The Economic Times News

Thought of the day: Lewiss most enduring fame came with The Chronicles of Narnia, beginning with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950. The seven-book series introduced readers to a fantasy world where moral struggle, sacrifice and hope played out through vivid storytelling.

A joint Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS manifesto offers key promises to Mumbai voters. These include a monthly allowance for domestic helps and fisherwomen, 100 units of free electricity, and property tax waivers for smaller homes. The alliance also pledges affordable housing, improved public transport, and enhanced health and education facilities for the city's residents.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. He alleged rampant corruption and dynastic rule. Shah expressed confidence that the NDA will win the upcoming Assembly elections. He highlighted the BJP-AIADMK alliance as a natural partnership. The Home Minister also spoke about the importance of women's security and criticized alleged atrocities against Hindus.

Armed gangs attacked Kasuwan Daji village in Niger State. Over 30 people were killed and several others were kidnapped. The attackers also set a market ablaze and looted shops. This incident follows a mass abduction of schoolchildren in the same state late last year. Security forces were reportedly absent during the hours-long raid.

Venezuela's capital Caracas was unusually quiet Sunday with few vehicles moving around. Convenience stores, gas stations and other businesses were mostly closed.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal embarks on a visit to Brussels this week for critical discussions on a proposed trade pact with the European Union. Negotiations are in their final stages. Goyal will also visit Liechtenstein to explore boosting trade and investments.

New deadly clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in Iran over the weekend, rights groups and local media said Sunday, as demonstrations first sparked by anger over the rising cost of living entered a second week. - Deadly clashes - The Norway-based Hengaw rights group said that Revolutionary Guards opened fire on protesters in the Malekshahi county of the western Ilam province on Saturday, killing four members of Iran's Kurdish minority.

Uttar Pradesh's first state-level Braille Library section was inaugurated at Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University. This facility, housing 4,000 Braille books, aims to empower visually impaired students with modern education and digital skills, fostering self-reliance and societal integration.

A delegation from the Canadian Hindu Chambers of Commerce met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressing interest in investing in MSME, religious tourism, and hospitality sectors. CM Yogi highlighted the state's economic progress, improved investment environment, and the success of the One District-One Product initiative, encouraging the delegation to explore opportunities in UP.

NYT Crossword puzzle: For many crossword-loving players, completing The Mini is not just about speed but about maintaining streaks and sharpening vocabulary through consistent play.

Delhi is set to declare Human Rabies a Notifiable Disease. This move aims to improve tracking and treatment of rabies cases. All health facilities must report suspected and confirmed cases. The government is also enhancing vaccination programs for humans and animals. This initiative is a significant step towards eliminating rabies deaths in the capital.

In preparations for the coming elections, the Bangladesh Minority Janata Party is reaching out for potential alliances. Sukriti Mandal, the party's chief, has shown a clear inclination towards Jamat-e-Islami, believing they can better safeguard minority interests compared to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Players are presented with a six-by-eight grid packed with seemingly random letters. The goal is to uncover words linked to the puzzles theme, along with the central spangram that ties them all together.

Uttar Pradesh plans to transform its 18 divisions into cuisine clusters. This One District, One Cuisine model aims to boost economic growth and create jobs. Unique district dishes will gain state and national recognition. Modern facilities and branding will help traditional flavors reach new markets. This initiative will empower food businesses and promote Uttar Pradesh as a food tourism destination.

Shah Rukh Khan needs no introduction. One of the most well-known and successful actors of Bollywood, SRK has carved a niche for himself who had a humble beginning from TV serials. Known for his witty and wisdom talks, the quotes of Shah Rukh Khan are very much appreciated by his fans. In one of his quotes, he advises people to follow their heart and passion to become successful in life.

According to a press release, issued by the UP Information Department, Mansha works as a Samuha Sakhi in a self-help group. She had previously no source of income. After joining the Safe Mobility program, her life changed.

Delhi is set to transform into a premier tourism hub. The government is launching a comprehensive plan to attract more visitors, especially high-spending tourists. This initiative includes developing new tourist circuits and enhancing city experiences. Investment in hotels and entertainment will be encouraged. The aim is to make Delhi a must-visit destination for all India travellers.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lauded the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) for their courage and dedication in ensuring national security and border management. He highlighted the state government's welfare initiatives for soldiers and their families, including increased ex-gratia for martyrs' families.

An 81-year-old businessman was duped of Rs 7.12 crore by cyber fraudsters posing as Mumbai Police. They fabricated drug-trafficking and fake passport charges, demanding money for 'digital arrest' closure. The victim, intimidated, transferred funds over several weeks. He filed a complaint after suspecting foul play, leading to a case registration.

At a time when Bangladesh is seeing persecution of Hindus and minorities, a key Hindu candidate Gobindadeb Pramanik has been barred from contesting elections. The nomination of Gobindadeb Pramanik was cancelled due to alleged invalid signatures, a reason cited by returning officer. Gobindadeb Pramanik planned to run from Gopalganj, which was formerly represented by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and has 50 percent of Hindu voters.

America is taking charge of Venezuela's oil sector, but that is unlikely to change oil prices immediately. Years of neglect and sanctions have damaged the industry. However, experts believe American companies could revive production. This could lead to lower oil prices in the long run. The political situation remains uncertain for major investments.

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to recruit approximately 1,200 teaching and technical staff for its medical colleges in 2026. This initiative aims to bolster the state's health education system by filling vacant positions for Assistant Professors, Professors, and Lecturers (Pharmacy). Concurrently, 1,230 nursing officers will receive appointment letters, strengthening healthcare services across the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi. He praised the city's sporting spirit and the participation of 28 states. Modi highlighted Varanasi's rich sports history and its growing modern sports facilities. The championship, featuring over 1,000 players, is expected to boost the city's profile as a major event destination.

AIADMK's high-level manifesto committee will tour Tamil Nadu for 14 days, from January 7 to January 20, to gather public opinion for the upcoming Assembly elections. Senior leaders will interact with citizens across various districts to collect feedback for a comprehensive, people-centric manifesto. The party aims to address public grievances and outline developmental initiatives.

Experts warn that a significant tax hike on cigarettes, effective February 1, could fuel illicit trade and lead to substantial tax revenue losses. The new excise duty structure, combined with existing GST, represents a 60-70% increase, potentially driving consumers towards smuggled products. This move risks amplifying India's already substantial illicit tobacco market.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami transferred the December pension installment to beneficiaries. Over nine lakh beneficiaries received Rs 140 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer. The state government aims for social and economic empowerment of weaker sections. Payments are now direct, ensuring timeliness and transparency. Officials were directed to identify potential old-age pension beneficiaries from age 59 for prompt disbursement.

Political aspirants in Maharashtra engaged in desperate measures for civic poll tickets. Incidents included tearing and swallowing nomination forms, alleged theft of documents, and attempts to snatch papers. Past statements resurfaced to disqualify candidates. One party chief faced allegations of tampering with nominee lists. Supporters even locked a candidate to prevent withdrawal.

Water conservationist Rajendra Singh has labeled the deaths of at least six people in Indore due to contaminated drinking water a system-created disaster, attributing the tragedy to corruption. He highlighted the seriousness of the issue, especially in India's cleanest city, and questioned the long-term reliance on Narmada water without robust management.

Makar Sankranti 2026: India celebrates Makar Sankranti, marking the Sun's northward journey and the end of winter. This harvest festival, observed with diverse regional names and traditions like Pongal, Uttarayan, and Lohri, signifies gratitude to nature and welcomes brighter days with prayers and community gatherings.

Congress leaders must wait for party decisions on election candidatures. K C Venugopal urged leaders to avoid self-announcements. Discussions with leadership are permitted, but public forums are not for candidature talks. Recent local body election results boost Congress confidence against CPI(M) and BJP. Leaders must remain humble and strengthen political activities. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's confidence faces a setback.

Months after speculation surrounding their divorce, TV actors Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij put all rumours to rest by announcing their separation through a joint statement. The couple, who have three children, announced their separation after 14 years of marriage. Though the reason is not known yet, Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij in their joint statement said there is no villain in this story and no negativity attached to this decision.

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as India's top investment destination, securing 25.3% of proposed investments in FY26, surpassing Odisha and Maharashtra. This surge, driven by government policies and infrastructure development, positions the state as a key player in India's industrial growth, attracting significant capital across sectors like power and manufacturing.

Quote of the Day: Faraday started his scientific journey as a chemist, quickly earning recognition for his exceptional technical abilities. He identified several organic compounds, most notably benzene, and succeeded in liquefying gases that had long been thought impossible to condense. This early work in chemistry cemented his standing as a careful and innovative experimental scientist.

AIIMS Delhi, with CRPF support, has launched the Ashray facility. This initiative provides safe shelter, food, and comfort to patients and attendants waiting for OPD services. Eco-friendly electric buses transport patients to the facility and back to OPDs. The facility ensures orderly registration and reduces patient discomfort. Ashray currently operates at full capacity, demonstrating its vital role in patient care.

Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, has demanded the cancellation of Maharashtra civic elections held on January 15. He specifically targets wards where candidates, mainly from ruling parties, won unopposed. Thackeray, alongside MNS president Raj Thackeray, called for a fresh election process in these areas. He alleged that democracy is being undermined and that candidates are being 'stolen' after votes.

The Indian Coast Guard is set to commission its first indigenously built pollution control vessel, Samudra Pratap. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the 114.5-meter ship on January 5. This advanced vessel boasts over 60 percent indigenous content. It will significantly boost India's capabilities in marine pollution control, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.

Highly educated doctors used a sophisticated network of ghost SIM cards and encrypted apps to coordinate with Pakistani handlers for a terror module linked to the Red Fort blast. This led to a directive mandating app-based communication services be linked to active SIM cards to curb terror activities.

Ten people died in Indore after contaminated drinking water entered homes, with residents blaming a police outpost toilet built without a proper septic tank. Officials confirmed sewage seeped into a water pipeline, leading to the tragedy. Locals are demanding culpable homicide charges against those responsible for the negligence.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the people's mandate will triumph even if opposition parties challenge the unopposed election of Mahayuti candidates in court. He dismissed allegations of coercion, highlighting the unopposed wins of independents and Muslim candidates as proof of clear defeat for opponents. Fadnavis also pledged development funds for Chandrapur, urging voters to elect honest representatives.

Democracy is in retreat globally, with autocrats multiplying and prospering as former democracies shift towards authoritarianism. The US has abandoned its focus on democratic values in foreign policy, while right-wing nationalism gains traction in Europe. The article highlights the financial motivations of modern dictators and questions the reversibility of this trend, urging Western democracies to act decisively.

Justin Bieber, a Canadian singer, rose to global fame as a teen idol with his debut single One Time in 2009. Discovered on YouTube, he became known for his pop and R&B hits, earning numerous awards. Beyond music, Bieber is a cultural phenomenon who has openly discussed personal struggles and engaged in philanthropy.

Hyderabad is set to make a splash with Indias inaugural commercial tropical Rainbow Trout farm! Harnessing cutting-edge technology, this facility will cultivate cold-water fish throughout the year, demonstrating that success in aquaculture goes beyond mere climate conditions. In addition to fish farming, it will serve as a training ground for young enthusiasts eager to master modern aquaculture methods.