The Economic Times

Venezuelans are anticipating further political prisoner releases. Ousted president Nicolas Maduro, now in a US jail, states he is well. The interim government began freeing prisoners after pledging cooperation with Washington. The US administration claims credit for these releases. Families anxiously await news of their loved ones.

Elon Musk has labelled the UK government as fascist, following threats to block his platform X. The government is concerned about sexualized images of women and children created by his AI tool, Grok. UK authorities have found criminal images on the dark web. Prime Minister Keir Starmer demands X take urgent action.

Protests challenging Iran's theocracy are ongoing. Demonstrations have entered their third week with significant casualties and detentions reported. Iran's parliament speaker has issued threats against the U.S. and Israel. The U.S. President has offered support to the protesters. Information flow from Iran is restricted, raising concerns about a potential crackdown.

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.

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.

The Enforcement Directorate will investigate a 2,000 crore scam involving the midday meal scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic. This follows an FIR registered by the anti-corruption bureau in Rajasthan. The probe will focus on alleged money laundering charges. Irregularities in food item supply and inflated pricing are under scrutiny. Private individuals and government servants are implicated in the alleged corruption.

The Centre has released over 83,000 crore to states for capital investment. This is part of the special assistance scheme for capital investment. The government is confident of fully utilizing the allocation by the fiscal year end. The scheme provides interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure.

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.

Sneakers have been the kings of footwear for twenty years running, but some market analysts are ringing alarm bells about a possible downturn, pointing to a dip in growth rates. However, there's a camp of optimists who believe that the demand for comfy kicks will never fade.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, alleged that the government was spending crores of rupees on the propaganda using party volunteers keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly polls.

ED is investigating if funds for the construction of the varsity were sourced from alleged proceeds of crime, the sources told PTI.

Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to bolster Arctic security against Russia and China, according to a government minister. These talks are described as routine, not a direct response to U.S. President Trump's desire to acquire Greenland. The UK agrees that Russia and China are increasingly competitive in the Arctic, emphasizing the need for an effective deterrent.

We have seen BJP mayor in Thiruvananthapuram and tomorrow we will see BJP CM in Kerala, said Shah. People have wiped out Communist parties all over the world, and Congress is on a slippery slope, the BJP leader added.

Former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore is now facing a new legal case. A contractor has filed a complaint alleging Rathore failed to return his car. This comes as Rathore is already involved in several cases related to the Ankita Bhandari murder. The contractor claims Rathore used abusive language and issued death threats. Police registered the FIR on court orders.

The strikes came days after the Lebanese military said it had completed disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, the first phase of a nationwide plan, though Israel has called those efforts insufficient.

An audio message attributed to Maulana Masood Azhar claims thousands of suicide attackers are ready. This message emerged alongside a video from Lashkar-e-Taiba's Saifullah Kasuri. Both were posted by pro-ISI social media accounts. Officials see this as a coordinated effort to boost morale within extremist networks. Security agencies are analyzing Azhar's audio to trace its origin and assess the threat.

In a powerful address, Iran's parliamentary leader has cautioned that the US military and Israel should prepare for consequences should America choose to launch an attack on Iran. This announcement coincides with tumultuous protests sweeping through the country, as citizens voice their dissent against government policies.

Sociial Security Paycheck is critical for Americans who have retired or planning for annuation.

India secured a four-wicket win against New Zealand in the first ODI. Virat Kohli starred with 93 runs, leading India's chase. New Zealand posted 300-8, with Daryl Mitchell scoring 84. India reached the target in 49 overs. Lokesh Rahul and Harshit Rana provided crucial support in the end. India leads the series 1-0.

EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius floated creating a powerful, standing 'European military force' of 100,000 troops as a possible option to better protect the continent.

In a recent address, Manipur MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized the crucial role of Meiteis in championing peace initiatives within the state. He underscored the importance of fostering reconciliation with Kukis to address the persistent conflict.

All the flying objects came from the Pakistan side, and returned after hovering over Indian territory for few minutes, they said. According to officials, security forces have launched a search operation on the ground after noticing the suspected drones activity in the forward areas.

Maharashtra civic polls: The NCP, although a member of the ruling Mahayuti, and NCP (SP), a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, have joined hands for the January 15 elections to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies.

Astrologers describe the January new moon as a stabilising force rather than a dramatic one. Its influence lies in encouraging steady progress, emotional maturity and thoughtful planning.

A new study reveals mothers often pass math anxiety to daughters. This creates a confidence gap in numbers. Boys show more confidence in maths from a young age. This trend continues into adulthood. Women report more discomfort with numbers than men. The Richmond Project aims to make numbers less intimidating. It seeks to build confidence across generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Shaurya Yatra in Somnath, Gujarat. The procession honored warriors who defended the ancient temple. Traditional dances and a cavalcade of 108 horses marked the event. Modi offered prayers at the historic shrine and addressed a gathering.

Sweden is investing 15 billion Swedish crowns in air defence. This significant expenditure aims to shield citizens and vital infrastructure. The government highlighted the importance of robust air defence following events in Ukraine. Short-range systems will be acquired to safeguard cities and critical facilities. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also commented on US rhetoric concerning Greenland and Denmark.

The bulk of the trader's bids on the platform Polymarket were made mere hours before President Donald Trump announced the surprise nighttime raid that led to Maduro's capture, fuelling online suspicions of potential insider trading because of the timing of the wagers and the trader's narrow activity on the platform.

Donald Trump-Cuba: China may soon be under pressure elsewhere in Latin America. It has sought to increase its influence in Cuba, and the U.S. suspects Beijing runs an intelligence-gathering operation there, as per a report.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated his hard work brought him to his current position. He is confident about the Congress party's future decisions concerning him. This comes amid speculation about a change in the chief minister's post. Shivakumar also addressed criticism from within his community and challenged opposition leaders to a debate on MGNREGA.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also raised questions on the presence of the state police chief during the incident, alleging that the entire police infrastructure in West Bengal has become a weapon in the hands of Banerjee for all her shameful, unconstitutional and undemocratic activities.

Bridgerton Season 4: Although the new season centres on Benedict Bridgertons romance with Sophie Beckett, fans are especially eager to see whether Season 2 favourites Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton will return.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad metro, connecting Gandhinagar's Sector 10A to the Mahatma Mandir convention centre. This crucial transport link now fully connects Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, with Modi flagging off the inaugural service. The new route enhances connectivity to key Gandhinagar landmarks.

There is a sense of unease in the ruling Congress after the Lok Bhavan said in a statement, last week, that the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill was under its consideration.

A viral video shows a Mahindra Thar driver boasting about breaking traffic rules, including wrong-side driving. Online reactions condemn the driver's reckless behaviour. This incident highlights a growing concern about the 'Thartard' mentality on Indian roads. The popular off-roader has previously been linked to hooliganism and road rage incidents.

Domino's has a unique offer for the National Pizza Week. The offer includes an item for $6.99 each, $19.99 for combo meal and wings for $7.99.