The Economic Times

Turkey is reportedly in advanced talks to join a defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, mirroring NATO's Article 5. This potential alliance aims to bolster regional security by treating an attack on one member as an attack on all, reflecting shared strategic interests and a desire for greater deterrence.

As Russia's focus shifts to Ukraine, its authoritarian allies like Venezuela, Syria, Cuba, and Iran feel neglected, experiencing a decline in crucial support. Venezuela's security apparatus is particularly dismayed by the failure of Cuban and Russian intelligence to prevent Maduro's capture, signaling a breakdown in trust and a potential pivot towards American cooperation.

Gold rate predictions for 2026 are out and readers can now have an idea about the possible gold price in the upcoming months.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his son Tej Pratap Yadav's residence. This visit occurred months after Prasad expelled Yadav from the party and severed personal ties. The meeting sparked speculation about a family reconciliation following a recent electoral defeat. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also attended the feast.

K-pop superstars BTS are returning to Australia for stadium concerts in Melbourne and Sydney. These shows are part of a massive world tour following their military service hiatus. The group will perform in February 2026. This marks their first Australian concerts since before the pandemic. Fans can expect an immersive experience with a 360-degree stage.

Sergio Gor, the new US Ambassador to India, presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. This marks a step towards strengthening India-US relations. Gor previously served as White House personnel director. He expressed that India is essential to the United States. Both nations are working on a trade deal. This comes after a period of strained ties.

BP anticipates booking impairments worth $4 billion to $5 billion in the fourth quarter. This is largely due to its energy transition businesses. The company is shifting spending from lower-carbon ventures back to oil and gas. This move aims to boost profitability under new leadership. Weak oil trading and lower oil prices are impacting earnings.

Philipp Navratil, the CEO of Nestle, has publicly apologised to consumers in light of the infant nutrition product recalls affecting multiple countries. He conveyed his deep regret for the anxiety and inconvenience this has brought to families and caregivers. Navratil assured stakeholders that every recall has been thoroughly communicated and that the company is actively working to remedy the situation.

Four Pakistani-origin cricketers selected for the United States squad in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup 2026 have been denied visas to travel to India. This development places their participation in the global tournament in doubt. Experienced pacer Ali Khan confirmed the visa denial on social media. The issue stems from India's visa regulations for individuals born in Pakistan.

Some OTT shows are made for quiet nights, warm blankets, and slow emotions. These romantic series focus on connection, comfort, and feelings that unfold gently, not dramatically.

NRLW star Maddie Studdon faces domestic-violence-related stalking charges after allegedly sending abusive messages and confronting her former partner. She appeared in Sydney bail court, pleading not guilty to stalking and using a carriage service to cause menace. Her lawyer highlighted a potential contract with the North Queensland Cowboys, which could be jeopardized by her continued custody.

Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers will meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This meeting follows President Donald Trump's recent threats to acquire Greenland. The autonomous territory holds significant strategic value for the United States due to its location and abundant mineral wealth.

Bengaluru police are searching for a security guard. CCTV footage reportedly shows the man killing a puppy in south Bengaluru. Animal welfare volunteers brought the incident to light. The body of one puppy was found. Other puppies are missing. A complaint has been filed. The accused is reportedly absconding.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will transition to a monthly subscription-only model after February 14, ending the option for a one-time purchase. This change comes as the system, which requires driver supervision, faces scrutiny from the NHTSA over safety concerns and reported violations.

United States President Donald Trump reacted to Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen's statement. Nielsen expressed a preference for Greenland to remain with Denmark. Trump dismissed this, stating it would be a ig problem for Nielsen. Greenland's government reiterated its stance against any US takeover. They emphasized their commitment to remaining part of the Danish commonwealth and NATO.

China has reportedly instructed customs agents and domestic tech firms not to import Nvidia's H200 AI chips, with officials describing the directive as a de facto ban for now. The motives behind Beijing's actions remain unclear, with speculation ranging from promoting domestic companies to using it as a bargaining tactic with the US.

A proposed march to Jaipur by RLP convener Hanuman Beniwal has been called off. Government representatives held talks with farmers on the Ajmer-Nagaur border. The administration agreed to take strict steps against illegal gravel mining. Farmers affected by railway and power line projects will receive adequate compensation. The meeting followed an inconclusive first round of discussions.

One year, six launches, three failures. That is an uncomfortable tally. But it is also a moment to reset. Isros credibility was built over decades through consistency. Bouncing back strongly will require the same qualities, applied with greater speed and sharper focus.

Indias wholesale price inflation rose to 0.83% in December from a 0.32% contraction in November, exceeding market expectations of 0.30%, government data showed. Retail inflation also edged up to a three-month high of about 1.3% in December as food deflation eased, though it remained below the RBIs 4% target for the fourth straight month.

Budget 2026 will reflect Donald Trump's undeniable imprint, shaping India's export assumptions and economic priorities amidst a challenging global trade environment. Facing punitive US tariffs and potential sanctions, India's focus shifts to domestic competitiveness and resilience to navigate geopolitical trade pressures and achieve export growth.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticizes West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly supporting illegal Bangladeshis. Banerjee, in turn, accuses the Election Commission of India of deleting voter names using artificial intelligence at the behest of the BJP. She also holds the BJP responsible for deaths during voter list revision.

Delhi government has approved a new policy to earn money by selling carbon credits. These credits come from the city's green projects. This framework will allow Delhi to trade emission reductions in markets. The revenue generated will fund welfare schemes and environmental projects. This initiative aims to boost green efforts and improve air quality.

The US auto safety agency said it was aware of 10 crashes resulting in death or serious injury from ruptured replacement air bag inflators made in China by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd., also known as DTN, and likely illegally imported into the United States.

JKBOSE Class 10th result 2025 official site: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has announced Class 10 results for the October-November session. Students faced issues accessing the official website due to high traffic. Alternative methods like JKRESULTS.nic.in, SMS service, and DigiLocker are available.

Glowing, fresh, and effortless Alia Bhatt believes great skin comes from simple, consistent care. Heres a look at her easy, everyday skincare routine that keeps her skin healthy and radiant.

China air quality: Reports of villagers huddling under multiple blankets or secretly burning firewood for warmth -- firewood is banned, too -- had circulated widely on Chinese social media. They spurred calls, including in major state-run news outlets, to relax the coal ban or restore subsidies. But China's gains in air quality have been a political priority for the government, and many of the reports were quickly censored.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Makar Sankranti, highlighting the harvest festival's reflection of India's rich cultural landscape and the spirit of togetherness. He prayed for everyone's happiness, prosperity, and excellent health, emphasizing the festival's significance for farmers and its message of hope and new beginnings.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Beijing to mend ties with China, seeking new trade partners as the U.S. relationship falters. The visit aims to address retaliatory tariffs imposed after diplomatic ruptures in 2018, while navigating deep suspicions over Chinese interference in Canadian affairs.

Taylor Swift's powerful quote, Just be yourself, there is no one better, serves as a vital reminder in today's world of constant comparison. Embracing authenticity and self-acceptance fosters confidence and resilience, encouraging individuals to celebrate their uniqueness rather than seeking external validation. This principle highlights the enduring value of staying true to oneself.

President Donald Trump is creating significant turmoil with bold foreign policy moves and domestic actions. He has claimed control of Venezuela and threatened Greenland. An investigation into the Federal Reserve is underway. These actions come as voters prepare for midterm elections. His approach is generating concern even among some Republican allies. The President insists he is fulfilling his mandate.

Reading food labels isnt about calories alone. Dr Saurabh Sethi explains what truly impacts blood sugar and long-term metabolic health.

Recently, while distributing appointment letters to Group-1 and Group-2 selected candidates, I made a statement. I said that 90 per cent of the selected candidates come from poor backgrounds, and if, after getting married, any one of them does not take care of their parents, then 10 to 15 per cent will be deducted from their salary and directly given to their parents. For this, a law will be enacted, the CM said.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to boost ties. Following a summit, they surprised everyone with a K-pop drumming session. Takaichi, a drummer, and Lee, who dreamed of playing, drummed to popular songs. This shared experience symbolized their hope for closer cooperation between the two nations.

Crude prices: Big Oil companies saw their shares rise even as crude oil prices fell last year. This trend, driven by strict cost controls and higher production, generated significant free cash flow. Executives boosted dividends and buybacks, attracting investors. However, current lower oil and gas prices suggest this outperformance may not continue.

JKBOSE 10th Result Declared at jkresults.nic.in: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has announced the Class 10 examination results for 2026, with students able to access them online. The board also released the examination timetable for the 2026 academic session for Class 10 and Class 12 students in the Jammu Division (Summer Zone).

A 21-year-old air hostess has allegedly died by suicide in Thane. Police have registered a case against her former partner for abetment. The woman was found hanging at her residence. Her family alleges the accused threatened her and refused marriage.

Lakhs of pilgrims performed a holy dip at Sagar Island on Makar Sankranti, braving the winter chill to offer prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram. The state government has made extensive arrangements for the Gangasagar Mela, with advanced water drones deployed for enhanced surveillance and pilgrim safety along the shore.

Youth cricket's next chapter unfolds this week with the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026 in southern Africa. Zimbabwe and Namibia host 16 teams battling for the junior world title. India begins its campaign on January 15 against USA. The tournament features a familiar format with group stages, Super Six, semi-finals, and a grand final.

Happy Bhogi 2026 Wishes: Bhogi, the colorful start to the four-day Pongal celebrations, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance across South India. Observed on January 13, 2026, it symbolizes renewal, positivity, and readiness for a prosperous harvest season. The festival encourages letting go of the old to embrace new beginnings and happiness.

Trump oil tanker grab: At least 26 ships have switched registration to Russia since the beginning of last month, with the bulk of those happening after the US snatched the Skipper supertanker off the coast of Venezuela on Dec. 10, according to Starboard Maritime Intelligence data. Thats a jump from six in November and just 14 over the previous five months.

Makar Sankranti images: Makar Sankranti is a vibrant Indian festival honoring the sun and nature's bounty. It marks the sun's northward journey, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity. Celebrated across India with unique names and traditions like Lohri, Thai Pongal, and Uttarayan, the festival emphasizes gratitude and hope.

West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision process has identified over 11,000 illegal voters. Nadia district leads with 9,228 such electors. This exercise aims to clean up voter lists. The ongoing hearings are a focal point of political debate. The final electoral rolls will reveal the impact of these deletions.