The Economic Times

America has launched new strikes against the Islamic State in Syria. This action follows a deadly ambush last month that claimed the lives of two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. The large-scale strikes, conducted with partner forces, targeted multiple IS locations.

The Power Play feature lets players boost non-jackpot prizes for an additional $1 per ticket, with multipliers of two, three, four, five or even 10 times applied based on the number drawn.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has voiced surprise at the Gauhati High Court Bar Association's opposition to a new integrated Judicial Court Complex. He believes personal vested interests should not impede future infrastructure development. The new complex is designed to meet future needs and will house the Gauhati High Court.

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling for urgent action from G7 nations and other key countries. The goal is to lessen dependence on China for critical minerals. This meeting aims to accelerate efforts to secure supply chains. Many nations are heavily reliant on China for these vital resources.

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last Shah, is a leading voice for current anti-government protests. He calls for an end to clerical rule from his home in the United States. While some protesters chant his name, many demand broader political change and economic solutions. Pahlavi expresses readiness to lead a transition to a secular, democratic Iran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat for a two-day tour. He participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and offered prayers at the Somnath Temple. Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Trade Show in Rajkot. He highlighted India's economic growth and its position as a global leader. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2.

Adani Group will invest Rs 1.5 lakh crores in Kutch over the next five years. This significant investment will boost India's position as a global investment hub. The group plans to complete its Kavda renewable energy project by 2030 and double Mundra port capacity in ten years. These initiatives align with national priorities for employment and industrial growth.

A Booth Level Officer, Hamimul Islam, was found dead in a Murshidabad primary school. His family claims intense work pressure from SIR duties drove him to suicide. Local MLA Riyaz Hossain Sarkar also criticized the Election Commission for the rushed SIR process. Police are investigating all angles of the incident.

Garena Free Fire Max players have a chance to get special rewards today. New redeem codes are available for January 11, 2026. These codes offer items like weapon skins, gold, and diamonds. Players must act fast as the codes are for a limited time. To claim rewards, visit the official Garena Free Fire Rewards Redemption Site and log in.

Quote of the day: Isaac Asimov, the renowned science fiction author and scientist, whose insights into human behaviour and the pursuit of knowledge continue to feel remarkably relevant today.

Prashant Tamang dies at 43: Indian Idol 3 fame and noted actor-singer Prashant Tamang died on Sunday reportedly due to a heart attack. He was 43. Born in Darjeeling, Tamang rose to prominence after winning Indian Idol following which he launched his maiden album Dhanyavad, which consisted of songs both in Hindi and Nepali. He worked in Nepali films too. Prashant Tamang made his debut in Hindi entertainment with the role of Daniel Acho in Season 2 of Paatal Lok.

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman urges the AI industry to prioritize containment over alignment, warning against the pursuit of superintelligence without robust control mechanisms. He advocates for a Humanist Superintelligence framework focusing on practical, human-centered applications and preserving human oversight, emphasizing that control must precede alignment to prevent unchecked autonomous systems.

Russia's recent Oreshnik missile strike near Lviv signals a potent capability, targeting a gas facility close to Poland. This demonstration of power, despite recent military setbacks, suggests Putin's willingness to challenge NATO and Europe. The article questions assumptions about his intentions versus his actual military capacity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a trade show in Rajkot. The event precedes the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference. Over 1,500 MoUs are expected. More than 110 international buyers from 16 countries participated. Over 1,800 business meetings were scheduled. Leading corporations and over 400 exhibitors showcased their products and services.

Eating vegetables is essential for a balanced diet, but did you know that how you consume them can impact their nutritional value? Some vegetables retain more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes when eaten raw rather than cooked.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed an event launching a song album for the film Shatak. He stated the RSS is evolving and unfolding over time, not changing. Bhagwat also spoke about the founder, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, describing him as a born patriot. He highlighted Hedgewar's resilience and strong mental health from a young age.

Two passengers injured in an aircraft crash landing near Rourkela have been airlifted to Mumbai for further treatment. Another injured person is under ventilator support. The incident involved a nine-seater aircraft of India One. All six individuals, including pilots, are reported safe and stable. An investigation into the crash landing is underway.

Ontario continues its lottery winning streak with a $55 million Lotto Max ticket sold in Prescott and Russell, following an $80 million jackpot claimed in London. This marks two consecutive major wins for the province, with thousands of other prizes also awarded. Ontario players have a history of significant Lotto Max success since 2009.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set nearly a century before Game of Thrones, premieres January 18, 2026. The series follows the humble knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg on their adventures across Westeros during the height of Targaryen rule. This six-episode season focuses on personal stories of loyalty, courage, and moral choices.

The Mahayuti alliance has unveiled its manifesto for the BMC elections. Key promises include building 30-35 lakh homes under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. The alliance also plans 50% reservation for women in upcoming government universities. A significant investment of Rs 17,000 crores is earmarked to make Mumbai pollution-free and ensure all roads are pothole-free.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has demanded a neutral investigation into the gold loss at Sabarimala temple. He criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, stating that those who fail to protect temple properties cannot safeguard public faith. Shah asserted that only the BJP can protect believers' faith in Kerala.

Winter's grip has led to extended school holidays across North India. Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon schools will remain closed until January 15th due to dense fog and biting cold. This measure aims to protect students' health and ensure their safety during the harsh weather conditions.

A gas cylinder explosion at a wedding in Islamabad tragically killed eight people, including the bride and groom, and injured eleven. The blast occurred in Sector G-7/2, damaging at least four houses and collapsing the structure where dozens of guests were present. Authorities are investigating the incident, which highlights the dangers of faulty gas cylinders, especially during winter.

India Budget 2026: Tax experts advise the government against increasing income tax surcharges on the super-rich or reintroducing wealth tax in the upcoming budget. Such measures could prompt high-income earners to relocate to low-tax jurisdictions, potentially impacting job creation and investment. Experts suggest focusing on administrative efficiency and existing tax enforcement.

Renowned singer and actor Prashant Tamang has reportedly passed away in Delhi due to cardiac arrest. The Indian Idol winner in his last Instagram post, shared a live performance from Dubai showing vibrant performance and a powerful crowd cheering for him. Tamang is survived by his wife and young son.

Odisha has requested significant central government assistance for its development plans. The state seeks over Rs 41,000 crore for road and National Highway projects. Other key demands include support for tourism hubs, paddy procurement, and urbanisation. The Union Finance Minister assured that Odisha's proposals would be considered for the upcoming budget.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Somnath Mahadev Temple, marking its 1,000-year history. He emphasized the temple's flag as a symbol of India's enduring strength and resilience. The Prime Minister also praised the ongoing festivities, including drone displays and continuous chanting, celebrating the temple's legacy and India's civilisational pride.

A death has been confirmed after human remains were found in Australia's south-east. Bushfires are burning out of control in Victoria, destroying buildings and bushland. Thousands are without power. Firefighters are battling numerous blazes, with containment expected to take weeks. The government is providing emergency funding to affected residents and farmers. Air quality is impacted by bushfire smoke across Victoria.

Former MLA Dagdu Sakpal, a long-time loyalist of Uddhav Thackeray, has joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This move ahead of the Mumbai civic body polls is seen as a significant boost for Shinde's efforts to gain a foothold in the Thackeray stronghold. Sakpal previously represented the Lalbaug-Parel-Sewree belt for multiple terms.

India's space journey in 2026 begins with the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12. This launch carries the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite. Fifteen other satellites from India and abroad will also be deployed. A Spanish technology demonstrator for re-entry vehicle development is also part of this significant mission. This launch highlights India's growing capabilities in space.

Last week, several Instagram users reported receiving unexpected password reset emails, sparking concerns of a possible data breach. The users were asked to reset their Instagram passwords not initiated by them and the concerns drew more attention after Malwarebytes claimed the activity was linked to a breach associated with 17.5 million Instagram users. Meta has denied these claims.

Nationwide protests challenging Iran's theocracy have entered their third week, with activists reporting at least 116 deaths and 2,600 detentions amid a widespread internet blackout. Parliament speaker Qalibaf warned the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if America strikes Iran, as President Trump offered support for the demonstrators.

A 67-year-old sugarcane juice seller from Kannur, India, has traveled to 10 countries, including Israel, Egypt, and Turkey, funded solely by his roadside business. Hashim VP's journey, which began with a trip to Delhi in 2012, demonstrates that passion and perseverance can make global exploration a reality, with China being his next destination.

President Trump has reportedly asked military commanders to prepare invasion plans for Greenland, a move that has alarmed US defense officials and Joint Chiefs of Staff due to legality and authorization concerns.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the ruling BJP and NCP of resorting to hooliganism and giving election tickets to relatives of alleged criminals. Meanwhile, rival NCP factions released a joint manifesto for Pune Municipal Corporation elections, promising to address traffic, healthcare, water supply, and affordable public transport, including free bus and metro travel.

Karnataka government has called on the Union Government, in the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, to ensure revenue protection for States post-GST rationalisation, share excise duty and cess on pan masala and tobacco products, release pending Central dues under flagship schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, and strengthen funding for rural employment, agriculture, and social protection.

India faces New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara, with former captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to action. This series could be their last in Indian colours until July, preceding the T20 World Cup and IPL. Shubman Gill will lead the ODI side, aiming for his first series win as captain.

Nationwide protests against Iran's theocracy have entered their third week, with demonstrations in Tehran and Mashhad. Activists report at least 116 deaths and 2,600 detentions amid a severe internet blackout. U.S. President Trump has voiced support for the protesters, while Iran's attorney general warned of death penalty charges for participants.

Nitin Nabin, BJP national working president, stated Tamil Nadu citizens are unhappy with the DMK government's administrative shortcomings. He mentioned BJP workers are ready to spread Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a prosperous and corruption-free Tamil Nadu. Nabin also criticized the DMK's approach to development and culture during his visit to Coimbatore.

A social media post by content creator Nalini Unagar showing a stark price difference between a restaurant bill and a Zomato order has triggered a wide debate on social media. In the post, Nalini shared that the cost of her order, Veg Manchurian Dry and Chinese Bhel, should be around Rs 320, but when ordered online, Zomato charged Rs 655.

Israel is closely watching for any United States intervention in Iran. This comes as Iran faces its largest anti-government protests in years. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iran against using force. He stated the US is ready to help. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of US intervention with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

A nationwide study reveals a critical public health gap in India, with nearly four out of five deaths lacking medically confirmed causes. This data deficit, most severe in North India and Delhi, hinders effective healthcare planning and disease tracking. The issue stems from hospitals not reporting death data, an administrative rather than medical problem.

Bhogi Pongal 2026 Date: Bhogi Pandigai marks the beginning of the Sankranti and Pongal festivities. It symbolises new beginnings, encouraging people to let go of negativity and welcome prosperity. In 2026, Bhogi Pandigai falls on 13 January. The festival features a traditional bonfire ritual to burn away the past. Celebrated across South India, it represents renewal and a fresh start for the harvest season.

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a side strain sustained during a net session. Dhruv Jurel has been named as his replacement for the three-match series. Pant's injury was diagnosed as an oblique muscle tear after MRI scans.

Bengaluru Weather News Today Jan 11: Parts of Bengaluru received light drizzle on Sunday morning and the weather continues to remain cold in the city. The IMD has forecast light rains for today and has sounded a yellow alert for cold in Northern Karnataka. No severe weather warning has been issued for Bengaluru.