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Elections 2026Q&A - Interviews / The Economic Times
Bengaluru Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will distribute home ownership deeds to one lakh people on February 13. This event celebrates 1000 days of the Congress government. Nomadic and rural farming communities will receive title deeds, recognizing their settlements as revenue villages. This initiative aims to provide security and certainty to vulnerable families.
Madonnas quote, A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. Thats why they dont get what they want, highlights how fear of expressing desires can prevent personal and professional success. Drawing from her own career, the pop icon demonstrates that ambition requires clarity, courage, and persistence, whether in music, film, or life. Her experiences, shaped by early family influences and decades of hard work, illustrate the importance of speaking up and taking action to achieve ones goals.
In a recent statement, senior NCP figure Narhari Zirwal emphasized the public's wish for Sunetra Pawar, widow of the late Ajit Pawar, to step into a key role within the Maharashtra government. As a current Rajya Sabha member, Sunetra might bring fresh perspectives.
Over 2.22 crore individuals secured jobs through 18,000 job fairs nationwide in the past year. The government highlights growing employment and a declining unemployment rate of 3.2 percent. The National Career Service Portal connects job seekers with employers, facilitating career services and skill development opportunities for millions.
Kerala's Finance Minister K N Balagopal unveiled a budget for 2026-27. It promises a Rs 14,500 crore boost for pensioners and community programs. The budget also announces the 12th Pay Revision Commission and hikes for ASHA and Anganwadi workers. New schemes for women's health and autorickshaw workers are included. Pending DA and DR arrears will be cleared.
A chilling poster has surfaced in Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. It warns the Garo community to leave their land by 2027. The poster, allegedly from ISIS, has triggered a swift police investigation. Authorities are treating the threat seriously, aiming to maintain peace and communal harmony. Additional security has been deployed in sensitive areas.
Action has been taken against over 4,000 individuals across India. This follows complaints regarding irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Issues cited included poor work quality, financial discrepancies, and insufficient water supply. Teams investigated these complaints, and their findings were shared with state governments.
New York City is grappling with a tragic cold snap. At least ten individuals have succumbed to the extreme weather. Many were found on streets and park benches. Officials are increasing outreach and opening warming centers. Questions are being raised about whether more could have been done to safeguard the city's most vulnerable residents during the severe cold and snowstorm.
American-Canadian singer Neil Young is offering his entire music catalog free to Greenland residents. This gesture comes as US President Donald Trump threatened to seize Greenland. Young's move aims to ease stress and pressure felt by the people of Greenland. The offer is valid for one year and requires a Greenland-based mobile phone.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep sorrow. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land. All individuals on board perished.
A Nature Sustainability study warns 3.79 billion people may face extreme heat by mid-century, sharply boosting cooling demand. Developing nations like India, the Philippines and Bangladesh face the worst health impacts.
Chester Benningtons quote highlights his belief that fearespecially fear of being hurtcan stop people from truly living. Shaped by personal trauma and hardship, his words encourage accepting vulnerability rather than avoiding pain. His life story, from a difficult childhood to global success with Linkin Park, reflects this outlook, as his music and message consistently confronted emotional struggle, survival, and the courage it takes to live fully despite inner battles.
On Republic Day, RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale urged citizens to uphold India's flag and constitutional values. He called for a pledge to live by spiritual ideals and fulfill civic duties. Hosabale stressed the importance of compassion and service to vulnerable sections of society. Protecting the nation's unity and borders remains a paramount duty for all Indians.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah warned of a plot to weaken the Constitution. He urged citizens to protect it, especially on Republic Day. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of social justice and economic democracy. His government's guarantee schemes aim to uplift the poor and empower families. These initiatives are designed to build a stronger, more equitable society for all.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted the Indian Constitution on Republic Day. They described it as a vital weapon and shield for all citizens. The party asserted its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Constitution's values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Their resolve to protect this foundational document remains strong.
National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey recently spoke about his early struggles and recalled a difficult moment from his first day on a film set at the age of 16. He shared that a director shouted at him in front of others, leaving him humiliated and in tears. Despite the painful experience, Vikrant said he learned from it and grew stronger. Read on!
A ferry carrying over 350 people sank near an island in the southern Philippines early Monday. Rescuers have saved at least 244 passengers and retrieved 13 bodies. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 reportedly encountered technical problems and sank after midnight, with an investigation into the cause underway.
Whitney Houston, known as the Voice, became a global music icon. Her career broke records and cultural barriers. Born in Newark, New Jersey, her musical journey began early. Her debut album in 1985 was a massive success. She achieved numerous chart-toppers and sold millions worldwide. Houston's legacy continues to inspire.
Uttar Pradesh celebrates its foundation day marking a significant transformation. The state has moved from being a 'BIMARU' state to a key growth engine for India. Improved law and order, transparent governance, and infrastructure development have driven this change. Uttar Pradesh is now India's second-largest economy with substantial investments and job creation.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticized Muhammad Yunus, the Interim Government's Chief Advisor. She claims Bangladesh is experiencing an age of terror and that its territory and resources are being bartered away. Hasina urges the people to overthrow the Yunus regime. She describes the nation as battered and bleeding, facing a perilous chapter in its history.
Mark Zuckerbergs quote: The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. highlights the significance of adaptability and bold decision-making. It indicates that avoiding risk may feel safe, but it often results in stagnation in a fast-changing world. The statement mirrors Zuckerbergs belief that growth arrives from experimentation and learning through failure.
Nipah virus outbreak: As many as 100 people have sent to quarantine in West Bengal to contain the spread of the deadly Nipah virus in the state. Five people have been infected, and the two nurses remain in critical condition. The Nipah virus is zoonotic, spreading between animals and people, and there is no treatment and vaccine for the infection.
Budget 2025: At the core of the Budget was the vision of Viksit Bharat -- anchored in eliminating poverty, ensuring quality education for all, providing affordable healthcare and creating full employment through skills. It also sought to increase womens participation in the economy and position farmers as key contributors to global food security.
Kerala's 'Connect to Work' initiative is providing a monthly allowance to 10,000 young job seekers. The state has already disbursed funds to most beneficiaries. This scheme aims to support individuals aged 18 to 30 who have completed higher secondary education or equivalent. Families earning below Rs 500,000 annually are eligible.
Wealth Quote of the Day by Charlie Munger, Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is Charlie Munger, legendary investor, built Berkshire Hathaway into a trillion-dollar empire. He favors quality stocks at fair prices. His 20% CAGR outpaced S&P benchmarks since 1965. Mungers contrarian philosophy thrives in volatile markets. Geopolitical tensions with Iran and Israel affect global investments. Coca-Cola and Costco illustrate his
Taylor Sheridans quote of the day talks about how people are not perfect. It reflects his style of storytelling, where characters are real and flawed. Sheridan is a famous writer and creator of Yellowstone. His life experiences and ranch background shape his movies and TV shows, making them feel honest and relatable.
US President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he labelled green energy policies as the greatest hoax. He criticised wind energy, claiming it leads to financial losses rather than profits. Trump argued that Europes strong focus on green energy has harmed its economy and added that mass migration has further contributed to economic strain.
Quote of the day by Gary Vaynerchuk: He emphasizes that chasing money over happiness leads to dissatisfaction, even with wealth. He advocates for redefining success beyond income, highlighting that genuine fulfillment stems from purpose, connection, and personal well-being, not just financial gain. Vaynerchuk's own experiences illustrate this, with many high-earners reporting unhappiness.
The European Union is on the brink of a landmark trade agreement with India, potentially linking a consumer base of two billion individuals. In a bid to strengthen these negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to visit India shortly. This strategic move reflects the EU's goal of broadening its global trade horizons and fostering international collaboration.
Do you want to work for Elon Musk's xAI? Elon Musk's xAI has announced that it is hiring a small, elite unit of talent engineers. The applicants applying for the job must be a people's person, need to be comfortable with vibe coding, and must have a history of building cool products. The job is based in California and the annual salary range is $120,000 - $240,000 USD.
Authorities said the blaze, which broke out around 10:00 p.m. on January 17, was brought under control after nearly 34 hours. However, rescue and recovery operations are still underway amid fears of further collapse. Search teams, supported by the Army, Rangers and civil administration, are carrying out a cautious operation while engineers assess the damaged structure.
Iran violence : The agency has been accurate in previous rounds of unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists on the ground to confirm each death. It fears many more may have been killed.
Camila Cabellos quote: i think i miss you means even more than i love you. Because you can love a lot of people but there are really just a few you can miss. offers a thoughtful view on emotional bond by distinguishing love from longing. While love can be shared largely, missing someone discloses an intense, more personal connection shaped by presence and absence. The phrase resonates because it reflects a feeling many experience quietly in everyday life.
A master's student has earned approximately $39,000 (Rs 35 lakh) in two years by teaching adults and children how to ride bicycles. Leveraging his sports education background, he offers a success-guarantee package, with most adults mastering the skill in just two sessions.
Ex-Wipro CEO Azim Premji is known for how he transformed the company under his leadership and vision. Despite his vast personal wealth, Premji continued to be recognized for his modesty, lack of extravagance, and charity. In one of his quotes, he says if your dreams feel comfortable and universally accepted, they may not push you far enough. You should aim for extraordinary as it brings out the best in you, he says.
King Charles III, then Prince Charles, remarked that disasters often spur action, reflecting frustration with slow, reactive systems. This comment, made during a 2014 flood visit, highlighted how problems are addressed only when crises force a response, rather than through early prevention. The King's long public service has focused on environmental and social causes.
Sigmund Freud believed most people avoid true freedom. This is because freedom demands responsibility. People prefer to follow others rather than face decisions and consequences. Owning choices means accepting both success and failure. Freud suggested that true freedom requires effort, much like a gym membership. It offers tools but demands work. Freedom without responsibility remains a mere fantasy.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed young entrepreneurs in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He emphasized using technology for societal good without becoming dependent. Bhagwat highlighted that business should prioritize social responsibility alongside profit. He cited farmers' dedication to agriculture as an example of society-centric work. Bhagwat also stressed adapting technology to India's conditions and safeguarding employment.
Aishwarya Pathare registered a record-breaking victory from Ward No. 3, winning by a margin of over 15,000 votes, while Surendra Pathare emerged victorious from Ward No. 4. With both wards returning BJP candidates, the party has significantly strengthened its footprint in the Vadgaon Sheri constituency.
US President Donald Trump claims he brokered peace between India and Pakistan. He stated Pakistan's Prime Minister thanked him for saving millions of lives. India, however, maintains the ceasefire was agreed upon directly between the two nations' military operations directors following an Indian operation targeting terror bases.
Russia's armed forces saw 422,704 contract sign-ups last year. This number is lower than the previous year. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior security official, shared these figures. Additionally, 32,000 individuals joined volunteer brigades to fight in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin noted strong recruitment for drone operators.
Kendrick Lamar, a highly influential hip-hop artist, emphasizes the importance of honest feedback in his creative process, avoiding yes men to maintain artistic balance. His career, marked by introspective albums and critical acclaim including a Pulitzer Prize, showcases his commitment to unfiltered storytelling and confronting difficult truths.
The Supreme Court has urged political parties to actively encourage citizens to vote. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated it is high time parties persuade people to exercise their valuable right. The court noted disappointment that only one party presented solutions for voter participation. The Election Commission highlighted that polling is a cooperative exercise.
Wealth Quote of the Day by Douglas W. Diamond, The waters been so high for so long that people didnt even put on the skimpiest of bathing suits Nobel economist Douglas W. Diamond warns hidden risks lurk in todays low-rate economy. Corporations and banks overleverage during easy credit periods. Rising interest rates expose fragile balance sheets. Geopolitical tensions in Iran and Israel impact energy and financial markets. Diamonds research highlights liquidity shocks and bank run vulnerabilities

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