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Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Indias core industries are transforming as the nation advances toward Viksit Bharat. In 2026, technology-led reinvention, sustainability, and talent transformation are key drivers. AI, smart systems, and digitalization are reshaping manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and finance, while companies focus on low-carbon operations and workforce upskilling.
Quote of the day by Pythagoras highlights silence, speech and self-control. The quote explains when words matter. Let us understand about quote of the day today, what quote of the day means, and details about Pythagoras, his life, ideas, mathematics, philosophy, and influence on later thinkers.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended a virtual meeting of the ruling JD(U) to strategize for their 2025-28 membership drive. Party leaders discussed progress and set a target of enrolling over one crore members. Strict guidelines were issued to ensure only dedicated individuals are admitted, excluding those with anti-party activities or disrespect for the party's ideology.
The government has no plans to alter its land acquisition policy, despite it being a major hurdle for infrastructure projects. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan stated that 35% of resolved issues through the PRAGATI platform were related to land acquisition. The PRAGATI mechanism, chaired by the Prime Minister, reviews projects valued over Rs 500 crore to expedite their completion.
Sabrina Carpenter accidentally started a fire in her bathroom, revealing the aftermath on Instagram Stories. The image featured a charred sink, scorched countertop, and a lone red candle, with the caption, set my bathroom on fire by accident. Fans assumed it was a candle mishap, as Carpenter provided no further information or cited injuries.
TSLA stock: Tesla shares saw a surge on Friday following the release of fourth-quarter 2025 production and delivery figures. While vehicle numbers dipped year-on-year and fell short of Wall Street expectations, the company's energy segment demonstrated robust growth. This, coupled with Elon Musk's continued investment and a shareholder-approved compensation plan, provided a boost to investor sentiment.
Uttar Pradesh is set to be the theme state for the 2026 Surajkund International Crafts Mela. The state will highlight its ancient civilization, folk arts, and handicrafts. Over 40 stalls will feature products from the One District One Product initiative. Visitors can experience daily cultural programs, fashion shows, and regional cuisine.
Social Security work rules will change in 2026, letting people earn more before benefits are cut. While this helps workers now, it may reduce future payments. Those who claim early and keep working could see smaller increases later in retirement. The update shows why Social Security planning is important before full retirement age.
An old photo of Erika Kirk and Disney star David Henrie has resurfaced, baffling social media users. The 2014 Instagram post showed the two friends, with Kirk praising Henrie for understanding her mission to change the world. The resurfaced image has sparked confusion due to their seemingly disparate public personas.
The project was awarded by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited under the competitive bidding process for hybrid renewable energy projects, KPI Green Energy Limited said in an exchange filing.
A 22-year-old CA aspirant revealed that his parents expect him to provide a monthly pension once he starts earning, despite being financially dependent on his uncle. The situation has sparked debate over whether such demands are a moral responsibility or exploitation. Experts and online commentators note that while supporting parents can be a duty, the fairness of the expectation depends on their independence and willingness to contribute.
Tesla is no longer the leading electric vehicle maker globally. Chinese company BYD has surpassed Tesla in sales. Tesla's deliveries decreased in 2025, falling short of expectations. This decline is attributed to customer dissatisfaction with Elon Musk's politics and increased overseas competition.
India's NTPC is exploring a significant investment. The state-owned power giant is in discussions to acquire a minority stake in US firm Clean Core Thorium Energy. This move aligns with NTPC's ambitious plans to expand its nuclear power capacity. The company is looking at international collaborations for technology and fuel.
Iran is facing its most serious unrest since 2022, with protests triggered by a sharp currency collapse quickly turning into open political dissent. As the rial hit record lows and prices of basic goods surged, demonstrations that began with shopkeepers spread across major cities and evolved into calls against Irans clerical leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
U.S Stock Market Prediction: Many professional investors think more gains could be ahead in 2026. Thats because most expect the economy to plod ahead and avoid a recession.
MeitY has issued a formal notice to X, citing serious lapses in statutory due diligence under the IT Act and Rules. The government is concerned about X's AI tool, Grok, generating and circulating obscene content, particularly targeting women and children. X has been directed to review Grok's framework, remove unlawful content, and take action against offending users within 72 hours.
Astronomers have detected a newly discovered rogue planet navigating alone through the Milky Way, signifying the first time scientists have directly calculated the mass of a free-floating world. Found through a rare gravitational microlensing event monitored from Earth and a space telescope, the planet is measured to be about 22 percent the mass of Jupiter and situated approximately 10,000 light-years away.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House official Stephen Miller were seen dancing at a New Year's Eve party. The event took place at Mar-a-Lago. President Trump's son Barron Trump was also present. He appeared not to be enjoying the festivities. The officials are key figures in the administration's immigration policy.
Many retirees claim Social Security early and face permanent benefit cuts. Most people think the amount resets later, but it usually does not. There are only two ways to reduce the damage. One needs repayment of benefits. The other requires working and losing checks before full retirement age.
Budanov, 39, has built up a legendary reputation in Ukraine, credited with a series of daring operations against Russia since it launched an all-out assault against its neighbour in 2022.
Anant Ambani's 2025 saw significant engagement in spiritual outreach and community service. He participated in a padyatra in Gujarat and oversaw public welfare measures during the Maha Kumbh. Vantara, his wildlife conservation initiative, gained national recognition. These efforts, alongside his expanded leadership at Reliance Industries Ltd, highlight a blend of institutional responsibility and social stewardship.
Torrent Gas announced price cuts for CNG and domestic PNG. This move follows the implementation of the Unified Tariff order. The reduction will make CNG significantly cheaper than petrol. Households using PNG for cooking and CNG vehicle owners will see reduced expenses. This initiative is expected to boost PNG connections and CNG vehicle sales.
The Uttar Pradesh transport department plans to strengthen digital monitoring and road safety awareness in 2026, starting with National Road Safety Month on January 1. In 2025, state-wide campaigns and strict enforcement helped cut traffic violations significantly, with challans dropping from 17.58 lakh in 2024 to 13.78 lakh, generating around 454.49 crore.
ESAF Small Finance Bank has appointed Karthikeyan Manickam, a former executive director of Bank of India, as its new chairman. Manickam brings extensive experience in banking operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance. He will offer strategic direction and independent oversight to the board, having previously served on other prominent financial institution boards.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the next Mumbai Mayor will be from the ruling alliance, and will be both Hindu and Marathi. This declaration intensifies political sparring ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, following similar statements from other party leaders regarding the mayor's identity.
Cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov says cardiac MRI can reveal heart problems that routine tests often miss. In a recent Instagram post, he described it as a high resolution scan that shows heart structure, function and tissue health, helping detect myocarditis, cardiomyopathies and heart damage. However, he cautioned that MRI cannot identify early arterial plaque, stressing that prevention and appropriate testing remain essential for long term heart health.
A Reddit user shared that his former employer claimed ownership of his personal laptop simply because he had briefly logged into work applications on it. Despite providing proof of purchase, the company refused to accept it, arguing that the device appeared in their system. The post sparked debate online, with users questioning why the burden of proof was placed on the employee and highlighting gaps in corporate device management policies.
The company sold 1,985 units during the same month the last year (December 2024). During the October-December 2025 quarter, Force Motors said it witnessed a 47 per cent jump by selling 8,427 units, as compared to 5,723 units sold in the same quarter of the last financial year.
Athos Salom, commonly referred to as the Living Nostradamus, has revealed celebrity predictions for 2026, forecasting reputation revivals and career changes following a turbulent year. He believes Sydney Sweeney will reshape public views through significant acting roles, while Gayle King will eventually step back from everyday hosting at CBS Mornings. Salom also forecasts Katy Perry will refine her public reputation and strengthen her high-profile bond, and Blake Lively will navigate toward prod
Health insurance costs are rising for millions of Americans after ACA subsidies expired. Many families now face much higher monthly premiums. Experts warn some people may drop coverage because they cannot afford it. Lawmakers are debating whether to extend the help, but no decision has been made yet.
Shyam Bihari Lal, the revered MLA from Faridpur in Bareilly, tragically passed away on Friday following a sudden cardiac arrest during a meeting focused on development initiatives. Despite swift action and transport to a nearby private hospital, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Victoria Jones, daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead on the 14th floor of San Francisco's Fairmont hotel on New Year's Day. Hotel staff discovered the unresponsive 34-year-old after a guest alerted them. Authorities have stated there are no immediate signs of foul play as the medical examiner works to determine the cause of death.
India has extended the deadline for its Production Linked Incentive scheme for textiles to March 31, 2026. This move follows a strong response from companies. The government is also organizing a National Textiles Ministers' Conference in Guwahati on January 8-9.
The IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi on February 1920, marking the first global artificial intelligence summit hosted in the Global South. With participation from 100 countries, the event aims to position India as a key voice in shaping AI priorities for developing economies, with a focus on inclusive growth, social development and people-centric innovation.
A Karnataka government survey shows most voters trust Electronic Voting Machines. This finding challenges the Congress party's campaign against EVMs. The survey indicates high trust in EVMs across various regions. The BJP highlighted these results, criticizing the Congress's stance. Congress leaders questioned the survey's credibility and its association with the Prime Minister's office.
AT&T settlement checks 2026: AT&T customers who filed claims for the $177 million settlement will soon receive payments. The settlement stems from data breaches in 2024. Eligible customers could receive up to $7,500. The final approval hearing is set for January 15, 2026. Payments are anticipated to be distributed shortly thereafter. Millions of AT&T customers were affected by these breaches.
Seven PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Parks are being established with an estimated project cost of Rs 13,040 crore. Investment MoUs exceeding Rs 27,434 crore have been signed, and infrastructure works worth Rs 2,590.99 crore are underway across all seven states. These parks aim to boost India's textile competitiveness and global market position.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee is launching the third phase of its 'Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress' campaign on January 3, aiming to engage grassroots communities across the state. Five teams will fan out from Guwahati to gather aspirations and grievances, feeding into a people-driven manifesto for the 2026 Assembly elections.
After weeks of operational challenges, Dolly Partons Dollywood is getting ready for its annual winter closure. The Tennessee theme park stopped allowing visitors on January 5 and continued to be closed until March 13. Cold temperatures have a significant role, as situations can compromise safety when ride systems fall outside needed ranges. In recent weeks, guests experienced shortened hours and the sudden closing of the Dollywood Express for maintenance.
Quote of the Day: John Rawls, a prominent political philosopher, believed that many serious conflicts stem from internal contradictions within individuals, not just external disputes. His quote highlights that those who claim unwavering consistency in their judgments are either unreflective or dogmatic. This insight encourages self-examination and a more nuanced approach to disagreement.
India's personal loan market is transforming. Digital lending is expanding rapidly, with banks now offering streamlined online processes. IDFC FIRST Bank's FIRSTmoney product exemplifies this shift, providing flexible, instant access to funds. This evolution prioritizes transparency and user control, moving beyond speed to financial clarity.
India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $3.29 billion to $696.61 billion in the week ending December 26, 2025. This marks a second consecutive week of growth, following a substantial $4.36 billion increase in the preceding week. The Reserve Bank of India's data highlights a robust upward trend in the nation's forex holdings.
NYT Connections hints answers today January 2 puzzle #936 explain all group hints, answers and word themes. This explainer covers yellow, green, blue, and purple categories, word meanings, puzzle rules and gameplay tips for solving todays New York Times Connections game.
As 2026 begins, US based cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeremy London challenges conventional diet resolutions with practical advice shared in a recent Instagram video. He suggests that lasting dietary change comes from small behavioural shifts such as clearing unhealthy food from ones environment, planning meals in advance, rewarding consistency and sharing goals with others. Emphasising progress over perfection, Dr London advocates sustainable habits rather than short term diet fixes.

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