The Economic Times

Happy Pongal Wishes in Tamil: Pongal marks Tamil Nadu's harvest season around January 14-15. This four-day festival honors new crops and nature's bounty. Families gather for bonfires, kolams, prayers, and feasts. The celebration includes Bhogi Pongal for renewal, Thai Pongal for the sun god, Mattu Pongal for livestock, and Kanum Pongal for family time. Here are 100+ wishes in English and Tamil you can share with your family and friends.

Delhi's air pollution crisis persists despite emergency measures like GRAP. Experts argue GRAP offers temporary relief but misses root causes. They call for long-term solutions like improved public transport and ending waste burning. Authorities are reviewing GRAP for stricter implementation and enforcement. Delhi's air quality remains a significant concern.

NYC Nurses' Strike: Thousands of New York City nurses are on strike for a second day. Major hospitals like NewYork-Presbyterian, Montefiore, and Mount Sinai are affected. Nurses cite understaffing and demand better pay and security. Hospitals claim some nurses are returning to work. The strike impacts patient care and raises concerns about hospital preparedness.

Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, has accused US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the main instigators of protests in Iran. Trump has publicly supported the demonstrators, promising help and warning of strong action if protesters are harmed. European nations and the UN have also condemned Iran's crackdown.

Pongal, India's prominent Hindu harvest festival, is being celebrated globally alongside Makar Sankranti. In Singapore, the Tamil community is enthusiastically marking the occasion, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong encouraging citizens to embrace the festive spirit at Little India and the Indian Heritage Centre.

Prosecutors objected to investigating a widow whose partner was killed by an ICE agent. They also opposed the department's refusal to investigate the agent. This development impacts a significant fraud investigation. The fraud cases involve schemes to defraud state safety net programs.

International outrage has built over the crackdown that a rights group said has likely killed thousands during protests posing one of the biggest challenges yet to Iran's clerical leadership.

States are increasingly banning transgender athletes from school sports teams. This trend began in 2020 and has led to legal battles. The Supreme Court will now decide if 'sex' in Title IX refers only to biological sex or includes gender identity. This ruling will significantly impact trans athletes nationwide.

Investment risks abound, and if you think you may need some of your money for an important purpose in the next few years, it may make sense to shift some investments from stocks to safer holdings.

Nvidia and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. U.S. President Donald Trump announced last month that he would allow the chip sales in exchange for a 25 per cent fee for the U.S. government.

Trump Traiffs are set to undergo major litmus test as the U.S. Supreme Court will make rulings on the key issue.

U.S. Presodent Donald Trump, with his latest message on social media, appeared to make an abrupt shift about his willingness to engage with the Iranian government.

Steve Bannon is reportedly working behind the scenes to shape the post-Trump Republican landscape, aiming to ensure his America First agenda prevails. Insiders suggest his efforts, including political gatherings and media projects, are designed to kneecap potential rivals like JD Vance who may diverge from MAGA ideology, regardless of whether he runs himself.

Quote of the day: Michael Dell's quote emphasizes that success hinges on a clear framework and a dream, not just genius or a degree. His own journey building Dell Technologies from a dorm room into a global empire exemplifies this principle. Dell's story highlights practical problem-solving and persistence as keys to achieving ambitious goals.

Tell Me Lies season 3 is now airing on Hulu.

Heart disease is a major health risk, but experts say small food changes can help. Simple swaps like using healthier oils, choosing lean or plant proteins, and eating whole grains may lower bad cholesterol. These easy habits do not require a full diet change and can support better heart health in the long run.

Anthem, now Elevance Health, has agreed to a $12.875 million settlement in a class action lawsuit. The suit alleged the insurer denied coverage for residential treatment services by using overly restrictive criteria. Eligible customers whose claims were denied between April 29, 2017, and April 30, 2025, can file for a pro rata share or a nominal payment.

India's national highway network has surged by over 61% to 146,560 km, driven by the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The government plans a Rs 2.87 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, focusing on access-controlled highways and a Rs 8.3 lakh crore PPP pipeline. A public InvIT, Raajmarg InvIT, will also be launched to fund future development.

In the UK, reports fell to roughly 130. This is a significant decrease from a previous high of more than 8,000. Canada also experienced a decline in reported issues. Earlier in the day, the country had topped 3,200 reports.

The counsel for the poll body argued that ECI is legally empowered to refer such a case to the central government for scrutiny and take appropriate action under Foreigners Act.

The Staff Selection Commission has released the Delhi Police Constable Answer Key 2025-26. Candidates can download their response sheets and official answers from ssc.gov.in. This allows aspirants to estimate their scores before the final results. Objections can be raised until January 16, 2026. The results are expected by late February or early March 2026.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that MLA performance will determine BJP ticket distribution for upcoming assembly polls. He also voiced deep concern over violent attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. The state and central governments are monitoring the situation closely. Security has been heightened in border districts to prevent any spillover into Assam.

Reddit experienced a major outage Tuesday afternoon, preventing thousands of users worldwide from accessing its site and app. The platform confirmed it was investigating elevated errors and later stated a fix was being implemented. This incident occurred shortly after X and banking app Monzo also faced disruptions.

Books to inspire you in 2026: These titles rank among the most impactful books not because they promise instant change, but because they reflect a future in which intention has already turned into action. Together, they capture the sense that your 2026 vision board is no longer aspirational, it has quietly begun to take shape.

The Monzo app outage caused problems for users across the UK after platform issues hit the digital bank. Many customers reported trouble opening the app and using some features. Monzo said it is investigating the issue and activated a backup system so people can still make payments, withdraw cash, and use basic banking services.

Flobelle Belle Fairbanks Burden, New York heiress and granddaughter of socialite Babe Paley, disclosed how her 21-year marriage to hedge fund executive Henry Davis collapsed following a shocking voicemail from an unknown person. The caller stated that Davis was having an affair, initiating Burden to face him. Davis acknowledged a brief connection with a younger colleague and rapidly demanded a divorce, leaving their children behind.

What is Havana Syndrome? The Pentagon secretly tested a high-powered device linked to Havana Syndrome. The unit emits pulsed radiofrequency energy. Officials paid tens of millions through an undercover DHS operation. Victims report brain-like injuries worldwide. Intelligence agencies remain divided. Russia-linked components raise alarms. With Iran-Israel tensions rising, fears grow of silent, deniable attacks on US personnel.

India and France held a key strategic dialogue. Discussions focused on joint development and collaboration under Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Security, defence, technology, space, and civil nuclear cooperation were reviewed. Preparations for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit were also discussed. Both nations committed to closer cooperation for global peace and stability.

As part of the Best books to read in 2026, We Need to Talk About Kevin continues to captivate and disturb in equal measure. Lionel Shrivers incisive storytelling confronts us with uncomfortable truths about motherhood, the limits of love and the darkest recesses of human behaviour.

Millions of Americans can claim part of a $30 million Google and YouTube settlement. The payout targets children under 13 whose data was collected from 2013 to 2020. No proof is required to apply. Claims close January 21, 2026. Payments will be mailed or deposited directly. Act fast to secure your share before the deadline.

In 2026, 401(k) rules are changing, especially for high-income workers. Contribution limits are higher, and older savers have bigger catch-up options. High earners must use Roth 401(k) for catch-ups, which affects taxes now but offers tax-free growth later. Knowing these changes helps you plan retirement and save smarter for the future.

Academy Award winner Zoe Saldaa has officially become the highest-grossing actor of all time, driven by the massive success of Avatar: Fire and Ash. She has played in the three highest-grossing movies ever: Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water. Saldaa is also the first actress to feature in four films achieving more than $2 billion globally, which includes Avengers: Infinity War. Beyond Marvel, she starred as Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek reboot trilogy.

INTC Intel stock today: Intel shares surged following an analyst upgrade. KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst John Vinh raised his rating and price target. Intel's advanced 18A chipmaking process shows promise, potentially making it the second-largest foundry ahead of Samsung. Apple is a key customer for this technology. Intel's advanced packaging also draws interest from cloud giants.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, covering trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defense, and energy. Both leaders agreed to maintain ongoing contact on these vital bilateral issues.

Indian Army troops opened fire on suspected Pakistani drones that crossed the Line of Control into Rajouri district. The drones briefly hovered before returning to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This marks the second such incident in three days. Counter-drone measures were implemented. A search operation ensured no weapons or narcotics were dropped. Earlier, an arms consignment was recovered near the International Border.

President Trump cited low December inflation figures, which came in below expectations, as a reason for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates. Despite Trump's repeated calls for rate reductions, consumer prices rose from November, reinforcing expectations that the Fed will keep rates unchanged. The administration's investigation into Powell has drawn significant criticism.

Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes 2026: Makar Sankranti marks a time for fresh starts, warmth, and harvest as the Sun enters Capricorn. The article offers a variety of wishes for friends, family, and loved ones, along with messages for social media, to celebrate new beginnings, joy, and prosperity.

Boeing achieved a significant turnaround in 2025. The company delivered 600 aircraft, its highest since 2018. Boeing also secured 1,075 net new orders, surpassing rival Airbus for the first time in seven years. This performance signals a recovery for the U.S. planemaker after recent challenges. Deliveries of the popular 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets were strong.

Ticketmaster is facing a class action lawsuit in Quebec over its service fees. A judge has allowed the case to move to trial. The lawsuit claims ticket fees are unfair and too high. One buyer says he paid much more after losing his original seats. The case could affect thousands of Canadian ticket buyers.

The first Social Security payments of 2026 arrive on January 14, carrying the new 2.8% COLA increase. Over 70 million Americans will see higher checks as the average retired workers monthly benefit hits $2,071. This $56 monthly boost addresses rising costs. While SSI recipients received their adjusted funds on December 31, 2025, most retirees must follow the January birthdate schedule.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is proposing a shift to a new method for calculating the Index of Industrial Production. This change aims to make the IIP more accurate by reflecting current production structures. The ministry is seeking feedback on this proposed methodology from various stakeholders. Comments are due by January 25, 2026.

India's trade with Iran is minimal, representing a small fraction of its total commerce. Recent US tariff announcements targeting countries doing business with Iran are not expected to significantly affect India's economic engagement. Indian exporters remain watchful but composed. Trade with Iran is projected to decline further due to external economic factors.