The Economic Times

In 2026, Indian enterprises are bracing for a transformative regulatory landscape, emphasizing toughness and adherence. Financial institutions are now empowered to support acquisitions, while private equity blossoms with the rise of secondary funds. However, the looming threat of sanctions remains a critical concern.

Mattel is launching a new autistic Barbie. This doll joins a diverse collection aimed at inclusivity. The design involved extensive collaboration to reflect autistic experiences. Features include eye movement and articulated joints. Accessories like headphones and a tablet are also included. This move highlights Mattel's commitment to representation in its popular Fashionistas line.

Bhogi, the vibrant start to the four-day Pongal festival, ushers in renewal and prosperity across South India. Celebrated on January 13, 2026, it symbolizes shedding the old and embracing new beginnings through a ceremonial bonfire. Homes are cleaned, adorned, and families gather to welcome the harvest season with joy and positivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Ahmedabad. They paid homage at Sabarmati Ashram. The leaders then inaugurated the International Kite Festival. Bilateral engagements followed at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. They reviewed the India-Germany strategic partnership. Discussions included regional and global issues with business leaders.

that there was extensive firing in the areas of Jangarh and Kalal and the incident, according to him, happened at around 28 pm on Sunday. He also thanked the Indian Army for its prompt action.

ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 others, encountered a deviation in its flight path shortly after liftoff. While the mission successfully launched from Sriharikota, an anomaly was detected during the third stage, prompting an immediate analysis by ISRO.

Pongal holidays Tamil Nadu schools shut: In Tamil Nadu, schools and educational institutions remain shut on Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day, Uzhavar Thirunal. Since January 18 falls on a Sunday, students in Tamil Nadu can expect a long school holiday for four to five days. Students will enjoy a school on Republic Day, January 26.

Celebrities at the Golden Globes wore anti-ICE pins to honor Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer. The pins, featuring slogans like BE GOOD and ICE OUT, introduced a political element to the ceremony. Organizers aimed to leverage the event to raise awareness for social justice issues and continue a tradition of artists taking a stand.

Pakistan Cricket Board has offered its grounds to host Bangladesh's matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup after Bangladesh refused to travel to India due to security concerns. This development follows rising tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by the IPL's decision regarding a Bangladeshi player.

Garena Free Fire Max players can secure free in-game items. New redeem codes are available for January 12, 2026. These codes are 12-character alphanumeric combinations. Players must use them quickly as they expire. Visit the official redemption site to claim your rewards. Log in and enter the code to get your prizes.

Swami Vivekananda, a remarkable spiritual leader and a great philosopher, has inspired millions with his down-to-earth wisdom. Vivekananda encouraged folks to maintain a harmony between one's intellect and heart. In one of his quotes, he says 'In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart. This means you should listen to your heart too ,as it is more driven towards empathy and truth, and all decisions can't be made with logic and calculations.

National Youth Day 2026: India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12, honoring Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary and his teachings. The day inspires youth towards societal contribution and nation-building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with 3,000 young leaders today at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, marking the occasion.

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad for a two-day official visit, marking a significant milestone in India-Germany relations. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, building on their 75 years of diplomatic ties and 25 years of strategic partnership.

Japan has launched a mission to explore rare earth deposits near Minamitori Island. This initiative aims to reduce the nation's dependence on China for critical minerals. The project involves lifting seabed sludge from deep waters. Japan seeks to secure a stable domestic supply chain for these vital resources.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will head to Beijing on Tuesday to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, hoping for closer ties as he looks to reduce his country's dependence on the United States. It will be Carney's first official trip to China as prime minister, and the first visit by a Canadian leader to Beijing since Justin Trudeau's in December 2017.

Today weather update: North India braces for continued cold wave and severe cold wave conditions. Dense to very dense fog will disrupt visibility across several regions, impacting travel. Meanwhile, south Tamil Nadu is experiencing heavy rainfall. Authorities advise caution for vulnerable populations and fishermen.

Iran faces severe unrest with over 500 reported deaths during protests. US President Donald Trump is considering very strong options against the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown. The US stands ready to help Iran achieve freedom. Internet access discussions are also underway. Senator Lindsey Graham supports Trump's stance.

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay will appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi on Monday in connection with the ongoing probe into the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during a party campaign event in September last year.

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's ousted shah, urged state employees and security forces to join protests, warning against complicity with the government. He also called for replacing Islamic Republic flags at embassies with the pre-revolution national banner. Protesters in London replaced the Iranian embassy flag, prompting Tehran to summon the British ambassador.

President Donald Trump has indicated a potential veto of a bill to extend federal health insurance subsidies. This move injects uncertainty into ongoing debates. The legislation, passed by the House, aims to restore Affordable Care Act subsidies. Its expiration could lead to significant price hikes for millions of Americans. The Senate has previously rejected a similar bill.

Donald Trump has posted an image on social media declaring himself the Acting President of Venezuela. This follows a US military intervention that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro is now facing drug trafficking charges in the United States. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim President under Venezuelan law.

Shane Warne, the Australian spin great, is remembered for his immense skill and passion for cricket. He brought leg-spin back to prominence, leaving a lasting mark on the game. Warne's career saw him take numerous wickets, and his famous 'ball of the century' cemented his legend. He inspired many young cricketers worldwide.

President Trump stated Iran has proposed negotiations following U.S. threats of action over a crackdown on protesters. Meanwhile, activists report at least 544 deaths and over 10,600 detentions amid an internet blackout. Iran's parliament warned the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if force is used.

Chennai is experiencing unusual and unexpected cold weather conditions, and social media users feel the weather in Tamil Nadu's capital is similar to that of Ooty or Bangalore. Chennai is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall today. The skies are expected to remain cloudy with intermittent rainfall in some areas, the IMD said.

The United States will receive a significant oil shipment from Venezuela. President Donald Trump confirmed an agreement for up to 50 million barrels. This follows a recent operation in Venezuela where President Nicols Maduro was captured. Interim authorities have agreed to the oil transfer. Proceeds from the sale will benefit both nations.

Taiwan's defence ministry detected Chinese military vessels and balloons operating near its territory. President Lai Ching-te pledged to safeguard Taiwan and prevent Chinese interference. He asserted that China's actions prove Beijing's authority does not extend to Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other.

President Donald Trump announced plans to discuss restoring internet access in Iran with Elon Musk. Amidst ongoing anti-government protests and a government-imposed internet blackout, Trump expressed confidence in Musk's company, SpaceX, and its satellite internet service, Starlink, which has been utilized in Iran.

US President Donald Trump is weighing options to address the widespread protests in Iran. These considerations include potential military action, cyber operations, and increased sanctions. The demonstrations have led to significant detentions and casualties. The US is signaling its readiness to support the Iranian people.

Activists report at least 538 killed in Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests, with over 10,600 detained. Tehran warns the U.S. and Israel are legitimate targets if America intervenes. U.S. President Trump stated very strong options are being considered in response to Iran's threats.

Protests are surging across Iran, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets against the regime's corruption and economic mismanagement. Global leaders and investors are watching closely as the possibility of the Islamic Republic's overthrow looms, potentially transforming geopolitics and energy markets. The regime faces a narrowing window to regain control amidst a brutal crackdown.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell revealed Sunday that the Trump administration has threatened him with a criminal indictment. This follows grand jury subpoenas served to the Fed on Friday, which Powell described as a pretext to pressure him in a dispute over interest rates. The subpoenas are related to his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last June.

Europe takes center stage in Indian diplomacy this week. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Monday, seeking trade expansion before the EU free trade agreement. France's Emmanuel Bonne arrives Monday and Tuesday, preparing for President Macron's February trip. Poland's foreign minister Radosaw Sikorski follows. Prime Minister Modi meets Merz in Ahmedabad to boost cooperation.

As Assam gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, the air is heavy with the sorrow of losing beloved cultural figure Zubeen Garg. With the ruling BJP aiming for a hat-trick in governance, they are rolling out fresh faces to rally support. Meanwhile, opposition parties are banding together in a spirited effort to take on the BJP's dominance.

Businesses in India are urging the government to prioritize economic growth in the upcoming budget. They are calling for more reforms and increased government spending on infrastructure. Incentives for private investment and privatization are also key demands. Support for exporters facing challenges from US tariffs is crucial. The budget is expected to outline the path for future economic expansion.

As West Bengal gears up for the pivotal 2026 assembly elections, the air is thick with political tension. The electoral rolls are seeing a targeted revision, setting the stage for a fierce showdown. Major players like the Trinamool Congress and the BJP are hitting the ground running with their campaigns.

Adani Group will invest 1.5 lakh crore in Gujarat's Kutch region over the next five years. This investment will boost renewable energy projects and expand port capacity. The group is developing the world's largest renewable energy park in Khavda. Mundra port capacity will double in the next decade. Cargo volumes show strong growth.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani plans a massive 7 lakh crore investment in Gujarat. This will boost clean energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Jamnagar will become a global hub for green energy exports. Reliance will also build India's largest AI-ready data centre. The company will support India's Olympic ambitions and expand social infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges global investors to seize India's growth opportunities. He positions Saurashtra and Kutch as vital centers for manufacturing. India's economic reforms, policy certainty, and strong performance create a favorable investment climate. The nation is rapidly advancing, offering significant potential for international businesses. This region supports diverse manufacturing needs, from basic tools to advanced components.

A Supreme Court ruling impacts shareholders in company mergers. Those receiving new shares via share-swap may face taxes on gains, even without selling. This applies if their old shares were considered 'stock-in-trade'. The difference in value between old and new shares will be taxed as business income. This decision could lead to more tax disputes for investors and traders.

While Trump's actions have unnerved leaders around the globe, Canadians have particular reason to worry. After all, with Greenland, Trump and his advisers are seeking control - even raising the possibility of military action - of a territory that is democratic, strategically located in the Arctic, and part of Nato. Canada is all of those things, too.

Poddar is currently serving his gardening leave and is expected to formally exit the firm by the end of January.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's India visit is cancelled. Growing protests in Iran and threats of external intervention have led to this decision. India is monitoring the situation closely. The future of Chabahar Port was a key agenda item. India had secured a sanctions waiver for the port. The port is vital for Afghanistan and Central Asian states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a grand vision for India's next thousand years at Somnath. He highlighted the nation's cultural renaissance and the confidence of its citizens. Modi recalled historical attacks on the Somnath temple, emphasizing its reconstruction as a symbol of victory and resilience. He urged vigilance against divisive forces, stressing unity for India's future glory.

As the world overflows with obligate fellows, it is natural for the obligated to take a splash in the river of resolutions. It's a different issue that no one wants to become the river itself. Just a dip of ablution and it is done. If the major rivers could voice their struggles and share their grief, the wise men would probably understand the reason.