The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Haryana Police have removed 67 songs promoting gang lifestyle, weapons, and violence from digital platforms. This action follows an investigation revealing how such content glamorizes crime and influences young minds. The police are continuing their crackdown, warning creators and monitoring online activity to combat the glorification of criminal behavior.
President Donald Trump is reshaping the global order with aggressive actions. He has targeted Venezuela and threatened other nations. His America First approach is causing unease among allies. This shift towards spheres of influence mirrors past doctrines. World leaders are reacting to these changes. The U.S. is asserting its power, impacting international stability.
Estranged RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav attended a feast hosted by Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, sparking speculation about his political future. Yadav, who recently floated his own outfit, met Sinha days prior to extend an invitation. Both leaders emphasized shared cultural ethos, leaving room for future political developments.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared antimicrobial resistance a significant threat to humanity. He urged experts to develop a plan to combat this growing challenge. Shah also laid the foundation stone for a BSL-4 biocontainment facility in Ahmedabad.
Venezuela's political dynamics are in flux, with influential figures such as Delcy Rodriguez and Diosdado Cabello at the helm. In contrast, American leaders like Marco Rubio and John Ratcliffe are playing critical roles in determining the nation's trajectory. The U.S. aims to revitalize Venezuela's oil industry while securing its geopolitical stakes.
The Congress party has initiated a nationwide campaign called 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram'. This movement aims to restore constitutional rights related to work, wages, and accountability under the MGNREGA scheme. The party urges citizens to join this struggle, which will reach numerous gram panchayats and millions of people across India.
At least 2,000 people have died since unrest erupted in Iran, according to an official cited by Reuters, who attributed the high toll to terrorists. The unnamed official said the fatalities include members of the security forces, underscoring the scale and intensity of the ongoing violence.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced plans for a law to deduct 10-15% of government employees' salaries if they neglect elderly parents, with funds directly sent to them. He also advocated for transgender representation in civic bodies and inaugurated day care centers for senior citizens.
Wordle is an online word puzzle developed by software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021. Its clean design, once-a-day format and easy sharing of results helped propel it to widespread popularity.
A Bengaluru software engineer captured a stunning view of the city from her 27th-floor apartment, showcasing a serene cityscape blanketed in clouds. The viral video offers a dreamlike perspective, a stark contrast to the well-known traffic congestion below. This elevated vantage point provided a rare, peaceful glimpse of the bustling metropolis.
In 2025, the chip market soared to unprecedented heights, raking in an astounding $793 billion. This remarkable boom was predominantly fueled by AI chips, with NVIDIA at the forefront of this technological revolution. Trailing closely were Samsung Electronics, securing the second spot, and SK Hynix, which made impressive gains to take third place.
Two oil tankers were attacked near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's Black Sea loading terminal, a key export route for Kazakh crude. The ships had moved away before loading and the extent of damage remains unclear. This incident adds to intensified shipping attacks in the Black Sea over the past six weeks.
Maharashtra will observe a four-day alcohol ban from January 13 to 16 across 29 civic body areas to ensure peaceful municipal corporation elections on January 15. Stock markets will also be closed on polling day, with counting scheduled for January 16. Mumbai has also declared January 15 a public holiday.
Gold rate prediction: Citi raised its three-month price targets to $5,000/oz for gold, as per a report.
The Indian Army held a Commander's Parade in Jaipur. This event preceded the main Army Day Parade. Helicopters showered flower petals. Gallantry award winners paid respects. The 61 Cavalry performed synchronized drills. Heavy armour and indigenous platforms were displayed. Advanced weaponry and engineering assets were also showcased. The parade concluded with cultural performances and a motorcycle team display.
Cold winter mornings call for breakfasts that are warm, nourishing, and easy to digest. These Indian options offer comfort without compromising on health.
Edward L. Bernays, a pioneer in public relations and nephew of Sigmund Freud, work influenced unimaginable parts of our history, including the American breakfast, Womens decision to smoke and more. In one of his quotes, Edward Bernays says the great enemy of any attempt to change mens habits is inertia. Civilization is limited by inertia.
The Indian Navy is looking to lease four amphibious aircraft for four years. This move aims to boost coastal security and enhance maritime capabilities. The aircraft will support logistics, search and rescue, and disaster relief. India has pursued such aircraft for over a decade. Previous discussions involved the ShinMaywa US-2 model.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition demanding the removal of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's portraits from public spaces. The court cautioned the petitioner, a retired IRS officer, against filing frivolous cases. Judges indicated exemplary costs could be imposed for wasting judicial time.
U.S. stock futures fell slightly on Tuesday. The futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined nearly 0.1 per cent.
Neville Tata's induction into the Sir Ratan Tata Trust marks a significant generational transition within the Tata Group's philanthropic and corporate ecosystem. This move, following his entry into the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, consolidates authority under his father, Noel Tata, and embeds the next generation into the group's governance architecture.
The Gujarat High Court has dismissed appeals by AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh challenging lower court orders that rejected their plea for separate trials in a defamation case. The case stems from remarks made by the leaders about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational degree, targeting Gujarat University.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that India's Sanatan Dharma and culture are resilient, citing the Somnath temple's repeated reconstruction after centuries of attacks. He emphasized that those who sought to destroy the temple have vanished, while it continues to stand as a symbol of India's enduring faith and pride.
A WPL 2026 match saw a ball girl's viral bottle-flipping act steal the show, bringing smiles and proving entertainment comes from unexpected places. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues faced online criticism for her batting form after two consecutive losses, with fans questioning her performance and approach.
The BBC is fighting a massive lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. Trump is suing for 10 billion dollars over an edited speech. The BBC argues the court lacks jurisdiction and Trump cannot prove damages. The broadcaster has apologized for the editing but will defend itself in court. The BBC seeks to dismiss the case and halt evidence gathering.
These true crime documentaries arent fictional thrillers. Theyre real stories with disturbing twists, shocking truths, and investigations that will stay with you long after the screen fades.
The Supreme Court will direct states to pay substantial compensation for dog bite incidents. The court expressed concern over the lack of implementation of norms for stray animals. Dog feeders will also be held responsible for any dog bite incidents. This action follows the court's hearing of petitions regarding stray animal removal.
At a time when recent B1/B2 visa rejections have sparked concerns with no clear reason being given to the application, a man in a Reddit post shared 'sporty' hacks that how he got his visa approved in just two minutes at the Chennai Consulate. He emphasized strong ties to India and a clear return intention, highlighting the importance of a detailed itinerary and transparent communication to overcome heightened scrutiny.
India's vegetable oil imports saw an eight percent jump in December 2025. This rise was driven by higher shipments of soyabean and sunflower oils. Despite this monthly increase, total imports for the first two months of the oil year are down. Palm oil imports declined, while crude palm oil and sunflower oil saw significant gains.
India has refuted claims circulating on Pakistani social media. These reports falsely suggested a suspension of trade with Afghanistan. The government stated that a fabricated letter is being shared by propaganda accounts. India's trade figures with Afghanistan for 2024-25 show significant export and import values.
Jharkhand has issued an alert following two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. The state's health ministry is implementing strict surveillance and public awareness programs. People will receive information on symptoms, prevention, and precautions. This measure aims to prevent any outbreak in Jharkhand. The Union Health Minister has assured West Bengal of full support.
Union Budget: India's economy is experiencing strong momentum ahead of Budget 2026, driven by robust consumption, favorable monsoons, and government spending. Reforms like GST 2.0 and export liberalization, alongside R&D incentives, are poised to further stimulate growth and position India as a global hub for high-value services.
In a bid to bolster regional security, Kashmir authorities are conducting a thorough assessment of mosques and madrassas. This initiative comes in the wake of dismantling a sophisticated 'white collar' terror network. Officials are gathering critical information regarding funding, operational management, and personnel involved, aiming to develop a comprehensive database to trace radicalization trends.
Shaksgam valley: After India asserted that Shaksgam valley is a part of Indian territory criticising China's infrastructure development projects in the region, Beijing has responded saying that construction in the Shaksgam valley is fully justified. Shaksgam valley was earlier occupied by Pakistan since 1947 before Islamabad illegally ceded it to Beijing. Shaksgam valley is claimed by India as part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
India-EU FTA: Tariffs or import duties are either reduced or eliminated under an FTA. Therefore, an FTA will open markets, align regulations between the two, and benefit key industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and textiles.
Budget 2026: To pave the way for Viksit Bharat, a transformative surge in India's agricultural sector is crucial. The forthcoming budget should prioritize substantial funding for farming initiatives and innovative research. Implementing strategic reforms can significantly boost farmer productivity and incomes. Additionally, fostering growth in agri-allied businesses, processing, and exports will stimulate rural economies and bridge economic gaps.
A software professional from a Tier 3 college shared his journey of increasing his salary from ten lakh rupees per annum to forty lakh rupees per annum in just two years. His story on Reddit offers inspiration to students and freshers facing job market challenges. He emphasized hard work and perseverance.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed verification of Bangladeshi nationals obtaining Indian identity documents. The state government is compiling data on their presence and will deport illegal immigrants. Bengaluru is a preferred settlement for many. Citizens are warned against taking law into their hands and must report information to the police. Deportation figures will be released.
The Election Commission has clarified that a notice sent to retired Admiral Arun Prakash for identity verification during Goa's electoral roll revision was a system error. Admiral Prakash and his wife have submitted their documents. The EC stated the notice was automatically generated due to missing details from previous rolls. The Admiral highlighted the logistical challenges for elderly citizens.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes Iran's regime is nearing its end. The country is experiencing its largest protests in decades. These demonstrations, initially about economic issues, now openly challenge the clerical system. Authorities have responded with a severe crackdown. Analysts suggest the protests pose a significant challenge but the regime's resilience remains a factor.
Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has reached its lowest point in years. Active terrorists are now in single digits. Recruitment has nearly stopped in 2025. Security conditions in the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir have improved significantly. Operation Sindoor demonstrates tri-service synergy. The Army also provided extensive humanitarian aid.
Iran's upheaval is having a ripple effect on India's basmati rice trade, leading to delayed payments and uncertainty for exporters. As a result, domestic prices of basmati have plummeted. To navigate these turbulent waters, the Indian Rice Exporters Federation is advocating for cautious measures and exploring diversification strategies.
UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti is reportedly planning to step down in April 2027, having guided the bank through the Credit Suisse takeover. He had previously pledged to lead until at least the end of 2026 or early 2027, when the integration is substantially complete. Asset management chief Aleksandar Ivanovic is considered a likely successor.

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