The Economic Times

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, and the first glass of water in the morning can make a significant difference. While we sleep, our bodies naturally fast and lose fluids through breathing and sweating.

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in keeping your nerves healthy, supporting red blood cell production and maintaining energy levels. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, poor concentration and tingling sensations.

President Trump ordered $200 billion in mortgage bonds to lower mortgage rates and monthly payments. He said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have enough cash to fund this. The plan aims to make homes more affordable, but experts say mortgage rates may not fall immediately. The Federal Housing Finance Agency will handle the initiative.

The U.S. economy is expected to see lower interest rates but higher borrowing costs ahead. A new CBO report says unemployment may rise before easing, while growth slows after 2026. Inflation is expected to cool slowly, and population growth is forecast to weaken due to strict immigration rules.

An ICE operation in Minneapolis turned deadly after a woman was shot during enforcement action. The officer involved later drew public attention as details from past cases surfaced. Federal agencies shared limited information while city leaders called for transparency. The incident has sparked questions about officer actions, use of force, and accountability in immigration operations.

Who is Minneapolis ICE agent Jonathan Ross and has Renee Nicole Good shooter photo and social media profiles surfaced is now a key question after a fatal shooting in Minnesota. Ross has been linked to the death of Renee Nicole Good, while reports also detail his past ICE cases and background.

The Trump administration is cracking down on California fraud in homelessness and welfare programs. Federal prosecutors say millions in taxpayer money may have been misused. Governor Newsoms office denies wrongdoing and says they blocked $125 billion in fraud. Vice President JD Vance criticized welfare benefits for illegal immigrants. Other Democrat-led states are also under federal fraud investigation.

Lawmakers in Washington are discussing two major Social Security changes. One plan could remove federal taxes on benefits, while another could change how yearly COLA increases are calculated. Supporters say this may help retirees, but experts warn it could weaken the Social Security trust fund. No final decision has been made yet.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 release date, first look and what to expect update explains Netflixs plans for the next chapter. The story covers renewal details, filming timeline, cast updates, plot direction, Ba Sing Se setting, first look at Aang, and current release status.

Comedian Chris Redd opens up about his struggles with addiction and personal turmoil during his time on Saturday Night Live. He admits to having pill issues and selling them to castmates. Redd credits Christina Evangeline, then married to Kenan Thompson, for helping him through therapy and a difficult period. Their bond grew, leading to a relationship.

Louisiana homeowners now have the chance to get up to $10,000 in free grants through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Established to support residents to upgrade and weatherproof their roofs, the program minimizes insurance costs and safeguard residences from hurricanes, hail, and high winds. Grants span construction charges and are exempt from state income tax. Projects that must meet FORTIFIED Roof Standards are reinforced shingles, sealed decks, and stronger edges.

Biggest tax refund 2026: Americans can expect bigger tax refunds this year. New deductions and credits are set to increase average returns by up to $1,000. The IRS is moving to electronic payments, so direct deposit is recommended. Simpler math error notices will also be issued. Standard deductions are rising, and overtime and tipped income may see tax relief.

The US Senate voted to limit President Donald Trumps power to use the military in Venezuela. The move followed a recent operation involving Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro. Lawmakers said Congress must approve future action. The vote shows growing concern over presidential war powers and signals a possible final decision in Congress soon.

The Capex for the month of December alone increased by 9.28% to Rs 70,000 crore, with many enterprises exceeding their annual budget target. The growth was led by the Railway board and National Highway Authority of India(NHAI) as they remained the highest spenders.

Despite reportedly having little interaction outside of public appearances, President Donald Trump and Melania Trump share a passion for interior design. Sources indicate both have a strong vision for their homes and clubs, with Donald often selecting furnishings himself. This shared interest is highlighted amidst reports of significant renovations at the White House.

The United States has withdrawn from the International Solar Alliance. This move could impact the agency's aim to attract solar investments. The US departure is part of a broader policy shift. The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France. It works to promote solar energy in developing nations. The US joined the alliance in 2021.

Netflix has confirmed the return of several major series in 2026 while delaying others to 2027 and beyond. Heading the lineup is The Hunting Wives, accompanied by returning seasons of Outer Banks, The Gentlemen, Black Doves, and the final season of The Witcher. Popular shows like Lupin, Virgin River, Emily in Paris, Beef, and Avatar: The Last Airbender are also scheduled to continue.

The Supreme Court has rejected a request from Justice Yashwant Varma for more time to submit his response to a parliamentary committee investigating corruption allegations. The court has reserved its judgment on Varma's plea to nullify the committee's formation. The committee had sought his response by November 2025, with the deadline previously extended to January 12.

The Indian Army is upgrading its Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers. Private defence giants Tata and Larsen & Toubro are collaborating with Army Base Workshops. This partnership aims to improve the systems' range and operational readiness. The Pinaka programme is a significant Make in India success story. Future upgrades will focus on extending the rocket system's reach to over 150 km.

Gmail new features 2026: Google is integrating Gemini AI into Gmail, introducing features like AI Overviews to summarize long email threads and answer inbox questions. Help Me Write and enhanced Suggested Replies speed up email composition, while AI Inbox prioritizes important messages. These updates aim to transform Gmail into a proactive personal assistant for managing crowded inboxes.

Twelve days of protests have shaken the clerical authorities under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei already battling economic crisis after years of sanctions and recovering from the June war against Israel. The movement, which originated with a shutdown on the Tehran bazaar on December 28 after the rial plunged to record lows, has spread nationwide and is now being marked by larger scale demonstrations.

In a day of fiery exchanges, Congress figure Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury unleashed a wave of criticism directed at I-PAC, asserting its role as a puppet master for Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress.

The Senate voted to debate a resolution limiting President Trump's war powers in Venezuela, a symbolic move against his authority. Meanwhile, Trump and Colombia's President Petro eased tensions after a US raid, with Trump expressing interest in a White House visit. The US anticipates a long-term role in Venezuela, potentially involving oil reserves for years.

Mortgage rates in the U.S. moved up a little but remain low for 2025. This helps some home buyers save money on loans. Rates are lower than last year, but homes are still expensive. Many people are waiting to buy because prices are high and jobs feel uncertain.

West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent visit to Pratik Jain's I-PAC office recalls the tense moments of the 2019 Rajeev Kumar case. Just as she defended Kumar from CBI probes regarding the chit fund scandal, Banerjee stepped in again to shield officials from central agency inquiries, showcasing her unyielding stance against perceived overreach.

Warner Bros Discovery's board on Wednesday rejected Paramount's amended hostile offer that included a $40 billion in equity personally guaranteed by Oracle's co-founder Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison, and $54 billion in debt.

Olivia Rodrigo is celebrating the fifth anniversary of her breakout hit Drivers License, the track that transformed her from a Disney icon into a global pop phenomenon. Debuted in 2021, the song released at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and emerged as a defining anthem for a generation. To mark the milestone, Rodrigo has revealed special covers, which includes a new interpretation by David Byrne, along with limited-edition vinyl releases.

Millions of Amazon Prime members in the US could receive up to $51 from a $2.5 billion FTC settlement. This refund is due to allegations of tricky enrollment and cancellation practices. Eligible customers who didn't get an automatic payment can now submit claims online until January 5, 2026, to secure their refund.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, emphasizing the strengthening India-Europe relationship's potential to enhance global economic and political stability. Discussions focused on India-EU ties, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict, highlighting a conscious effort to deepen bilateral engagement across various sectors.

This bill would give President tremendous leverage against countries like China, India, Brazil to incentivise them to stop buying cheap Russian oil that provides financing for Putin's bloodbath against Ukraine: Senator Graham

New tax brackets 2026: The IRS 2026 tax season is expected to be one of the most unusual in years. The IRS will start accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, but new tax brackets and federal tax changes could reshape refunds. Many Americans may see different refund amounts or delays. New deductions, updated tax rules, and IRS system limits are all influencing how fast refunds arrive and how much taxpayers receive.

A Princeton University simulation shows how a single low-yield nuclear weapon could rapidly spiral into a full-scale USRussia nuclear war, leaving over 90 million people dead or injured within hours and devastating Europe and major global cities.

Flu cases are surging across the United States. A new mutation, subclade K, is driving the spread. This strain is more effective at evading immunity. Flu activity is high nationwide. Many regions are experiencing significant increases in cases and hospitalizations. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method. Peak flu season is not yet over.

Across all three zodiac signs, the dominant message of the week is preparation meeting opportunity. Rather than promising sudden windfalls, the horoscope emphasises alignment between intention, effort and timing.

Ukraine and the United States are nearing a security guarantee agreement. President Zelensky announced the text is essentially ready for finalization with President Trump. This pact aims to provide Ukraine with strong assurances for its post-war security. Negotiations in Paris are addressing complex issues, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and territorial disputes. The U.S.

Chris Stapleton has extended his All-American Road Show through fall 2026, incorporating more than 20 new stops across the U.S. and Canada. Highlights are Nashvilles Nissan Stadium, Bostons Fenway Park, and Atlantas Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with special guests such as Lainey Wilson, Allen Stone, Grace Potter, Zach Top, The Teskey Brothers, and more. Tickets will be available from January 16, with early access for Stapletons fan club.

Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan held significant discussions with Pakistan's top military brass, including the Chief of Defence Forces and Naval Chief, focusing on bolstering bilateral defence cooperation. Key areas explored included professional collaboration, training exchanges, and regional security dynamics. The meetings also touched upon potential procurement of JF-Thunder fighter jets by Bangladesh.

According to Netflix and Shondaland, each episode is designed to provide an immersive exploration of the ton. The podcast will delve into key themes shaping Bridgerton Season 4, including romance, class, identity, and the shifting social dynamics within the Bridgerton family and their wider circle.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that women in Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas groups borrowed nearly Rs 47,000 crore from banks in FY25. He stressed the importance of strengthening these groups. The Chief Minister also distributed loans worth Rs 1,375 crore under the 'Stree Nidhi' scheme and Rs 2,171 crore to self-help groups.

The National Weather Service issued several tornado warnings in Oklahoma on Thursday morning as severe storms navigated through the state. A damaging tornado was reported near Etowah, going northeast at 45 mph, threatening regions that includes Slaughterville, Tribbey, and Macomb. The warnings emphasize immediate safety actions and caution along with monitoring local updates.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed development works in Dehradun, emphasizing coordinated efforts for underground utility installations during road construction and timely completion of projects. He also stressed regular verification of essential documents, strict action against fraudulent certificates, and continuous encroachment removal. Dhami highlighted the importance of innovation-based projects and public consultation for future development plans.