The Economic Times

Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trumps commerce secretary, planned a visit to Jeffrey Epsteins private island in December 2012, documents released by the Justice Department show. Lutnick, who has said he cut ties with Epstein years earlier, emailed Epstein asking if he and his family could join a Caribbean lunch gathering.

Three teenage girls from Quebec have been rescued from a Richmond Hill home. Police acted on intelligence suggesting they were victims of sexual exploitation. A Toronto man and a teenage boy have been arrested and face human-trafficking related charges. Investigators believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.

Sivakarthikeyan's period political drama, Parasakthi, set during a significant phase in Tamil Nadu's history, is heading to digital releases after a mixed theatrical reception. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film revisits the 1950s anti-Hindi protests and marks a shift for the lead actor. The ensemble cast and G.V. Prakash Kumar's 100th musical score are notable highlights. Read on!

Rani Mukerji returns as the formidable cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3, which has opened on a decent note on its first day. Despite not reaching the heights of its predecessor, the film's serious narrative and Mukerji's powerful performance are drawing appreciation, with all eyes now on its weekend performance. Read on!

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned member states that the United Nations faces an imminent financial collapse due to unpaid dues and rigid budget rules, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

S&P 500 Dow Nasdaq January performance: US stocks ended lower Friday, with tech shares under pressure. Investors reacted positively to President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, boosting the dollar and Treasury yields. Gold and silver prices crashed after a year-long rally, with silver experiencing its worst day on record. Despite volatility, major indexes finished January higher.

Kevin Warsh has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the next chair of the US Federal Reserve and faces an early test as he seeks to deliver on promises of major policy change. Warsh has pledged to shrink the Feds balance sheet and argued that artificial intelligencedriven productivity gains will keep inflation low, creating room for lower interest rates. After three rate cuts late last year, the Fed paused in January amid persistent inflation and a steady labour market, with markets not

Aditya Birla Group has entered the race to acquire Shell's renewable energy platform, Sprng Energy, joining NIIF, KKR, and Sembcorp. The conglomerate's late entry places it among four shortlisted entities now conducting due diligence. This potential acquisition could represent the year's largest M&A deal in the renewable energy generation sector.

The Euro zone economy showed surprising strength at the end of last year. Growth exceeded expectations, defying trade tensions. Countries like Spain and Germany performed well. Inflation is stable, aligning with the European Central Bank's target. This economic resilience offers a positive outlook for the region's financial stability.

India's inflation measurement is getting a significant upgrade. New items like AirPods and hand sanitisers are joining the Consumer Price Index. The base year is shifting to 2024 from 2012. This overhaul aims to provide a more accurate picture of price changes. The changes will help the Reserve Bank of India make better monetary policy decisions.

India has signed a free trade agreement with the European Union. This pact protects key sectors like dairy, agriculture, and fisheries. Minister Piyush Goyal described the deal as a robust and transformational partnership. The agreement brings India to the international high table. It addresses regulatory practices and protects the Indian automobile market.

Gold silver prices: Silver's dramatic surge has pushed the gold-to-silver ratio to multi-year lows, significantly outperforming gold. This shift is attributed to broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties, coupled with robust industrial demand for silver. Analysts suggest this trend could continue, though individual investment decisions require careful consideration of risk.

Why are US stocks falling down and who are biggest losers and gainers? US stocks closed lower as investors reacted to President Donald Trumps Federal Reserve nominee, inflation data, and a sharp fall in gold and silver prices, while select tech and consumer stocks limited losses.

Catherine OHara cause of death: Beloved actress Catherine OHara has passed away at 71. Emergency services responded to a medical situation at her Los Angeles residence early Friday. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead hours later. Her agency stated she died after a brief illness. OHara was celebrated for her iconic roles in Schitts Creek and Home Alone.

A job seeker's year-long quest for a Finance Analyst position ended successfully. He applied to 250 jobs and sent 550 cold emails. His strategy involved tailored applications and contacting multiple people at companies. Crucially, he used LinkedIn Premium for cold outreach. This approach led to interviews and ultimately, an offer. His journey highlights the power of persistence.

Why is gold price nosediving by over 12% and will it go below $4,724 or rise again? Gold prices fell after the U.S. dollar strengthened following Kevin Warshs Federal Reserve nomination. Reduced safe-haven demand triggered heavy selling. Citi expects some risks to fade in 2026, keeping gold volatile around key levels.

The US Justice Department has released new Epstein files under a transparency law. Millions of records were shared online. The data includes documents, videos, and images linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some details were removed to protect victims. The move aims to increase public trust and show what officials knew earlier.

A million dollar budget buys vastly different property sizes globally. Prime locations like Monaco and Hong Kong offer mere square metres. Cities such as Singapore, London, and New York provide slightly more space. Dubai and Melbourne offer larger homes despite price increases. Mumbai provides over 1000 square feet. Dubai remains relatively affordable compared to other global cities.

Companies bidding on a recent opportunity must submit an unconditional offer, according to bid documents. Any conditions attached to an offer will make it invalid. The documents also state that bidders will not have the right to make changes to the share purchase agreement after it is submitted to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam). This information comes from people familiar with the matter.

Thought of the day by Maurice Setters shares a quote about silver lining and gold. The explainer covers the meaning of the thought of the day, details about Maurice Setters, and why the quote still matters today.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has blocked servers and promotional channels linked to the 'Wingo' app, identifying it as a 'telecom mule' platform. The app was allegedly used to send fraudulent SMS messages from users' phones without consent. Citizens are warned against downloading or using such applications.

T20 cricket has changed how batsmen play. They now aim for big shots, taking calculated risks. This shift has also liberated bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy are highlighted as India's bowling stars. They use their skills to take wickets. Their focus is on wickets, not just economy rate. India is fortunate to have them.

Indian solo travelers are increasingly exploring the globe, with companies like Scapia reporting nearly 40% of bookings from independent adventurers. This growing segment, dominated by younger demographics, shows a preference for curated experiences and spends significantly more per trip. Destinations from Vietnam to the USA are gaining traction, signaling a shift beyond quick getaways.

Receiving a job offer that is below expectations can be both confusing and frustrating, even when the organization is prestigious. A Redditor shared their experience of receiving an offer $15,000 lower than anticipated from a Big 4 firm, at the bottom of the mentioned salary range. While the position offered completely remote work and slightly better benefits, the salary matched their current salary.

The upcoming Union Budget 2026-27 is set to boost the social sector with new welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. Key initiatives include health observatories in eight states to combat diseases, community-managed tribal creches, and sports hubs in schools. The budget also focuses on employment generation, malnutrition, and infrastructure development in remote areas, while preserving tribal culture.

Lakshmi stands serene as elephants pour water over her. Water is not merely a decorative motif; it symbolises the monsoon. The elephants represent the return of movement, the restoration of economic life. The image is a visual metaphor: prosperity arrives when you have the strength and capability to navigate the monsoon of life, to rebuild paths and to reconnect markets. The elephants are not servants; they are partners in wealth creation.

A 27-year-old professional's Reddit post about his BS job sparked a debate on career comfort versus growth. While enjoying a low-stress, remote role, he questioned stagnation. The consensus advised leveraging job stability to acquire new skills and discreetly search for better opportunities, rather than quitting impulsively.

Allegations of insider trading against EY and PwC partners in India have raised concerns about the effectiveness of 'Chinese walls' and internal controls within professional services firms. These firms' deep involvement in deal-making, including IPOs and M&As, creates risks of price-sensitive information leakage.

Catherine OHara: Beloved actress Catherine OHara, celebrated for her unforgettable roles over five decades, has passed away at 71 after a brief illness. Known for iconic performances in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and her Emmy-winning turn as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, O'Hara left an indelible mark on comedy. Her manager confirmed her death, with details of the cause remaining undisclosed.

Sunetra Pawar is set to become the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The NCP legislative party will vote for her leadership on Saturday. Leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to propose her name. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening. Discussions are ongoing regarding Ajit Pawar's former portfolios.

The Supreme Court has declared menstrual health a fundamental right under Article 21, mandating free biodegradable sanitary pads for girl students in all schools. States and UTs must also ensure functional, gender-segregated toilets with water and soap, and establish menstrual hygiene management corners. This ruling aims to uphold the dignity and right to education for adolescent girls.

The two NCP factions are unlikely to merge soon. A powerful section wants Sunetra Pawar to strengthen her hold before any merger. The Sharad Pawar faction pushed for a quick merger. A merger now could mean Sharad Pawar controls party affairs. This is not acceptable to the Sunetra Pawar camp.

Get ready for an in-depth analysis of Budget 2026 with ET NOW! Join us Sunday, February 1, starting at 7 am for preliminary insights before the Finance Minister takes the stage at 11 am. Our lineup of financial experts, including the insightful Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, will interpret the crucial announcements and fiscal strategies unfolding throughout the day.

Wealth quote of the day by Paul Collier, The greatest danger to the market economy is not recessions or bubbles, but the erosion of trust in the fairness of the system Economist Paul Collier warns the real threat to markets is declining trust in fairness. U.S. income inequality now favors the top 10 percent, while public confidence drops sharply. Colliers research links legitimacy to inclusive growth, corporate ethics, and policy reform. He offers data-backed solutions for equitable markets. Rea

Arab foreign ministers met in Delhi to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a two-state solution and Gaza reconstruction on the agenda. Palestine's foreign minister suggested India could mediate, citing New Delhi's support and clear stance on international law. The meeting also addressed economic ties and the US President's peace board.

A new governmental initiative is on the horizon, focused on establishing a funding scheme to enhance energy storage viability. Designed to fortify grid stability and promote the swift integration of renewable resources, this plan encompasses both pumped storage projects and advanced battery systems.

In a bold stride towards economic empowerment, Regional Rural Banks are ramping up their financial support for agriculture and small enterprises. This initiative comes on the heels of a notable surge in net profits, coupled with an impressive capital to risk-weighted assets ratio, showcasing their financial resilience and commitment to fostering growth in rural landscapes.

The proposed investment marks the next phase of development at Raniganj East, where EOGEPL currently produces around 1 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) of natural gas, making it the largest CBM-producing block in India.

In a bold move towards economic revitalization, the government is preparing to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revamping public sector banks. This strategic plan is a cornerstone of the ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aspiring to position these banks among the top 20 globally competitive financial institutions.

In an ambitious move, the World Bank Group has committed to funneling $8-10 billion each year into India over the next five years. This groundbreaking partnership pivots around enhancing job creation through the private sector.

Pilot duty rules: Sabari Roy Lenka, a former aircraft engineer, had moved the high court claiming that the regulator didn't have the authority to keep the rules in abeyance and, therefore, they must come into force immediately. The rules were meant to improve fatigue management of pilots, said Lenka.

Airtel: Airtel Africa company continued its $100 million share buyback programme, completing the first $45 million tranche in April 2025 and returning $36.2 million through 14.6 million shares purchased in the second tranche as of December 31, 2025.

Ruby Bhatia, Indias first video jockey and former Miss India Canada, was a familiar face on television in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She interviewed celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, hosted popular shows, and appeared in TV serials and films. Despite her success, Ruby chose to step away from fame at the age of 30, embracing spirituality and a grounded life.

Enamel protection is emerging as a critical focus in everyday oral care as dentists highlight rising cases of enamel erosion linked to modern, acid-heavy diets. Unlike cavities, enamel wear develops gradually and often goes unnoticed, making prevention essential. Experts now emphasise choosing toothpaste that goes beyond cleaning to actively strengthen and protect enamel. Advances in oral care science, such as enamel-focused formulations, are shifting oral health conversations from cosmetic bene

Indian Railways has achieved a significant safety upgrade, commissioning the Kavach automatic train protection system on a record 472.3 route kilometres in a single day. This expansion across three key sections, including Vadodara-Virar, enhances operational safety and reliability on high-density routes. The system's effectiveness was validated through a successful head-on collision test.