The Economic Times News

Uttar Pradesh has implemented a GPS tracking system to curb food grain theft and diversion in its Public Distribution System. This digital monitoring covers over 5,000 vehicles, ensuring real-time tracking from depots to fair price shops. The system is also mandatory for paddy procurement.

Uttar Pradesh's Zero Poverty Mission is ensuring welfare schemes reach every eligible family, focusing on eligibility and measurable outcomes. Examples like Gosaiganj residents highlight the provision of housing, water, and ration.

A gastro surgeon's arrest in Delhi highlights an illegal kidney transplant network. This recurring crime involves desperate donors and wealthy patients. The trade spans India and reaches abroad, with middlemen exploiting the poor. Despite laws, huge profits fuel the illegal organ trade, tarnishing Delhi's healthcare reputation. Urgent reforms are needed for a transparent donation system.

Banks can now sponsor pension funds for National Pension System assets. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority approved this framework. This move aims to boost competition and protect subscribers. Banks must meet strict eligibility criteria. New guidelines will apply to all pension funds. Three new trustees were also appointed to the NPS Trust Board.

A Bangladeshi businessman, Khokon Chandra Das, was brutally attacked, hacked, and set ablaze by unidentified assailants in Damudya, Shariatpur. The 50-year-old, who runs a medicine and mobile banking business, was returning home when intercepted. He managed to escape by jumping into a pond. Two locals have been named in the case as police hunt for the perpetrators.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled a statue of Raja Jagat Dev of the Buksa tribal community. He praised the Raja's life as an example of sacrifice and cultural preservation. The Chief Minister emphasised the state government's commitment to tribal communities. He also announced development projects for the area, including road reconstruction and temple complex improvements.

A retired Indian Air Force officer was shot dead near his home by two contract killers, including a serving constable, hired by his sons over a family dispute. The sons allegedly paid Rs 5 lakh for the murder. Police identified the assailants through CCTV footage and are searching for the constable and the victim's sons.

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation has released the admit card for the Probationary Officer recruitment exam. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official website. The ECGC PO examination is scheduled for January 11, 2026. Applicants must carry their admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam centre. Electronic gadgets are prohibited. Reach the venue early.

Aniket Mahato has resigned from the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum. He cited differences with other trustees and alleged undemocratic committee formation. Mahato also spoke of state government vindictiveness towards protest leaders. He plans to continue his fight for justice independently.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has warned of a new threat: white-collar terrorism. Highly educated individuals are reportedly involved in anti-national activities. He cited the recent Delhi bomb blast where doctors were found to be perpetrators. Singh stressed the need for education to be coupled with values and character.

India faces a packed election year in 2026. Assembly polls are set for Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Major states like Maharashtra and Karnataka will also hold urban local body elections. Additionally, Rajya Sabha elections will see changes in the Upper House composition. This electoral activity will shape the political landscape significantly.

Gaya GRP Station House Officer Rajesh Kumar Singh was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a gold robbery from the HowrahBikaner Express last November. Singh was part of the investigation team probing the theft of gold worth approximately Rs. 1.44 crore. Police are now searching for other absconding personnel involved in the conspiracy.

Calls are mounting for Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan to apologize and remove Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from his Kolkata Knight Riders team. Religious leaders and political figures cite alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh as the reason. They argue that picking a Bangladeshi player amid these events disrespects national sentiment.

Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, had an incredible artistic career that went on to inspire millions across the globe. He also shared his deep thoughts on art and knowledge and in one of his quotes he advises people to thoroughly learn the rules like a master so that they can later break them like an artist.

IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel, former collector of Surendranagar, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a bribery-linked money laundering case. The arrest follows the ED's apprehension of a deputy mamlatdar from Patel's office for allegedly collecting bribes for land use approvals. The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau has also filed an FIR against Patel and others.

Weight loss ChatGPT prompt: A tech professional achieved a 27kg weight loss in three months by using ChatGPT as a personal fitness guide. He relied on daily discipline and structured AI prompts for meal planning, workouts, habit tracking, and mindset, demonstrating a practical, low-cost approach to significant health transformation.

The fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England is set for Sydney. Australia has named its squad, with Steve Smith captaining. Usman Khawaja will retire after this match. England has also announced its squad, including new players. This series finale promises exciting cricket. Fans can watch the match live across various regions.

Indore is facing a serious public health crisis. Contaminated water in Bhagirathpura has caused multiple deaths and left numerous residents ill. Political leaders have criticised the administrations handling of the situation. Authorities have identified a leaking pipeline and a toilet constructed above it as the primary causes. Many people remain hospitalised, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the contamination.

A former corporator has accused ex-Chief Minister Ashok Chavan of selling election tickets for money. The accusation comes amid widespread discontent over candidate selections for the upcoming Maharashtra civic polls. Chavan has rejected the allegations, stating he has never sought money for tickets. The elections for 29 municipal corporations are scheduled for January 15.

Adani Group's senior executive Jugeshinder Singh stated the conglomerate sees its assets as a sacred trust. The group is committed to India's infrastructure for the next ten years. Adani Green Energy and Adani Power are key to the energy transition. Adani Ports manages significant cargo. Adani Energy Solutions and Adani Cement build modern India. Financial discipline and governance are priorities.

United States President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran. He declared that America is prepared to intervene if Iranian security forces violently suppress peaceful protesters. This statement comes amid widespread demonstrations across Iran over economic difficulties.

OPPO will launch its new Reno15 Series in India on January 8. The lineup focuses on cameras, with Pro models boasting a 200MP main camera. New AI tools will enhance photography. Expected features include powerful chipsets and fast charging.

In a surprising twist, UK house prices dipped in December, signaling the slowest annual growth since April 2024. While many economists anticipated a modest rise, mortgage approvals remain stable. The silver lining? Improving affordability thanks to lower interest rates.

Is MTV shutting down? On December 31, MTV shut down a number of its music-only channels which left the netizens in a state of shock. However, even with the closure of these channels, MTV isn't completely disappearing. MTV first debuted in the United States on August 1, 1981 and was very popular among millenials.

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has stepped down as co-captain following his separation from wife Julie. He expressed deep regret for the impact on his family and the club, acknowledging his leadership responsibilities. Neale, a two-time Brownlow Medal winner, is focusing on personal matters and rebuilding trust, with his contract running until 2026.

Elections for 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis in Maharashtra are expected in early February. The State Election Commission will announce dates next week after reviewing preparations. This schedule aims to conclude before Class 12 exams begin on February 10. The polls will proceed for these bodies, excluding those exceeding reservation limits, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Indore water contamination: Bacterial contamination has been confirmed in Bhagirathpura's water supply after 26 out of 50 tested samples showed harmful bacteria. The Indore Municipal Corporation has sealed a leakage near the police outpost and dismantled a toilet built above the pipeline. Residents are urged to avoid tap water for drinking and use water tankers instead, with continuous testing underway to ensure safety.

CBSE has set the practical examination window from January 1 to February 14, 2026, emphasizing their crucial role in final results. Schools must upload marks on the same day of the exam, as they are final. All necessary resources and specially appointed examiners are mandated, with no exemptions for sports participants.

The history of Black Orlov Diamond, also known as Eye of Brahma diamond, has continued to fascinate historians and jewellers as it remains shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the diamond was stolen from Hindu deity in India and was sold at an auction in New York for a hefty amount. The Black Orlov diamond is allegedly linked to deaths of European diamond dealer named J. W. Paris and Russian princesses.

A significant construction milestone has been reached for India's first high-speed rail project. A mountain tunnel in Maharashtra's Palghar district has been successfully breached. This marks progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train. The project will connect 12 stations. Construction of bridges and viaducts is also advancing. The bullet train aims to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has alerted the IT Minister to a disturbing trend on social media, particularly X, where AI tools are allegedly used with fake accounts to create and share explicit images of women. She highlighted the violation of privacy and urged immediate government action to protect women's digital safety and dignity from such criminal misuse.

Archaeologists unearthed rare lapis lazuli stones and bronze coins dating back to the Kushan era at Pakistan's Bhir Mound, a UNESCO site near Taxila. The coins, featuring Emperor Vasudeva and a female deity, highlight the region's historical significance and religious pluralism. The lapis lazuli fragments suggest extensive ancient trade networks.

Today's word of the day is Ambedo describes a quiet, immersive awareness of the present moment. Ambedo captures those small, absorbed moments of noticing life without urgency, giving language to stillness often overlooked.

A devastating fire explosion in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has claimed many lives and injured over a hundred people. Emergency services responded swiftly to the blaze at the 'Le Constellation' bar. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause, with a 'flashover' phenomenon being a primary theory. World leaders have offered condolences and solidarity to Switzerland during this tragic time.

A fatal clash erupted in Ballari between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy over a banner dispute. The altercation escalated to stone-pelting and firing, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Rajshekhar. Police have registered multiple cases, including murder, and are investigating the incident.

Police have launched an inquiry into a cricketer displaying the Palestinian flag on his helmet during a private match in Jammu. The incident occurred during the Jammu and Kashmir Champions League. Authorities are investigating the player's intent and background due to the matter's sensitivity. This follows another controversy involving a collapsed private cricket league.

The Staff Selection Commission has announced new exam dates for Delhi Police Constable candidates affected by technical issues during slot booking. These rescheduled exams will take place on January 4, 5, and 6, 2026. Admit cards will be available two to three days prior to the respective exam dates.

Haryana's sex ratio at birth reached 923 girls per 1,000 boys in 2025. This marks an improvement following strict enforcement against sex-selective abortions and illegal MTP kits. Officials attribute the rise to a dedicated task force and intensified crackdowns. While progress is noted, vigilance continues in vulnerable districts.

Magh Mela 2026: The Magh Mela 2026 will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj which will commence from January 3 and will continue till Mahashivratri. The Mela will continue for 45 days and is expected to attract 15 crore devotees with the administration laying out traffic diversions for the same. Special trains will also run for pilgrims as Magh Mela commences tomorrow.

All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi demanded government action against Devkinandan Thakur for his criticism of Shah Rukh Khan's KKR team for including a Bangladeshi player. Rashidi highlighted sports and films transcending borders and praised Khan and Salman Khan's charity work, while also questioning targeted attacks on Muslims in India.

The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide a loan of Rs 4,100 crore to Telangana for the Musi River Development Project. This funding will support parts of Phase-I of the project. The state government is also seeking Rs 3,188 crore from the National River Conservation Plan.