The Economic Times News

Toronto Zoo has confirmed the death of Kiko, a 13-year-old Masai giraffe. The animal died on January 1, 2026, after a behind-the-scenes accident. Kiko became trapped in an opening door while exploring a new area. Despite immediate care, the giraffe sustained fatal injuries. Kiko was part of a breeding program and an important ambassador for his endangered species.

Widespread protests have gripped Iran, fueled by economic woes and a collapsing currency, now trading at some 1.4 million to $1. The Islamic Republic faces mounting pressure as its Axis of Resistance weakens and U.S. threats loom. Decades of tense U.S.-Iran relations, marked by revolution and conflict, continue to shape the volatile regional landscape.

US control of Venezuela: US President Donald Trump asserted American control over Venezuela following a military operation that struck near Caracas, claiming no US casualties. Meanwhile, residents in Catia La Mar described widespread damage and fear, with homes destroyed and shrapnel impacting their properties. Conflicting accounts persist regarding the operation's toll.

The Supreme Court on Monday will pronounce its verdict on the bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and several others, who have challenged the Delhi High Court order denying them bail in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots.

Following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, President Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland for national security, citing Russian and Chinese presence. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Rubio warned Cuba, stating its government is in severe trouble and its economy will further decline after Maduro's ouster.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Cuba was ready to fall after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, noting that Havana would struggle without subsidized Venezuelan oil. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump downplayed the need for any US military action in Cuba, saying, I dont think we need any action. It looks like its going down.

In Why Not Socialism?, G.A. Cohen uses humour and a camping-trip metaphor to highlight human differences and personal limits. By joking about discomfort and preferences, he argues that fairness should respect individual capacities. Equality, Cohen suggests, is not about equal suffering but about cooperation, mutual respect, and justice that acknowledges real human needs.

Katie Miller, wife of a top White House official, posted a map of Greenland with the U.S. flag, sparking speculation of a Trump administration annexation. While Denmark and Greenland officials expressed disapproval, some observers believe the U.S. is serious about acquiring the territory for national security.

Cuba said on Sunday that 32 of its citizens were killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro. Havana announced two days of mourning on January 5 and 6, with funeral arrangements to be shared later.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened possible military action against Colombia, saying such an operation sounds good to me. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump accused Colombias leadership of being involved in cocaine production and trafficking to the United States, in remarks aimed at President Gustavo Petro.

North Korea said leader Kim Jong Un observed test flights of hypersonic missiles and stressed the need to strengthen the countrys nuclear deterrent, as it steps up weapons displays ahead of a key ruling party conference. The announcement followed reports by South Korea and its neighbours of multiple ballistic missile launches.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States does not plan to govern Venezuela day to day and will limit its role to enforcing an existing oil quarantine, softening President Donald Trumps earlier comments that Washington would run the country after the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Rubio said the blockade of sanctioned oil tankers would be used as leverage to push changes in Venezuelas oil sector and curb drug trafficking.

Reviving Venezuelas oil industry under a US-led plan would take years and cost more than $100 billion, analysts said, as decades of underinvestment and damage have left infrastructure in poor condition. Restoring output to past peaks would require sustained investment of about $10 billion a year for a decade, with any faster recovery needing even more spending.

Idol I Part 3 Episodes 5 and 6 release date, time, schedule and how to watch online details the Netflix release plan, time zones, episode count, cast, plot, Episode 4 recap, and full weekly schedule for the Korean drama Idol I airing internationally.

What is League Client down error and do desktop or mobile users face issues? League of Legends players reported login failures, client crashes, and launch errors on January 4. Downdetector logged over 7,000 reports. Riot Games confirmed awareness and said a fix was in progress.

League of Legends down and when will it be back up became a major question on January 4 after players faced login issues. Thousands reported problems through Downdetector and social media. Riot Games confirmed the issue and said a fix is in progress.

Thought of the day by Ralph Waldo Emerson shares a clear message on life direction. The quote urges people to move forward with dreams, not problems. The message links to Emersons ideas, life, works, and his role in Transcendentalism, while explaining why such thoughts matter daily.

Nitin Nabin, BJP working president, will soon meet with nearly 36 organisations linked to the RSS. This initiative aims to address and resolve coordination concerns that have surfaced between the BJP and its affiliate groups. Meetings are being scheduled to foster better understanding and collaboration. Party coordinators are in place to ensure smooth interactions.

Starmer, who won power in July 2024, also argued Britain should pursue further alignment with the EU single market, saying it was in the country's ational interest to get closer to the bloc. A decade after Britons voted narrowly to leave the EU, the stance is likely to draw criticism from Brexit advocates like Nigel Farage, whose hard-right Reform UK party has led in the polls for the past year.

Somnath Temple marks 1000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni's attack. In 2026, it also celebrates 75 years since its restoration and reopening in 1951. Despite repeated attacks, the temple was rebuilt by great leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Its survival showcases India's indomitable spirit and the power of faith over destruction.

Quote of the day by Plutarch highlights how learning works through thought and reflection. The quote explains that knowledge grows through curiosity, not storage. This explainer covers the meaning of quote of the day, Plutarchs life, works, influence, and why his words remain shared today.

Mumbai BJP claims a 'jihadist conspiracy' aims to capture cities and calls for citizens to resist a 'cultural invasion'. Party president Ameet Satam alleges Uddhav Thackeray is part of this plot. This strategy seeks to polarize voters ahead of civic polls. The BJP previously stated no person with the surname 'Khan' would be allowed to become Mayor.

West Bengal's political temperature is rising as assembly polls approach. The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become a major point of contention between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Mamata Banerjee alleges a bid to delete voters, while the BJP claims infiltrators are on the rolls. The influential Matua community faces uncertainty.

India's Election Commission is undertaking a massive revision of voter lists. This exercise, called Special Intensive Revision, began in 2025 and continues into 2026. It aims to clean up electoral rolls by verifying citizenship and removing ineligible voters. The process has already removed millions of names and faced political opposition and legal challenges.

Corporate India reached a significant milestone with over two million active companies. This surge highlights the economy's formalization and strong investor confidence. The number of operational companies grew rapidly, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. This expansion occurred despite government efforts to close defunct businesses and crack down on shell companies. New company incorporations are high, with fewer closures.

The Money Horoscopes for 2026 point to a year where intention, planning, and adaptability determine financial success. While planetary movements create openings, experts stress that sustained wealth will come from thoughtful action rather than chance.

The weekly horoscope indicates that the days ahead offer significant opportunities for self-development, emotional clarity and intentional decision-making, as long-running planetary patterns start to evolve. Central to this period is Neptunes closing chapter in Pisces, a phase that has spanned years, influencing creativity, intuition, and, occasionally, uncertainty.

Did Delcy Rodriguez hand over Nicolas Maduro to the US? Claims by Colombias former vice president say Venezuelas second-in-command cooperated with Washington during the capture of Maduro. The remarks follow a US military operation in Caracas and rising questions about internal support.

India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas marks 25 years of flight. The nation now focuses on developing the next-generation LCA Mark II and the fifth-generation stealth fighter, AMCA. These advanced aircraft programs are on schedule. This development signifies India's growing indigenous defense aviation capabilities and aims to reduce import dependence.

Nigeria's drug enforcement agency Sunday said it had arrested 22 Indian crew members of a merchant ship after 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine was found on the vessel at Lagos's main port. The agency said in November that it arrested 20 Filipino sailors caught ferrying at least 20 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil to the same port.

Venezuela's staggering debt situation has captured global attention. After enduring prolonged economic strife coupled with U.S. sanctions, the country finds itself unable to meet international obligations. Investors are speculating on potential political changes that could pave the way for a resolution. Meanwhile, creditors, from bondholders to businesses awaiting compensation, are strategising their paths to recovery.

Why is Katie Miller's 'Soon' post going viral and Greenland is US next target after Venezuela? The post shows a Greenland map in US flag colours. It came after US action in Venezuela. Denmark responded with concern. The post revived debate on US interest in Greenland.

Delhi Weather 5th Jan: Delhi braces for a typical winter week starting January 5. Expect chilly nights and foggy mornings. Daytime temperatures will offer little warmth. Cold wave conditions are predicted for some areas. Air quality is also a concern, remaining in the 'very poor' category. Residents should prepare for biting cold, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

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.