The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Somnath Mahadev Temple, marking its 1,000-year history. He emphasized the temple's flag as a symbol of India's enduring strength and resilience. The Prime Minister also praised the ongoing festivities, including drone displays and continuous chanting, celebrating the temple's legacy and India's civilisational pride.

A death has been confirmed after human remains were found in Australia's south-east. Bushfires are burning out of control in Victoria, destroying buildings and bushland. Thousands are without power. Firefighters are battling numerous blazes, with containment expected to take weeks. The government is providing emergency funding to affected residents and farmers. Air quality is impacted by bushfire smoke across Victoria.

Former MLA Dagdu Sakpal, a long-time loyalist of Uddhav Thackeray, has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This move ahead of the Mumbai civic body polls is seen as a significant boost for Shinde's efforts to gain a foothold in the Thackeray stronghold. Sakpal previously represented the Lalbaug-Parel-Sewree belt for multiple terms.

India's space journey in 2026 begins with the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12. This launch carries the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite. Fifteen other satellites from India and abroad will also be deployed. A Spanish technology demonstrator for re-entry vehicle development is also part of this significant mission. This launch highlights India's growing capabilities in space.

Last week, several Instagram users reported receiving unexpected password reset emails, sparking concerns of a possible data breach. The users were asked to reset their Instagram passwords not initiated by them and the concerns drew more attention after Malwarebytes claimed the activity was linked to a breach associated with 17.5 million Instagram users. Meta has denied these claims.

India and Argentina are deepening cooperation on critical minerals. This partnership is crucial for India's future growth in electric vehicles and renewable energy. Argentina offers vital resources like lithium and copper. India's investment aims for long-term supply security and cost stability. This collaboration is a strategic move to secure essential materials for India's industrial and defense needs.

Nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy have entered their third week, with activists reporting at least 116 deaths and 2,600 detentions amid a widespread internet blackout. Parliament speaker Qalibaf warned the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes Iran, as President Trump offered support for the demonstrators.

A 67-year-old sugarcane juice seller from Kannur, India, has traveled to 10 countries, including Israel, Egypt, and Turkey, funded solely by his roadside business. Hashim VP's journey, which began with a trip to Delhi in 2012, demonstrates that passion and perseverance can make global exploration a reality, with China being his next destination.

Television actors Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali have confirmed their separation after 14 years of marriage, emphasising mutual respect and co-parenting their children. Following the announcement, Mahhi shared an emotional note for her 'best friend' Nadim Nadz. Read on to know more about him!

The FMCG sector anticipates strong volume growth and better operating margins for the December quarter. This positive outlook is fueled by GST reforms, robust festive sales, and easing raw material costs. Companies like Dabur, Marico, and Godrej Consumer Products report signs of recovery. Rural demand continues to outpace urban markets. Organized retail and e-commerce are also showing significant growth.

President Trump has reportedly asked military commanders to prepare invasion plans for Greenland, a move that has alarmed US defense officials and Joint Chiefs of Staff due to legality and authorization concerns.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the ruling BJP and NCP of resorting to hooliganism and giving election tickets to relatives of alleged criminals. Meanwhile, rival NCP factions released a joint manifesto for Pune Municipal Corporation elections, promising to address traffic, healthcare, water supply, and affordable public transport, including free bus and metro travel.

Karnataka government has called on the Union Government, in the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, to ensure revenue protection for States post-GST rationalisation, share excise duty and cess on pan masala and tobacco products, release pending Central dues under flagship schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, and strengthen funding for rural employment, agriculture, and social protection.

Goa has welcomed over one crore tourists, a record driven by a surge in domestic visitors. This marks a strong recovery post-pandemic. However, foreign tourist numbers remain significantly lower than in 2017. Charter flight tourism has seen a sharp decline. Scheduled international flights show partial recovery. Cruise tourism now predominantly features Indian travellers.

India faces New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara, with former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to action. This series could be their last in Indian colours until July, preceding the T20 World Cup and IPL. Shubman Gill will lead the ODI side, aiming for his first series win as captain.

Nationwide protests against Iran's theocracy have entered their third week, with demonstrations in Tehran and Mashhad. Activists report at least 116 deaths and 2,600 detentions amid a severe internet blackout. U.S. President Trump has voiced support for the protesters, while Iran's attorney general warned of death penalty charges for participants.

Nitin Nabin, BJP national working president, stated Tamil Nadu citizens are unhappy with the DMK government's administrative shortcomings. He mentioned BJP workers are ready to spread Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a prosperous and corruption-free Tamil Nadu. Nabin also criticized the DMK's approach to development and culture during his visit to Coimbatore.

A social media post by content creator Nalini Unagar showing a stark price difference between a restaurant bill and a Zomato order has triggered a wide debate on social media. In the post, Nalini shared that the cost of her order, Veg Manchurian Dry and Chinese Bhel, should be around Rs 320, but when ordered online, Zomato charged Rs 655.

Israel is closely watching for any United States intervention in Iran. This comes as Iran faces its largest anti-government protests in years. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iran against using force. He stated the US is ready to help. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of US intervention with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

A nationwide study reveals a critical public health gap in India, with nearly four out of five deaths lacking medically confirmed causes. This data deficit, most severe in North India and Delhi, hinders effective healthcare planning and disease tracking. The issue stems from hospitals not reporting death data, an administrative rather than medical problem.

Realty firm Signature Global saw sales bookings drop by 27% to Rs 2,020 crore in the December quarter. This decline occurred despite the usual festive demand for housing properties. The company sold fewer units and a smaller area compared to the previous year. This trend also impacted the first nine months of the fiscal year.

India needs multiple green car technologies for energy security and self-reliance. Toyota Kirloskar Motor believes battery electric vehicles, hybrids, flex-fuel, and hydrogen will all play a role. This approach addresses India's diverse geography and consumer preferences. It also helps combat carbon emissions and pollution. Local manufacturing and job creation are key benefits.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to boost capital expenditure by adopting a strategic approach to privatization for the Union Budget 2026-27. CII proposes a demand-driven selection process, a three-year privatization pipeline, and an institutional framework to expedite disinvestment and unlock significant resources for national development.

Union Budget 2026: The Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association has requested the central government to implement key changes. They are seeking a uniform 5 percent Goods and Services Tax on all fertilizers. The association also wants faster refunds of excess GST credits. A unified licensing system is another major demand.

Bhogi Pongal 2026 Date: Bhogi Pandigai marks the beginning of the Sankranti and Pongal festivities. It symbolises new beginnings, encouraging people to let go of negativity and welcome prosperity. In 2026, Bhogi Pandigai falls on 13 January. The festival features a traditional bonfire ritual to burn away the past. Celebrated across South India, it represents renewal and a fresh start for the harvest season.

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain sustained during a net session. Dhruv Jurel has been named as his replacement for the three-match series. Pant's injury was diagnosed as an oblique muscle tear after MRI scans.

Volvo Car India is focused on an all-electric future. Currently, one in four cars sold is an EV. The new GST 2.0 has made mild-hybrid SUVs more appealing. The company plans a more aggressive EV rollout in 2026. ICE models are also being refreshed. Price increases for some cars are possible due to forex fluctuations.

Bengaluru Weather News Today Jan 11: Parts of Bengaluru received light drizzle on Sunday morning and the weather continues to remain cold in the city. The IMD has forecast light rains for today and has sounded a yellow alert for cold in Northern Karnataka. No severe weather warning has been issued for Bengaluru.

Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister has urged the central government to increase the fiscal deficit target for states to four percent of GSDP. He also requested that 50-year interest-free loans be converted into grants. These measures are seen as crucial for states to invest in infrastructure and contribute to a developed India by 2047.

President Trump eyes Greenland for rare earth minerals, aiming to break China's hold. However, the island's harsh conditions and complex geology present significant mining hurdles. Experts suggest focusing on more accessible projects. Greenland's potential for rare earth extraction remains uncertain, with efforts still in early stages. Geopolitical strategy appears to drive the focus on Greenland more than immediate supply solutions.

Al Pacino's iconic line as Michael Corleone, Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment, from The Godfather: Part III, continues to resonate decades later. This powerful advice, warning against letting emotion cloud decisions, remains relevant in today's conflict-ridden world, highlighting how unchecked hatred undermines logic and long-term strategy. Read on!

The Odisha government has extended full support to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other concerned authorities for an effective response and investigation into the force-landing of an IndiaOne Air's Caravan 208 aircraft in Rourkela, Jharkhand.

Renewable energy projects in Rajasthan are experiencing significant power curtailments. Over 4 GW of capacity faces near-total shutdowns during peak solar hours. This issue persists despite the recent commissioning of the Khetri-Narela transmission line. Developers warn of risks to project viability and India's 2030 renewable energy goals. Authorities are exploring solutions to improve evacuation capacity.

Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu revealed harrowing childhood and teenage incidents of harassment. She detailed a physical assault by a stranger as a child. These experiences shaped her understanding of consent and personal safety. Read on to know more about it.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He requested a fairer funding model for central schemes. This is to address Goa's coastal issues, Western Ghats ecology, and tourism role. The state also seeks support for infrastructure, welfare, and clean energy. These discussions aim to align Goa's development with national goals.

Quote of the day by Hugh Jackman: In life, you dont regret the things you do; you regret the things you dont do. Hugh Jackmans quote of the day reflects on lifes toughest decisions and the regrets that come from hesitation. The actors words encourage taking chances, following instincts, and choosing courage over fear.

Villagers in northern China are struggling to afford heating bills after government subsidies for natural gas systems, implemented to combat smog, were phased out. Residents in Hebei province report exorbitant monthly costs, forcing them to endure cold temperatures and rely on extra blankets to stay warm.

The Election Commission has appointed four new Special Roll Observers (SROs) for West Bengal to enhance oversight of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. These SROs will monitor revision and verification exercises to ensure transparency, accuracy, and uniform implementation of instructions, bolstering public confidence in electoral roll integrity.

Goa saw a record 1.08 crore tourist arrivals in 2025, with over five lakh foreigners visiting. This surge highlights the state's successful tourism promotion and diversification strategies. The government's focus on quality and regenerative tourism is yielding positive results. Both domestic and international tourist numbers have shown significant growth, indicating a strong recovery and enhanced connectivity.

Communal clashes erupted in Tripura's Unakoti district over fair subscription, injuring several and gutting houses. Security forces were deployed, prohibitory orders imposed, and internet services suspended to control the escalating law-and-order situation. Authorities have detained eight individuals and are appealing for peace.

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was a boxing legend and global icon. He won the heavyweight title at 22. Ali was known for his unique boxing style and outspoken personality. He refused military service during the Vietnam War. Later, he became a peace ambassador and advocated for Parkinson's disease awareness. Muhammad Ali passed away in 2016.

Social media platform X has assured the Indian government of full compliance with its laws. The company has blocked thousands of content pieces and deleted hundreds of accounts. These actions follow government directives to remove vulgar and unlawful material, including content from its AI chatbot Grok. X is also removing child sexual abuse material and suspending associated accounts.

Discover the history of coffee substitutes like Muckefuck and Postum, developed during coffee shortages. These grain-based beverages, once popular alternatives, are still enjoyed by those avoiding caffeine and are a staple in Korean cuisine, offering a unique taste and potential health benefits.

Rhea Chakraborty reflects on her challenging journey following Sushant Singh Rajput's death, highlighting the crucial support of women in her life. She shares insights from her podcast's final episode, detailing her emotional devastation in 2020 and her proactive mindset even amidst chaos. The CBI officially closed the case in 2025, absolving her of all accusations.

A quiet rebellion is brewing in workplaces as professionals choose to slow down. They are prioritizing work-free holidays and switching off after hours. This challenges the long-held belief that busyness equates to effectiveness. Leaders are urged to foster a culture that values genuine productivity over visible effort.

India's digital sector is emerging as a crucial power-lifter amidst global economic realignments, strengthening domestic resilience and expanding its international footprint. With significant investments in infrastructure and deep technology, India is poised to convert its digital scale into sustained leadership, leveraging its complex ecosystem for AI innovation and securing infrastructure sovereignty.