggest AI will fundamentally reshape software development and usage. This shift promises intelligent systems that learn and adapt, marking a new era in technology.

India Budget: Indian companies anticipate the Union Budget 2026 to prioritise domestic manufacturing and the 'Make in India' program. Industry stakeholders highlight high compliance burdens, logistics, and energy costs as major barriers. The budget is expected to focus on simpler tax systems, infrastructure development, and job creation to boost growth and unlock private investment.

Akshaye Khanna's viral dance as Rehman Dakait in 'Dhurandhar' has sparked sequel buzz. 'Dhurandhar 2' is reportedly filmed, with reshoots focusing on Khanna's character, potentially returning via flashbacks. The sequel will continue from the first film's ending, showcasing Ranveer Singh's character's rise.

The Unnao rape victim has approached the Delhi High Court. She seeks to present more evidence against former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar was convicted and sentenced in the minor gang rape case. His appeal against the conviction is currently pending. The High Court has requested responses from the CBI and Sengar.

France's President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency defence meeting. Discussions focused on US President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland and Iran's protests. French military personnel are heading to Greenland for joint exercises. This deployment shows support for Denmark and Greenland. Other allied nations are also sending troops. The situation highlights differing views on Greenland's future.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi declared the Army fully prepared for all forms of warfare, emphasizing adaptation for future conflicts by integrating technology and indigenisation. He highlighted that while technology enhances soldier capabilities, it doesn't replace them, and stressed the importance of self-reliance and ongoing reforms to maintain combat readiness against evolving threats.

A brief panic erupted at a press conference in Lucknow on Thursday. Smoke filled the room during Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati's 70th birthday event. The incident occurred due to a short circuit from a fused bulb. Party leaders confirmed no casualties were reported. Mayawati and all attendees were safe.

The Supreme Court has taken a serious view of allegations that the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee obstructed the Enforcement Directorate's raids. The court will examine the matter. This follows chaos at the Calcutta High Court during a hearing on the raids. The ED claims a shocking pattern of interference.

Iran has emerged as a growing concern for Indian families, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi urging the Centre to prepare an evacuation plan for Indian students stranded there amid ongoing unrest.

In a massive discovery, oceanographers have discovered a gigantic 'invisible' ocean hidden beneath the seafloor for decades. Known as the Atlantic Equatorial Water (AEW), this mysterious mass had eluded detection for decades until scientists at the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology went back through old data from the Argo program. What's more astonishing is that this discovery was not known for decades.

As explained by Ryan Fernando, skipping meals may feel controlled, but it backfires. Metabolism slows, recovery suffers, hunger hormones spike, making fat loss harder over time.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also claimed that an atmosphere of Fear, Deception, and Intimidation (FDI) hovers around the enterprise community.

The Supreme Court has postponed a hearing on the Chhattisgarh government's challenge to bail for Chaitanya Baghel. Baghel, son of a former chief minister, is accused in alleged liquor scam cases. The state government claims he was a mastermind. His lawyer argued for parity with other granted bail.

The Enforcement Directorate has moved the Supreme Court seeking the immediate suspension and disciplinary action against senior West Bengal police officers for allegedly obstructing a money-laundering probe during a January 8 raid at political consultancy I-PACs Kolkata office.

Maharashtra civic polls: Allegations of widespread voter inducement surfaced across Mumbai Metropolitan Region before the vote. Reports and videos showed cash and gifts distributed to influence voters. Videos depicted party workers arguing over money distribution. The State Election Commission has acknowledged the charges and assured action.

Is Meta's mega AI bet bursting? Mark Zuckerberg and his $14 billion AI hire Alexandr Wang are reportedly facing a rift. Reports hint that Alexandr Wang told his associates that he founds Zuckerberg's deeply involved management approach 'suffocating'. Mark Zuckerberg brought Wang on board in June 2025 as part of a $14.3 billion deal for a 49% stake in Scale AI.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of demolishing historical heritage at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat under the guise of renovation. Kharge alleged that Modi aims to erase historical sites to simply affix his own nameplate, questioning the intent behind the destruction and commercialization of the sacred site.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in addressing global challenges. He spoke at the Commonwealth Speakers' conference. Birla noted India's parliamentary journey has strengthened democracy through people-centric policies. He also mentioned the repeal of over 1500 obsolete laws and the enactment of new welfare-focused legislation. These efforts aim to make India self-reliant and developed.

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued with his ritual and fed cows at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence. In the heartwarming video, he can be seen feeding the fodder to the cattle and playing with them. The dwarf cows in the video appear to be from the Punganur breed, the world's smallest and cutest cattle breed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the sacred Makar Sankranti rituals. He offered Khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath at the Gorakhnath Temple early Thursday. Lakhs of devotees across the state also visited pilgrimage sites. The festival marks an auspicious beginning for sacred activities. Makar Sankranti signifies the Sun's northward journey, Uttarayan, leading to longer days.

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a plea regarding the film 'Jana Nayagan'. The Madras High Court had previously stayed an order for censor board clearance. The producers were directed to approach the division bench of the high court. A decision is expected on January 20.

The Indian Air Force swiftly deployed an Mi-17 V5 helicopter to combat a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Central Air Command highlighted the IAF's crucial dual role in national defense and disaster response, showcasing its operational readiness in assisting the state government.

Estonia has achieved a digital voting milestone. In 2023, over half its citizens voted online, surpassing paper ballots. This system, adopted in 2005, allows voters to cast and change votes digitally throughout election week. Estonia's digital infrastructure and stringent data privacy laws ensure secure and accessible elections. This model presents a future for democratic participation.