The Economic Times

Makar Sankranti 2026 Date and Time: Makar Sankranti 2026 date confusion is brewing. Experts are divided on whether the festival falls on January 14 or 15. The Sun's entry into Capricorn dictates the date. Most astrologers favor January 14 for the celebration. Auspicious timings for worship and charity are also provided. This annual solar transition causes date debates.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended a ministerial-level meeting organised by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, focused on strengthening resilience in the global supply chain of critical minerals.

Canada is issuing new travel advisories for 2026. Citizens are warned about increasing dangers in many countries. High-risk nations like Iran, Venezuela, and South Sudan are flagged with 'Avoid All Travel' alerts. Other popular destinations require a high degree of caution due to safety and security concerns. Canadians should plan carefully for international trips.

Chennai weather today: Tamil Nadu is in festive mood for Pongal celebrations which begin tomorrow but the main question is whether rain dampen the festive mood in Chennai and the southern state? According to the IMD forecast, light to moderate rain is expected at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal area. No major rainfall warning has been issued and dry weather is likely to prevail in the state from January 15.

More than two weeks of protests in Iran have become the most serious challenge in years to the countrys theocratic leadership, though analysts say it is still too early to predict the fall of the Islamic republic. What began as protests over economic hardship has widened into calls for an end to clerical rule, even as authorities have launched a crackdown that rights groups say has killed hundreds.

President Trump is exploring diplomatic avenues with Iran. He is also considering military strike options. These options range from cyberattacks to strikes on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile sites. The United States is also considering imposing tariffs on countries trading with Iran. Iranian officials have indicated readiness for talks. The situation remains tense.

Exxon, ConocoPhillips and Chevron were key partners of Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, before former President Hugo Chavez nationalized the industry between 2004 and 2007.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attacked Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. He stated the Mumbai civic body election is a survival battle for the cousins. Fadnavis asserted Mumbai is part of Maharashtra. He vowed to install a Mahayuti mayor and transform the city. The Chief Minister also discussed development projects and the economy.

Senior Trump administration aides, reportedly including Vice President JD Vance, are advocating for diplomatic engagement with Iran before considering military action. The White House is reportedly evaluating an offer from Tehran for nuclear program talks, though Vance's office stated he and Secretary of State Rubio are presenting all options without bias.

Josh Cavallo, Australia's first openly gay professional footballer, has accused his former club Adelaide United of homophobia. Cavallo stated that discriminatory behavior behind the scenes impacted his mental health and playing time. The club has strongly denied these allegations, rejecting the accusation. Cavallo's claims have sparked significant discussion within the football community.

The United States has accused Russia of a dangerous escalation in the Ukraine war. This comes as the Trump administration seeks peace negotiations. Russia launched a nuclear-capable missile near Poland, a NATO ally. The US condemned the attack and the casualties. Ukraine called for a UN Security Council meeting. Russia blamed Ukraine for the diplomatic impasse.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji have moved into the official mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion. This move marks a significant transition from their previous one-bedroom apartment in Queens. The historic mansion offers extensive space and amenities. Mayor Mamdani acknowledged the contrast with his previous living situation and his pledge to represent all New Yorkers.

Delhi temperature: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for Delhi today and warned of cold wave conditions at a few places. The national capital continues to remain in the grip of cold wave and temperatures have dropped significantly. In Noida, the weather office has warned of cold wave and minimum temperature may drop to 4 degrees Celsius.

Sergio Gor has taken charge as the new US Ambassador to India. US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated him. Gor expressed eagerness to work on President Donald Trump's priorities and strengthen the US-India partnership. Discussions are ongoing for a trade deal between the two nations.

New York Fed President John Williams said he expects the US economy to remain healthy in 2026 and sees no near-term need to cut interest rates. He said monetary policy has moved closer to neutral and is well placed to support the labour market while guiding inflation back to the Federal Reserves 2% target.

Iran is facing nationwide protests driven by a deepening economic crisis, adding pressure on its theocratic leadership. Authorities have shut down internet and phone networks as demonstrations spread across all 31 provinces. The unrest follows a sharp collapse in the rial, now trading above 1.4 million to the dollar, rising inflation near 40%, and higher prices for fuel and food after cuts to subsidies and exchange-rate support.

Former US Federal Reserve chiefs have strongly criticized a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. They stated this action resembles interference seen in emerging markets with weak institutions. This move by the Trump administration is considered an unprecedented attempt to undermine the central bank's independence.

India's Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined global leaders in Washington for a crucial meeting on critical minerals. Hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the discussions focused on strengthening supply chains for essential minerals. Nations expressed a shared commitment to address vulnerabilities and pursue prudent strategies.

Happy Lohri Wishes 2026: This year, Lohri falls on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Lohri is celebrated across north India to mark the eginning of the harvest season and the ending of the winter solstice. On the occasion of Lohri, people look forward to sharing warm greetings, wishes, images, and messages with their friends, families, and loved ones.

International stock funds were up by 3.9 per cent over three months, 31.4 per cent over 12 months and 6.5 per cent over five years.

In 2024, following a movement led by the students in Bangladesh, and after the Awami League president and then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went into exile in India, a wave of arrests of Awami League leaders and activists began across the country. During that very crackdown, Proloy was arrested, and several cases were filed against him.

Detroit Red Wings retire the number 91 worn by Hockey Hall of Fame member Sergei Fedorov on January 12, 2026, prior to the team's home game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Budget: Should the govt play to the gallery of domestic equity investors by lunging for growth? Or should it choose fiscal restraint to keep a lid on rising borrowing costs both for itself and the private sector? There are no easy answers.

Neville Tata, son of chairman Noel Tata, is set to join the Sir Ratan Tata Trust board, reinforcing Noel's influence and marking Neville's rise within the Tata group. This development follows Neville's earlier induction to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust board and comes amid potential trustee exits and regulatory changes impacting perpetual appointments.

Donald Trump has previously lashed out against egime change as a goal, especially pointing to lessons from US involvement in Iraq, a smaller country.

U.S Stock Market: Analysts see the technology sector leading S&P 500 earnings growth for the quarter.

Since Nicolas Maduro's ouster, Maria Corina Machado has heaped praise on Trump, and has offered to give him her Nobel Peace Prize, an award the US president has long publicly coveted.

A new app named Are You Dead? has topped China's paid app charts, addressing the growing fear of dying alone and unnoticed. This safety companion prompts users to check in every two days, alerting an emergency contact if they fail to respond, reflecting anxieties of modern urban living.

In 2026, retirees may save money on taxes with President Trump's new OBBBA law. Seniors 65 or older can claim extra deductions, lowering how much Social Security gets taxed. Married couples may save even more. Savings depend on income and eligibility. Some retirees could get up to $450 back, helping with healthcare and living costs.

In early 2023, IgniteTech CEO Eric Vaughan recognized AI as an existential shift and encountered a workforce unprepared for quick adoption. Over 2023-2024, he replaced almost 80% of staff, bringing initiatives such as AI Mondays to focus all staff exclusively on AI projects. Resistance was more among technical staff, yet the bold strategy paid off.

Strategy buys Bitcoin: Strategy stock saw a significant jump on Monday. The company announced a substantial purchase of Bitcoin, amounting to approximately $1.25 billion. This acquisition adds to Strategy's existing Bitcoin holdings, which are now valued at around $62 billion. The move comes amid growing institutional interest in Bitcoin and related investment products.

President Trump is considering air strikes on Iran amid reports of a crackdown on protesters, with the White House stating people are being killed on the streets. However, diplomacy remains an option, as private discussions with Iran's envoy reveal a far different tone than public statements. Trump indicated a potential need for action before any meeting with Iranian leaders.

Frisco ISD campuses were briefly placed under secure status Monday morning following the receipt of threatening emails. Police and district officials responded quickly, deeming all schools safe after thorough checks. The threats were determined to be non-credible, and normal operations resumed, though an investigation into the email's origin is ongoing.

Vervet monkeys are native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they are widespread. Weighing in at 7 to 17 pounds (3.18 to 7.71 kilograms), they are sometimes called green monkeys because of the tint of their fur.

The Supreme Court has ruled that reclaimed land along the Mumbai Coastal Road must remain open to the public. Residential or commercial development on this land is strictly prohibited. This decision addresses concerns raised in a Public Interest Litigation. The court emphasized that the area should be accessible to citizens, with exceptions only for necessary development and maintenance work.

Eight states cut income tax rates on Jan.1, 2026. Nebraskas top rate drops to 4.55%. Indiana falls to 2.95%, Ohio simplifies to 2.75%. North Carolina reaches 3.99%, Kentucky 3.5%, and Montana 5.65%. Oklahoma and Mississippi also lower rates. Residents keep more earnings. States aim to boost growth, attract workers, and investments.

India is set to become a global hub for AI applications. The country will foster its own AI infrastructure, including large language models and data centers. This initiative aligns with the goal of democratizing AI resources. India's role as a trusted partner in value chains is recognized. Discussions on global AI policy will take place at an upcoming summit.

Cody Johnson has announced an extensive 2026 tour, fueling excitement after canceling his remaining 2025 dates due to a ruptured eardrum. The Grammy-winning singer will play over 30 shows across the United States and Canada from February through September, supported by rotating guest artists appearing on select nights. The reveal builds upon Johnsons earlier comeback plans and after a successful recovery period.

Venezuela claims to have freed over a hundred political prisoners following US pressure after Nicolas Maduro's ouster. However, rights groups and families question the numbers, with many still awaiting loved ones' release. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged the Pope to intercede, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy amidst international negotiations.

In a strategic move to enhance national security, the US government is channeling $150 million into a partnership with Atlantic Alumina Co., a firm with a rich history of bauxite processing near New Orleans since the 1950s. This investment aims to increase domestic production of gallium, a critical mineral essential for advanced satellite systems and military radar technology.

Donald Trump was questioned about his plan to give Americans $2,000 checks from tariff money. During an interview, he seemed confused about the promise. Trump later said the payments could come later in the year. Experts said Congress must approve any checks. Many Americans are still waiting for other promised payments.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlights a shifting global order and rising protectionism. He stresses the need for India and Germany to reduce unilateral supply chain dependencies. Merz also calls for increased defense cooperation between the two nations to lessen India's reliance on Russia. He strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protestors in Iran, urging the government to protect its citizens.

Job search hacks after layoff: A professional found a new job with better pay just six weeks after being laid off. This success came amid a tough job market. The user shared a disciplined strategy on Reddit. This involved applying to fewer, well-matched roles and using AI tools. Protecting mental well-being was also key to their swift re-employment.

Tamil Nadu gears up for assembly elections with the ruling DMK facing incumbency. The AIADMK, allied with the BJP, seeks power. Actor Vijay's new party, TVK, adds a dynamic element. Alliances are forming, and voter sentiment is being closely watched. The electoral landscape is set for an engaging contest.