The Economic Times

True growth often happens quietly, without external recognition, much like a seed developing underground. This steady, unobserved effort builds emotional strength, confidence, and maturity. The article emphasizes that consistent, small steps are more powerful than loud achievements, reminding us that quiet progress builds the strongest foundations.

IRS tax filing season began on Monday, and agency leaders, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano, have said they expect a smooth season. Still, other IRS watchdogs have outlined major concerns at the start of the 2026 tax season.

America's trade deficit saw a significant jump in November. Imports increased substantially, while exports experienced a decline. This widening gap contrasts with a previous dip that President Donald Trump had highlighted. Government data reveals the trade gap surged by 94.6 percent. Goods imports rose, particularly consumer products and capital goods. Exports of goods dropped, including nonmonetary gold.

David Schwimmer is a famous American actor and director, best known for his role as Ross Geller in Friends. He has also acted in movies, TV shows, and stage plays, and worked as a director. He is active in theatre and film, showing talent in acting, directing, and performing in both stage and screen projects.

Quote of the Day: Oprah Winfrey's profound quote, 'The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate,' underscores the power of gratitude as a daily practice. Her journey from humble beginnings to media mogul highlights resilience and self-belief. This philosophy, rooted in lived experience, encourages actively acknowledging life's value to foster greater fulfillment and joy.

A Reddit workplace story went viral after an employee said their boss demanded they respond to an emergency despite being off duty and drinking. The post explained a Halloween call, a supervisors reassurance, and subsequent criticism behind the employees back. When the issue reached a performance review, Human Resources intervened and disciplined the manager instead.

India's Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran stated that addressing pending issues like land reforms and bringing fuels under GST could boost economic growth to 8%. The Economic Survey 2025-26 projects GDP growth between 6.8-7.2% for the next fiscal year, a stable outlook despite a depreciating rupee.

Emma Heming revealed that Bruce Willis does not completely know that he has frontotemporal dementia, describing that his brain helps him adapt by interpreting his behavior as normal. Talking on a podcast, she explained the diagnosis journey, which followed Willis retirement following aphasia in 2022. Heming highlighted that he still recognizes loved ones and is not in denial.

Adani Group is set to borrow between $1 billion and $1.5 billion in Japanese yen. This move follows credit upgrades from a Japanese rating agency. The funds will be raised over the next 12 to 18 months. This will increase Adani's access to long-term capital from Japan. Japanese investors offer long maturities, benefiting infrastructure-heavy groups.

Amy Klobuchar has announced her candidacy for Minnesota governor, citing the need for leaders who can find common ground amidst heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement. Her announcement follows current Governor Tim Walz's withdrawal from the re-election bid due to a welfare fraud investigation. Klobuchar aims to unify the state during this critical period.

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new national privatisation strategy. This initiative aims to boost public-private partnerships for major projects. The plan seeks to generate numerous high-quality jobs. It also targets attracting over $64 billion in private investment by the year 2030. This marks a shift towards project execution.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the term 'Miya' is not unconstitutional, asserting that individuals from Bangladesh coined it themselves. He explained his use of 'Miya' instead of 'Muslim' to differentiate from indigenous Assamese Muslims, referencing Supreme Court observations on population increase and alleged 'invasion' from Bangladesh.

Microsoft shares fall: whats driving negative investor sentiment around MSFT stock? On January 29, 2026, Microsoft ($MSFT$) shares fell 6% despite beating earnings. Investors focused on record capital expenditure, which surged 66% to $37.5 billion. While revenue hit $81.3 billion, concerns grew over Azures slight growth dip to 38%. Additionally, a new disclosure revealed OpenAI accounts for 45% of Microsofts $625 billion backlog. This high concentration and rising AI costs are fueling fears over

U.S. unemployment benefit applications saw a slight decrease last week, settling at 209,000. This figure, while slightly above analyst expectations, remains at historically low levels. The four-week average of jobless claims rose modestly, indicating continued stability in the job market despite some recent layoffs.

Congress legislators are urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reinstate BPL cards removed during a recent government drive. Many eligible poor families, some mistakenly flagged for filing income tax returns for loans, have lost their essential food grain access. Lawmakers fear voter backlash in upcoming elections.

Super Bowl LX ticket price: Super Bowl 2026 is scheduled to take place on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. (ET) between Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

India's economic outlook appears robust. The Economic Survey outlines a clear growth plan aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision. Projections of 6.8 to 7.2 percent economic growth for the next fiscal year are considered realistic by India Inc. This growth is expected to be supported by moderate inflation, boosting revenues and easing borrowing pressures.

India is set to revise its inflation measurement, significantly reducing food's weight in the Consumer Price Index to 36.75%. This shift aims to stabilize inflation readings, impacting monetary policy. The updated basket will reflect current spending, incorporating rural rents and e-commerce prices for a more accurate economic picture.

The IRS says millions of Americans may be missing the Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax benefit gives extra cash to working people with lower income. Many skip it by mistake due to confusion or fast filing. The IRS is now asking taxpayers to check eligibility carefully and file correctly to avoid losing money.

Non-stop flights between Dhaka and Karachi are set to resume after more than ten years. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight will land in Karachi on Thursday night. This marks a significant step in restoring air connectivity. The service will operate twice weekly. This development follows discussions to boost trade and ties between the two nations.

Videos of a glamorous Mar-a-Lago party spread rapidly online after coinciding with the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The timing ignited outrage as users contrasted luxury festivities with clips of the fatal shooting. Shared footage showed performers, champagne, and poolside spectacles, sparking accusations of insensitivity. Trump was not present at the occasion and later said an investigation was in progress.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 Episode 1 to 4 ending explained covers Benedict Bridgerton and Sophies story, their meeting at the masquerade ball, class conflict, Lady Penwoods cruelty, Violets romance, and how Episode 4 ends on a major cliffhanger.

Bangladesh and China are set to establish a new unmanned aerial vehicle plant. This collaboration includes technology transfer and aims for self-reliance in drone production. The facility will initially produce medium altitude, long endurance UAVs with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. This move is expected to boost military operations and disaster management efforts in Bangladesh.

Yale University is now offering free tuition to families earning less than $100,000 annually, expanding its previous aid to households under $200,000. This move aims to educate exceptional students from all backgrounds, reinforcing the university's commitment to affordability. The initiative ensures cost will not be a barrier for promising students.

Quote of the day Rainer Maria Rilke: Life's journey is marked by unexpected turns, as poet Rainer Maria Rilke suggests. His quote, 'The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things,' isn't about failure but about growth. Embracing challenges like love, loss, and learning expands our inner selves, fostering resilience and wisdom.

Silver prices hit a historic $119.80, surging 65% in January 2026. This white metal rally has outperformed the S&P 500's 1.9% gain by over 30 times this month. Gold followed, smashing through $5,600. Citis $150 target hinges on a collapsing gold-silver ratio, now at a decade-low of 47:1. Structural shortages and Chinese export bans drive this parabolic gold on steroids phase.

U.S. stock index futures -- S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq -- today jumped as Wall Street investors eye big gains.

Iran has warned of a severe retaliation if attacked. This comes as the United States signals time is running out for a nuclear deal. The European Union is also set to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group. Regional powers are calling for calm and negotiations to prevent escalation. Turkey has offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

India must prioritize building robust national capabilities and economic sovereignty amidst a global landscape of shrinking rule-based trade, rising protectionism, and weaponized resources. The Economic Survey highlights the need for strategic indispensability and learning without dependence to navigate a world where economic interdependence is increasingly viewed as a vulnerability, advocating for 'Swadeshi' as a crucial policy lever.

Trump Accounts are new savings plans for U.S. children that start with a $1,000 government deposit. Parents can add money, and some employers are matching the amount. Big banks, tech firms, and fast-food companies have joined the push. Wealthy donors are also contributing to help kids build savings early.

India's economy is performing strongly. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated macroeconomic fundamentals are robust. The country has navigated global challenges. Potential GDP growth is now projected at 7 percent. The Economic Survey forecasts 6.8-7.2 percent growth for the next fiscal year. India remains the fastest-growing major economy.

During the recently-concluded World Economic Forum, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and state finance secretary Prashant Kumar spoke about moving beyond extraction-led growth toward capital efficiency, value addition, and faster job creation.

Jujutsu Kaisen modulo chapter release time: 'Jujustu Kaisen' revolves around the fight between the Jujutsu sorcerers and curses.

The PRAGATI platform has proven effective in clearing major hurdles for infrastructure projects. This government initiative allows for direct, real-time project reviews by the Prime Minister. Stakeholders from states and Union ministries participate in these reviews. Monitoring through PRAGATI has led to better project completion and control over delays and cost overruns.

Disney Cruise Line announces a major deal for families planning vacations. Passengers can receive 20% off select 2026 voyages. Additionally, each stateroom booked gets a $250 onboard spending credit. This credit applies to dining, spa treatments, merchandise, and shore excursions. The offer is valid for bookings made by March 29 for sailings between April and July.

A tunnel study is underway to bypass the Bandipur forest route and end the night travel ban. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved Rs 105 crore for four road projects in Wayanad. An expert committee has also submitted recommendations for landslides in Thamarassery Pass. Work on hairpin bends is expected by February 2027.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art will return three ancient sculptures to India. Research confirmed their illegal removal from Tamil Nadu temples. The sculptures include Shiva Nataraja, Somaskanda, and Saint Sundarar with Paravai. India will loan the Shiva Nataraja back to the Smithsonian for display.

Copper prices hit an all-time high of $14,125 per tonne this Thursday. This record-breaking rally stems from a perfect storm of tech demand and mining deficits. Speculators piled in after technical breakouts. AI data centres and electrification lifted long-term demand expectations. Mining supply remains tight due to disruptions and low ore grades. A weaker US dollar and tariff uncertainty added momentum, pushing copper to record highs. Investors are now treating the ed metal as a strategic asse

Dr Alok Chopra urges a shift in fitness goals for 2026. He states that true fitness is about strength, stamina, and how well the body functions daily, not just appearance or weight. People should focus on feeling energized and strong. Sustainable habits are better than quick fixes. This approach promotes long-term health and well-being.

Skip the water bottles. These seven everyday foods pack serious hydration power, keep your body balanced, and taste way better than plain H2O. Your body will thank you.