The Economic Times

Greg Bovino: Federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis is scaling back following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Commander Gregory Bovino and some agents are departing after criticism over the incident and controversial remarks. Mayor Frey is pushing for the full departure of the operation, emphasizing cooperation on criminal investigations but not unconstitutional arrests.

S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq today: US stocks closed higher on Monday, propelled by gains in major tech companies like Apple, Meta, and Microsoft ahead of their earnings reports. Investors also monitored political developments, including a US tariff threat on Canada and fears of a government shutdown, while gold prices surged to record highs amid market uncertainty.

Hypethral meaning: Discover 'hypethral,' a fascinating word describing spaces open to the sky, like ancient courtyards. This architectural term, a variant of 'hypaethral,' originates from Greek and Latin, meaning 'under the sky.' Learn its pronunciation and see how it vividly paints a picture of unroofed, airy structures, inviting you to explore its unique usage.

Many companies are asking employees to return to offices after long remote work periods. Workers are facing hot desking, crowded spaces, poor WiFi, and no personal desks. Team leads worry this will make hiring harder. Employees feel management cares more about using office space than their comfort or productivity, causing debate online about RTO policies and office planning.

The 1947-48 contest against India was Bradman's final home Test series before retiring in 1948 with a career batting average of 99.94, earning him the reputation as crickets greatest batter. The series marked Indias first Test tour of Australia as an independent nation.

India and the European Union have concluded talks for a free trade agreement. This pact, the 'mother of all deals', marks 18 years of discussions. Legal review is underway, with signing expected later this year and implementation early next year. The agreement aims to boost trade and investment between the two major economic blocs.

French food maker Vitagermine has recalled specific batches of its Babybio infant formula due to a toxin contamination scare. This precautionary measure follows similar recalls by major dairy companies like Danone and Nestle. The contamination involves cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.

Union Budget 2026: India's emerging private space sector is urging the government to classify space assets as critical infrastructure. This move aims to unlock low-cost financing and boost private investment. Companies are requesting government funding to procure products and services from domestic players. Such support is seen as vital for scaling operations and making India a global leader in space and AI.

Paris Men's Fashion Week concluded with designers favouring practical and enduring styles. This approach reflects a cautious industry mood amid global economic concerns. Classic suits and muted colours dominated runways. Some designers, however, experimented with bolder looks. The focus was on creating lasting pieces rather than fleeting trends.

New Airtag 2: Apple has launched its updated AirTag, a Bluetooth tracker designed to help locate lost items. The new version boasts an expanded finding range, a louder speaker, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Available for $29 a single or $99 for a four-pack, it offers free personalized engraving and enhanced privacy features.

The 2025 tax season brings bigger refunds for many families and homeowners. New tax laws raise deductions, cut some taxes, and boost family benefits. Homeowners get a higher SALT deduction limit. The IRS expects millions of returns and faster refunds. These changes could mean more money back for taxpayers this year.

An SBI report projects nominal GDP growth at 10.5-11% for FY27, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.2%. Capital expenditure is expected to surpass 12 lakh crore. The report also highlights the need for better expenditure planning and suggests states adopt medium-term debt paths aligned with growth needs.

India's mines ministry is proposing new rules to speed up mining operations. These changes will allow companies to start production in parts of mineral blocks even if forest clearances are pending. A new online portal will streamline the auction and lease execution process. This aims to boost mineral production and attract more investment in the sector.

Starlink's Gen 2 constellation, offering advanced technologies like direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, has been rejected by India's IN-SPACe due to unmet requirements and unpermitted frequency bands. The regulator approved only Starlink's Gen 1 for traditional broadband, while D2D services await a regulatory framework in India.

After seven years on a core team, a specialist builds a higher-level role from scratch. Leadership approves the position but selects another candidate. The decision exposes how promotions really work. Tenure does not guarantee advancement. Credentials outweigh contribution. Global uncertainty pressures companies. Career identity takes a hit. The outcome forces a hard professional reckoningand a pivotal next move.

A Nature Sustainability study warns 3.79 billion people may face extreme heat by mid-century, sharply boosting cooling demand. Developing nations like India, the Philippines and Bangladesh face the worst health impacts.

Shipping Corporation of India is looking to acquire eight new very large gas carriers. Six of these vessels will be built in India. Two can be constructed by international shipyards. Bidders from countries sharing a land border with India must be registered with the Competent Authority. This ensures Press Note 3 restrictions are followed.

India and Russia are on track to reach $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, with Ambassador Vinay Kumar expressing confidence in achieving this goal. The nations are expanding their trade basket, identifying new items, and exploring a free trade agreement to boost commerce, particularly in fertilizers, agriculture, and engineering. Increased trade in national currencies is also a key trend.

Marico is acquiring a majority stake in Zea Maize, the company behind the 4700BC snacking brand. The deal with PVR Inox is valued at up to 226.83 crore. 4700BC founder Chirag Gupta will continue to lead the business. This move expands Marico's presence in the premium snacking market. PVR Inox is monetizing a non-core asset through this transaction.

Commercial vehicle sales are set for their best years in FY26 and FY27. This surge is fueled by replacement demand after tax changes and ongoing infrastructure development. Industry leaders anticipate strong growth continuing into next year. This positive outlook is supported by increased utilization levels and government spending on infrastructure projects.

GME stock today: GameStop shares saw a significant rise after investor Michael Burry disclosed his long-term investment. Burry believes in the company's valuation and leadership under CEO Ryan Cohen. He is not anticipating a short squeeze but rather a future realization of value. GameStop has built a strong cash position through equity offerings, which Burry sees Cohen strategically deploying.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi attended the Republic Day parade and called on citizens to defend the Constitution. After skipping last years official events, their presence this time drew attention.

Indias 77th Republic Day parade highlighted the countrys cultural heritage and growing military capability. The event marked 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram through themed tableaus and musical renditions, while also showcasing new unmanned and autonomous systems used by the armed forces.

The Congress party has objected to a new census question that omits explicit mention of OBC and General categories, asking only about Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or 'Other'. This omission, the party stated, raises doubts about the government's commitment to a fair caste census and calls for immediate dialogue with stakeholders.

Amazon layoffs: Amazon is executing a historic pivot this January 2026. To fuel a $35 billion quarterly AI surge, the tech giant is cutting 14,000 corporate roles. CEO Andy Jassy frames this as a ureaucracy tax removal. While Capex jumped 55%, AWS growth has re-accelerated to 20%. Investors are watching closely as Amazon trades management layers for custom AI silicon. This strategy prioritizes long-term efficiency over immediate retail margins.

Security forces are continuing a combing operation in Kishtwar's higher reaches after a fresh gunfight with terrorists in the Janseer-Kandiwar forest area. This marks the third encounter in the Chatroo belt this week, with ongoing efforts to track down Jaish-e-Mohammad militants despite challenging snowfall conditions. Army helicopters and drones are being utilized for surveillance and tracking.

In 2026, behavioral alignment is the new corporate currency. U.S. firms are shifting from performance-based layoffs to zero-tolerance for misconduct. Sabotage attempts or volatility now trigger immediate security escalations. High-ranking rilliant jerks lose leverage as boardrooms prioritize stability over skill. Severance often acts as a legal bribe for quiet exits. However, data theft risks now force police intervention, redefining the boundaries of senior executive accountability.

The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, is gearing up for its OTT release after completing its theatrical run. The horror-comedy has been acquired by Jio Hotstar, which has secured the digital streaming rights for all major language versions. While the platform is yet to announce the streaming date, the deal is reportedly valued at 80 crore, with an additional performance-linked clause tied to the films box office earnings.

Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has strongly rejected United States interference. She declared enough orders from Washington regarding Venezuelan politics. Rodriguez emphasized that internal conflicts should be resolved by Venezuelans themselves. She called for domestic unity and dialogue to restore peace and stability in the country. The leader framed recent US actions as an unprecedented violation of sovereignty.

Tax credits help people lower their tax bills in a simple way. They reduce tax directly and some give refunds. Different tax credits support families, workers, students, home energy upgrades, and retirement savings. Most credits have income limits, so eligibility depends on earnings. Using the right tax credits can save money during tax filing.

Todays word of the day, Retrospection examines the concept of retrospection and explains why reflective thinking is significant for meaningful growth. It defines the term, delves into its role in daily life, and emphasizes its importance in education, work, and self-development. Retrospection refers to the deliberate act of looking back on past experiences, events, or decisions with thoughtful reflection. It goes beyond simple remembrance and involves conscious evaluation and understanding of wh

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Italian government declared a state of emergency for the regions of Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria following a catastrophic Mediterranean storm named Cyclone Harry.

A US naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier has deployed to Middle Eastern waters, the United States said Monday, as Tehran warned it was ready to hit back at any American attack launched in response to a crackdown on anti-government protests. Meanwhile, a new anti-US billboard has appeared in the central Enghelab Square in Tehran that appears to show an American aircraft carrier being destroyed.

Wealth Quote of the Day by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement Franklin D. Roosevelt reshaped America during the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal programs created jobs and stabilized banks. Unemployment fell as industry surged for wartime production. Lend-Lease supported allies with over $50 billion aid. He led U.S., Britain, and USSR alliances. Roosevelts vision rebuilt the economy and strengthened global infl

Basically, what was discussed last week, what in the end we agreed was two workstreams going forward: one workstream is for NATO collectively, to take more responsibility for the defence of the Arctic..., Rutte told members of European Parliament.

Renault has revealed the 2026 Duster. This new model features a bolder design and advanced technology. It offers turbo petrol and strong hybrid powertrain choices. Pre-bookings are open now. Customer deliveries commence in April 2026. Hybrid variants will arrive later. Prices will be announced in mid-March 2026.

The S&P 500 edged higher as US stocks reacted to strong data, major company news, and investor optimism. Tech shares gained attention, while gold and rare earth stocks stood out. Markets stayed alert to political news, earnings reports, and the Federal Reserves next move, keeping traders cautious but hopeful this week.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams went viral during her recent visit to Kerala after she was seen enjoying falooda at a local dessert outlet in Kozhikode. Videos shared by the outlet and later from the Kerala Literature Festival showed Williams relishing the popular Indian sweet and identifying it as her favourite dessert, drawing warm reactions online. The moment stood out for its simplicity and came shortly after Williams announced her retirement from NASA following a 27-year career mark

The Bharatiya Janata Party has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting the Northeast region and President Droupadi Murmu. This follows allegations that Mr. Gandhi did not wear an Assamese Gamosa presented to guests at a Rashtrapati Bhavan reception. The BJP also criticized the Congress for politicizing seating arrangements at the Republic Day parade.

Term of the Day: The Thucydides Trap describes the danger when a rising power (China) threatens a ruling power (USA). History shows this often ends in war. Currently, tensions over AI, chips, and Taiwan mirror this ancient stress. Yet, 2026 brings hope. High-level summits and mutual economic needs are creating a delicate equilibrium. War is a risk, but not a destiny. Leaders are choosing trade over tragedy.

Bengaluru will experience light rain on Tuesday. Following this, the city's weather will turn brighter and warmer. Sunny intervals are expected from Wednesday to Friday, with daytime temperatures reaching nearly 30C and nights becoming pleasant. The weekend will remain largely sunny and dry. Residents sensitive to dust should take precautions as dry conditions persist.