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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Indian Air Force swiftly deployed an Mi-17 V5 helicopter to combat a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Central Air Command highlighted the IAF's crucial dual role in national defense and disaster response, showcasing its operational readiness in assisting the state government.

Estonia has achieved a digital voting milestone. In 2023, over half its citizens voted online, surpassing paper ballots. This system, adopted in 2005, allows voters to cast and change votes digitally throughout election week. Estonia's digital infrastructure and stringent data privacy laws ensure secure and accessible elections. This model presents a future for democratic participation.

Australia's government is pushing new laws on hate speech and gun control after a mass shooting. These proposals are facing strong opposition from conservative and Green parties. Parliament has been recalled to debate the combined bill. The government is open to amendments. Concerns exist about free speech and political protest protections.

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection is releasing the IBPS RRB Clerk 2025 Prelims results today. Candidates can check their scores and qualifying status on ibps.in. Those who clear will advance to the Mains exam on February 1. This recruitment drive aims to fill 8,002 Office Assistant positions across Regional Rural Banks nationwide.

Delhi-NCR school holidays: At a time when Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram are colder than Shimla and Dehradun, parents and students are wondering if schools will reopen in the NCR region from January 16. As of now, there is no official confirmation that schools will remain closed today ,but seeing the intense cold, it is expected that authorities may announce closure of schools.

A routine plumbing job on Phillip Island took a shocking turn. Workers unearthed what police believe are human remains, including a skull. The discovery occurred on Thursday morning at a holiday property. A major forensic investigation is now underway. Police have secured the scene and are continuing their inquiries. The incident has caused concern in the local Silverleaves community.

Voting is underway across Maharashtra for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Several prominent personalities from Bollywood and cricket were seen casting their votes. Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Sachin Tendulkar, Piyush Goyal, Vishal Dadlani, Nana Patekar, Hema Malini, and Divya Dutta exercised their franchise. They urged citizens to participate in the democratic process.

Khamenei, now 86, has dominated Iran for the last three-and-a-half decades since taking on the post for life in 1989 as leader of the Islamic revolution following the death of revolutionary founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The traditional bull-taming sport has begun in Madurai for the Pongal 2026 festival. Around 550 bull tamers and 1,100 bulls are participating. The event spans three days, with Palamedu and Alanganallur hosting the finale. Winners will receive attractive prizes, including a car and tractor. Over 2,200 police personnel are ensuring security for the festivities.

Japan and the Philippines have signed a significant defense pact. This agreement allows for the tax-free provision of essential supplies during joint military training. The pact aims to strengthen deterrence against China's increasing assertiveness in the region. It also enhances preparedness for natural disasters. This move deepens the security alliance between the two nations.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed willingness to boost ties with Canada, emphasizing the need to remove interference for steady, substantive, and robust bilateral relations. Speaking with Canadian counterpart Anita Anand during a Beijing meeting, Wang highlighted enhancing communication and fostering mutual trust. This engagement occurred as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's delegation visit this week.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using special redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character codes are time-sensitive and can be redeemed on the official Garena website. Players are urged to act fast to claim their rewards before expiry. The process involves visiting reward.ff.garena.com, logging in, and entering the code.

Iran's airspace reopened after a five-hour closure due to U.S.-Iran tensions. This closure impacted flights, causing cancellations and reroutes. Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India faced disruptions. Germany also cautioned its airlines. The situation heightened risks for air travel, with several airlines avoiding Iranian airspace.