The Economic Times

Thousands of Norwegians were to receive letters on Monday from the military informing them that their homes, vehicles, boats and machinery may be requisitioned in the event of war. The letters have no practical impact in peacetime, the armed forces said, other than to let owners know that the military may take over their goods in the event of a conflict, the statement said.

National Popcorn Day 2026 arrives on January 19. Movie theaters across America are celebrating with special offers. Cinemark allows customers to fill their own containers for $5. AMC provides free popcorn to pass holders. Regal offers free popcorn to those in costume. Other chains also have deals. This event provides a great opportunity to enjoy movies and popcorn for less.

Godrej Enterprises Group is launching Amethyst, a unified artificial intelligence engine. This AI will be integrated into brand strategies and operations across all businesses. The group expects a significant productivity boost for employees. Agentic AI will be embedded into products and customer experiences. This initiative signals a move towards an intelligence-first enterprise.

Neologism meaning: Neologisms are new words, expressions, or meanings that emerge to describe evolving ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts. These linguistic innovations, often driven by advancements like the internet, reflect societal changes and demonstrate human creativity in communication.

The Union government is set to launch a coastal vibrant villages program, mirroring the successful Vibrant Villages Programme for land borders. This initiative aims to engage communities along India's extensive coastline, with the CISF adopting 52 villages. The program will leverage a coastal cyclothon to gather information and strengthen maritime security, a key focus area for the government.

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidmans recent divorce has ignited fresh attention as reports indicate that the country singer has moved in with a new girlfriend. The divorce got finalized earlier this month following almost two decades of marriage, was stated as amicable, with custody arrangements agreed upon and no support conflicts. Both icons now seem to be charting distinct personal and professional directions ahead.

Tom Wolfe was a famous American writer and journalist known for sharp quotes and bold opinions. His Quote of the Day explains how real-life experiences can change political thinking. Wolfe used simple words, humor, and strong examples to talk about society, power, and human behavior, making his ideas easy to understand and widely discussed even today.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta termed the exorbitant rise of airfares by airlines as exploitation and asked the Centre and the DGCA to file their replies to a PIL seeking binding regulatory guidelines to control the unpredictable fluctuations in airfare and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India.

Vivek Abrol is the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Luminous Power Technologies. He takes over from Preeti Bajaj, who is now with the parent company, Schneider Electric. Abrol brings extensive experience to lead Luminous's expansion into solar and consumer energy solutions. His focus will be on profitable growth and innovation in the energy sector.

Social Security SSI payments are arriving early in 2026 due to calendar shifts. Beneficiaries receive advance deposits through March. January benefits were paid December 31 with a 2.8% COLA. February and March payments also move earlier. Timing changes affect millions. Understanding the schedule helps avoid confusion.

A new Centre of Excellence aims to strengthen regulatory capacity as Indias power sector grapples with clean energy transition, market reforms and grid complexity.

A blast rocked Kabul's Shahr-e-Naw area on Monday. Several people were killed and injured in the incident. The Taliban interior ministry confirmed the casualties. Shahr-e-Naw is a secure area frequented by foreigners. Further details are expected to be released soon. The blast has raised concerns in the capital.

India's Narmada River uniquely flows west towards the Arabian Sea, defying the common eastward pattern. Originating in Amarkantak, its westward journey is shaped by a rift valley, making it geologically distinct. The river is vital for agriculture, power generation, and holds deep religious significance for many.

India's Ambassador to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar, met World Bank President Ajay Banga in Zurich ahead of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. The brief discussion highlighted India's development agenda and its partnership with the World Bank. India is set to showcase its investment and growth story to global leaders at the summit.

MLK day 2026: Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday in US? Check full list of entities that are open and closed today.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be recognized on Monday, Jan. 19, as a federal and Michigan state holiday. Public schools and colleges will also shut down in observance of the day. The commemoration pays tribute to Dr. Kings role in the civil rights movement and encourages reflection, service, and community participation.

Gold and silver prices hit fresh all-time highs as U.S.Europe trade war fears intensify. Tariff threats and weak dollar have pushed gold near record $4,700/oz and silver above $93/oz. The rally followed President Trumps threat of 10% tariffs on eight European nations over the Greenland acquisition. Citigroup now forecasts gold hitting $5,000 and silver reaching $100 by April.

L&T Realty Developers has acquired a prime land parcel in Mumbai's Lower Parel-Elphinstone Road area. The deal was valued at Rs 448.6 crore. A portion of the payment includes cash and an area-sharing arrangement. L&T Realty plans to develop a 28-office floor tower on the site.

France and Britain are exploring bans on social media for children, following Australia's lead. Experts debate the impact on youth mental health. While some advocate for action, others call for a more measured approach. Australia prohibited under-16s from platforms like Instagram and TikTok. France is considering similar measures for under-15s.

XRP price crash today: XRP experienced a sharp decline, falling below the crucial $2 mark. This triggered the largest wave of long liquidations for the token in over two months. The broader cryptocurrency market also saw a significant selloff, erasing billions in value. XRP was among the hardest-hit assets during this market-wide downturn.

India Budget 2026: Power Minister Manohar Lal announced that amendments to the Electricity Act are slated for introduction in the upcoming Budget session. These changes aim to reform the power sector, ensure profitability for debt-ridden distribution companies, and address ongoing financial challenges. The proposed bill seeks to promote financial discipline and healthy competition within the sector.

The IRS and major banks will shut offices for 24 hours on MLK Day 2026. In-person help will not be available, but online services will stay active. USPS and delivery services will also pause operations. Officials urge Americans to plan early, complete urgent tasks ahead of time, and use trusted online tools to avoid delays or missed payments.

Thermal's share is expected to ease to about 72 per cent this fiscal from nearly 75 per cent in fiscal 2025, before slipping below the 70 per cent mark next year.

Realme is launching the P4 Power 5G in India soon. This new smartphone will feature a large 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED display. It is expected to have a massive 10,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging. The device will also boast a powerful processor and a triple rear camera setup. The Realme P4 Power 5G aims to offer strong performance and endurance.

Champion, the Telugu period sports drama starring Roshan Meka, directed by Pradeep Advaitham, will premiere this month on OTT. The film follows an aspiring footballer whose dreams of playing in England intersect with the historic Bhairanpally revolt in pre-independence Telangana. Available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, Champion blends sports ambition with historical drama and features a supporting cast including Anaswara Rajan, Nandamuri Kalyan Chakravarthy, and Vennela Kishore.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains a federal holiday, but National Park access will change in 2026. The Trump administration removed MLK Day from the list of fee-free days, emphasizing patriotism over traditional holidays. U.S. flags will not be lowered for MLK Day, as this is not a change from previous years.

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, leading a high-level delegation from the state in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, said that the state is now progressive and safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Ambassador Sergio Gor and Senator Steve Daines to discuss bilateral issues, including ongoing trade agreement negotiations. The discussions come amidst a 50% US import duty on Indian goods and US senators' calls for favorable provisions for American pulse crop producers in any future trade deal.

Nearly 3,000 global leaders from business and government are gathering in Davos for the World Economic Forum. Discussions will cover economic disparity, climate change, and technology. U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the prominent attendees. The meeting aims to foster dialogue on cooperation and innovation amidst complex geopolitical challenges.

Coordinated explosions in Caracas on January 3, 2026, led to Nicols Maduro's capture and removal by U.S. forces. Despite initial U.S. rejection of the Chavista establishment, Vice President Delcy Rodrguez was backed for stability, securing military loyalty. However, protests and external interference raise concerns about Venezuela's future.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India for an official visit, personally welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. The visit underscores the strong bilateral ties and comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with discussions expected to focus on regional developments and strengthening India-UAE friendship.

Beyond the usual suspects like spicy chili and citrus, lesser-known culprits quietly trigger persistent acid reflux in millions, from seemingly innocent mint tea to high-fat dairy and fermented onions, catching most people off-guard.

Even if you don't have diabetes, eating certain foods can send your blood sugar spiking fast. Refined carbs, sugary drinks, and processed snacks trigger quick glucose surges in healthy people too. Here's what to eat less of and why it matters for energy, hunger, and long-term health.

A new Game of Thrones prequel, 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' introduces Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight portrayed by Peter Claffey. Claffey, a former rugby player, embodies the towering Dunk, a character seeking honour despite lacking land or title. The series explores his partnership with his squire, Egg, as they navigate the Seven Kingdoms.

When your circulatory system falters, your body sends unmistakable signals. From numb fingers to leg cramps during walks, these six telltale signs shouldn't be brushed off as mere aging or fatigue. Catching them early can be transformative for long-term cardiovascular health.

Myntra and Raymond Lifestyle are experiencing senior leadership changes, with Ritesh Mishra joining Myntra from Lifestyle India and Satyaki Ghosh appointed CEO of Raymond Lifestyle from Grasim Industries. These appointments signal a focus on growth and transformation within the fashion retail sector, following a broader trend of CEO churn in the Indian fashion industry this fiscal year.

Plato says leadership is a moral duty, not just a personal choice. When you avoid stepping into positions of authority, you risk being ruled by those less capable or ethical. By refusing responsibility, you dont escape poweryou allow weaker judgment to shape society, laws, and values. Taking on leadership, even reluctantly, helps ensure decisions serve the common good and maintain justice, both in the community and within yourself.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. Jaishankar called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and cautioned against fueling terrorist infrastructure near India. He also voiced concern over unfair criticism of India's stance on the Ukraine conflict. Sikorski agreed on the unfairness of selective targeting.

In December, India's oilmeal exports plummeted by 40 percent, largely attributed to a drastic decline in soyabean meal shipments. Other oilmeals, such as rapeseed and castorseed meals, also saw diminished export levels. Conversely, the exports of rice bran extraction experienced a remarkable upswing. Over the April-December timeframe, total oilmeal exports faced a 6 percent drop.