The Economic Times

Experienced lawyers are being fired from the Justice Department. This is happening as President Trump tests executive power. Many career employees have left. This includes those who worked on Jan 6 cases and civil rights enforcers. The department is losing centuries of combined experience. This impacts the rule of law. The firings are defined by Attorney General Pam Bondi's tenure.

A report by RRAG details the murder of at least 15 minority Hindus in Bangladesh between December 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026, with victims' assets targeted and some murders committed in a Taliban style. The Interim Government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is reportedly dismissing religious motives and framing attacks as disinformation, potentially hindering minority participation in upcoming elections.

Vote counting is underway for Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections drawing significant attention. Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have united to challenge the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance for control of the BMC, a key to the Thackeray family's influence. Mumbai recorded a 52.94% voter turnout for the delayed civic polls.

Supporters of Shiv Sena nominee Meenakshi Shinde and rebel candidate Bhushan Bhoir clashed in Thane's Manpada area during civic polls, leading to police intervention. Accusations of armed persons and chilli powder attacks were exchanged. The situation escalated with ballot box interception, but police have since brought it under control.

Larsen & Toubro has secured a significant order, valued between Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 crores, from a joint venture of four oil and gas PSUs led by Petronet LNG. The project involves constructing a large LNG/Ethane storage tank and a Propane storage tank at Gujarat's Dahej Petrochemical Complex, aiming to boost domestic polypropylene production.

Dhurandhar, a spy thriller, continues its impressive theatrical run, surpassing Rs 1,300 crore globally. Beyond box office success, the film has sparked a viral AI-generated concept reimagining it as an 80s Bollywood blockbuster. This alternate casting features Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna, drawing praise from fans and the director alike. Read on!

BMC elections result 2026: Vote counting is underway for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra. The focus is on Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti faces a significant challenge from the reunited Thackeray cousins. Polling for these elections concluded yesterday. The results will determine control of India's richest civic body. This marks a crucial political juncture for the state.

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment have inked a landmark global Pay-1 licensing deal, granting Netflix exclusive worldwide streaming rights to SPE's feature films after their theatrical and home entertainment runs. This multi-year agreement, rolling out globally by early 2029, will also include select library titles, expanding Netflix's offerings with popular franchises and upcoming anticipated films.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's current ODI form. While he noted Kohli is perhaps in the best ODI form of his life, he expressed his desire to see Rohit score a century in the India vs New Zealand series decider at Indore on Sunday.

The Chief Minister said that the Chief Ministers Rubber Mission was launched with the objective of transforming Mizoram into a major rubber-producing region.

Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed security and reaffirmed their partnership. The U.S. stated that incremental progress on border security is unacceptable, demanding concrete outcomes to dismantle narcoterrorist networks and reduce fentanyl trafficking.

Vote counting for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections starts today. Results from 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra will also be declared. Polling occurred on Thursday in key urban centers. The Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad contests are closely watched. The Nationalist Congress Party factions have united for these polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party is a key contender.

India has updated customs rules to treat postal exports like regular cargo, simplifying incentive claims for small businesses and exporters. This change allows electronic export entries for postal shipments to be recognized for duty drawback, RoDTEP, and RoSCTL schemes. New electronic Postal Bill of Export forms have also been introduced for e-commerce and other postal shipments.

School Holiday News 16th 17th January: Due to the dense fog and intense cold weather, the schools in Noida upto class 8 will remain closed on January 16 and 17, an official order said. However, schools in Delhi will remain open today and tomorrow. The IMD has warned of very dense fog in Noida on Saturday.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, signaling a new strategic partnership aimed at historic gains in agriculture, energy, and finance. Carney's visit, the first by a Canadian PM since 2017, seeks to build on diplomatic efforts to move past previous tensions with China, Canada's second-largest trading partner.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy urged Army officials to appoint special officers to resolve pending land allotment and Sainik School sanction issues. During a Civil Military Liaison Conference, Reddy highlighted Telangana's disadvantage in Sainik School sanctions over the past decade and requested the Southern Command Center headquarters be shifted to Hyderabad.

Social media personality Faizan Ansari has filed a Rs 100 crore defamation lawsuit against actor Khushi Mukherjee. Ansari alleges Mukherjee's statements about Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav were fabricated and damaging. He seeks legal action and a prison sentence for Mukherjee if her claims are proven baseless.

Mumbai BMC Election Results Live: Mumbai awaits the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election results on Friday. Vote counting begins at 10 am for the 227-ward civic body. Live updates will be available on official websites. Exit polls suggest a strong showing for the Mahayuti alliance. This election follows the Shiv Sena split and delayed polls due to various factors.

The Federation of Indian Pilots has issued a legal notice to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. This action concerns the summoning of a pilot's nephew in connection with a fatal Air India crash investigation. The pilots' body argues the nephew is not a relevant witness. The AAIB maintains its authority to summon individuals under investigation rules.

A union representing 1,600 white-collar workers at Spirit AeroSystems has reached a tentative agreement with Boeing on a new contract. The SPEEA's negotiation team unanimously recommended approval of the proposal, which includes improved medical and dental benefits, more vacation time, and salary increases. Union members have until January 30 to vote on the offer.

BTS is set to release their fifth studio album, Arirang. The title is inspired by a treasured Korean folk song. This comeback marks their return after military service. The album signifies unity and resilience. It will be available in multiple formats. A world tour is also planned for 2026-2027. Read on!

AR Rahman revealed an eight-year drought of consistent work in Hindi cinema, questioning potential cultural bias. He believes industry shifts favor non-artistic decision-makers, leading to project fragmentation. Rahman views this as a chance to reconnect with family and awaits meaningful opportunities earned through dedication.

US President Donald Trump's demands to take over NATO ally Denmark's territory Greenland have thrust alliance chief Mark Rutte into an uncomfortable position. The alliance chief insisted his energy was squarely on making sure NATO was doing enough to protect the Arctic -- a key justification in Trump's rationale for wanting Greenland.

Australian fashion brand Sass & Bide is closing all its physical and online stores. This move is part of a plan to reinvent the brand. Stores will close by the end of January 2026, and the online store by the end of February 2026. Sass & Bide promises a relaunch with a renewed vision.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Machado sought to influence Trump's approach to Venezuela's political future. Trump confirmed he would keep the medal, calling it a gesture of mutual respect. Machado stated the gift recognized Trump's commitment to Venezuelan freedom.

IMD Delhi NCR Weather Update: Delhi-NCR region has been in the grip of winter for the past few days and witnessing intense cold. For Friday, the IMD has sounded a yellow alert for Delhi and has warned of cold wave conditions are likely at isolated places. On Thursday, Delhi recorded its coldest morning at 2.9 degrees Celsius. A dense layer of fog is likely to grip Noida tomorrow.

BLACKPINK's Jennie turned 30 today. On the special occasion, fans can explore her favourite shows and movies. Jennie enjoys psychological thrillers, such as Beyond Evil, and epic fantasy series, like Game of Thrones. She also enjoys classic rom-coms, such as Notting Hill, and supernatural dramas like The Vampire Diaries. Read on!

HSBC is reviewing its insurance operations in Singapore. This move is part of a larger plan to simplify the bank's global business. The review will consider all possibilities for the Singapore insurance unit. HSBC remains committed to growth in wealth and wholesale banking in Singapore. The bank is focusing on areas where it has a strong competitive advantage.

Tensions escalated between Denmark and the U.S. over Greenland ownership after conflicting statements from both sides regarding a meeting. While the White House claimed agreement on echnical talks on acquisition, Denmark stated the discussion focused on a working group to explore a common way forward addressing security concerns, emphasizing territorial integrity remains a red line.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, a revered spiritual leader and Nobel laureate, has championed peace and compassion globally since fleeing Tibet in 1959. His advocacy for Tibetan culture and peaceful dialogue, rooted in universal human values, continues to inspire millions. His message emphasizes that love and empathy are essential for humanity's very survival and societal well-being.

Europe faces a challenging year under a hostile US administration, with Donald Trump threatening Greenland's sovereignty and supporting far-right movements. Despite increased defense spending, the EU relies on US help for Ukraine's security, forcing a strategy of appeasement. Europe is now considering economic countermeasures, including trade deal freezes, to protect its interests.

Iran faced a severe internet shutdown. Activists secretly brought in thousands of Starlink satellite internet systems. These systems allowed them to share information about protests. The Iranian government responded by trying to jam the satellite signals. This shows a new challenge for governments trying to control information during unrest. Starlink has become a crucial tool for communication.

This week's OTT releases offer a diverse slate, from the intense war drama 120 Bahadur and the gripping crime thriller Taskaree to the comedic Mastiii 4 and the Malayalam mystery Kalamkaval, Audiences can also explore fantasy in Mahasenha, and dark comedies like Gurram Paapi Reddy, alongside the emotional farewell to Stranger Things 5. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.

U.S. envoy Mike Waltz renewed threats against Iran at the UN Security Council, vowing all options are on the table to stop the crackdown on protests. Iranian dissidents Masih Alinejad and Ahmad Batebi testified about their experiences, urging international action. New sanctions were announced by the U.S. and allies against Iranian officials involved in suppressing demonstrations.

US Senators have raised alarms over new Postal Service mail handling. Changes could mean mail-in ballots receive postmarks days after mailing. This risks legally cast ballots not being counted, especially in states with mail voting. Rural voters may be disproportionately affected.

The U.S. and Taiwan have finalized a trade deal cutting tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductor exports and encouraging U.S. investment. This agreement aims to boost domestic chip production, with Taiwanese companies committing billions to expand operations in the U.S., a move that could further strain relations with China.

President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell protests against federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, following a shooting incident. Governor Walz urged de-escalation, while the Attorney General vowed legal challenges to the federal surge, which has led to over 2,500 arrests.

Nobel Prizes are fetching millions at auctions. Dmitry Muratov sold his for over 100 million dollars. James Watson and Francis Crick also sold theirs. This has led to ethical debates. Maria Corina Machado offered to share hers with Donald Trump. The Nobel Committee states prizes cannot be revoked or transferred. However, they can be sold.

President Donald Trump announced his backing for a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government in Gaza, named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Trump stated this government, supported by the Board's High Representative, will govern Gaza during its transition. He emphasized the leaders' commitment to a peaceful future.

Australia's new law banning under-16s from social media has seen platforms deactivate almost five million accounts. This world-first measure, effective since December 10, is already inspiring similar legislation in France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. While critics question enforceability, regulators report swift compliance. The ban aims to protect young users, with significant fines for non-adherence.

Donald Trump stated his administration's tariffs generated significant revenue and boosted the economy. He claimed hundreds of billions of dollars entered the US Treasury. Trump asserted this policy helped curb inflation and strengthened national security. He also mentioned a 25 percent tariff on foreign automobiles transformed the domestic auto sector, leading to new investments.

Sachin Tendulkar's brand, Ten X You, has launched on Myntra. The brand aims to encourage an active lifestyle across India. It offers a wide range of sports and athleisure wear. The collection includes footwear and apparel designed for comfort and versatility. This launch caters to everyday consumers seeking enjoyable and accessible sports integration into their lives.

Relief to one company has prompted operators to explore coordinated engagement with the government, with legal options also under review, they said. We are evaluating multiple routes, including a collective approach to the government, but payments will not commence unless there is uniform treatment across companies, said one of the executives cited.

Government is pushing state-owned banks to use the JanSamarth portal for loans up to one crore rupees. This digital process aims to speed up credit for micro and small businesses. Banks can automatically access borrower data for faster loan approvals. This initiative is set to improve credit access for MSMEs.

India Export Data: India's trade deficit grew in December as exports slowed. Despite challenges, overall outbound shipments saw modest growth. Diversification strategies are deepening trade ties with West Asia, Europe, and other regions. Services exports also saw a contraction. Government initiatives are supporting exporters, with positive growth expected in goods and services trade for the fiscal year.