The Economic Times News

On the fifth anniversary of Jan 6, the White House released a webpage blaming Pence and praising Trump supporters. It disputes officer deaths, blames Capitol Police, and calls some rioters patriots. Pence praised the officers as heroes. Critics say the page rewrites history, ignoring violence and some deaths, keeping the memory of Jan 6 politically divided.

HMRC has sent over 300,000 small tax bills to workers and pensioners in 2023-24. Most are under 300. The rise is caused by frozen tax thresholds, which pull more pensioners into paying tax. Some experts say these bills are too small to collect. From 2027, retirees on only the state pension will not pay tiny amounts through simple assessments.

The Pitt Season 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch online details are now confirmed. HBO Max will stream the new season weekly from January 8, 2026. The story explains episode dates, global timings, cast returns, plot timeline, and viewing options.

The Election Commission of India has told the Supreme Court it has the constitutional power and duty to revise electoral rolls. This includes ensuring no foreigners are included. The poll body is conducting a special intensive revision of rolls in various states. Petitioners had challenged this process. The court will resume hearing arguments on January 8.

Manchester United youth coach Darren Fletcher has been installed as interim for Wednesday's game against Burnley and may also put himself in contention if he impresses.

In a two-page letter sent to the Chief Secretary and the then Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty (now Chief Secretary) on December 31, the UPSC referred to the landmark Prakash Singh vs Union of India case. It also pointed out that an apex court order dated July 3, 2018, which says that the states must send DGP appointment proposals to the UPSC at least three months before the incumbent's retirement.

The BJP has criticized the DMK government's approach to Hindu religious customs. This follows a High Court ruling allowing a lamp lighting tradition at Thiruparankundram hill. The BJP alleges the DMK government is anti-Hindu and engages in appeasement politics. They view the government's appeal against the court decision as unfortunate and indicative of a negative mindset towards Hindu dharma.

The West Bengal Chief Minister had attacked the SIR, logical discrepancies, and plight of the elderly citizens, who are forced to visit the Hearing centres with oxygen or other medical equipment attached. Banerjee spoke about the SIR issue today as she was returning from Gangasagar, after monitoring the preparations.

Social Security benefits can stop entirely if you are convicted and imprisoned over 30 days. SSDI and SSI payments pause or end depending on confinement length. Short-term jail may not affect income, but 12-month sentences can terminate SSI. Dependents may still receive checks. Knowing rules, reporting changes, and contacting SSA can restore payments quickly.

The Madras High Court's Madurai bench has backed a decision permitting lamp lighting on Thirupparankundram hill. The court criticized the Tamil Nadu government's law and order fears as baseless. It clarified the land belongs to the temple, not the Waqf Board. The ruling allows temple representatives to light a ceremonial lamp annually.

The oral observation fell from a division bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi during the hearing of a plea filed by Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan, accused in the ?3,600 crore VVIP chopper scandal.

The Labour and Employment Ministry is organizing five regional conferences across India. These meetings will focus on implementing new Labour Codes. States and other ministries will participate. The first conference is in Goa. The Labour Codes aim to improve health and social security for workers. This includes benefits for unorganized workers and gig/platform workers.

Trump acknowledged the historical pattern of incumbent parties losing seats in midterm elections and expressed concern about public dissatisfaction with his leadership and the economy. We will have a successful presidency. I will say that... But even if it's a successful presidency--and it's been nothing like what we're doing--we had a very good day, Trump said.

India's services sector saw a slowdown in December 2025, reaching an 11-month low. New business and output growth moderated. Companies also held back on hiring additional staff. Manufacturing activity also slackened. The overall composite index fell. Firms remain optimistic for 2026, but sentiment dipped due to market uncertainty and exchange rate concerns. Export orders strengthened.

Pakistan secured a major rare earths deal with US firms. Former physician to Donald Trump, Ronny Jackson, played a key role. He met Pakistani officials and discussed the deal. This occurred during Operation Sindoor. A $500 million deal was finalized in September. Jackson has been involved in Trump's mining interests. This highlights a new avenue for Pakistan's engagement in Washington.

Steve Smith's unbeaten century propelled Australia to a dominant 518/7 on Day 3 of the final Ashes Test against England. Smith's 129* put Australia in a strong position with a 134-run lead. He also became the second-highest Ashes run-scorer, surpassing Jack Hobbs.

The Trump administration's focus is shifting to Venezuela while U.S. suggestions of a Greenland takeover are causing tension with Europe, and Moscow shows no signs of budging from its demands in its nearly 4-year-old invasion. Before the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro, French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed optimism about the latest gathering of what has been dubbed the coalition of the willing. They have been exploring for months how to deter any future Russian aggressi

The Supreme Court has dismissed appeals by UV Asset Reconstruction Co and Electrosteel Castings Ltd (ECL), upholding a NCLAT ruling. The apex court stated that approving Electrosteel Steels Ltd's resolution plan did not extinguish all debt, allowing claims against ECL as a security provider. ECL was also ruled not to be a corporate guarantor for ESL's loan.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has received a hearing notice from the Election Commission due to spelling errors in his enumeration form, identified under the Logical Discrepancy category. The EC is issuing notices to 94 lakh individuals, with provisions for home verification for those aged 85 and above, ailing, or disabled.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lackadaisical and unserious approach to Delhi-NCR's air pollution crisis. The court directed the CAQM to urgently convene expert meetings, submit a comprehensive report, and formulate solutions for toll plazas, emphasizing the need to identify and publicize pollution's primary causes and attributions.

Pastor Jamal Bryant has defended his wife, Dr. Karri Turner Bryant, after her dress choice for a fundraising gala sparked online debate. Bryant stated the dress was flesh-colored, not see-through, and emphasized his personal approval. He highlighted that the focus should be on the event's success in raising funds for HBCUs, not on his wife's attire.

New Social Security payment rule takes effect in 2026: Social Security has entered a digital-only era in 2026. Following the September 30 deadline, the SSA transitioned 69 million beneficiaries to electronic payments. This move cuts $150 million in annual costs and slashes fraud risks. While most now use Direct Deposit, 268,000 seniors still qualify for paper check exemptions via Treasury waivers.

America is aging fast. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older, and by 2034 older adults will outnumber children for the first time, according to the Census Bureau.

Fifty-five Cuban and Venezuelan military personnel died during a US raid targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The assault, which led to Maduro's capture, saw significant casualties among his presidential guard. Cuba reported 32 military deaths, including senior officers. Venezuela listed 23 fallen personnel, including admirals. The incident highlights the close military ties between the two nations amid US pressure.

Indiana Republican Congressman Jim Baird and his wife are recovering after a serious car accident, President Trump announced. While details remain scarce, Trump expressed confidence in their recovery. This incident, alongside the recent passing of another Republican representative, tightens the already slim House majority, potentially impacting Speaker Johnson's legislative efforts.

Uttar Pradesh's tourism minister Jaiveer Singh launched the 'Lucknow Darshan' electric double decker bus service. This initiative aims to showcase Lucknow's heritage and the state's focus on safety and governance. Tourists can explore historical sites with curated morning and evening tours. Special discounts are available for early bookings. The service promotes cultural pride and sustainable development.

HBO remains deeply committed to expanding the Game of Thrones universe. House of the Dragon has already delivered two seasons, while A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is slated to premiere soon, keeping the franchise firmly in motion through at least 2028.

Shares of SoFi Technologies fell nearly 8% today, extending losses after a 13% decline in December. Todays decline is largely driven by investor reaction to SoFis planned equity raise. The fintech leader faces pressure following a $1.5 billion capital raise at $27.50 per share. Despite reaching 9.5 million members, dilution concerns and a high 45x P/E ratio are driving the sell-off.

New Zealand and India have concluded a Free Trade Agreement. This pact is set to boost exports and create jobs for New Zealand. The deal aims to enhance market access and promote investment. It is expected to take effect in seven to eight months. This agreement signifies a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two nations.

Adidas stock: Adidas shares tumbled over 4% after Bank of America issued a rare sell rating, citing slowing growth and intensifying competition. Analysts downgraded the German sportswear giant to 'underperform' with a 160 price target, warning that the casualization trend is fading and rivals like Nike are improving. The 2026 World Cup offers only a short-term boost.

Gov Ball 2026: Governors Ball 2026 returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park from June 57, offering three days of music across multiple stages. Headliners include Lorde, Baby Keem, Stray Kids, Kali Uchis, A$AP Rocky, and JENNIE, with supporting acts such as Wet Leg, Major Lazer, Blood Orange, Ravyn Lenae, and Amyl And The Sniffers. Fans can enjoy over 60 artists spanning genres from indie and pop to hip-hop and K-pop. Presale access opens Thursday, January 8, at 10 AM ET. With a mix of established

Sandisk stock (SNDK) stunned Wall Street on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by surging 21.92% to close at an all-time high of $334.75. The flash memory leader is now the S&P 500's top performer. After debuting at just $36, SNDK has delivered a massive 830% return.

A Parliamentary committee is studying the effects of increased US tariffs on Indian goods. The panel is visiting Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Coimbatore to meet with industry leaders and government officials. They are examining challenges in the marine, automotive, leather, and textile sectors.

Bangladesh's interim government is planning an ordinance to shield July warriors from prosecution for their role in toppling the previous regime. This move follows the arrests of two prominent activists, Tahrima Jannat Surovi and Mahdi Hassan, sparking protests demanding their release and future legal protection.

The Last of Us Season 3 Bella Ramsey release date, filming, production update confirms that scripts exist for the new season. Bella Ramsey has seen the scripts. Filming is planned for March 2026. Craig Mazin leads the show. The story will adapt the second half of The Last of Us Part II.

Avengers: Doomsday reunites James Marsden as Cyclops along with Patrick Stewarts Professor X and Ian McKellens Magneto. The MCU teaser features Professor X asking, The question is: who would you be when you close your eyes? while Cyclops gets ready for action. The movie will pit classic Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four heroes against Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. Marsden showed excitement about returning to the franchise, naming it a nice little homecoming.

Legendary Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr has passed away at the age of 70. He was known for his pioneering 'slow cinema' style. Tarr's unique approach to filmmaking, featuring long takes and stark imagery, significantly influenced many directors. His career spanned decades, with notable films like 'Satantango'. Tarr's death marks a significant loss for the global film community.

The James Bond franchise has yet to announce its next leading man following Daniel Craigs final outing as 007 in No Time to Die (2021). In the years since, speculation over the future of the iconic spy has intensified, with rumours, casting shortlists and fan debates continuing to swirl.

Regulus, a blue-white star officially designated Alpha Leonis, represents the heart of the Leo constellation. Visible most prominently in late winter and early spring, Leo is easily identified by its distinctive sickle-shaped formation, often likened to a backward question mark that traces the Lions mane.

Starting January 1, 2026, the cost to apply for an Aadhaar PVC card will increase from Rs 50 to Rs 75. This revision, the first since 2020, is due to rising operational expenses for materials, printing, and secure delivery. The durable PVC card holds the same legal validity as other Aadhaar formats.

India is building a carbon trading system. Lessons from Africa and Southeast Asia can guide its design. Credible measurement and verification are crucial for market trust. Policy certainty and community involvement are key. India's market needs strong verification to attract capital and achieve emission reductions.

Nicols Maduro's son, known as 'The Prince', has urged Venezuelans to protest his father's arrest. He vowed to free his parents and fight against US-backed rule. The response to his call was reportedly muted. Several Venezuelan officials, including the son, face US charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.