The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Why is silver price falling by 11% and will it drop below $76.60 or move upwards again? Silver dropped sharply amid market sell-offs, tech stock weakness, and Fed rate expectations. Analysts weigh US inflation, labour data, and global demand. Investors watch CPI and retail buying for the next trend.
Rajpal Yadav will continue to remain in jail in the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. Amid the actor-comedian's financial troubles, the spotlight is back on the 2012 movie 'Ata Pata Laapata' for which he took loans of around Rs 5 crore but failed to repay the amount later. The movie featured a strong ensemble cast including Om Puri, Asrani, Govind Namdev, Dara Singh and Ashutosh Rana.
Ruemmler and representatives for Goldman said for years that she had a strictly professional relationship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. But emails, text messages and photographs released late last month showed Ruemmler requesting and accepting gifts from Epstein, advising him on how to avoid unflattering media scrutiny and discussing her dating life.
Bangladesh has elected a new government, marking a significant shift. The outcome will influence India and China's regional strategies. The nation's youth sought change, and the new leadership faces the challenge of delivering reforms. This election could redefine South Asia's strategic landscape and determine the country's stability.
According to the govt, a total of 82 projects costing Rs 4703.81 crores have been sanctioned under NESIDS during the last two financial years, i.e., FY 2023-24, FY 2024-25, and the current FY 2025-26, as of January 31, 2026. The State-wise details of the projects sanctioned under NESIDS are annexed.
Trump's move represents the most sweeping climate change policy rollback by the administration to date, after a string of regulatory cuts and other moves intended to unfetter fossil fuel development and stymie the rollout of clean energy.
Splendiferousness refers to the state of being exceptionally splendid, luminous, or charmingly impressive.The word carries a playful tone while expressing grandeur and visual charm. Rather than offering a plain description, it includes emotion and enthusiasm to language. Often used in creative contexts, splendiferousness suits storytelling, celebrations, and moments filled with wonder.
Taiwan tariff deal: The agreement comes as the U.S. remains reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips, the exporting of which contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly $127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025, according to the Census Bureau.
What is NYC Polymarket free grocery store and where is it located? The prediction market company Polymarket opened a free grocery pop-up in Manhattans West Village. Shoppers lined up for free food and essentials. The event comes as prediction markets face scrutiny from regulators.
Sales of zero- and low-sugar drinks rose to a five-year high in 2025, showing the segment has moved beyond being seen as an urban trend. Coca-Cola said zero-sugar products made up 30% of its total volume, with Diet Coke sales doubling from a year earlier.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India will receive concessional duty access for garments made using American yarn and cotton under the proposed interim trade agreement with the US, similar to benefits given to Bangladesh. Indian companies importing US raw materials to manufacture garments for re-export to America will get duty-free access, with no quota on cotton imports.
Public sector banks have significantly increased their share in credit card spending, reaching 22.2% in December 2025. This growth is attributed to higher usage by existing cardholders, robust festive demand, and expanded reach into salaried segments, particularly driven by large PSBs like SBI Cards. The integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI has also fueled this expansion.
India's defence ministry has greenlit the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, with most to be manufactured domestically. This significant acquisition, alongside other major defence deals totaling Rs 3.6 lakh crore, will bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities. The approval also includes SCALP missiles and additional P8I maritime aircraft. These procurements aim to enhance India's defence readiness and strategic reach.
New labor codes, effective November 2025, have increased costs for benefits like gratuity and overtime, impacting company profits, particularly in the IT sector. While most companies won't reduce salary hikes due to labor demand and attrition risks, margin-sensitive sectors like IT services may see softer increments as they recalibrate compensation structures.
India's retail inflation reached 2.75% in January, marking the first reading under a new Consumer Price Index series. This figure returns inflation to the Reserve Bank of India's target band. The new series reflects updated consumption patterns. Higher food prices contributed to the January increase. Economists anticipate inflation may rise in coming months.
Thought of the day by Don Herold shares a line on work and delay. The quote says work is the greatest thing in the world, so we should save some of it for tomorrow. This Thought of the day today explains balance and rest.
Isabella Duric, 23, went viral on TikTok after writing a love note to a cute guy seated behind her on a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Acting on a dare from her companions, Duric tossed a handwritten note with her number, Instagram, and Snapchat info, but the man didnt notice it. She later used a phone message reading OPEN THE NOTE to finally alert him, leading to a brief text exchange.
What is SAVE Act and how will it affect married women? The US House passed the SAVE Act with new proof of citizenship rules for voter registration. Lawmakers debate how it may impact married women, passport holders, and mail-in voters. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Why are aluminium, copper, nickel and tin prices going down today and will base metals continue to fall or rise again? Prices fell after early gains as stock markets dropped, U.S. data reduced rate cut hopes, and China demand slowed before Lunar New Year.
Quote of the day by Diogenes the Cynic: The ancient Greek philosopher and archetype of Cynicism, advocated for listening more than speaking, using a simple anatomical observation as a metaphor. His philosophy emphasized self-sufficiency, simplicity, and challenging societal norms, demonstrating that happiness and independence are achievable through intentional living and minimal circumstances.
Apple stock dropped after news that its new AI Siri is getting delayed. Investors expected the launch earlier, but reports say it may now come later in 2026. Some features could take even more time. Experts say this delay may affect investor confidence and future plans, while Apple is still focusing on privacy and improving its AI technology.
The CDC has issued a health advisory for travelers to the Seychelles after a chikungunya virus outbreak was confirmed. Spread by mosquitoes, chikungunya causes fever, joint pain, rashes, and fatigue, with some facing prolonged joint pain for months to years. The CDC advises preventive measures, which includes insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned regions, as well as vaccination for visitors.
Dow Jones Transportation vs S&P 500: America's transportation sector is experiencing a significant surge, outperforming the S&P 500 as investors seek safer havens away from tech. Robust manufacturing data and a strengthening economy are fueling this rally, with companies like CSX and FedEx seeing increased interest.
Nearly three out of four resumes fail automated ATS screening today. Corporate job postings attract over 250 applicants on average. Remote roles cross 1,000 submissions within days. Many candidates never reach human review. Ghosting after job offers is increasing. Resume rewrite scams target desperate applicants. Hiring freezes add hidden competition. This story breaks down what blocks interviews and what changes outcomes.
Mortgage rates in the US dropped a little this week. The average 30-year rate is just above 6%. Experts say strong jobs and a stable economy are helping more people think about buying homes. Rates are still higher than past years, but lower than last week. Many buyers are watching rates closely before deciding to take home loans.
Meeting in a Belgian castle, the EU leaders agreed an action plan with a strict timeline for the economic restructuring, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The pressure and the sense of urgency is enormous, and that can move mountains, she said. The plan, to be presented formally in March, would include measures to coordinate upgrading energy grids, deepen financial integration and loosen merger regulations to allow European firms to grow to better compete globally, she sai
The Waldorf Astoria, New York Citys iconic luxury hotel, is set for sale after a $2 billion renovation that transformed the historic property into 375 hotel rooms and 372 private homes. Owned by Dajia Insurance Group, the Park Avenue landmark reopened in November after an eight-year project delayed by landmark preservation guidelines, supply chain interruptions, and redevelopment concerns.
Jane Street has approached the Supreme Court. The company seeks clarity on legal protection for internal communications. This comes amid a dispute with Indian tax authorities. The case concerns whether advice from in-house legal teams is protected. The Supreme Court has admitted the review application. The matter is listed for hearing on March 25.
More than 260,000 U.S. layoffs hit workers last year. High performers were not spared. Even top 5% rated managers lost roles. Corporate restructuring cut entire leadership layers. Strong earnings did not prevent job cuts. RSUs vanished overnight. Digital access ended within minutes. Families and teams were stunned. What drives sudden layoffs despite profits? Why are critical roles eliminated? The answers reveal a shifting workforce reality.
Advocate Salman Safdar, who was appointed amicus curiae to visit Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, formally submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday a report regarding incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)founder Khan's living conditions amid concern from his party over his treatment.
HDFC Bank and two global financial firms are exploring buying a stake in CreditAccess Grameen. Axis Bank is also in talks. CreditAccess India BV, the owner, is looking to sell its majority stake. This move aims to provide an exit for patient investors. The microfinance market is showing signs of recovery. CreditAccess Grameen is financially strong and poised for growth.
Hermes has reported robust fourth-quarter revenue growth, exceeding expectations. Strong sales in the United States and Japan have bolstered performance. The luxury brand is weathering a sector slowdown better than rivals. Hermes anticipates continued confidence into 2026. Price increases are planned, though at a slightly slower pace. Positive signs are emerging from China.
India's social security coverage has seen a remarkable surge, reaching 64.3% in 2025. New safety mandates for heavy vehicles are set to be implemented from October 2027 and January 2028. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has also witnessed substantial growth, with contributing members rising to 73.7 million in 2023-24.
The high-level memo, which was drafted this year, details seven points where, in the Kremlin's view, Russian and US economic interests could converge following a deal to end the war in Ukraine. It sees the two countries working together to champion fossil fuels over greener alternatives as well as joint investments in natural gas, offshore oil and critical raw materials plus windfalls for US companies.
Recent regulations from the Reserve Bank of India could dampen the momentum of credit life insurance, a product often paired with retail loans. The new guidelines prohibit banks from linking insurance policies directly to loan approvals, a move designed to enhance transparency and safeguard consumers from potential misinformation.
The State Administration for Market Regulation released guidelines for manufacturers, dealers and parts suppliers aimed at preventing a race-to-the-bottom price war. They ban automakers from setting prices below the cost of production to squeeze out competitors or monopolize the market. Violators may face significant legal risks, the regulator warned.
Indias telecom revenue growth slowed to 9% year-on-year in the December quarter after five quarters of double-digit expansion, as gains from the July 2024 tariff hikes were fully realised. The three private operators Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea reported combined revenue of about 72,700 crore despite adding around 10 million subscribers, with 4G users forming 87% of the base.
The voter-friendly SIR phase-2 electoral process is facing significant delays and disputes. Lakhs of people await hearings, and state governments are at odds with the Election Commission. Court battles and repeated extensions are pushing back final roll publication dates. This revised process, meant to be smoother, is encountering similar hurdles to its predecessor, raising concerns about transparency and efficiency.
U.S. Stock Market Today: Dow Jones, S&P 500, Down Joneson Thursday fell big.
Spider Noir is an upcoming Amazon Prime Video series based on Marvels Spider-Man Noir, starring Nicolas Cage in his first television lead role. Set in 1930s New York, the show follows an aging private investigator haunted by his past as a masked vigilante. Developed by Oren Uziel, the series adopts a black-and-white noir aesthetic and delves into trauma, crime, and moral conflict.
Daily wagers and contractual employees from various government departments staged a protest in Srinagar along with their families, demanding regularisation of their services. The JK Employees Joint Action Committee said they would protest again outside the National Conference office if the Omar Abdullah-led government does not clarify its policy and fulfil its promises.
Gold, Silver, platinum and copper price plunge today: Gold, silver, platinum and copper all fell sharply today. Gold dropped over 2.5% below $5,000. Silver plunged nearly 10% under $80. Platinum lost more than 5%, and copper slid nearly 3%. The broad sell-off followed stronger U.S. jobs data and a stronger dollar. Markets saw technical breakouts below key support levels. Traders unwound leveraged positions. Safe-haven demand weakened. Industrial metals also felt pressure from slowing global grow
West Bengal's electoral roll revision uncovered strange data. In Metiaburuz, siblings' birth dates showed a gap of less than a month. Ten family members shared the same parents and address. Another case involved a birth certificate issued before the actual birth. These discrepancies are under verification by electoral officials and micro-observers.
Public sector companies and four major government bodies maintained their capital spending this fiscal year. Their expenditure reached 6.67 lakh crore by January, nearly matching last year's 6.79 lakh crore. This consistent public investment is vital for India's economic growth. Experts note that geopolitical risks have impacted private investment, making public capex crucial for the economy.
Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai informed a Joint Parliamentary Committee that the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal is constitutionally valid. He stated that synchronized polls will not affect federalism or democratic governance. Justice Gavai asserted that the bill only requires a one-time adjustment to the election cycle.

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