The Economic Times

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.

Omar Khayyam, a millennium after his passing, remains a celebrated poet and profound thinker. His contributions extended beyond his famous quatrains to significant advancements in algebra, geometry, and astronomy, including the precise Jalali calendar. Khayyam's enduring wisdom, emphasizing the present moment, continues to inspire.

NTPC announced a significant milestone today. Its subsidiary, NTPC Renewable Energy, has commenced commercial power supply from the 300 MW Bhadla solar project in Rajasthan. This marks a crucial step in expanding the group's renewable energy portfolio.

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.

Air India Express launches a special Army Day Sale. Serving and retired Indian Armed Forces personnel and their families can avail a flat 50% discount. Bookings are open until October 10, 2026. This offer applies to all domestic flights. The airline aims to connect defence personnel with loved ones. This initiative honors their service and sacrifice.

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.

Budget 2026: India's FY27 Union Budget is poised to prioritise strategic sectors like defence, semiconductors, and renewables, alongside expanding 'new economy' roles. Expect higher capital expenditure on infrastructure and a focus on supply-side reforms to attract investment. The budget will also address governance issues through deregulation and support for domestic priority sectors, aiming to strengthen human capital and manage the fiscal deficit.

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.

With the Budget 2026 on the horizon, leaders in the agriculture sector are rallying for a substantial increase in investments directed towards digital infrastructure, climate-smart practices, and technological advancements. They argue that these enhancements are crucial for elevating productivity levels and generating new job opportunities.

Veteran actor Rajendra Chawla dismisses Deepika Padukone's call for eight-hour workdays in entertainment, deeming it impractical for the industry's demanding nature. He highlights the necessity of long hours for content creation, especially in daily soaps. Chawla contrasts current actor comforts with past hardships, urging gratitude over complaints.

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.

Prestige Estates Projects marked a significant milestone with their most impressive operational performance yet. The surge in sales and collections stemmed from an unmatched demand for housing. The firm experienced notable year-on-year increases in both pre-sales and collections. Their success can be attributed to a strategic mix of diverse launches and unwavering execution momentum.

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.

An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Chandigarh was diverted back to Mumbai after nearly five hours in the air due to dense fog. Despite passengers raising concerns about weather conditions beforehand, the flight departed late and ultimately returned, leaving 180 passengers to arrange onward travel from Delhi at their own expense.

Zoe Saldana, a top-grossing actor, once shared a powerful life philosophy. She believes personal relationships matter more than awards like her Oscar. Saldana focuses on being a good daughter, friend, sister, and wife. This perspective challenges modern hustle culture. Her upcoming films promise more box office success. Read on!

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.

India Iran relations face renewed scrutiny as protests in Tehran threaten New Delhis access to Central Asia via Chabahar Port. Instability could weaken Iran as a counterweight to Pakistan and extremist groups, while giving China greater regional influence.

The upcoming Union Budget 2026 should expand its focus beyond exploration and mining to include targeted support for processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths, along with risk-mitigation mechanisms for overseas mineral assets to achieve self-sufficiency and stem reliance on imports, noted Deloitte India

While Dev Anand's performance in the 1965 film Guide earned widespread acclaim, director Vijay Anand's creative brilliance was often overlooked. Despite Raj Kapoor's late-night praise for Vijay's direction, Kapoor later publicly snubbed him, leaving the filmmaker disheartened. The film, however, achieved significant critical and commercial success, solidifying its place in Indian cinema history.

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.

In the latest update, Jana Nayagan's release remains uncertain as the Supreme Court refused to intervene in the film's censor clearance. The producers' plea was sent back to the Madras High Court. This delay has allegedly caused significant financial losses, according to the production house's lawyer. The High Court is expected to expedite the decision. Read on!

Lighthouse Canton strengthens its India leadership with Gurjeet Sohi as Managing Director and Head of Wealth Management. The firm aims to double assets under management to $10 billion by 2027. Sohi brings extensive experience from Deutsche Bank. This move supports Lighthouse Canton's expansion and commitment to institutional-grade wealth solutions in India.

Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, revealed she still relies on her parents for major life decisions, despite her acting debut. She shared insights into her upbringing, her parents' contrasting advice styles, and her evolving passion for acting. Suhana is now preparing for her first film alongside her father, King. Read on!