The Economic Times

Who is Lula Lahfah and Reza Oktovian? Indonesian influencer Lula Lahfah was found dead at 26 in South Jakarta on January 23. Her boyfriend, musician Reza Oktovian of Weird Genius, canceled a show hours earlier. Authorities continue investigations while fans react to the tragic news.

Grok outage map and affected US cities list shows Grok down for thousands of users in the United States. Reports confirm Grok outage, Grok not working, and Grok server issue affecting app and web users across several major cities, according to DownDetector data.

Who is Guy Fieri and why his new hair is grabbing eyeballs? Guy Fieri surprised fans by sharing an AI makeover on his birthday. The Food Network star showed a new hairstyle and outfit. The post sparked reactions from fans, chefs, and family members.

Quote of the day and investing lessons by Suze Orman: Financial expert Suze Orman advises a balanced mix of stocks and bonds for long-term investments like retirement accounts. This strategy aims to achieve inflation-beating gains from stocks while using bonds to mitigate risk and preserve capital during market downturns, ensuring financial security.

Job search strategy: A Reddit user found success in their job search after changing their approach. Instead of sending many applications, they focused on tailoring their resume to match employer language. This involved identifying pain points in job descriptions and addressing them directly. Simplifying resume formatting also helped bypass applicant tracking systems.

Frozen car doors are a common winter annoyance that can result in costly damage if managed improperly. Automotive instructor Sean Reisdorf highlights patience, preventive maintenance, and safe thawing methods. Newer cars with electronic mechanisms need additional attention, while older vehicles may require careful handling of plastic handles. Following expert guidance keeps doors functional and safe.

Indian apparel exporters face factory closures and job losses. Buyers are deferring or cancelling orders due to uncertainty over high US tariffs. The Apparel Export Promotion Council warns of permanent harm if a tariff deal is delayed. Exporters have absorbed significant price reductions, wiping out profits.

The government has approved wage revisions for public sector general insurance employees and Nabard staff, with a 12.41% hike for insurers effective August 2022. Pension revisions for RBI and Nabard retirees have also been sanctioned, enhancing benefits for thousands of former employees and their families.

India's private sector activity rebounded in January, with the HSBC Flash Composite Output Index rising to 59.5, driven by faster growth in new orders and output. Business sentiment improved, reaching a three-month high, as both manufacturing and services sectors saw accelerated growth. Hiring resumed, and input prices rose at their fastest pace in four months.

Term of the Day: A stagflationary spiral is a rare economic crisis where stagnant growth and high unemployment collide with surging prices. This toxic cycle triggers a wage-price feedback loop, forcing costs higher even as the economy shrinks. Unlike standard recessions, central banks face a Catch-22 where raising rates to fight inflation worsens job losses. Global supply shocks and greenflation in 2026 have made this structural risk a top priority for national news and market stability.

The Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches across Delhi, Gurugram and Goa in connection with its money-laundering probe into the December 6 Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people. The investigation focuses on alleged illegal land conversion, unauthorised construction and the operation of the club without mandatory licences, which the agency says may have generated proceeds of crime.

As the water crisis looms large, Indian companies are stepping up their game to prioritize water conservation. With industry giants such as Larsen & Toubro and SAP leading the charge, water stewardship is now ingrained in corporate strategies.

As water security takes centre stage at the World Economic Forums Year of Water, Indian companies are embedding water conservation into core business strategy rather than treating it as a stand-alone ESG effort.

Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir has extended an olive branch to the BJP, contingent on securing the chief ministerial position. He has also opened dialogues with Congress, CPI-M, and ISF, advocating for a coalition of opposition parties. Trinamool leaders have swiftly condemned Kabirs move, labeling him as a supporter of the BJPs agenda.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi met senior Kerala Congress leaders in New Delhi to discuss election preparations, but the absence of Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor drew attention. The absence came days after Rahul Gandhi did not mention Tharoor during a party event in Kochi, fuelling speculation about a rift.

Deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged citizens to remove the Muhammad Yunus-led government. She stated free and fair elections are impossible under the current administration. Hasina also called for a UN investigation into past events.

According to sources, details of several cases being probed by ED and flow of events on the day of I-PAC raids were part of the discussion. The officers were assured that legal actions will be taken care of in connection with these cases.

Opposition parties in Assam have accused the ruling BJP of manipulating voter lists during the ongoing special revision exercise. The Congress alleged that names of permanent residents are being removed, citing complaints from voters in the Nazira assembly constituency.

Prediction markets are booming, offering a new way to earn a living by forecasting events. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are gaining popularity, attracting skilled traders. These 'sharps' use data and analysis to make profitable bets. The rise of these markets reflects changing career paths and a growing interest in speculative investments.

A Mumbai court has discharged senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, his son Pankaj Bhujbal, and nephew Sameer Bhujbal. The charges were related to the multi-crore Maharashtra Sadan scam. Companies linked to the Bhujbal family were also discharged.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged a conspiracy behind the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls, claiming that nearly two crore names could be deleted from the states voter list. Speaking at a programme marking Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses birth anniversary in Kolkata, she said 58 lakh names had already been removed and 1.38 crore flagged under logical discrepancies out of a total 7.66 crore voters.

Taking strong exception to the comments by the PM at a rally of NDA in Maduranthakam, Stalin asked Modi to ponder how states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka and West Bengal, where the double engine has not entered, were registering growth.

Why is silver cruising above $100 now and will it rise more to reach new record levels? Silver crossed $100 per ounce as gold moved close to $5,000. Supply gaps, safe-haven demand, rate cut hopes, and market risks pushed silver, gold, platinum, and palladium prices higher.

Census 2027 will gather caste information during the household listing in February. Individuals not falling into SC or ST categories can specify their caste. The census will also collect data on housing, amenities like television and internet, and household composition.

A Reddit user shared a detailed dilemma after seven years at a small consulting firm. While they appreciated the workplace and benefits, pay had been stagnant, with a recent 6% raise still below market rate. After knowing two colleagues had given notice, they wondered whether to stay, seek a counter proposal, or accept external market-rate offers. Community responses emphasized negotiation leverage, workload challenges, and the significance of career mobility.

Professionals are navigating a volatile 2026 job market by using safety net offers to fuel high-stakes negotiations. Securing a $110,000 baseline provides the psychological leverage needed to fast-track FAANG interviews paying $165,000+. Data shows that at-will flexibility allows candidates to prioritize risk-adjusted stability over raw salary. This strategic honesty often lands better fits. Ultimately, a bird in hand accelerates market velocity for displaced high-earners seeking long-term secur

The US and China are engaged in a diplomatic spat over their influence in Bangladesh ahead of elections. Beijing criticized US Ambassador Brent Christensen's remarks on Chinese influence, calling them irresponsible and utterly unfounded. The US, meanwhile, is reportedly engaging with the radical Jamaat-e-Islami party, raising concerns.

Minister Jitendra Singh outlines India's nuclear ambitions under the SHANTI Act, emphasizing private sector involvement and safeguards. He addresses ISRO's launch delays, stating issues are being fixed before future missions. Singh also discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape and technological advancements driving these initiatives.

Nine Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district. The group included seven women and carried rewards totaling Rs 47 lakh. They cited disillusionment with Maoist ideology and forest life hardships. The state government's rehabilitation policy also influenced their decision. This development marks a significant blow to Maoist activities in the region. Authorities continue efforts to encourage further surrenders.

India and the European Union are nearing a significant Free Trade Agreement. Ambassadors from EU nations, including Italy, Estonia, and Malta, are optimistic about its conclusion. This deal is expected to boost trade and strengthen defense and strategic ties.

Valentines Day 2026 encourages a look back at the love stories that shaped history. Kahlo and Rivera stand as a reflection that romance is not always gentle or uncomplicated.

The word sacrosanct signifies something so important or respected that it cannot be questioned, altered, or interfered with. Originating from the Latin sacrosanctus, meaning holy or inviolable, it was used in ancient Rome to refer to laws, rituals, and sacred places. Today, it is applied to values, principles, customs, and guidelines that are served as untouchable.

The Election Commission of India has mandated FIRs and legal action against negligent Booth Level Officers during the SIR process. District Election Officers are instructed to suspend and initiate departmental proceedings for insubordination or dereliction of duty. West Bengal's CEO cautioned DEOs against delays in filing FIRs for law and order issues during Bengal SIR.

Tesla Autopilot: Tesla has phased out its basic Autopilot driver-assistance feature, urging customers to adopt the more advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. This strategic shift follows California regulators' scrutiny over misleading marketing claims. The company is also introducing a new $99 monthly subscription for FSD, replacing the previous one-time purchase option.

India offered a ray of hope, and its political and business leaders made a strong pitch for the world to do business in India and with India.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, world leaders savored an array of Indian dishes that brought a taste of India to Switzerland. Masala chai and crispy samosas were top favorites, while the aromatic biryanis delighted palates. The Tata group and HCL Tech tantalized attendees with traditional tea offerings, and Akshaya Patra delighted guests with complimentary khichdi.

Silver prices made history today, hitting a record $100.29 per ounce. This milestone marks a 40% surge in early 2026. Global supply shortages and high industrial demand from AI data centers drive this rally. Simultaneously, spot gold reached a new peak of $4,967. Investors are pivoting to hard assets amid rising geopolitical tensions. Goldman Sachs now forecasts gold hitting $5,400 by year-end. This era defines a massive structural shift for precious metals.

Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding has been arrested after years on the run as one of the FBIs Ten Most Wanted fugitives. Officials allege he led a massive cocaine trafficking network across North and South America, producing billions in illegal activities. Once a representative of Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Weddings life allegedly changed from professional sports to organized crime.

Apple iOS 26.3 features: Apple's iOS 26.3 update is coming soon. It will prepare for encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android phones. A new tool will help users transfer data from iPhone to Android. Weather wallpapers will get a dedicated section. More security fixes are also expected. This update follows critical patches in iOS 26.2.

The Indian military is showcasing a Republic Day tableau themed on Operation Sindoor. This display highlights the nation's joint military power and self-reliance. It features key defence platforms and celebrates India's victory and the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Savannah Guthrie is making a comeback to the TODAY show after vocal cord surgery performed in late 2025. During a video call with her co-hosts on January 20, she shared her progress, stating, This is my new voice! She intends a brief appearance on January 23 before officially rejoining the anchor desk on January 26. She updated fans on social media, showing gratitude for their support.