The Economic Times

A 14-year-old boy in Gadag district discovered a trove of gold and copper ornaments while digging for a house. But instead of keeping it at home, Prajwal Basavaraj Ritti handed over the treasure to the district administration, earning praise for his honesty. The government is considering rewarding the family with 20% of the treasure's value.

Economic confrontation is now the top global risk, according to a World Economic Forum survey. Experts are more worried about trade wars and resource controls than armed conflict. Environmental risks have fallen in short-term concerns. However, long-term worries include AI's impact on jobs and society. The WEF survey gathered insights from over 1,300 global leaders and experts.

Nelson Mandela, an icon of moral leadership, spent 27 years in prison fighting apartheid. He successfully negotiated an end to the discriminatory system, ushering in a peaceful transition to majority rule and serving as the country's first multiethnic president. Mandela's legacy emphasizes freedom and opportunity as the true drivers of success, not wealth itself.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards are expected soon on jeemain.nta.nic.in, with the exam scheduled from January 21-30, 2026. Candidates can download their hall tickets, which contain crucial personal and exam details, by following a simple online process. Last-minute preparation tips emphasize revising high-weightage topics and practicing previous years' questions.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will lead a state delegation to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in 2026. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation will cover travel and accommodation costs. The delegation aims to promote investment and economic cooperation.

Global leaders are flocking to China to rebuild relationships and secure economic deals. This trend follows a period of US-led tariffs. Nations are eager to engage with President Xi Jinping to avoid being sidelined in international politics. Key areas of focus include trade and access to critical minerals. This diplomatic shift aims to stabilize global economic ties.

The Redmi Note 15 5G restores the series' value proposition with a sleek design, vibrant AMOLED display, and reliable performance powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. Its strong battery life and long-term software support make it a dependable choice, though camera performance and bloatware remain areas for improvement in a competitive market.

He highlighted the government's efforts to encourage deeper engagement between corporates and startups, adding that large companies are showing growing interest in collaborating with startups to drive innovation and scale.

West Bengal's interim budget is approaching. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a key opportunity to offer voter sops. This budget will outline proposed expenditures and flagship announcements. Expectations are high for new benefits. The budget session follows electoral roll revisions. The Union Budget will also be watched for central government signals. The interim budget is a crucial pre-election political statement.

The Indian Army is actively involving its veterans in national security and development. Initiatives are expanding to support ex-servicemen and their families. Project NAMAN is establishing new centers for defense pensioners. Veterans are contributing to strategic planning and finding employment. Their experience remains vital for the nation's progress and security.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her father-in-law's estate, regardless of when her husband died. The court emphasized that heirs are legally obligated to maintain dependants from inherited property, upholding the moral duty to support those unable to maintain themselves.

Families are facing a barrage of unexpected charges and 'upsells' at entertainment venues and travel destinations, a trend dubbed the ' la carte economy'. This practice, driven by companies seeking higher profits, leaves many feeling financially strained and excluded, impacting their perception of economic fairness and potentially deterring future visits.

John Travoltas remark that personal loss mattered more than career fluctuations is lens for a reflective look at success, grief, and perspective. Travolta's words unveil how the actors working-class roots, turbulent rise to fame, career reinvention, and family tragedies reshaped his idea of achievement. Moving beyond Hollywood metrics, it connects his experience to modern work culture, where unseen personal struggles often outweigh professional triumphs and redefine what truly endures.

India has registered two new high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds. These breeds can produce over 3,000 kg of milk in a 10-month period. This development increases India's total registered livestock and poultry breeds to 246. The country is focusing on both developing new breeds and conserving indigenous ones. This initiative supports the nation's agricultural growth and dairy sector.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India achieved significant growth in 2025, with sales up 36 percent. The company sold 1,17,000 vehicles, boosted by its 'Make-in-India' strategy. Exports also contributed to a strong performance. This year marked a milestone with over 2 million vehicles manufactured in India.

India's luxury car market is projected for single-digit growth in 2026, facing constraints from currency volatility and muted first-time buyer sentiment. Despite a 1.6% sales increase to 52,000 units in 2025, the slowest pace since the pandemic, Mercedes-Benz India plans an aggressive product strategy with 12 new models and expanded local production.

Narayana Hrudayalaya is gearing up to make its mark in Western healthcare markets. Leveraging its innovative, affordable healthcare model that has thrived in India, the company is now setting its sights on the UK as a strategic launchpad for further global expansion.

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings after a match-winning 93 against New Zealand. His consistent form, with five consecutive fifty-plus scores, has propelled him back to the top, narrowly ahead of Daryl Mitchell and Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul and Mohammad Siraj also made significant gains in their respective rankings.

An Indian student and his partner received $200,000 (nearly Rs 1.8 crore) and Master's degrees in a settlement with the University of Colorado Boulder. The couple alleged months of discrimination and retaliation after a staff member objected to the smell of Indian food. The university denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.

ACKO Drive is bringing an exclusive Tesla experience to Bengaluru. Visitors can see and experience the Tesla Model Y at the ACKO Drive Service Centre. This showcase runs from January 15 to 31. Interested customers can book test drives. Tesla product specialists will be available to explain the vehicle's features. This event highlights ACKO Drive's comprehensive automotive services.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a negative RTPCR report cannot be the sole reason to deny COVID-19 compensation. The court directed the Ahilyanagar district collector to process a Rs 50 lakh insurance claim for a health worker's widow. Medical reports, including CT scans and cause of death certificates, indicated COVID-19 infection.

Wall Street analysts expect companies in the S&P 500 index will deliver earnings per share for the final three months of 2025 that are 8.3 per cent higher than a year earlier.

In a significant move, Athar Khan, implicated in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy, has submitted a bail application. He cites inconsistencies in how other accused individuals have been treated, seeking equal consideration from the Supreme Court. Alleged to have instigated protests and made provocative speeches, Khan awaits the court's decision on January 19.

India's cotton imports reached a record 3.1 million bales in the December quarter. This surge followed New Delhi's decision to allow duty-free imports. Imports are projected to hit a new high of 5 million bales in the 2025/26 marketing year. Despite higher local crop estimates, increased imports may impact domestic prices.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for honouring Indian soldiers' sacrifices during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. He noted the Modi government is recognizing the IPKF's contributions at all levels. India deployed the IPKF in Sri Lanka in 1987 following a peace accord. The operation saw significant sacrifices from Indian soldiers. The government is now ensuring their valor is acknowledged.

A man successfully retrieved his wife's forgotten shawl from a train thanks to Indian Railways' Rail Madad service. After realizing the item was left behind hours later, he filed a complaint. Within two hours and multiple calls, railway officials located and recovered the shawl, arranging for its pickup.

The Supreme Court administration informed the Delhi High Court that it does not maintain records of corruption complaints against a former Madras High Court acting chief justice. This statement was made during a hearing on a Right to Information plea seeking details about such allegations. The court sought a clearer answer, highlighting the public interest in judicial accountability.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea regarding the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan'. The producer challenges a Madras High Court order that stayed a single judge's direction for CBFC clearance. This development leaves the film's release uncertain. The movie, starring Vijay, has political undertones and was slated for a Pongal release.

A Delhi court has convicted Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi. She was found guilty under the UAPA. Andrabi is the chief of Dukhtaran-e-Millat. The National Investigation Agency charged her with waging war against India. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 17. Andrabi was arrested in 2018. Her group was later banned.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has announced he will not seek a third term in the Rajya Sabha. His current tenure ends in April. This comes as a request was made for Scheduled Caste representation in the Upper House. Singh stated his seat will be vacated. Two Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh will become vacant in April.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran sparked debate by contrasting Tamil Nadu's encouragement of girls' education and careers with perceived restrictions in northern states. The event, where laptops were distributed, highlighted the state's focus on the Dravidian model of governance and technology for learning.

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Supreme Court regarding searches conducted at Pratik Jain's residence and office. Consequently, the ED requested the Calcutta High Court to adjourn related petitions. The Trinamool Congress stated its aim was data protection. The Chief Minister's lawyer objected to the adjournment plea.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Aadya Prasad Tiwari, an accused in the 2021 death of Mahant Narendra Giri. The court noted the trial is expected to take considerable time. Tiwari has been in custody since September 2021. The CBI has examined only a few witnesses out of 150 proposed.

George Orwells famous line from 1984 about wanting to be understood more than loved becomes a lens to explore modern loneliness, work culture, and the hunger for genuine recognition. Tracing Winston Smiths quiet realization under surveillance to todays performance driven world, the piece shows how connection without comprehension feels hollow. It also revisits Orwells life and ideas, revealing why understanding, not attention, remains his most enduring human demand.

Aditya Sahu is the new president of the Jharkhand BJP. Union Minister Jual Oram announced Sahu's appointment. Sahu previously served as working president. He replaces former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi. Several prominent leaders were also elected to the national council from Jharkhand.

We have requested around Rs 10,000 crore for second-generation ethanol and about Rs 1,500 crore for SAF capacity, and overall an outlay of Rs 15,000-20,000 crore to support pilot projects and new technologies for the advanced biofuels,in an exclusive interview. ISMA has sought budgetary support funds for second-generation ethanol, green hydrogen and SAF to enable pilot projects, new technologies, equipment innovation, along with GST rationalisation this budget, he said.

Nivin Pauly's recent hit, Sarvam Maya, reignites interest in Malayalam cinema's mix of supernatural elements, emotion, and humour. This success prompts a look at other films exploring similar themes. From the tender supernatural drama Koode to the hilarious horror-comedy Romancham, the list also features some of our favourite Nivin Pauly movies.

Turkey is reportedly in advanced talks to join a defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, mirroring NATO's Article 5. This potential alliance aims to bolster regional security by treating an attack on one member as an attack on all, reflecting shared strategic interests and a desire for greater deterrence.

As Russia's focus shifts to Ukraine, its authoritarian allies like Venezuela, Syria, Cuba, and Iran feel neglected, experiencing a decline in crucial support. Venezuela's security apparatus is particularly dismayed by the failure of Cuban and Russian intelligence to prevent Maduro's capture, signaling a breakdown in trust and a potential pivot towards American cooperation.

Gold rate predictions for 2026 are out and readers can now have an idea about the possible gold price in the upcoming months.

A major announcement has emerged from the combined forces of Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation regarding newfound oil deposits in Abu Dhabi. Tapped within the Onshore Block 1 exploration concession, Urja Bharat Pte Ltd, their collaborative entity, discovered oil in two wells. These discoveries play a vital role in bolstering India's energy security initiatives.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has submitted pre-budget recommendations to the Union finance minister, seeking duty rationalisation, SEZ reforms, and tax reforms for exporters. The council aims to position India as a global diamond trading hub and enhance cost-competitiveness amidst geopolitical uncertainties and slowing demand.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has submitted pre-budget recommendations to the Union finance minister, seeking duty rationalisation, SEZ reforms, and tax reforms for exporters. The council aims to position India as a global diamond trading hub and enhance cost-competitiveness amidst geopolitical uncertainties and slowing demand.

ACME Group's 400 MW solar and battery storage project in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, is moving fast. The Rs 3,000 crore initiative will deliver round-the-clock renewable power. Commissioning is planned for 2026. This project will boost grid stability and support India's clean energy goals. Andhra Pradesh is committed to fast-tracking such green projects.

Thomas Cook India has joined forces with the Gujarat Government in a strategic alliance to position the state as a must-visit travel destination. The collaboration focuses on amplifying Gujarat's unique tourist attractions to bring in more guests.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his son Tej Pratap Yadav's residence. This visit occurred months after Prasad expelled Yadav from the party and severed personal ties. The meeting sparked speculation about a family reconciliation following a recent electoral defeat. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also attended the feast.