The Economic Times

Ladli Behna Yojana: Beneficiaries of Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna Yojana may receive their Rs 1,500 monthly assistance soon, with the 31st installment disbursed on December 9, 2025. While official confirmation is pending, the 32nd installment is anticipated between January 10th and 15th. The scheme, a significant direct benefit transfer, supports over 1.26 crore women.

In a bold act of defiance, Iranian women can be seen lighting cigarettes by burning photographs of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Burning the image of the Supreme Leader is considered a serious offence under Iranian law. By combining this act with smoking, an activity long restricted or discouraged for women, the protesters appear to be deliberately rejecting both state power and strict social rules.

BJP national working president Nitin Nabin has criticized the DMK-Congress alliance for corruption and governance failures impacting Tamil Nadu. He asserted the state is ready for change and will participate in various party programs during his two-day visit to Coimbatore, including a Professionals Connect event and a core committee meeting.

India celebrates the Somnath Swabhiman Parv from January 8 to 11, 2026. This event marks 1000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple and 75 years since its reopening. The observance honors resilience and faith. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend key events, highlighting Somnath's civilisational importance and enduring message.

North Korea claims South Korean drones violated its airspace. Seoul denies the accusation. This incident escalates tensions between the two nations. Efforts to improve relations face new hurdles. Both countries have a history of drone-related accusations. The situation highlights ongoing animosity on the Korean Peninsula.

Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to boost India's strategic technology ambitions. Reforms in tax and regulations are crucial for attracting investment and facilitating cross-border deals. This will help India build capacity and capability in emerging sectors. The government aims to accelerate innovation and manufacturing. Strategic collaborations will be key to achieving the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.

The Election Commission of India has launched a 'Book-a-Call with BLO' facility in Uttar Pradesh to enhance voter services during the ongoing electoral roll revision. This initiative allows voters to schedule phone calls with Booth Level Officers for assistance with electoral roll updates. The claims and objections period for the revised rolls remains open until February 6, 2026.

The ruling BJP and its allies will contest all three Rajya Sabha seats in Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated their candidates are confirmed for two seats and may win the third. The seats will fall vacant in April. The BJP and its partners hold a majority in the assembly, giving them a strong position.

Tragedy struck Goregaon's Bhagat Singh Nagar early Saturday. A fire in Rajaram Lane claimed the lives of three family members. The blaze, reported at 3:06 AM, was confined to electric wiring and household items. Locals bravely fought the flames before fire personnel arrived. The deceased were identified as Harshada Pawaskar, Kushal Pawaskar, and Sanjog Pawaskar.

A think tank argues that trade deals hinge on policy alignment, not leader calls. This challenges US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's claim that the India-US trade agreement stalled due to a missed phone call. GTRI asserts that complex negotiations break down over substantive issues like tariffs and market access. The trade impasse reflects hard policy choices, not symbolic gestures.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the civic polls, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and MP Supriya Sule sharing the stage at the event.

India and Germany are strengthening their defence and security partnership. German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann emphasized this growing cooperation. He noted increased German participation in joint military exercises with India. This collaboration is set to deepen further. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's upcoming visit aims to make the bilateral ties even stronger. Discussions also covered co-development and co-production of defence equipment.

Delhi woke up to fog and a biting cold wave on Saturday morning. Temperatures plunged to 5.4 degrees Celsius. Air pollution levels also spiked dramatically, reaching the 'very poor' category. Several areas recorded high AQI readings. On Friday, the city saw similar cold weather with rain and smog. Air quality remained poor to very poor across the capital.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked controversy by urging the US and Turkey to 'kidnap' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him the 'worst criminal of humanity.' Asif's remarks, made during a televised interview, drew parallels to the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and were framed as a test of justice amid the Israel-Gaza war.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) AGM on Friday was successful, with President PT Usha announcing a major increase in funding for sports bodies. Annual grants for national sports federations will rise from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, while state Olympic bodies will receive Rs 10 lakh instead of Rs 7 lakh.

Victoria is battling dozens of fast-moving bushfires under dangerous conditions not seen since the Black Summer, with a family of three unaccounted for. Extreme heat and winds fueled over 60 blazes, forcing mass evacuations and destroying homes and infrastructure. While a cool change has eased some fires, the threat remains unpredictable.

In 2025, Delhi had Indias highest annual PM10 levels at 197 g/m, nearly three times the national standard, exceeding safe limits on 285 days. It was also the second-most polluted city for PM2.5, averaging 96 g/m and breaching daily limits on 212 days. Across the National Capital Region, 12 of 14 cities exceeded PM2.5 standards.

Chennai and Tamil Nadu are bracing for widespread rainfall starting Friday. A weather system over the Bay of Bengal is advancing, prompting an orange alert for several districts. Heavy to very heavy showers are expected in coastal and delta regions. Squally winds and rough seas are also forecast. Fishermen are advised to stay ashore.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Treasury has enough funds to cover any refunds if the Supreme Court rules against President Trumps emergency tariffs, though repayments could take weeks or even a year.

North Korea alleges South Korea sent a drone into its territory on January 4. This accusation comes before a major party congress. North Korea has labeled South Korea its enemy most hostile. South Korea's military denies operating drones on that date and has ordered an investigation. The timing of the claim is seen as significant.

Paulo Coelho, renowned for The Alchemist, is a Brazilian author whose works explore destiny, dreams, and self-discovery. His philosophical novels, including Brida and Veronika Decides to Die, blend mysticism and psychology. Coelho's Quote of the Day highlights that the fear of failure, not the dream itself, is the primary obstacle to achievement.

Valves Steam Machine may be expensive after a new price leak appeared online. A retailer listing showed high prices in Europe, raising concern among gamers. The console runs on SteamOS and is aimed at PC gaming fans. U.S. prices could be lower, but rising PC part costs may push the final price up.

President Trump's actions in Venezuela signal a broader strategy to counter China's growing economic influence in Latin America. China has invested billions in the region over two decades, securing vital resources and expanding trade, but faces new challenges as the U.S. asserts its presence.

US President Donald Trump again reiterated the claims of having to do something about Greenland, saying that if US doesn't take any action, Russia and China would spring in and that Washington does not want to have them as neighbours. In the context of Denmark, he said that landing a boat 500 years ago doesn't mean they own the land.

Assam's cabinet approved special prosecutors for the Zubeen Garg death case and allocated Rs. 5 crore to his memorial trust. The state also thanked the Centre for the Kaziranga elevated corridor, with PM Modi set to lay its foundation. Additionally, land was settled for the Bodo Sahitya Sabha's multipurpose project.

President Trump announced a plan to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, starting January 20, 2026. He framed this as a measure to protect Americans from predatory lending, criticizing current high rates. The proposal aims to enhance affordability and marks the first anniversary of his administration's achievements.

What makes Doomsday Plane special and why was it spotted for first time in 51 years in Los Angeles? The US Doomsday Plane, known as the E-4B Nightwatch, landed at LAX during rising global tension, leading to public interest, questions, and official silence.

A U.S. judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from freezing over $10 billion in federal funds for childcare and family assistance to five Democratic-led states. The states sued, arguing the administration lacked justification for the freeze, which was based on alleged fraud concerns.

Apple is planning for Tim Cook's succession. John Ternus, head of hardware engineering, is a leading candidate to become the next CEO. Ternus is known for his attention to detail and managing Apple's supply chain. Other internal candidates are also being prepared. Cook, who is tired, may become chairman of the board.

President Trump urged U.S. and European oil giants to invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela, but executives expressed hesitation due to past asset seizures and a lack of durable investment protections. Exxon Mobil stated Venezuela is currently uninvestable without legal changes, though it would send an exploratory team with security guarantees.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will host finance ministers from G7 nations and invited countries like Australia to discuss critical minerals. The meeting aims to secure supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which dominates the refining of essential minerals. This comes amid reports of China restricting rare earth exports.

Rebecca Good or Jonathan Ross should be arrested in Minneapolis ICE shooting? New ICE agent footage, witness videos, and public reactions raise questions over self-defense claims. The death of Renee Nicole Good has sparked calls for arrests, investigations, and accountability.

Leander High School in Texas went into lockdown after a reported bomb threat. Police rushed to the campus and secured the area while checking for danger. Parents were asked to stay back, and students remained inside. Officials said safety was the top priority as officers continued their work.

Rebecca and ICE agent Jonathan Ross's last words to Renee Nicole Good revealed. New footage shows the moments before Renee Good, 37, was shot and killed in Minneapolis. Her wife, Rebecca, shares details of the incident and her grief. The video raises questions about the encounter and responses from the public.

President Donald Trump announced a new Venezuela oil deal where millions of barrels of oil will be transferred to the United States. The oil will be sold at market prices and managed by the US government. While the move could affect oil markets, experts say the impact on gas prices may be limited in the short term.

Bitcoin price prediction 2050: Asset manager VanEck forecasts a dramatic transformation for Bitcoin, projecting a potential value of $53.4 million per coin by 2050 in its most optimistic scenario. This outlook, driven by hyper-Bitcoinization, sees Bitcoin rivaling gold as a global reserve asset. Even in its base case, the firm anticipates significant growth, with Bitcoin reaching $2.9 million by 2050.

Renee Nicole Good partner Rebecca ever arrested for child abuse? This explainer checks viral claims after the Minnesota ICE shooting. Social media posts allege arrest and custody loss. Officials, family, and records show no proof. Here is what is known, what is claimed, and what remains unverified.

A short video has raised questions about the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. An ICE agent shot her during a tense roadside encounter. Political leaders disagree on what the video shows. Supporters say it was self-defense, while others say the shooting was not justified. The case has sparked protests and public anger.

Renee Nicole Good ICE agent fatal shooting multiple videos emerge to clarify what unfolded in Minneapolis on fateful day as new footage, bystander videos, and political reactions raise questions about use of force, DHS policy, and conflicting claims about the moments before Good was killed.

Trump mortgage bond plan: President Trump is directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, aiming to lower mortgage rates below 6%. This move seeks to reduce monthly payments and make homeownership more affordable by narrowing mortgage spreads. While seen as a positive first step, experts caution it won't solve the broader housing affordability crisis alone.

Netflix stock has been under pressure in recent months. Investor confidence weakened after talk of a possible Warner Bros. deal. Valuation concerns and deal risks have raised doubts among shareholders. While some see upside if earnings improve, others remain cautious. All eyes are now on Netflixs upcoming earnings report for clearer direction.

Jonathan Ross immigrant Filipina wife, license plate, house picture, address, Grindr and Snapchat account claims surface after the Minneapolis shooting of Renee Nicole Good. Social media posts, official records, family statements, DHS policy questions, and fact checks now shape public debate and calls for accountability.

In a proactive move, Chinese regulators are urging Nestle to hasten the recall of baby formula products amid fears of possible toxin contamination. This global recall has taken root with the Swiss food conglomerate making strides to mitigate risks across Asia and the Americas.

The central bank has introduced initiatives such as MuleHunter.ai to combat mule accounts used for fraudulent transactions. The AI tool delivers high accuracy and precision with significantly low false-positive rates and is currently deployed across 20 commercial banks.