The Economic Times

Since Nicolas Maduro's ouster, Maria Corina Machado has heaped praise on Trump, and has offered to give him her Nobel Peace Prize, an award the US president has long publicly coveted.

Quote of the day: Scarlett Johansson's words emphasize self-understanding before relationships. Knowing yourself builds strong connections. Johansson, a celebrated actress, has a career spanning decades. Her journey from child actor to Hollywood icon is detailed. Her film milestones and other ventures are also covered. This insight offers valuable lessons for everyone.

President Trump is considering air strikes on Iran amid reports of a crackdown on protesters, with the White House stating people are being killed on the streets. However, diplomacy remains an option, as private discussions with Iran's envoy reveal a far different tone than public statements. Trump indicated a potential need for action before any meeting with Iranian leaders.

Frisco ISD campuses were briefly placed under secure status Monday morning following the receipt of threatening emails. Police and district officials responded quickly, deeming all schools safe after thorough checks. The threats were determined to be non-credible, and normal operations resumed, though an investigation into the email's origin is ongoing.

Vervet monkeys are native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they are widespread. Weighing in at 7 to 17 pounds (3.18 to 7.71 kilograms), they are sometimes called green monkeys because of the tint of their fur.

The Supreme Court has ruled that reclaimed land along the Mumbai Coastal Road must remain open to the public. Residential or commercial development on this land is strictly prohibited. This decision addresses concerns raised in a Public Interest Litigation. The court emphasized that the area should be accessible to citizens, with exceptions only for necessary development and maintenance work.

Officials are evaluating changes to the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), which relies primarily on import duty concessions, including the introduction of more direct incentives, to entice global premium EV makers to establish manufacturing bases in the country, the people said.

Canadian province's premier David Eby, who is leading a trade mission to India from January 12-17, told ET in an interview that the province is trying to develop more opportunities with India to diversify trade, which has been hit by the US tariffs.

Eight states cut income tax rates on Jan.1, 2026. Nebraskas top rate drops to 4.55%. Indiana falls to 2.95%, Ohio simplifies to 2.75%. North Carolina reaches 3.99%, Kentucky 3.5%, and Montana 5.65%. Oklahoma and Mississippi also lower rates. Residents keep more earnings. States aim to boost growth, attract workers, and investments.

Despite a slower pace of tax refunds, the growth in collection was much below the budgeted 12.7% increase for the entire 2025-26. With less than three months left in this fiscal, experts are cautiously optimistic about meeting the budget target of 25.20 lakh crore.

India is set to become a global hub for AI applications. The country will foster its own AI infrastructure, including large language models and data centers. This initiative aligns with the goal of democratizing AI resources. India's role as a trusted partner in value chains is recognized. Discussions on global AI policy will take place at an upcoming summit.

In December 2025, retail inflation climbed to 1.3%, rising from November's 0.7%, setting a new three-month peak. While this increase remains shy of the central bank's goal, the easing of food deflation contrasted with the uptick in prices for various goods.

Venezuela claims to have freed over a hundred political prisoners following US pressure after Nicolas Maduro's ouster. However, rights groups and families question the numbers, with many still awaiting loved ones' release. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged the Pope to intercede, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy amidst international negotiations.

Job search hacks after layoff: A professional found a new job with better pay just six weeks after being laid off. This success came amid a tough job market. The user shared a disciplined strategy on Reddit. This involved applying to fewer, well-matched roles and using AI tools. Protecting mental well-being was also key to their swift re-employment.

Money Quote of the Day by Milton Friedman: Inflation is taxation without legislation. Milton Friedman warned that inflation is a hidden tax on your savings. Today, global tensions and new tariffs are driving prices higher. US inflation sits near 3.2%, squeezing every household budget. Geopolitical shifts in the Middle East further threaten energy stability. Friedman was an American economist, a leader of the Chicago School, and the 1976 Nobel laureate in economics. He changed modern macroeconomi

Tamil actor Vijay was questioned by the CBI regarding the Karur stampede. The investigation focused on a delay in his arrival at a rally. Meanwhile, the producer of Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' has approached the Supreme Court. This move challenges a High Court order that stayed the film's certification. The movie faced issues with the CBFC.

In a historic leap, India and Germany have established new alliances by signing 19 groundbreaking agreements. These partnerships cover key areas such as defence, trade, critical minerals, and advanced technology. A notable benefit for Indian travellers is the new visa-free airport transit through Germany. The nations also committed to collaborating on semiconductor ecosystems and essential minerals.

A six-member Communist Party of China delegation met with senior BJP leaders in New Delhi to discuss advancing inter-party communications. The Chinese team also extended an invitation for BJP leaders to visit China. The delegation is scheduled to visit the RSS office later this week.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that maintaining Parliament's dignity is non-negotiable and did not rule out exemplary punishment for the alleged use of an e-cigarette in the House. He emphasized that no one has the right to undermine the sanctity of the House, and action will be taken according to rules and procedures after an investigation.

With the Union budget on the horizon, the Congress party is advocating for a comprehensive approach to remedy the nation's economic troubles. They specifically urge attention to stagnant private investments, dwindling household savings, and increasing income inequalities. The opposition emphasizes that neglecting these areas will hinder lasting GDP growth necessary for job creation.

New global research reveals India's Social Security payments do not stretch as far as those in many other nations. The U.S. ranks thirteenth globally, with benefits covering about 163% of basic living costs. Countries like Kuwait and Bahrain offer significantly stronger pension coverage for retirees. This highlights a wide gap in retirement security worldwide.

Thousands of Internally Displaced People and COCOMI volunteers rallied in Imphal West, demanding permanent relocation to their homes after ethnic violence. A delegation met with the chief secretary and governor, submitting a memorandum for urgent government intervention, safe return, and rehabilitation of IDPs in their native places.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India. This follows a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs. They are challenging the process of revising electoral rolls in West Bengal. Instructions are reportedly being sent via WhatsApp. This has raised concerns about accountability and fairness. The court will hear the matter next week.

The investment will be channeled through the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) of coal and lignite exploration.

Unidentified drones were sighted traversing the international border and Line of Control in the Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. Responding swiftly, Indian Army personnel engaged with these drones, compelling them to withdraw. Ongoing search operations are in place to ascertain if any illegal cargo was released. With a notable rise in drone activity recently, security protocols have been notably intensified.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner regarding issues in the special intensive revision of voter lists. She highlighted errors in voter particulars due to AI tool usage and the non-issuance of acknowledgement receipts. Banerjee seeks the CEC's intervention to address citizen harassment and protect democratic rights during the ongoing process.

As Kerala approaches its pivotal assembly elections, the ruling LDF is vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term amidst rising concerns over incumbency. For the UDF, this election represents a last chance to reclaim lost ground after a decade out of power.

Former Real Madrid, Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was handed a three-year contract in May after an impressive stint with Bayer Leverkusen, saw his tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu quickly unravel.

Paramount Skydance is escalating its bid for Warner Bros Discovery. The company is suing Warner Bros Discovery for more details on a competing offer from Netflix. Paramount Skydance also plans to nominate directors to Warner Bros Discovery's board. This move aims to convince shareholders that Paramount's offer is superior. The battle for the storied Hollywood studio continues.

The Trump administration is finalizing a trade deal with Taiwan that will lower tariffs on island exports and secure significant new investments from TSMC in U.S. semiconductor facilities. This agreement, expected to be announced soon, aims to bolster U.S. national security by increasing domestic chip production amid geopolitical risks.

Alphabet (GOOGL) stock is up today: Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) shares jumped over 1% on Monday, January 12, 2026, as the tech giant officially joined the elite $4 trillion market cap club. This historic rally follows a landmark multi-year AI partnership with Apple. Googles Gemini will now power the next generation of Siri. This deal cements Alphabet's lead in the global AI race, pushing the companys valuation past Apple for the first time since 2019.

Harry Styles has sparked widespread speculation after fans discovered a mysterious website linked to his name, alongside coordinated imagery appearing in several cities globally. The site showcases concert visuals and prompts interaction that results in limited automated responses, providing no clear explanation. Around the same time, posters with similar phrases were captured internationally, strengthening theories of a promotional rollout.

Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin, guitarist and co-founder of Black Midi, has died at 26 after struggling with mental health. He played on the bands first album, Schlagenheim, and helped shape the London experimental rock scene. He left the band in 2021 but continued making music in London. His family urged people to check on loved ones to prevent tragedies.

Hamas is gearing up for internal elections to select new leaders. The group's leadership was significantly impacted by Israeli actions during the Gaza war. These elections are expected in early 2026. The process involves forming a new Shura Council and then electing a political bureau chief. Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal are seen as frontrunners for the top position.

The subpoenas apply to the cost of renovating Fed buildings, including its marble-clad headquarters in Washington, DC, but they are more fundamentally about the fate of the Fed's independence, how power is distributed within the federal government, and how it will effect the US economy.

Social Security replaces about 40% of pre-retirement income, but coverage varies widely by state. Kansas tops the list, covering 45% of expenses, while Hawaii covers just 21%. Costs, taxes, and healthcare drive differences. High living costs shrink benefits. Experts advise planning retirement around expenses, location, and lifestyle for maximum Social Security impact.

Sheinelle Jones made a deeply emotional debut as co-host on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, honoring her late husband, Uche Ojeh. During the launch, she shared a touching text from him urging her to pursue her career goals when Hoda Kotb announced her departure. Jones reflected on her personal journey of loss, which includes her husbands death from brain cancer in 2025 and the recent death of her grandmother.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, stating the BMC election is a battle for their survival, not for Marathi people. He asserted Mumbai's inseparable connection to Maharashtra and emphasized Marathi as the compulsory language in the state. Fadnavis expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance will win the Mumbai municipal corporation elections.

Apple is working with Google to make its AI smarter using Googles Gemini models and cloud. This partnership will help Siri and other Apple products get better AI features. Apple delayed its Siri upgrade to 2026 but is excited about new AI experiences. Googles AI progress and market value growth show the company is leading in AI technology.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's mobile number was leaked on social media, prompting an investigation by the Election Commission. The EC is also launching a portal for migrant workers to participate in hearings remotely, alongside appointing 2,000 additional micro observers to enhance electoral roll verification ahead of upcoming elections.

The ED had not come to raid the I-PAC office or the residence of its director, it had come to steal data from Bengal... Did you forget they had put Pegasus in my phone, Banerjee alleged.

Nearly 15,000 nurses have walked off the job in New York City, marking the largest nurses' strike in the city's history. Negotiations failed to resolve contract disputes over pay and safer working conditions. Hospitals remain open, but officials are monitoring the situation closely, with the governor declaring a state of emergency.

Social Security benefits reached record highs in 2026, yet taxes still reduce retiree income nationwide. Eight states continue taxing benefits, mostly affecting higher earners. Federal rules tax up to 85% of benefits using outdated income thresholds. Inflation, retirement withdrawals, and rising costs push more seniors into taxable ranges, reshaping retirement planning decisions across America.

Paramount Skydance is escalating its hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery by announcing plans to nominate its own directors and suing to force disclosure of Warner's valuation of competing offers. Despite Warner's leadership repeatedly rejecting Paramount's overtures and urging shareholders to back a Netflix deal, Paramount remains committed to its tender offer.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully test-fired a new man portable anti-tank guided missile. This third generation weapon system demonstrated its top attack capability against a moving target. The missile is designed to defeat modern main battle tanks. It can be launched from a tripod or military vehicle.

A claim indicating that the world could end on Friday, November 13, 2026, traces back to a 1960 population study by University of Illinois researchers. The mathematical model suggested that the population growth accelerated toward a theoretical infinity, signifying a breaking point rather than a literal doomsday. The scientists cautioned of pressures from overcrowding, diminishing resources, and environmental pressure, not an apocalyptic event.