The Economic Times News

India is preparing a policy road map to protect senior citizens from digital scams, with Niti Aayog working on a multi-ministerial action plan. The plan will focus on digital literacy, stronger security and coordinated monitoring as cases of digital arrest fraud rise. The initiative will form part of broader elderly care measures, with details likely in Budget 2026-27.

India's internal security faces evolving threats from sophisticated Pakistani espionage networks, highlighted by recent arrests and the Pahalgam attack. The nation is also navigating the launch of a new counter-terrorism policy, the upcoming Census 2027, and the persistent challenges posed by left-wing extremism and organized crime syndicates with foreign backing.

On October 13, special judge Vishal Gogne framed charges against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav and others for their alleged involvement in the IRCTC hotels scandal. The court framed charges of corruption (under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act), criminal conspiracy, cheating and others against Lalu Yadav. Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others were charged with several offences, including conspiracy and cheating. The trial kick started eight years after CBI reg

In 2026, the best way to grow retirement savings is to use any pay raise to boost your IRA or 401(k). Automate contributions, check your 401(k) employer match, balance your investments, and watch fees. Little-known Social Security tips can also increase your retirement income. Starting early helps you save more and retire with peace of mind.

Indias new Labour Codes are expected to boost hiring by giving firms greater flexibility to restructure operations. The Industrial Relations Code raises the threshold for government approval for layoffs and closures to 300 workers from 100, easing compliance for MSMEs and mid-sized firms. Experts say labour-intensive sectors will benefit most, though some warn of higher labour turnover and income volatility.

India's manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in December, reaching a two-year low as new orders, output, and employment eased. Despite this, the industry concluded 2025 on a resilient note, with strong demand expected to sustain activity. While export orders saw a dip, manufacturers anticipate future growth, though business sentiment has softened.

XRP price is moving again. The token jumped more than 6% today. Standard Chartered says XRP could climb to $8 by 2026. The bank argues that XRP is entering a new phase after years of legal overhang. According to its research, XRPs upside comes from demand pressure rather than speculation. The forecast assumes $4 billion to $8 billion in spot XRP ETF inflows during 2026.

Abhishek Banerjee, who launched the party's outreach campaign, 'Abaar Jitbe Bangla', in South 24 Parganas district's Baruipur, said Trinamool's vote share and seats will increase this time.

In its second supplementary charge sheet filed on Thursday, the agency named Anees Fathima, Chan Pasha A and Nagaraj S under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Karnataka Prisons Act.

MSFT stock price today: Microsoft shares opened 2026 trading down over 2%, as investors reassessed big tech positions following a year of AI enthusiasm and shifting interest-rate expectations. The dip, alongside broader weakness in large-cap growth stocks, highlights market sensitivity to AI adoption and corporate tech spending, with Azure cloud growth a key focus.

India is closely monitoring protests in Iran and potential US action, preparing to evacuate its nationals, including students, if the situation deteriorates. While no foreign missions have issued advisories, the government is exploring evacuation options in anticipation of escalating conflict, having previously evacuated citizens after an Israeli strike.

Sheinelle Jones is entering into a fresh chapter on NBCs Today show as she is getting ready to become co-host of the fourth hour along with Jenna Bush Hager. Gaining inspiration from Oprah Winfrey, Jones features the power of connection in a changing media scenario while being true to her own voice. Her farewell to Todays third hour was filled with emotional tributes from colleagues, celebrating her warmth, resilience, humor, and lasting influence on audiences and the shows family across generat

The BJP and its Mahayuti allies have secured 68 unopposed seats in the Maharashtra civic polls, with the BJP alone winning 44. This significant victory, attributed to the popularity of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and effective electoral strategies, highlights the BJP's growing dominance in urban local bodies across the state.

From affordable help and digital ease to strong family support, India in 2026 offers comfort and quality of life that many NRIs miss abroad. Its time to appreciate the real advantages of staying here.

At a workshop for candidates held in the city, Aaditya Thackeray - son of Uddhav Thackeray - and Amit Thackeray - son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray - unveiled the promises through a presentation. They said the alliance would build one lakh affordable homes for government employees and mill workers so that Marathi-speaking residents do not have to move to Mumbai's outskirts. The plan also includes free power for BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply Undertaking) residential consumers up to 100 units, a

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Madhya Pradesh BJP government over the deaths of about 10 people in Indore due to contaminated water. He accused the administration of negligence and highlighted the arrogant statements of leaders, demanding accountability for the ight to life being violated.

Ancient Indian temples, guilds and merchants practised balanced accounting centuries before Europe. From bahi khata to Jain manuals, Indias paappunya philosophy shaped the logic behind double-entry bookkeeping.

Indore, a recent entrant to the elite Super Swachh League, faces scrutiny after a tragedy claimed 10 lives due to contaminated water. The incident highlights gaps in the Swachh Survekshan parameters, as a pipeline replacement tender, flagged for foul-smelling water, was only opened after the deaths, exposing administrative apathy despite the city's consistent cleanliness rankings.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India will not share resources with 'bad neighbours' who persist in spreading terrorism. He emphasized that India supports 'good neighbours' in difficult times, citing aid during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and Sri Lanka's financial crisis. Jaishankar highlighted India's foreign policy approach of leveraging strengths to achieve maximum impact with limited resources.

Many baby boomers have little or no retirement savings. Experts say boomers can still take action by checking finances, cutting extra costs, setting small goals, working part-time, and delaying Social Security to increase benefits. Professional advice and smart money steps can make retirement more secure, even for those starting late.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered the removal of the Indore municipal commissioner. This action follows deaths caused by water contamination. Two senior officials have also been suspended. The government has categorized the situation as a public health contingency. Emergency measures have stabilized the situation. At least four deaths have been confirmed due to the contamination.

The Indian government has designated core customs and indirect tax digital platforms, including ICEGATE, ECCS, and ACES-GST, as critical information infrastructure. This move significantly enhances cybersecurity controls and restricts access to authorized personnel only. Unauthorized access to these protected systems now carries criminal penalties under the Information Technology Act.

The U.S. Justice Department said it foiled a New Years Eve ISIS-inspired attack by 18-year-old Christan Sturdivant from North Carolina. He was charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist group. FBI agents found a handwritten plan titled New Years Attack 2026 detailing attacks on civilians and police.

S&P 500 Today: The S&P 500 Index opened higher on the first trading day of 2026 but soon dipped below the flat line, trading at 6,838.24 (down 0.11%). This reversal stems from a fading Santa Claus rally and investor caution over high valuations. The Dow traded near 48,120, up about 0.1%. The Nasdaq slipped more than 0.2%.

New York law provides a smaller credit for families with older children -- $330 per child between the ages of 4-17 years old. That credit will rise to $500 per older child the following year.

BYD has become the worlds top electric car seller, passing Tesla in 2025 sales. Tesla deliveries fell for the second year, while competition grew stronger. BYD faces tough price wars in China but is expanding abroad. Investors remain hopeful about Teslas future technology plans despite weaker vehicle sales.

Hollywood actor and martial arts choreographer Yuen Cheung-yan has passed away at 69. He died in hospital on New Years Day, according to director Lee Lik-chi, who stated: May Master Yuen rest in eternal peace. A funeral will be held on February 1. Yuens credits include Kung Fu Hustle, Charlies Angels, and The Matrix.

The Indian Army has achieved over 90% indigenisation of its nearly 200 ammunition variants through policy reforms and industry engagement. This strategic shift, backed by substantial domestic orders, aims to reduce import dependence and build a resilient supply chain for sustained combat endurance and long-term warfighting capability.

Delhi faces a 'yellow' alert for dense fog on Saturday morning, with a cold wave expected in isolated areas from January 3-6. Air quality significantly improved to 236 on Friday, leading to the revocation of Stage III GRAP curbs. Temperatures on Friday ranged from 17.4C maximum to 9.1C minimum.

President Trump vowed U.S. intervention if Iran uses lethal force against protesters, escalating rhetoric amid widespread demonstrations fueled by economic hardship. Iran's leadership responded with threats of targeting U.S. forces, while Israel expressed support for the protesters. The protests, now in their sixth day, highlight deep public frustration with the government's handling of the economy and other issues.

Airbus will release its final aircraft delivery numbers on January 12. The European planemaker is confident it met its revised target of around 790 jets for 2025. This follows a previous adjustment due to production issues. Airbus remains the leading global aircraft manufacturer based on recent deliveries, though Boeing is expected to surpass it in new orders.

Brad Pitt, one of the most famous and prominent actors in Hollywood, is known for his roles in World War Z, Ocean's Eleven, Bullet Train and more. Pitt, who has carved a niche for himself, often shares his thoughts which reveal how he values deep relationships, embraces responsibility, and understands the intertwined nature of love, loss, and personal growth. In one of his quotes, he tries to explain that you can't choose with whom you fall in love with but rather love chooses you.

Victoria Jones, daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found unresponsive at a San Francisco hotel. A 911 call indicated a suspected drug overdose as the cause. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene. This incident follows previous drug-related arrests for Jones. An official cause of death is pending an examination.

Swiss officials put the death toll at 40 with more than 100 injured. Investigators are combing through the ruins of the bar, examining video recordings and interviewing survivors in the hunt for clues on how the fire broke out.

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck southern Mexico early Friday morning, with its centre near Tecoanapa in Guerrero, almost 282 kilometers south of Mexico City. The tremor was hit across several states, with millions encountering light to strong shaking. Acapulco de Juarez reported moderate tremors, while Mexico City high-rises swayed. The earthquake alert system issued early warnings, allowing people to seek safety.

Micron Technology shares surged as demand for memory chips stayed strong in early 2026. Investors reacted to higher chip prices, analyst upgrades, and growing AI needs. The stock move shows confidence in Microns role in data centers and advanced storage. Market optimism remains high as supply stays tight and earnings expectations improve.

Andhra Pradesh is leading in proposed investments for the financial year 2025-26. The state has attracted over a quarter of all investment announcements. This significant inflow is attributed to investor-friendly policies and efficient governance. Major investments, including Google's data center project, highlight the state's growing economic prominence. Other states like Odisha and Maharashtra also show strong investment figures.

India's BJP and VHP have strongly condemned New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. They accuse him of interfering in India's internal affairs by sending a note to jailed activist Umar Khalid. The parties assert India will not tolerate such external interference. They also criticized US lawmakers for urging a fair trial for Khalid.

S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq today: US stocks began 2026 with a positive start, led by a rally in technology shares. Investors reacted favorably to policy signals, including a delay in tariff hikes, and continued optimism from strong 2025 performance. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite saw notable gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also traded higher.

West Bengal CEO has ordered FIRs against five election officials for sharing login credentials of the ER database to unauthorized persons in August 2025. This action follows serious lapses and violations of data security policies. The directive emphasizes immediate registration of FIRs under relevant sections of law.

The Centre has notified the acquisition of 382.82 acres in Assams Bokajan village to upgrade Tezpur Air Force Station. The land will be used by the Ministry of Defence for infrastructure development, deployment of advanced weapon systems, and other strategic assets for the IAFs 11 Wing, under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

India is set to launch the Drone Shakti Mission. This initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing of drone components. The mission will also promote research and development for advanced drones. This move is part of India's strategy to achieve technology sovereignty. The government is prioritizing science and technology for national development. This will foster innovation and self-reliance in critical sectors.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), since its inception in 2021, has initiated various policy measures and field actions towards the abatement of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

US President Donald Trump initially wrote on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran that if it violently kills peaceful protesters, the United States will come to their rescue.

An IED blast near a Nalagarh police station has raised suspicions of a Pakistan-linked terror plot, with Punjab Police believing the ISI orchestrated the attack to destabilize the region. Babbar Khalsa International and Punjab Sovereignty Alliance claimed responsibility, citing drug trafficking as a motive, though police dismiss this as a facade.

President Donald Trump declared tariffs an overwhelming benefit to the United States, citing their positive impact on national security and prosperity. He emphasized that losing the ability to impose tariffs on unfairly treated nations would be a significant detriment to the country.

Quote of the day by Pythagoras highlights silence, speech and self-control. The quote explains when words matter. Let us understand about quote of the day today, what quote of the day means, and details about Pythagoras, his life, ideas, mathematics, philosophy, and influence on later thinkers.