The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
US President Donald Trump called himself a dictator at the World Economic Forum. He stated his leadership uses common sense, not ideology. Trump also softened his stance on Greenland. He indicated talks would continue with Denmark and Greenland. Tariffs on European allies will not be imposed. The focus is on security and resource access.
A video has gone viral on social media which shows a woman grabbing Rohit Sharma's hand in a desperate attempt to ask help for her ailing daughter. The woman, identified as Sarita Sharma, revealed that her daughter is suffering from a serious disease and in order to treat her, she needs injection that costs Rs 9 crore for which she has been seeking help. The woman later apologised for her actions and made an appeal to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to help her.
India is now a pivotal global economic force, moving beyond its emerging status. This transformation is driven by strong growth and widespread digital public infrastructure. Platforms like digital identity and real-time payments have lowered costs and fostered innovation. India's evolution highlights momentum in physical and digital infrastructure. Domestic consumption and capabilities are key opportunities.
Novak Djokovic continues his Australian Open campaign with a strong performance. He defeated Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in straight sets to reach the third round. Djokovic is aiming for an record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park. This victory marks his 399th Grand Slam match win. He moves closer to Roger Federer's Australian Open record.
Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and RJ Mahvash have unfollowed each other on Instagram, reigniting romance rumors months after Chahal's divorce. The move has fueled fresh speculation among fans, despite both previously denying a romantic involvement and Mahvash facing online abuse.
Union Budget 2026: The nation aims to become a top chip manufacturing hub by 2032. Several major projects are underway, with production expected to start in 2026. The budget must ensure sustained policy support and timely incentive disbursements to maintain momentum and attract further investment in this crucial sector.
Piyush Goyal met Edappadi K Palaniswami in Chennai. The meeting aimed to finalize the National Democratic Alliance in Tamil Nadu. This comes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Leaders will show strength against the ruling DMK. The alliance is preparing for upcoming Assembly elections. This meeting is a key step for the NDA's strategy.
A Delhi court has acquitted former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in a case linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The acquittal pertains to violence in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri areas. Kumar is currently serving a life sentence in another riot-related case. This development comes after charges of rioting and promoting enmity were framed against him last year.
Experience teaches humility. True expertise is built on mistakes and lessons learned. Niels Bohr, a renowned physicist, believed experts make all possible errors in a narrow field. This approach fuels scientific progress. Bohr's own work on atomic structure revolutionized physics. His life exemplifies dedication to understanding through persistent effort and learning from setbacks.
New Delhi commuters face traffic disruptions on Thursday as rehearsals for the Beating Retreat ceremony take place at Vijay Chowk. Key routes including Vijay Chowk itself and sections of Raisina Road will be closed from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. Motorists are urged to seek alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.
Manufacturing companies are strengthening their in-house legal leadership as business activity accelerates and regulatory complexity rises. Demand for senior legal talent is being driven by tighter scrutiny, new labour codes, ESG and data rules, and a surge in cross-border deals, capacity expansion and compliance-heavy projects.
State Bank of India Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. He is discussing the bank's focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. India's economic and technological growth is a key highlight at the forum. Union Ministers are also presenting India's progress in renewable energy and semiconductors. India is set to become the world's third-largest economy.
Hindi films drew more audiences to cinemas in 2025. Ticket sales for Hindi movies increased, bucking a general decline in all film footfalls. This growth highlights the importance of content. Producers believe good films will continue to attract viewers to theaters. The industry sees a co-existence of theatrical and home entertainment experiences. Word-of-mouth remains a key driver for successful films.
The New Delhi Municipal Council is planning a major redevelopment of the Super Bazar in Connaught Place. This iconic six-storey building, a landmark in the capital, will undergo a complete makeover. A proposal for the redevelopment will be presented to the council soon. A final decision is expected shortly, marking a new chapter for the historic structure.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is crucial. Visit reward.ff.garena.com to claim your rewards.
Union Budget: After a volatile 2025 marked by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and capital flow shifts, the economy is looking to the upcoming budget to support growth, maintain fiscal discipline and shield against external shocks. While goods exports slowed and the rupee weakened amid global churn and US tariff pressures, service exports, softer crude prices, easing food inflation and policy support helped the domestic economy stay resilient.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Moscow's desire to revive trilateral cooperation among Russia, India, and China (RIC). This initiative gains prominence amidst global geopolitical shifts, with leaders of the three nations previously demonstrating camaraderie. The RIC format is seen as a precursor to BRICS and a symbol of growing multipolarity.
Albinder Dhindsa will lead Eternal Ltd as CEO starting February 1, 2026. He replaces founder Deepinder Goyal, who will focus on long-term strategy. Dhindsa, known for Blinkit, will manage food delivery and quick commerce. This leadership change signals a focus on execution and scale for Eternal's next growth phase. Goyal's continued board presence ensures continuity.
Tata Play Binge is launching a new content category called Shots. This features short, vertical micro-dramas designed for mobile viewing. The move aims to attract viewers with evolving habits and address the ongoing decline in DTH subscribers. Shots offers content from multiple creators and partners at no extra cost. This initiative reflects a broader industry trend towards short-form, mobile-first content.
Bangladesh launches official campaigning for general elections on February 12, marking the first vote since the 2024 uprising ended Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule. The nation of 170 million faces insecurity and online disinformation as major parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, begin their rallies.
Amitabh Bachchan's dedication shines through. Actor Raja Bundela recently shared stories of Big B's punctuality and thorough preparation on set. A forgotten pair of shoes in Goa led to an overnight bus journey for a spotboy, demonstrating Bachchan's commitment. He also maintains a strict 8 pm rule for industry visitors at home. Read on!
EPFO 3.0 roll out: India's EPFO is undergoing a major tech overhaul with EPFO 3.0, aiming for a core banking-style system to serve crores of members. This initiative will introduce a new portal, backend software, and AI-powered language tools, making services faster and more accessible. The changes are linked to upcoming labor reforms, expanding EPFO's reach to unorganized workers.
The UGC has introduced new regulations to combat caste-based discrimination in Indian Higher Education Institutions. These rules mandate the establishment of Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, and a 24-hour helpline to address complaints and promote fairness for all students, teachers, and staff.
UP Weather Update: Uttar Pradesh is likely to see a sudden change in weather as many districts, especially in the western UP, are likely to see rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning from January 22 to January 24. Noida is likely to see light rain on Thursday and Friday, the IMD said. A fresh Western Disturbance may trigger more rain from January 26.
Aditya Dhar's spy thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved huge box office success. The film is all set for a digital release. The producers have also reportedly secured a lucrative deal for the sequel, Dhurandhar 2, scheduled for March 19, 2026. Read on to know when and where to watch the movie.
Trump peace board: Putin's response comes after US President Donald Trump confirmed that the Russian President has been invited to join the proposed Gaza Board of Peace, describing him as one of several world leaders considered for the initiative.
A devastating landslide at Mount Maunganui has left several people missing. Heavy rainfall triggered the collapse at a popular campground. Emergency services are conducting a frantic search through debris. Families are anxiously awaiting updates. Children are believed to be among those unaccounted for. The area is a major tourist destination.
Bengaluru's rental market is facing intense scrutiny. A Rs 70,000 monthly rent for a semi-furnished 2BHK has ignited discussions about the city's rising costs. Tenants express frustration over high rents and additional maintenance charges. Some suggest buying a flat might become more appealing. The debate highlights the financial strain on residents.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 4 release time, schedule and how to watch details confirm when the next episode airs on Crunchyroll. The episode continues the Culling Game arc and explains where, when, and how fans can stream it worldwide.
Bengaluru has been named the world's second most congested city in 2025, a significant jump from its previous rankings. The city's average rush hour speed dropped to 13.9 km/h, with Pune and Mumbai also featuring in the top 20. Officials cite a booming vehicle population and stalled infrastructure projects as key contributors to the worsening traffic.
Actor Khushi Mukherjee reportedly faces a Rs 100-crore defamation suit after viral remarks about cricketer Suryakumar Yadav. She later clarified their interactions were friendly and denied any wrongdoing, attributing misinformation to a hacked account. Now, she has made new remarks on the situation. Read on to know about it.
Chinese EV: The giant BYD logo gracing the ship's hull and each car window sent shockwaves through this crisis-stricken economy run for decades by the left-wing populist movement of Peronism that protected local industry with stiff tariffs and import restrictions.
Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has shared his views on the Marathi language debate in Mumbai. He believes cultural pride should be embraced, not forced upon individuals. Shetty stated that while he respects Mumbai as his workplace, learning Marathi should be a personal choice. He suggested that learning driven by willingness leads to better understanding than compulsion.
Solar radiation storm: The Sun has released the strongest solar radiation storm in more than 20 years, triggering auroras across Europe and raising concerns over satellite, aviation, and astronaut safety. The solar storm which is the largest in over two decades is the outcome of a mass eruption of charged particles that left the sun on Sunday.
Tariff: On Tuesday, Argentina said its shipments abroad last year were the second highest in its history. The release followed data from Brazil and Chile, both of which reported this month that their own exports hit records in 2025. In coming days, figures from Mexico and Peru will likely also reveal milestones.
Ubisoft is undergoing a major restructuring, creating five new business units. This involves canceling several game projects and closing studios. The company anticipates a significant financial loss for the upcoming fiscal year. This strategic shift aims to streamline operations and pave the way for future sustainable growth and robust cash generation.
Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik reveals wealth building isn't about high salaries but smart money management. He emphasizes compounding, cash flow, and disciplined saving, like investing Rs 20,000 monthly at 8% CAGR, can yield lakhs over time. Understanding economics and living frugally early on are key strategies for sustainable financial growth.
Mother Teresa, born Anjez Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, devoted her life to serving the poor. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, India. This organization helped the sick, homeless, and abandoned. Her work gained global recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize. She is remembered for selfless service and was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Why did Barron Trump call police and who is Matvei Rumianstev? A London court heard that Barron Trump contacted UK police after witnessing an assault during a FaceTime call. The call led officers to a womans home and became key evidence in a criminal case.
This week's South Indian OTT releases bring a compelling mix of genres. From a gritty Kannada police thriller about a child abduction racket to a Tamil drama exploring systemic neglect, and a Kannada fantasy where death is a ticking clock, these films delve into justice, power, and faith. Read on!
India coal sector: Coal power is declining globally. China's coal use is falling. India faces challenges in building new coal plants. Renewables are set to meet India's future energy needs. This shift marks a significant change in global energy trends, with the world moving towards cleaner energy sources.
IRS announces new tax benefit for Americans. The $1,776 Warrior Dividend payment issued in December 2025 to active-duty military and eligible Reserve members is tax-free. Recipients do not need to report it as income. The IRS confirms eligibility rules and filing guidance for this one-time benefit.
India is poised to become the world's largest economy within two to three decades. This projection comes from David Rubenstein, cofounder of Carlyle Group. He also noted positive US-India relations and discussed US-China trade dynamics. Rubenstein advised Indian policymakers to embrace global private credit and equity investments to foster local entrepreneurship and retain talent within India.
Vanna White, co-host of Wheel of Fortune, married longtime partner John Donaldson in a private ceremony. The couple has been together since 2012. This story details their relationship, Donaldsons construction career, and their net worth, including Whites earnings from Wheel of Fortune and other ventures.
Why is gold price still rising and will it continue to increase more than $4,778 remains a key market question. Gold crossed $4,887 as Trump eased tariff threats and the Fed signaled steady rates. Investors tracked safe-haven demand, equity rebounds, and price outlook.
US President Trump demanded that Europe cede control of Greenland, citing national security and missile defence requirements. He warned of consequences if NATO countries refused, describing the request as a modest one in exchange for decades of US defence support. Trump also criticised European leaders on various policy matters, asserting the strength of the US economy.
Why is silver price falling now and will it drop more than $91.17? Silver prices dropped after hitting record highs as investors reacted to easing tariff threats, rising equity markets, and profit booking. Gold trimmed gains, while platinum and palladium also moved lower amid shifting global signals.

19 C