The Economic Times

Mauni Amavasya, observed on January 18, 2026, is a significant Hindu day for ancestral reverence and spiritual renewal. This New Moon in Magha month is considered highly auspicious for warding off negativity. Devotees are encouraged to observe silence, perform holy dips, donate, and honor ancestors, while avoiding hair/nail cutting, non-veg food, harsh words, and conflicts.

Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 culminates today, January 18th, with its grand finale. Hosted by Vijay Sethupathi, the event will air at 6 pm on Star Vijay and JioHotstar, featuring the Top 4 finalists: Aurora, Divya, Vikram, and Sabari. The winner will receive Rs 50 lakh and the trophy.

India will have a strong presence at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Over 3,000 global leaders will attend. Discussions will focus on dialogue in a fragmented world. Key Indian ministers and chief ministers will participate. Many top Indian CEOs are also expected. Global leaders from government and business will be present.

Edelweiss Life Insurance is set for strong growth. The company expects double-digit expansion over the next two to three years. Breakeven is targeted by FY27. This growth will be driven by a balanced approach across multiple distribution channels and diverse products. Significant capital support is also planned to fuel this scaling.

By 2030, India is gearing up to claim its position as the third-largest economy on the planet. This ambitious trajectory is anchored in a commitment to scaling up manufacturing and pouring resources into emerging industries like clean energy and electronics. As global trade dynamics shift under geopolitical influences, resilience becomes a critical factor for success.

President Trump's threat of tariffs on eight European nations, including Denmark, for conducting NATO exercises in Greenland signals a volatile approach to international relations. European leaders condemned the move, calling it unacceptable and a form of blackmail, highlighting a shift in alliance dynamics and a return to Trump's transactional foreign policy.

Indian space start-up Galaxeye is set to launch its first satellite, Mission Drishti, in early 2024. This satellite will combine optical and radar imaging for all-weather earth observation. The company plans to expand this into a constellation of ten satellites by 2030. This will provide continuous data for defence, agriculture, and disaster response.

Davos is under unprecedented security for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Thousands of armed forces, drones, and special tools are deployed. Global leaders, CEOs, and civil society members are attending. Protests are planned, with authorities ready to manage demonstrations. Security costs are significant, shared by multiple entities. Airspace is restricted to ensure safety.

Delhi University is raising student fees again. Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, charges for university facilities will go up. This is the second increase in just six months. The university's share of student fees has now reached 4,100. This trend is causing concern among college administrations about the overall cost for students.

Indias automobile exports rose 24 per cent in 2025, supported by strong overseas demand for passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Sigmund Freud believed most people avoid true freedom. This is because freedom demands responsibility. People prefer to follow others rather than face decisions and consequences. Owning choices means accepting both success and failure. Freud suggested that true freedom requires effort, much like a gym membership. It offers tools but demands work. Freedom without responsibility remains a mere fantasy.

Dharmendras iconic Juhu bungalow, valued at around Rs 60 crore, is set to expand as sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol add an additional floor to the joint family residence. Construction activity has already begun, with cranes spotted at the site, and the renovation is expected to take several months. The home, which houses multiple generations of the Deol family, blends modern design with traditional elements and has hosted several key family milestones over the years

Dr. Madhu Chopra shared a nostalgic photograph of herself and her late husband, Dr. Ashok Chopra, in their Indian Army medical officer uniforms. This glimpse into their pre-fame life highlights the discipline, commitment, and national duty that shaped their family's values and influenced their children's upbringing. The tribute garnered widespread admiration for their service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two new Amrit Bharat Express trains from Assam. He also initiated the Kaziranga elevated corridor project. This significant infrastructure development will enhance connectivity to Upper Assam. The project includes a wildlife corridor to protect animals and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Bypasses will also be developed to ease town traffic.

American forces eliminated a key Al-Qaeda leader in Syria. This operative had direct ties to the ISIS ambush that claimed the lives of two US soldiers and an interpreter in December. The strike, conducted on January 16, underscores the US commitment to pursuing terrorists.

Adani Solar has become the only Indian company to feature in Wood Mackenzies Global Solar Module Manufacturer Ranking for the first half of 2025, highlighting Indias growing presence in clean energy manufacturing. The Adani New Industries arm was ranked eighth globally and received a Grade A classification, with a score of 81, based on shipments, bankability and performance.

Union Budget 2026: Mercedes-Benz India advocates for reduced customs duties on imported luxury vehicles, which could enhance sales within the high-end market and ultimately elevate government tax revenues. Additionally, maintaining a stable rupee along with effective fiscal policies is essential for the growth of this luxury segment. Furthermore, robust road infrastructure is pivotal in stimulating demand for premium automobiles.

In an interview with the Swiss-based daily newspaper 20 Minuten, Alois Zwinggi, the Swiss head of the WEF, responded to remarks by the President of the Green Party of Switzerland, Lisa Mazzone, who urged the organisers to prevent Trump's participation, citing Washington's recent intervention in Venezuela, which led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro, former President of the South American nation and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Delhi faces a yellow alert as dense fog blankets the capital. Temperatures are expected to range from 5 to 22 degrees Celsius. Air quality has worsened significantly, entering the severe category. This has prompted the invocation of Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan. Citizens are advised to stay informed about the evolving weather and pollution situation.

Amway India reported a wider loss of Rs 74.25 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations fell 10.56 per cent to Rs 1,148.16 crore. All major segments, including Nutrition and Wellness, Personal Care, Home Care, and Beauty, saw revenue declines. Expenses on advertising and royalty payments also decreased. The direct selling industry in India has experienced slow growth recently.

Engineers India Ltd has secured a pivotal contract exceeding USD 350 million for the extensive expansion of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Nigeria. EIL is set to deliver comprehensive Project Management and EPCM consultancy services. This significant enhancement will vastly amplify the refinery's operational capacity, bolstering Nigerias stature as a vital energy center in the region.

India's Supreme Court is reviewing the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Judges are concerned the law is misused against consensual teenage relationships. They propose a 'Romeo-Juliet' clause to protect genuine adolescent bonds. This aims to differentiate abuse from young love. The court stresses the law's core purpose must be preserved.

Farah Khan's YouTube vlogs have unexpectedly catapulted her cook, Dilip, to internet fame with his witty remarks. A recent vlog saw Dilip playfully deny buying an expensive car, humorously claiming Farah's luxury vehicle as his own. His journey from a modest beginning to significant earnings, including YouTube revenue, mirrors his newfound popularity.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has arrived in Davos for the World Economic Forum, aiming to showcase the state as India's premier growth engine globally. He expressed determination to bolster 'Magnetic Maharashtra' on the world stage. This participation follows a successful 2025 WEF where Maharashtra secured Rs 15.7 lakh crore in investment commitments through 54 MoUs.

Speculation around Don 3 has intensified after reports claimed Shah Rukh Khan may return to the franchise following Ranveer Singhs exit. According to industry buzz, the actor is open to reprising his iconic role, but only if filmmaker Atlee is brought on board to enhance the films scale. With changes in the lead cast, female lead and antagonist, the Farhan Akhtar directorial remains in flux, keeping fan anticipation high as the makers continue to explore their options.

Protesters set off from Kublis in southeastern Switzerland, trekking through wintry terrain toward Davos in what organisers described as a statement against capitalism, entrenched power structures, and policies they see as contributing to climate change and social inequality. Many carried placards with slogans calling for Democracy rather than WEF dictatorship and opposing oligarchic influence on global affairs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch and lay foundation stones for key infrastructure projects in Singur, West Bengal. These initiatives include an extended port gate system at Balagarh, an electric catamaran in Kolkata, and a new rail line between Jayrambati and Maynapur. The Prime Minister will also flag off Amrit Bharat trains.

Comics have influenced food marketing for more than a century, often promoting products positioned as healthy or suitable for families. As criticism grew around comics encouraging bad habits in children, creators became cautious about endorsing junk food and instead backed cereals, soups, and vegetables, with Popeye famously driving a major rise in spinach consumption. Scott Adams followed this same tradition by using the Dilbert brand to sell Dilberitos as a health-focused food product, but the

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, reigned for over 70 years. Her rule saw immense global shifts. She was a symbol of stability, dedicating herself to public service. She undertook numerous engagements and state visits. Her legacy highlights duty and her role in modernizing the monarchy. She was a unifying figure for the UK and Commonwealth.

Kangana Ranaut has revisited the turbulent year of 2016 while joining the viral 2026 is the new 2016 trend on Instagram. Reflecting on a period marked by major career success and intense personal turmoil, the actor recalled how legal disputes, including her public feud with Hrithik Roshan, turned what should have been a high point into a difficult phase. Looking back a decade later, Kangana said the controversies no longer hold meaning for her and expressed gratitude for having moved on, both pe

Two people have died following a Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities are actively identifying and treating patients. A control room and special ward have been established. The government is covering treatment costs. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the outbreak. Samples have been sent for testing.

Security agencies conducted a thorough search of the Patna-New Delhi Rajdhani Express on Saturday night. The alert about a suspicious object near Chandauli prompted the deployment of bomb and dog squads. The entire train was inspected to ensure passenger safety. No suspicious items were found during the extensive search. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Govinda's wife, Sunita Ahuja, has expressed deep distress over her husband's alleged involvement with a newcomer and accusations of blackmail. She lamented the ongoing controversies impacting their family's dignity and hopes for his eventual realization of family values. Sunita also criticized the film industry's exploitative practices and Govinda's susceptibility to influence from those seeking financial gain.

Delhi continued to face a severe air pollution crisis on Sunday, with the AQI hitting 439 by 7 am, keeping the city firmly in the severe category. Several areas, including Anand Vihar (489), Ashok Vihar (463), and Punjabi Bagh (476), reported extremely poor air quality, posing serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

The Bnei Menashe community, claiming descent from a lost biblical tribe, is undergoing interviews for emigration to Israel. This initiative offers hope to many facing hardship in Manipur and Mizoram. Israel plans to welcome thousands more by 2030. The process involves rabbinical judges and government officials, marking a significant step for these aspiring migrants.

Meenu Khanolkar, a Bangalore-based furniture restorer, has been reviving vintage teak pieces for nearly 30 years, attracting a new generation of buyers through social media. Across India, designers and young homeowners are increasingly valuing furniture with history, patina, and character, repurposing old items into functional modern interiors.

In December 2025, a fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Goa killed 25 people, highlighting Indias lack of emergency literacy. Experts say most deaths in disasters occur not from the hazard itself but from panic, poor crowd management, blocked exits, and untrained bystanders. Citizens often do not know basic life-saving skills such as CPR, first aid, or fire response, and fear legal repercussions despite the Good Samaritan Law.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has denied being offered the Federal Reserve chair position. This comes after President Donald Trump disputed a report claiming he made the offer. Trump also stated he will sue JPMorgan. The bank maintains it does not close accounts based on political or religious beliefs. Dimon has previously opposed some Trump administration policies.

A landslide narrowly missed a house on Sydney's Northern Beaches after intense storms caused a torrent of mud and trees to crash down a hillside. Flash flooding and severe weather have impacted large parts of New South Wales, leading to evacuations and numerous rescues. Residents are urged to avoid floodwaters as wet and windy conditions persist.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that United States tariffs on its allies are detrimental. She believes these actions weaken prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. Kallas stated that China and Russia are the primary beneficiaries of such divisions among allies. She suggested that security concerns regarding Greenland can be addressed within NATO.

President Donald Trump has clashed with major US oil companies over investment plans in Venezuela, saying he may block Exxon Mobil after its CEO called the country uninvestable. Trump wants oil firms to invest heavily to boost supply and keep oil prices low, while industry leaders remain cautious about risk, costs and shareholder returns.

Thousands in Greenland marched against U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in their island. Protesters chanted 'Greenland is not for sale' supporting self-governance. Trump announced a 10% import tax on goods from eight European countries opposing U.S. control of Greenland. Demonstrations occurred in Nuuk, Copenhagen, and Canada. Greenlanders emphasized their fight for freedom and autonomy.

Israel has objected to the United States' selection of candidates for a Gaza 'Board of Peace'. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the appointments were not coordinated with Israel and contradict its policy. Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar will convey these concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.