The Economic Times

A 14-year-old boy in Gadag district discovered a trove of gold and copper ornaments while digging for a house. But instead of keeping it at home, Prajwal Basavaraj Ritti handed over the treasure to the district administration, earning praise for his honesty. The government is considering rewarding the family with 20% of the treasure's value.

Economic confrontation is now the top global risk, according to a World Economic Forum survey. Experts are more worried about trade wars and resource controls than armed conflict. Environmental risks have fallen in short-term concerns. However, long-term worries include AI's impact on jobs and society. The WEF survey gathered insights from over 1,300 global leaders and experts.

Nelson Mandela, an icon of moral leadership, spent 27 years in prison fighting apartheid. He successfully negotiated an end to the discriminatory system, ushering in a peaceful transition to majority rule and serving as the country's first multiethnic president. Mandela's legacy emphasizes freedom and opportunity as the true drivers of success, not wealth itself.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards are expected soon on jeemain.nta.nic.in, with the exam scheduled from January 21-30, 2026. Candidates can download their hall tickets, which contain crucial personal and exam details, by following a simple online process. Last-minute preparation tips emphasize revising high-weightage topics and practicing previous years' questions.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will lead a state delegation to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in 2026. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation will cover travel and accommodation costs. The delegation aims to promote investment and economic cooperation.

Global leaders are flocking to China to rebuild relationships and secure economic deals. This trend follows a period of US-led tariffs. Nations are eager to engage with President Xi Jinping to avoid being sidelined in international politics. Key areas of focus include trade and access to critical minerals. This diplomatic shift aims to stabilize global economic ties.

West Bengal's interim budget is approaching. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a key opportunity to offer voter sops. This budget will outline proposed expenditures and flagship announcements. Expectations are high for new benefits. The budget session follows electoral roll revisions. The Union Budget will also be watched for central government signals. The interim budget is a crucial pre-election political statement.

The Indian Army is actively involving its veterans in national security and development. Initiatives are expanding to support ex-servicemen and their families. Project NAMAN is establishing new centers for defense pensioners. Veterans are contributing to strategic planning and finding employment. Their experience remains vital for the nation's progress and security.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her father-in-law's estate, regardless of when her husband died. The court emphasized that heirs are legally obligated to maintain dependants from inherited property, upholding the moral duty to support those unable to maintain themselves.

Families are facing a barrage of unexpected charges and 'upsells' at entertainment venues and travel destinations, a trend dubbed the ' la carte economy'. This practice, driven by companies seeking higher profits, leaves many feeling financially strained and excluded, impacting their perception of economic fairness and potentially deterring future visits.

India has registered two new high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds. These breeds can produce over 3,000 kg of milk in a 10-month period. This development increases India's total registered livestock and poultry breeds to 246. The country is focusing on both developing new breeds and conserving indigenous ones. This initiative supports the nation's agricultural growth and dairy sector.

Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings after a match-winning 93 against New Zealand. His consistent form, with five consecutive fifty-plus scores, has propelled him back to the top, narrowly ahead of Daryl Mitchell and Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul and Mohammad Siraj also made significant gains in their respective rankings.

An Indian student and his partner received $200,000 (nearly Rs 1.8 crore) and Master's degrees in a settlement with the University of Colorado Boulder. The couple alleged months of discrimination and retaliation after a staff member objected to the smell of Indian food. The university denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a negative RTPCR report cannot be the sole reason to deny COVID-19 compensation. The court directed the Ahilyanagar district collector to process a Rs 50 lakh insurance claim for a health worker's widow. Medical reports, including CT scans and cause of death certificates, indicated COVID-19 infection.

Wall Street analysts expect companies in the S&P 500 index will deliver earnings per share for the final three months of 2025 that are 8.3 per cent higher than a year earlier.

In a significant move, Athar Khan, implicated in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy, has submitted a bail application. He cites inconsistencies in how other accused individuals have been treated, seeking equal consideration from the Supreme Court. Alleged to have instigated protests and made provocative speeches, Khan awaits the court's decision on January 19.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for honouring Indian soldiers' sacrifices during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. He noted the Modi government is recognizing the IPKF's contributions at all levels. India deployed the IPKF in Sri Lanka in 1987 following a peace accord. The operation saw significant sacrifices from Indian soldiers. The government is now ensuring their valor is acknowledged.

A man successfully retrieved his wife's forgotten shawl from a train thanks to Indian Railways' Rail Madad service. After realizing the item was left behind hours later, he filed a complaint. Within two hours and multiple calls, railway officials located and recovered the shawl, arranging for its pickup.

The Supreme Court administration informed the Delhi High Court that it does not maintain records of corruption complaints against a former Madras High Court acting chief justice. This statement was made during a hearing on a Right to Information plea seeking details about such allegations. The court sought a clearer answer, highlighting the public interest in judicial accountability.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea regarding the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan'. The producer challenges a Madras High Court order that stayed a single judge's direction for CBFC clearance. This development leaves the film's release uncertain. The movie, starring Vijay, has political undertones and was slated for a Pongal release.

A Delhi court has convicted Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi. She was found guilty under the UAPA. Andrabi is the chief of Dukhtaran-e-Millat. The National Investigation Agency charged her with waging war against India. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 17. Andrabi was arrested in 2018. Her group was later banned.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has announced he will not seek a third term in the Rajya Sabha. His current tenure ends in April. This comes as a request was made for Scheduled Caste representation in the Upper House. Singh stated his seat will be vacated. Two Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh will become vacant in April.

DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran sparked debate by contrasting Tamil Nadu's encouragement of girls' education and careers with perceived restrictions in northern states. The event, where laptops were distributed, highlighted the state's focus on the Dravidian model of governance and technology for learning.

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Supreme Court regarding searches conducted at Pratik Jain's residence and office. Consequently, the ED requested the Calcutta High Court to adjourn related petitions. The Trinamool Congress stated its aim was data protection. The Chief Minister's lawyer objected to the adjournment plea.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Aadya Prasad Tiwari, an accused in the 2021 death of Mahant Narendra Giri. The court noted the trial is expected to take considerable time. Tiwari has been in custody since September 2021. The CBI has examined only a few witnesses out of 150 proposed.

Aditya Sahu is the new president of the Jharkhand BJP. Union Minister Jual Oram announced Sahu's appointment. Sahu previously served as working president. He replaces former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi. Several prominent leaders were also elected to the national council from Jharkhand.

Turkey is reportedly in advanced talks to join a defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, mirroring NATO's Article 5. This potential alliance aims to bolster regional security by treating an attack on one member as an attack on all, reflecting shared strategic interests and a desire for greater deterrence.

As Russia's focus shifts to Ukraine, its authoritarian allies like Venezuela, Syria, Cuba, and Iran feel neglected, experiencing a decline in crucial support. Venezuela's security apparatus is particularly dismayed by the failure of Cuban and Russian intelligence to prevent Maduro's capture, signaling a breakdown in trust and a potential pivot towards American cooperation.

Gold rate predictions for 2026 are out and readers can now have an idea about the possible gold price in the upcoming months.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his son Tej Pratap Yadav's residence. This visit occurred months after Prasad expelled Yadav from the party and severed personal ties. The meeting sparked speculation about a family reconciliation following a recent electoral defeat. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also attended the feast.

K-pop superstars BTS are returning to Australia for stadium concerts in Melbourne and Sydney. These shows are part of a massive world tour following their military service hiatus. The group will perform in February 2026. This marks their first Australian concerts since before the pandemic. Fans can expect an immersive experience with a 360-degree stage.

Sergio Gor, the new US Ambassador to India, presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. This marks a step towards strengthening India-US relations. Gor previously served as White House personnel director. He expressed that India is essential to the United States. Both nations are working on a trade deal. This comes after a period of strained ties.

BP anticipates booking impairments worth $4 billion to $5 billion in the fourth quarter. This is largely due to its energy transition businesses. The company is shifting spending from lower-carbon ventures back to oil and gas. This move aims to boost profitability under new leadership. Weak oil trading and lower oil prices are impacting earnings.

Philipp Navratil, the CEO of Nestle, has publicly apologised to consumers in light of the infant nutrition product recalls affecting multiple countries. He conveyed his deep regret for the anxiety and inconvenience this has brought to families and caregivers. Navratil assured stakeholders that every recall has been thoroughly communicated and that the company is actively working to remedy the situation.

Four Pakistani-origin cricketers selected for the United States squad in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup 2026 have been denied visas to travel to India. This development places their participation in the global tournament in doubt. Experienced pacer Ali Khan confirmed the visa denial on social media. The issue stems from India's visa regulations for individuals born in Pakistan.

Some OTT shows are made for quiet nights, warm blankets, and slow emotions. These romantic series focus on connection, comfort, and feelings that unfold gently, not dramatically.

NRLW star Maddie Studdon faces domestic-violence-related stalking charges after allegedly sending abusive messages and confronting her former partner. She appeared in Sydney bail court, pleading not guilty to stalking and using a carriage service to cause menace. Her lawyer highlighted a potential contract with the North Queensland Cowboys, which could be jeopardized by her continued custody.

Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers will meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This meeting follows President Donald Trump's recent threats to acquire Greenland. The autonomous territory holds significant strategic value for the United States due to its location and abundant mineral wealth.

Bengaluru police are searching for a security guard. CCTV footage reportedly shows the man killing a puppy in south Bengaluru. Animal welfare volunteers brought the incident to light. The body of one puppy was found. Other puppies are missing. A complaint has been filed. The accused is reportedly absconding.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will transition to a monthly subscription-only model after February 14, ending the option for a one-time purchase. This change comes as the system, which requires driver supervision, faces scrutiny from the NHTSA over safety concerns and reported violations.

United States President Donald Trump reacted to Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen's statement. Nielsen expressed a preference for Greenland to remain with Denmark. Trump dismissed this, stating it would be a ig problem for Nielsen. Greenland's government reiterated its stance against any US takeover. They emphasized their commitment to remaining part of the Danish commonwealth and NATO.

China has reportedly instructed customs agents and domestic tech firms not to import Nvidia's H200 AI chips, with officials describing the directive as a de facto ban for now. The motives behind Beijing's actions remain unclear, with speculation ranging from promoting domestic companies to using it as a bargaining tactic with the US.

A proposed march to Jaipur by RLP convener Hanuman Beniwal has been called off. Government representatives held talks with farmers on the Ajmer-Nagaur border. The administration agreed to take strict steps against illegal gravel mining. Farmers affected by railway and power line projects will receive adequate compensation. The meeting followed an inconclusive first round of discussions.

One year, six launches, three failures. That is an uncomfortable tally. But it is also a moment to reset. Isros credibility was built over decades through consistency. Bouncing back strongly will require the same qualities, applied with greater speed and sharper focus.