The Economic Times

President Vladimir Putin stated the international situation is deteriorating and becoming more dangerous, though he remained silent on Venezuela, Iran, and U.S. threats. Speaking to new ambassadors, Putin criticized those dictating their will and reiterated Russia's commitment to a multipolar world and new European security architecture.

The prospect of US retaliation for the deaths of protesters still hung over the region, though President Donald Trump signaled a possible de-escalation, saying the killing appeared to be ending. The US announced new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of suppressing the protests, which began late last month over the country's faltering economy and the collapse of its currency.

Denmark and Greenland's top diplomats met with US officials to oppose President Trump's proposal to buy Greenland. They asserted Greenland's independence and rejected claims of Chinese threats. Denmark highlighted its own security contributions, including advanced military assets. Both nations emphasized their commitment to Denmark if forced to choose. The meeting aimed to address US concerns while maintaining Greenland's sovereignty.

Northern and Eastern India are experiencing severe cold. Hisar in Haryana recorded 0.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi saw its coldest morning of the season at 2.9 degrees Celsius. Kashmir's Dal Lake has frozen. Jharkhand and West Bengal also recorded freezing temperatures. This cold wave is impacting several states.

Britain will boost its military reserve forces. The maximum age for former personnel to be called up will rise to 65. The criteria for calling up reserves will also expand to include 'warlike preparations'. These changes aim to enhance national readiness. The reforms are set to be implemented from spring 2027. This move aligns with broader NATO force strategies.

Wealth Quote of the Day by Douglas W. Diamond, The waters been so high for so long that people didnt even put on the skimpiest of bathing suits Nobel economist Douglas W. Diamond warns hidden risks lurk in todays low-rate economy. Corporations and banks overleverage during easy credit periods. Rising interest rates expose fragile balance sheets. Geopolitical tensions in Iran and Israel impact energy and financial markets. Diamonds research highlights liquidity shocks and bank run vulnerabilities

J.R.R. Tolkien's famous quote challenges the idea that a straight path is the only way. It suggests that wandering can be a deliberate choice, a form of exploration. This applies to both external journeys and internal growth. Tolkien's own life and works reflect this wisdom. His stories show that strength comes from facing challenges.

Private assets are investments in private companies, real estate, or infrastructure, not public stocks. They are usually for big investors and are harder to sell, value, and understand. Adding them to 401(k)s could give more choices for retirement savings but may also increase costs and complexity, making them different from normal stock or bond investments.

Mumbai's vote counting for 227 wards begins Friday. Unlike previous elections, counting will be phase-wise, not simultaneous. This change means results for all seats may be declared late. Officials anticipate a delay of about an hour in the final announcement. Adequate security and staff are in place for the counting exercise.

MrBeast net worth: Social media star Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, reveals a surprising financial reality. Despite a multi-billion dollar empire, he states he is cash poor. MrBeast reinvests nearly all his earnings back into his content and businesses. He even borrows money for personal expenses. This focus on growth over personal cash is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 8 release time, schedule and how to watch details the Starz release date, global timings, episode list, and streaming options. The episode airs on January 16, 2026, with weekly releases continuing until the season finale.

Russia and China would offer Iran diplomatic and economic aid amid US threats, but military support is unlikely if Washington takes action. Experts believe both Moscow and Beijing prioritize their relationships with the US over a direct confrontation regarding Iran, with Ukraine being a higher priority for Russia.

The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court its authority is limited to voter registration. It cannot deport individuals or determine visa status. The poll panel's role is to identify citizens for electoral rolls. This clarification came during final hearings on petitions challenging the EC's special intensive revision exercise.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran. These target shipping, trading, and energy firms. Eleven individuals and Fardis Prison are also affected. The sanctions follow Iran's severe crackdown on nationwide protests. This action by the Trump administration highlights ongoing tensions and the US response to internal unrest in Iran.

Charles Dickens believed kindness and human connection hold immense power. His enduring idea, that helping others gives life meaning, remains relevant today. Dickens' words challenge the fear of insignificance. He shows that even small acts of kindness matter. His novels highlight how ordinary people make extraordinary differences. This message offers comfort in a world focused on achievement.

Delhi saw an increase in respiratory disease deaths in 2024. Circulatory ailments led to the most fatalities, surpassing infectious diseases. Overall deaths in the capital also climbed. However, the Infant Mortality Rate saw a slight improvement. The city recorded fewer live births compared to the previous year, while the death rate edged up.

Thought of the Day by Martin Luther King Jr. is rooted in a life shaped by faith, rigorous education and lived experiences of racial injustice. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, King grew up in a middle-class African American household deeply embedded in the traditions of the Southern Black church.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to address digital arrest scam cases. This committee will examine issues faced by enforcement agencies and suggest corrective measures. Members include officials from various ministries and agencies. The committee will meet regularly to discuss solutions. The Supreme Court is monitoring these efforts to protect victims from cybercrime.

In a surprising turn, new jobless claims in the U.S. dipped last week, signaling potential hope for the labor market. Despite this, hiring remains sluggish, and layoffs are minimal. Companies are treading carefully amidst the uncertainties of trade regulations and advancements in AI.

Voting for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra faced disruptions. Clashes erupted between groups in several locations. Allegations of bogus voting and cash distribution surfaced. Electronic Voting Machines experienced glitches in multiple areas. Despite these incidents, officials reported no major issues in Mumbai. The process saw minor model code of conduct violations.

US stock market surges today. Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq rebounded today after four-day losses. The Dow rose over 118 points. The S&P 500 gained 0.5%. The Nasdaq climbed nearly 1%. Chip stocks led after TSMC posted a record quarter and a 35% profit surge, easing AI demand fears. Bank earnings beat estimates. Falling oil prices and stronger jobs data added support, lifting overall market confidence.

Getting laid off near retirement can be stressful, but you still have options to protect your savings. Plan carefully by checking your money, cutting costs, delaying Social Security, and working part-time if needed. Using retirement funds too early can cost a lot, and comparing health insurance options is important. Smart planning can help you retire safely.

Vehicle breakdowns in India often cause confusion and delay. Lakshya Khurana's startup, Ride N Repair, is changing this. The company uses artificial intelligence to coordinate repairs in real-time. This system-driven platform aims to bring predictability and transparency to a sector that has long lacked structure. Ride N Repair connects customers, mechanics, and operations through a single intelligence layer.

Keanu Reeves life story highlights the lesson that a difficult start does not determine the rest of ones life. Born into an unstable family environment and facing frequent moves, academic struggles, and early career uncertainty, Reeves did not follow an easy path to success. Through persistence and steady effort, he built a respected acting career, moving from small roles to global recognition with films like The Matrix and John Wick.

Indian Hotels Company, backed by Tata Group, is acquiring a majority stake in Brij Hospitality. This move aims to bolster IHCL's presence in the boutique luxury hotel market. The deal, valued at up to Rs 225 crore, will integrate Brij's portfolio of 22 hotels. This acquisition is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Godrej Properties reported a significant 55% year-on-year increase in booking value to Rs 8,421 crore for the December quarter, with collections also rising 40% to Rs 4,282 crore. For the calendar year 2025, the company achieved a booking value of Rs 34,171 crore, marking a 19% growth, and sold 16,428 homes.

India's green building market is set for significant growth. Reusing existing furniture offers a substantial 30-40% reduction in embodied carbon. Interior fit-outs contribute heavily to emissions, but quick wins are possible. Organizations can achieve 30-50% reductions through smart material choices and reuse. Embodied carbon is the next frontier for sustainability in construction.

President Trump has proposed a 10% credit card interest rate cap for one year to ease high borrowing costs. The idea could help people with credit card debt save on interest. However, banks and experts warn it may limit credit access, reduce rewards, and cause interest rates to rise again after the cap ends.

Current snow emergency levels Ohio: Ohio is experiencing a severe winter storm from January 1415, 2026, resulting in heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. Several counties issued snow alerts, ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, with Erie County at the highest caution: Stay off the roads! Several schools closed, and cities like Cleveland enforced Snow Emergency Parking Bans.

Books to inspire you in 2026: For many readers, these titles stand out among the best books for success, not because they offer instant change, but because they reflect a future in which intention has already been turned into action. Together, they capture the sense that a 2026 vision board has quietly come to life.

National Bagel Day 2026: Bagel lovers rejoice. January 15, 2026, marks National Bagel Day. Many popular bagel chains are offering special deals and freebies. Customers can enjoy discounts, free bagels with cream cheese, and buy-one-get-one offers. Participating locations include Bagel Boss, BIGGBY Coffee, Bruegger's Bagels, and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Stop & Shop also has a special offer. Don't miss out on these delicious savings.

An Indian defence firm has secured orders for its indigenously developed anti-drone system from the Army and Navy. The IG T-Shul Pulse Anti-Drone System is designed to counter hostile drones and emerging aerial threats. It offers a jamming range of up to two kilometers. Deliveries are expected in about a month, strengthening India's counter-drone capabilities.

Indian crew members of MT Valiant Roar are in Iranian custody. The family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The vessel was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, accused of smuggling fuel. Mehta's family last heard from him on New Year's Eve.

The Pitt Season 2 Episode 2 release time, schedule and how to watch details when the new episode airs on HBO Max, global timings, weekly release plan, episode count, recap of Episode 1, and where viewers can stream the series worldwide.

An office worker's resignation triggered an angry outburst from senior leadership. Instead of reacting emotionally, he remained composed. His calm demeanor frustrated his superior, who eventually asked him to withdraw his resignation. The worker then requested an earlier release, surprising his boss. This move showed the leader he no longer held power over the decision.

Akshay Kumar drew attention during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections after a video showed him responding to a young woman who approached him outside a polling booth seeking help for her debt-ridden father. The actor paused to listen, directed her to his team for follow-up, and gently stopped her from touching his feet, a gesture that won praise online.

Mumbai BMC Exit Poll: An exit poll suggests the BJP-led alliance will win the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The BJP+ bloc is projected to secure a significant number of seats. The UBT+ alliance is expected to be the second largest bloc. Voter turnout was moderate. Final results will be declared on January 16.

A mini stroke is a critical medical alert, not a minor scare. These transient ischemic attacks, where blood flow to the brain is briefly interrupted, signal a high risk of a major stroke within 48 hours. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent lasting brain damage and identify underlying causes.

Union Budget news: Budget document printing will continue at North Block. The finance ministry team has moved to Kartavya Bhawan. Printing of confidential Budget documents will remain at the old North Block press. This exercise involves staff quarantine for up to two weeks. The halwa ceremony marks the start of this quarantine. Union Budget 2026-27 will be unveiled on February 1.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced concerns about his party's performance in the upcoming assembly elections. This follows a significant loss in the recent Bodoland Territorial Council polls. Sarma indicated a lack of confidence regarding winning assembly seats. He stressed that aspiring candidates must assess public support. The Bodoland Peoples' Front anticipates winning all 15 seats in the region.

Effulgent is a word that often appears in writing about light, beauty, and powerful presence. Writers use it to describe nature, people, or moments that stand out and leave an impression. It shows up in poetry, stories, and everyday descriptions to highlight something striking, radiant, and unforgettable, giving a sense of awe and admiration without needing extra explanation.