The Economic Times

The world is entering what the World Economic Forum (WEF) calls an Age of Competition, marked by intensifying geoeconomic rivalry, rising societal polarization and accelerating technological disruption, according to the Global Risks Report 2026, released ahead of the WEF annual event.

American and Pakistani soldiers have completed joint training in Pakistan. The exercise, named 'Inspired Gambit 2026', focused on infantry skills and counterterrorism tactics. This event marks a strengthening of defence ties between the two nations. The training took place at Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Centre. This collaboration highlights renewed engagement between the US and Pakistani defense establishments.

The Maharashtra civic elections 2026 saw the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieve a significant victory, securing over 1,800 seats statewide and ending Shiv Sena's long-held control of the BMC. Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP emerged as major winners, while Uddhav Thackeray's Sena and the Congress faced substantial setbacks. The results underscore a shift in urban Maharashtra's political landscape.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (UBT) on Saturday gave its first reaction following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, striking a defiant tone and signalling that the political fight in Maharashtra is far from over and will continue until the Marathi community receives the respect it deserves.

Bob Hawke served as Australia's 23rd Prime Minister. He was known for his charisma and negotiation skills. Hawke guided Australia through major economic changes. These included financial deregulation and floating the Australian dollar. He also focused on social and environmental issues. His leadership left a lasting impact on modern Australia. Hawke remains a popular and influential figure.

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake jolted Gujarat's Kutch district early Saturday, causing panic but no reported casualties or damage. The tremor's epicenter was located 55 km north northeast of Khavda. Kutch, situated in a high-risk seismic zone, regularly experiences such events, a reminder of the devastating 2001 earthquake.

This year's Republic Day parade on January 26 will celebrate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. The event will highlight India's military might and rich culture. Special guests from various fields will attend. The parade will feature advanced military equipment and cultural displays. The theme 'Vande Mataram' will be central to the celebrations.

A road near President Donald Trump's Florida club has been renamed in his honor. This marks the latest in a series of projects and buildings bearing his name since he returned to office. The renaming is symbolic and does not affect official addresses. Trump expressed his honor at the gesture.

The White House has unveiled a Board of Peace to oversee Gaza's temporary governance, including figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, with Donald Trump as chair. This international body will supervise a Palestinian technocratic administration. Concerns about colonial structures and past controversies surround the appointments, with no Palestinians initially named to the board.

the Vaishnaw said that 101 railway stations are being reconstructed with major development works underway at the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, a major railway hub in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran on his birth anniversary. Modi lauded MGR's outstanding contributions to Tamil Nadu's progress and his role in popularizing Tamil culture, vowing to continue working towards his societal vision.

Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated pollution is a challenge, not politics. The government supports startups for cleaner solutions. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality is in the 'very poor' category. The Sub-Committee on GRAP has invoked Stage-III actions across NCR to prevent further deterioration. This proactive measure is in addition to existing GRAP stages.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has achieved a significant victory in Maharashtra. They have become the single largest party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, ending the Shiv Sena's long-standing control. The BJP also secured a decisive win in Pune, defeating the Nationalist Congress Party alliance. These results mark a major shift in the state's political landscape.

China's electricity use reached an all-time high last year, surpassing 10 trillion kilowatt-hours. This record consumption exceeded that of the European Union, Russia, India, and Japan combined. Growth was fueled by high-tech sectors. Demand from internet services surged over 30 percent. New energy vehicle manufacturing also saw a significant increase in power use, jumping more than 20 percent.

Global economic conditions are expected to weaken, according to World Economic Forum chief economists. Despite this, the outlook has improved modestly. Artificial intelligence, mounting debt, and shifting trade patterns present both challenges and opportunities. Economists anticipate productivity gains from AI in the US and China within two years. Regional growth expectations vary, with South and East Asia showing strong momentum.

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.

The Mahayuti alliance secured a significant victory in Maharashtra's local body elections. BJP leader K Annamalai stated that voters have shown trust in the 'triple-engine leadership'. He added that the people rejected divisive propaganda. The alliance's success in the BMC and Pune elections marks a major win for development-focused governance.

Large demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland on Saturday to protest against US President Donald Trump's designs to take over the Arctic island. The protests follow Trump's warning on Friday that he may put a tariff on countries that oppose his plans to take over Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

A teenage boy suffered life-threatening injuries after a stabbing on a Calgary Transit bus near Henry Wise Wood High School. Police responded swiftly, taking one suspect into custody. The incident triggered a school lockdown. Students reported witnessing erratic behavior before the attack. Counselling and support will be provided to affected students. Police are seeking further information.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a slight improvement in minimum temperature, which stood at 7 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, compared to 4 degrees Celsius recorded on Friday. Despite the marginal rise in temperature, visibility remained low during the early hours, affecting road, rail and air traffic movement across the city.

Nvidia's H200 AI chip shipments to China have been blocked by customs officials, leading suppliers to pause production. This move comes as Chinese authorities reportedly warned domestic tech firms against purchasing the chips, though no official reason or duration for the restriction has been provided. The situation highlights a key point of contention in U.S.-Sino relations.

A judge has ruled that federal officers cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters during immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. This decision came after a lawsuit filed by activists. The ruling also restricts officers from stopping vehicles without reasonable suspicion of obstruction. This follows a large immigration operation in the area.

The son of Iran's late shah said Friday he was confident that mass protests would topple the Islamic republic and urged international action, as US President Donald Trump holds off on intervening in the unrest. Trump had repeatedly warned Iran that if it kills protesters, the United States would intervene militarily.

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football legend, has etched his name in history. He began his journey at FC Barcelona, becoming their top scorer. Messi's skill on the field is unmatched. He led Argentina to victory in the Copa Amrica and the FIFA World Cup. His humility and dedication inspire millions worldwide.

President Trump received a framed 2025 Nobel Peace Prize from Venezuelan opposition leader Mara Corina Machado, who has been barred from governing her country. Trump, long fixated on the award, claimed it for his peacemaking efforts, while Machado's gesture appears to be a strategic political calculation amidst complex U.S. dealings with Venezuela's interim government.

The U.S. Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for allegedly impeding immigration agents. Subpoenas have been prepared for both officials as part of the probe, which stems from their public statements regarding federal agent deployments.

Ashley St Clair who describes herself as a writer and political strategist, alleges in a lawsuit filed on Thursday in New York City against xAI that the images have included a photo of her fully dressed at age 14 that was altered to show her in a bikini, and others showing her as an adult

President Donald Trump is shaping Gaza's future. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will play a key role. A US officer will lead a new security force. A board will oversee reconstruction and investment. A Palestinian committee has begun its work. These steps signal a new phase for the region.

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.

The Rip on Netflix is now available for viewers. The film features Hollywood A-listers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in prominent roles.

Federal Student Aid website says the government sends a notice to your last known address to inform you that a seizure is scheduled to begin in 65 days. You can take action within that period to resume payments and get out of default.

Manchester City versus Manchester United Premier League match will be live streamed in the U.S for soccer fans.

U.S. Stock Market today: Nvidia rose 0.4 per cent, Broadcom rose 2.8 per cent and Micron Technology rose 6.8 per cent.

Bo Bichette reportedly will move to third base for the Mets, who were competing with the division rival Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox for the services of the 27-year-old free agent.

Quote of the day by Bruce Lee shares a message about belief and mindset. The quote explains how success comes from thinking clearly and trusting oneself. This explainer covers the quote meaning, Bruce Lee life journey, career, influence, and other timeless quotes linked to discipline, focus and purpose.

Quote of the day by Benjamin Franklin: His timeless quote highlights knowledge as a valuable investment. Education and continuous learning are crucial for personal growth and career success. Franklin, a self-educated polymath, made significant contributions to science and public service. His wisdom remains relevant today, emphasizing adaptability and innovation in a changing world.

A man has gone viral for training crows to snatch MAGA hats, documenting his months-long experiment with peanuts and patience. He stated he no longer sees a moral option for neutrality, leading to this unique form of political resistance. The crow-lover's actions have sparked debate online regarding ethics and potential harm to the birds.

Bitcoin vs gold: Cathie Wood believes Bitcoin is scarcer than gold. Its fixed supply and decreasing issuance give it an edge. Wood predicts Bitcoin could reach $1.2 million by 2030. She also highlights Bitcoin's diversification benefits due to its low correlation with traditional assets. Gold's recent rally challenges the digital gold narrative, but Bitcoin offers asymmetric upside potential.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the European Union as the mother of all deals, anticipating a mutually beneficial pact that will boost exports. He assured that national interests would not be compromised, with sensitive issues like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and dairy to be addressed satisfactorily.

The Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, secured a decisive victory in 25 out of 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, repeating its assembly poll success. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, breaking the Shiv Sena's long-standing dominance.

U.S. stock market is flashing a major warning signal in January 2026. The Shiller CAPE ratio has surged to 39.85, a level seen only twice in 150 years. This metric, which tracks inflation-adjusted earnings over a decade, is now 135% above its historical average. Experts warn that extreme valuations often precede a lost decade of flat or negative returns for investors.

Blackstone faces a significant legal challenge from India's tax department. The dispute centers on tax residency and treaty benefits for foreign investors. This case, similar to the Tiger Global matter, will test the validity of tax residency certificates. The outcome could impact how offshore investors are taxed in India. Control and beneficial ownership are key points of contention.

Congress leaders will meet with Tamil Nadu party functionaries in Delhi to discuss the upcoming state assembly elections. This follows the Congress's request to coalition leader DMK for more seats and a pre-poll power-sharing agreement, which the DMK has reportedly ruled out. A section of Tamil Nadu Congress leaders may seek ministerial berths if the alliance wins.

The Congress party has demanded an immediate stop to the beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. They allege the Modi-Yogi government is demolishing Hindu heritage. The party states renovation efforts have affected temples and even a sacred Vat Vriksh. They also point to the destruction of the historic Dalmandi market.

Manipur's former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi are in New Delhi for crucial talks with party leaders. The discussions aim to restore a regular government in the state, which has been under President's rule. Kuki Zo groups have agreed to join the government pending written assurances.

Maharashtra's civic election results have significantly reshaped the state's political landscape, with the BJP emerging as a dominant force in urban areas. Traditional parties like the Congress and NCP (SP) have suffered substantial losses, while the UBT Sena and AIMIM have made notable gains, particularly among minority voters.

Priya Kapoor, the third wife of the late Sunjay Kapoor, has requested certified copies of documents and orders related to the divorce proceedings between Sunjay Kapoor and actress Karisma Kapoor. The purpose of this request, as stated in the provided information, is to understand the financial and child custody arrangements made by her late former husband.