The Economic Times News

Explosions and aircraft were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, early Saturday. This follows recent U.S. military actions targeting drug-smuggling boats. Venezuela's President Maduro claims the U.S. seeks regime change and oil access. The nation had previously stated openness to drug trafficking talks with the U.S. The events unfolded amidst ongoing pressure campaigns.

Federal agents have foiled a New Year's Eve terror plot in North Carolina. An 18-year-old man, Christian Sturdivant, was arrested for planning attacks on a grocery store and fast-food restaurant. He allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. Sturdivant was charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a new scheme to deliver healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of elderly citizens. This initiative, part of the 'Saat Nischay' program, aims to provide essential medical assistance, including nursing, pathology tests, and emergency care, at home.

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck Taplejung district in eastern Nepal on Saturday morning, with tremors also felt in neighboring Shankhuwasabhar and Panchthar districts. The quake's epicenter was located at Falaicha, 420 km east of Kathmandu. No immediate reports of damage have been released.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary. He described her as a legendary queen and a brave warrior. Rani Velu Nachiyar fought against colonial rule and regained her Sivaganga Kingdom. Her courage and leadership continue to inspire generations of Indians. She is remembered for her commitment to good governance and cultural pride.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a grand exposition of sacred Piprahwa relics, including bone fragments believed to be of the Buddha. Discovered in 1898, these significant artifacts, recently repatriated, highlight India's role as Buddhism's birthplace. The exhibition, The Light and the Lotus, opens to the public on January 4th.

Two Naxalites were killed in an early morning encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday. The gun battle erupted during an anti-Naxalite operation by the District Reserve Guard in a forest area. The exchange of fire was ongoing, with further details awaited.

Garena Free Fire Max players can unlock exclusive in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. The article outlines the simple process for claiming these rewards via the official Garena redemption website.

Oppo is set to launch the Reno 15 series in India on January 6, 2026. The lineup includes the Reno 15 and Reno 15 Pro. Key camera and AI features have been revealed. Both phones will feature a 200MP main camera and a 50MP telephoto camera. AI Editor 3.0 and AI Motion Photo Slow-Mo are also confirmed.

As recommended by the Consultative Group chaired by Suhas Chakma, the Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) will reject the recommendations of the Group of Ministers to grant Scheduled Tribes reservation

Union Minister Suresh Gopi stressed the need for a BJP government in Kerala for development. He highlighted how a central forensic lab project was moved from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram. Gopi suggested learning from the BJP's Thiruvananthapuram Corporation win. He also plans to discuss preserving heritage buildings at Kollam railway station with the Union Railway Minister.

Delhi experienced a cold, windy Saturday with improving weather and a drop in air pollution. The Air Quality Index moved to the 'poor' category, leading to the revocation of Stage-III GRAP. Authorities urge continued adherence to GRAP Stages II and I to sustain air quality improvements.

Over 200 parrots have died near the Narmada River in Khargone district due to consuming toxic food, ruling out Bird Flu. Post-mortem examinations revealed food poisoning, with rice, pebbles, and potential pesticide exposure as likely causes. Authorities have banned feeding near the aqueduct bridge to prevent further fatalities.

Australia is set to endure a severe heatwave next week, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-to-high 40s across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. A significant hot air mass will sweep the country, potentially challenging infrastructure and posing health risks, especially in inland areas. Major cities will also experience scorching conditions.

Pakistan has publicly endorsed China's assertion of mediating during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict following Operation Sindoor. Islamabad stated that Chinese leaders maintained close contact with both nations, contributing to de-escalation. This marks the first time Pakistan has supported China's mediation claim, contrasting with its previous credit to US President Trump.

A $1 million Maxmillions ticket sold in Barrie for the December 30, 2025 draw remains unclaimed. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is urging the ticket holder to come forward with the winning ticket and provide verification details. The winner has one year from the draw date to claim the prize.

Jammu and Kashmir Police launched an inquiry after a cricketer displayed a Palestinian flag on his helmet during a private match. The video of the incident went viral online. Officials stated a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the facts and intent. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association clarified it has no affiliation with the private tournament.

Iran urged the UN to condemn what it called unlawful threats by US President Donald Trump amid nationwide protests over rising costs. Trump warned the US was locked and loaded if protesters were killed, while Iranian leaders vowed to defend sovereignty and warned against US interference.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq reiterated his unchanged beliefs and willingness to engage in dialogue for lasting peace in Kashmir, invoking Atal Bihari Vajpayee's insaniyat aur jamhooriyat principle. Despite restrictions and his removal of 'Hurriyat Conference Chairman' from his X handle, he emphasized that the Kashmir conflict's underlying issues remain unaddressed, fostering hopelessness and an existential crisis.

A 19-year-old student's death in Dharamshala has ignited outrage. Her parents demand justice, alleging prolonged ragging and sexual harassment led to her demise. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for a senior-level probe. Police have registered an FIR against three students and a professor.

Yemen's southern separatists plan a referendum for independence. This comes as Saudi-backed forces clash with separatist fighters in Hadramout province. The separatists accuse Saudi Arabia of air strikes. The Yemeni government seeks to restore order. Tensions rise as the UAE withdraws its soldiers. The situation threatens the country's unity.

The Magh Mela 2026 has begun in Uttar Pradesh with a large number of devotees taking a holy dip on Paush Purnima. Pilgrims gathered at the Sarayu River in Ayodhya and the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Saints and seers highlighted the spiritual significance of the mela. Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and security.

A Buddha Air flight carrying 51 passengers and four crew members skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal late Friday night. All individuals were safely rescued with no injuries reported. A technical team is being dispatched to assess the situation following the incident.

Delhi's air quality improved to the 'poor' category on Saturday after days in the 'very poor' range, with the daily average AQI recorded at 222. Despite a visible smog layer and reduced visibility during Republic Day rehearsals, favorable meteorological conditions led to the revocation of Stage-III of GRAP.

Adoor Prakash said the Chief Minister stated that he had accompanied Unnikrishnan Potti to Sonia Gandhi's residence. Clarifying the circumstances, the MP said Unnikrishnan Potti hails from his parliamentary constituency.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that cricket should not be burdened by attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing that player Mustafizur Rahman is a cricketer with no connection to such issues. He cautioned against isolating neighbours, asserting that sporting decisions should remain separate from politics.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat clarified the Sangh's role in uniting society and instilling virtues. He emphasized it is not a paramilitary group and cautioned against understanding it through the BJP or Vidya Bharti. Bhagwat highlighted the Sangh's unique nature and its mission to prevent foreign influence. He urged people to visit Sangh shakhas to understand its work firsthand.

Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, questioned established morals and religion. He believed individuals should forge their own values. His ideas, like the bermensch and will to power, profoundly influenced modern thought. Nietzsche's philosophy explored identity, freedom, and meaning. His famous quote suggests adversity builds strength. Enduring hardship fosters resilience and inner resolve.

Israel's Foreign Ministry has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism. This follows his decision to revoke executive orders that restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel. Mamdani, the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, stated his commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers. He explained the changes were made after concerns were raised by several Jewish groups.

A powerful earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday. Seismic alarms sounded, interrupting President Claudia Sheinbaum's press briefing. The quake, with a magnitude of 6.5, caused landslides and structural damage. At least two people died. Residents and tourists rushed into the streets. Communications were affected in some areas.

PRAGATI has fast-tracked over 3,300 delayed projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore, resolving land, forest and clearance hurdles, and accelerating mega infrastructure works like the Kashmir rail link and Navi Mumbai airport.

In 2026, Social Security payroll taxes will rise for high earners. The wage base limit increases from $176,100 to $184,500. Employees pay 6.2% on income above last years cap. Self-employed workers owe double. Extra taxes could reach $1,041.60. Higher taxable income also boosts future retirement benefits. Understanding this change is critical for planning and budgeting.

Americans will secure historic $1,000 refund boosts this spring. A new $40,000 SALT deduction cap fuels this massive windfall. Nine states are also slashing income tax rates starting today. Experts predict record-breaking payouts for middle-class households nationwide. New tariff policies might even eliminate federal income tax forever.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 release date, time and schedule has been confirmed by Netflix. Part 1 will release on January 29, 2026. Part 2 will follow on February 26, 2026. The season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett.

Social Security benefits are rising in 2026. A new 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is now in effect. This boost helps millions of seniors manage inflation. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated payment tiers for all beneficiaries. The 2.8% increase applies to retirees, disabled workers, and those on SSI. Most seniors pay Medicare Part B premiums directly from their Social Security. In 2026, the Part B premium rose to approximately $202.90.

Bridgerton Season 4 Premiere Masquerade global livestream event will allow fans to watch Episode 1 live, enjoy red carpet interviews, games, and a special performance. RSVP by January 13 to attend this exclusive Paris event.

Quote of the day by Nikola Tesla: A man is born to work, to suffer and to fight; he who doesn't, must perish. Nikola Tesla remains the definitive architect of our modern technological landscape. While his name was once overshadowed by his contemporaries, history has finally vindicated the man who literally electrified the globe. Tesla was more than just a physicist; he was a futurist who saw the world through the lens of energy, frequency, and vibration. His life story is a masterclass in resil

Bridgerton Season 4 Episode 1 coming earlier than you can imagine as Netflix plans an early livestream event. Fans can watch Episode 1 before release. The event includes a preshow, red carpet talks, and a screening on Tudum ahead of January 29, 2026.