The Economic Times News

Russia's position in peace talks will toughen after accusing Ukraine of attacking a presidential residence, a claim Kyiv denies as baseless and intended to prolong the conflict. Moscow stated its military knows how to respond, while Ukraine insists Russia has provided no evidence for its allegations.

Iran has issued a stern warning of a harsh response to any aggression. This comes after United States President Donald Trump indicated a potential strike. Trump stated the US could support another major strike if Iran restarts its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs. The situation remains tense as both nations exchange strong statements.

A Delhi family court ordered a husband to pay Rs 5 lakh monthly interim maintenance to his wife, emphasizing that financial support ensures dignity and a lifestyle consistent with the marriage. The court rejected the husband's plea to be exempt due to his Dubai residence, stating an able-bodied husband cannot evade his duty to maintain his wife.

Aditya Birla Group chairperson Kumar Mangalam Birla appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 with his family, where he spoke about personal milestones, his bond with his grandfather B.K. Birla, the loss of his father Aditya Kumar Birla, and the long standing relationship between the Birla and Tata families. The episode also featured heartfelt recollections of Ratan Tata and lighter moments with host Amitabh Bachchan.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, promising free water, electricity up to 200 units, and world-class education and healthcare. Dubbed 'Kejriwal chi Guarantee,' the manifesto aims to replicate AAP's governance model from Delhi and Punjab in Mumbai, addressing alleged corruption and service failures within the BMC.

Year ender 2025: Extreme weather events fueled by climate change impacted the world in 2025. Heatwaves, droughts, storms, and wildfires intensified. Millions faced the limits of adaptation. Global temperatures were exceptionally high. Scientists urge a rapid reduction in fossil fuel consumption to prevent worse consequences.

The Indian Olympic Association will host the inaugural National Athletes' Forum in Ahmedabad on January 10. This event aims to empower athletes in sports governance and accountability. Current and former athletes will engage in discussions on crucial issues. The forum seeks to translate athlete feedback into actionable reforms. This initiative marks a significant step towards athlete-centered decision-making in Indian sports.

The Russian government plans to sell Moscow's Domodedovo airport early next year, several months after taking ownership of the asset over allegations it had come under foreign control, Russia's finance minister said Tuesday. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov did not say why Russia was selling the airport -- the country's fourth busiest, but said the government had done a lot of work on it and that it was aware of potential bidders.

Russia claims a Ukrainian drone attack on a presidential residence will harden its stance on peace talks. Ukraine denies the accusation, calling it a fabrication to justify further attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated the incident aims to disrupt negotiations.

Year Ender 2025 : Jammu and Kashmir faced significant challenges this past year, marred by terror incidents and devastating natural disasters. The haunting Pahalgam attack and a car explosion in Delhi shattered the illusion of safety, while a sudden cloudburst in Kishtwar wreaked havoc on the landscape. These calamities took a toll on tourism and horticulture, vital to the region's economy.

Russia's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov announced that the state will soon auction its stake in gold producer Uzhuralzoloto (UGC). This follows a July 2025 court ruling that seized the majority stake from businessman Konstantin Strukov, who was accused of obtaining property through corruption.

A migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was lynched in Kerala after being mistaken for a thief, highlighting growing xenophobia despite the state's progressive image. This incident, the third of its kind in three years, raises concerns about the integration of internal migrants and the need for better support systems.

List of Dry Days in January 2026: Delhi will observe dry days in January 2026, with alcohol sales prohibited on Makar Sankranti (14th), Republic Day (26th), and Shaheed Diwas (30th). These closures are to honor national and religious occasions, allowing for respectful observance of the festive and solemn events.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has labeled the SIR a significant scam, alleging it uses artificial intelligence. She stated that her party, TMC, will protest at the Election Commission's Delhi office if any genuine voter is removed from the electoral rolls.

Chinese Calendar Baby Gender 2026: Parents anticipating a 2026 baby can use the traditional Chinese gender calendar for a fun prediction. This chart, based on the mother's lunar age and conception month, offers a light-hearted guessing game. While not medically proven, it serves as a cultural tradition and a way to explore Chinese heritage.

The Supreme Court has introduced a new procedure for lawyers. This standard operating procedure sets timelines for presenting arguments and written notes. The aim is to improve court management and speed up the delivery of justice. Lawyers must now submit their argument timelines a day before the hearing.

Donald Trump's first year of his second term saw a disruptive 'America First' policy. Tariffs became a key tool, reshaping global trade. Immigration enforcement was aggressive, creating domestic polarization. Transactional diplomacy marked foreign policy, impacting relations with allies. The world is adjusting to a multipolar order, with America's global role increasingly contested.

Mumbai gears up for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, 2026. Political alliances have finalized seat-sharing pacts. The BJP and Shiv Sena (Mahayuti) will contest together. The Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi have also formed an alliance. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) is contesting independently. Vote counting is set for January 16, 2026.

Oil exports from Kazakhstan via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's Black Sea terminal have been halted. Bad weather and full storage tanks are the immediate reasons. A Ukrainian drone attack in November also disrupted operations. This has caused a significant drop in Kazakhstan's oil production and exports.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has called on the Supreme Court to take suo motu action on critical environmental issues. He highlighted the need to reject proposals to redraw Sariska Tiger Reserve boundaries for mining. Ramesh also stressed the importance of preventing retrospective environmental approvals.

Kaziranga National Park has seen its highest foreign tourist numbers in 2025-26. This surge reflects growing global confidence in Assam's conservation efforts and community tourism. The park welcomed 6,699 foreign visitors by December 27, a significant increase from previous years. This achievement sets new standards for wildlife destinations worldwide.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned the additional charge of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General to senior IPS officer Rakesh Aggarwal following the premature repatriation of the incumbent DG, Sadanand Vasant Date, to his parent cadre.

One more day until unlinked Pan Card becomes inoperative. You've got until December 31, 2025, to link your PAN and Aadhaar. After that, your PAN won't work if they're not connected. You can do it online, via SMS, or at service centers. There's a 1,000 penalty for linking late. This guide covers who needs to link, how to pay, and how to check your status.

Bangladesh mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has declared three days of state mourning. A general holiday will be observed tomorrow, the day of her funeral prayers. Zia, a three-time prime minister and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, died at 80 after a long illness.

Saudi Arabia bombed Yemen's Mukalla port. The strike targeted weapons for separatists arriving from the UAE. This action signals a major escalation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Tensions are rising across the Red Sea region. Yemen's anti-Houthi forces declared a state of emergency.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal. He alleged the state suffers from fear, corruption, and misgovernance. Shah predicted the BJP will form the next government in 2026 with a significant majority. He promised to address infiltration and revive development and welfare measures for the poor.

UP's temple towns Ayodhya, Kashi, MathuraVrindavan and J&K's Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra are witnessing a sharp rise in devotees as the New Year approaches. Authorities from major pilgrimage centres have stepped up security, crowd management and traffic regulation to ensure smooth movement. From temple anniversaries and rituals to yatra-related advisories, officials are on alert to manage the festive surge while pilgrims begin the year on a spiritual note.

Aviva Baig, Raihan Vadra engaged? Raihan Vadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra, is engaged to his girlfriend Aviva Baig. The couple celebrated their engagement with family. A larger ceremony is planned soon in Rajasthan. The wedding is expected in the coming months. Aviva Baig is an interior designer and photographer. Raihan Vadra is a visual artist and photographer.

January 2026 promises a defining winter for Delhi-NCR. Expect persistent fog and cold mornings, impacting visibility and daily life. Daytime temperatures will remain near normal, though cloud cover may bring cooler afternoons. Nights will be cold, especially in the first two weeks. Rainfall will be limited. Air quality is expected to remain a concern due to prevailing weather conditions.

India stands out as a resilient growth story among major economies. Domestic demand, easing inflation, and leadership in key sectors support this outlook. UBS highlights that countries with strong internal drivers are better positioned to navigate global volatility. India's expanding middle class and steady investment momentum continue to drive growth. Structural reforms enhance the economy's fundamentals.

An 82 year old man died hours before his scheduled hearing in Purulia, while two others passed away after receiving notices, as queues and anxiety marked the third day of hearings. Several elderly and vulnerable voters across West Bengal faced distress while attending Special Intensive Revision hearings for electoral rolls.

Delhi Police had a demanding year. They responded to a deadly Red Fort blast and a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. The force also arrested a serial killer known as Doctor Death and investigated a self-styled godman. Bomb threats and street crimes tested their capabilities. The year saw significant changes in police leadership and several police-criminal encounters.

2026 Luckiest Months Numerology: The year 2026 marks a significant reset in numerology. It is a Universal Year 1, ushering in new beginnings and a fresh nine-year cycle. Each Life Path number has specific months that align with this universal energy. These periods offer smoother progress and stronger outcomes.

Indian chess prodigy Arjun Erigaisi secured a bronze medal at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship, defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. This historic podium finish makes him the second Indian male player to achieve this feat. Erigaisi's remarkable performance capped a year of significant victories against top players.

Indian Railways made significant strides in 2025. New rail links reached difficult terrains like Mizoram and Kashmir. Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat train services expanded. Infrastructure projects, including station modernisation and freight corridors, progressed. Safety indicators improved with fewer accidents. Wagon production also increased to support freight earnings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He remembered her significant contributions to Bangladesh's development and India-Bangladesh relations. Modi recalled a warm meeting with Zia in Dhaka in 2015. He conveyed condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. Zia, a three-time prime minister, was 80 years old.

The OnePlus 15, which was launched at a price of Rs 79,000, is now available for below 40,000. Stacked discounts, bank offers, and significant exchange benefits bring this flagship into a mid-range price bracket. The deal highlights top-tier hardware, a new design, and extended software support, making it a compelling offer.

Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, on Tuesday expressed his profound grief over the death of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a great guardian of the nation and a towering figure in Bangladesh's democratic history.

Samsung Electronics secured a crucial annual license from the US government. This allows the South Korean firm to import chip manufacturing equipment to its China facilities for the year 2026. This approval offers temporary relief. Washington has introduced this new annual approval system for chipmaking tool exports to China.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party announces seven days of mourning for its chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Zia passed away at 80 years old. The party will hoist black flags and wear black badges. Prayer gatherings and Quran recitations are scheduled nationwide. Condolence books are open for public tributes.

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Dehradun authorities regarding the alleged racially motivated killing of a student from Tripura. The commission has demanded an investigation and an action taken report within seven days. The student was reportedly attacked after being subjected to racial slurs.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the revival of Batadrava Than, birthplace of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva, as a cultural resurrection. He emphasized the project's role in restoring Assam's identity, combating historical neglect, and promoting inclusive values. The initiative, supported by PM Modi and HM Amit Shah, revitalizes a sacred site, fostering Assamese pride and heritage.