The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
Quote of the day by Bruce Lee shares a message about belief and mindset. The quote explains how success comes from thinking clearly and trusting oneself. This explainer covers the quote meaning, Bruce Lee life journey, career, influence, and other timeless quotes linked to discipline, focus and purpose.
Quote of the day by Benjamin Franklin: His timeless quote highlights knowledge as a valuable investment. Education and continuous learning are crucial for personal growth and career success. Franklin, a self-educated polymath, made significant contributions to science and public service. His wisdom remains relevant today, emphasizing adaptability and innovation in a changing world.
A man has gone viral for training crows to snatch MAGA hats, documenting his months-long experiment with peanuts and patience. He stated he no longer sees a moral option for neutrality, leading to this unique form of political resistance. The crow-lover's actions have sparked debate online regarding ethics and potential harm to the birds.
Bitcoin vs gold: Cathie Wood believes Bitcoin is scarcer than gold. Its fixed supply and decreasing issuance give it an edge. Wood predicts Bitcoin could reach $1.2 million by 2030. She also highlights Bitcoin's diversification benefits due to its low correlation with traditional assets. Gold's recent rally challenges the digital gold narrative, but Bitcoin offers asymmetric upside potential.
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the proposed Free Trade Agreement with the European Union as the mother of all deals, anticipating a mutually beneficial pact that will boost exports. He assured that national interests would not be compromised, with sensitive issues like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and dairy to be addressed satisfactorily.
The Mahayuti alliance, led by the BJP, secured a decisive victory in 25 out of 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, repeating its assembly poll success. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, breaking the Shiv Sena's long-standing dominance.
U.S. stock market is flashing a major warning signal in January 2026. The Shiller CAPE ratio has surged to 39.85, a level seen only twice in 150 years. This metric, which tracks inflation-adjusted earnings over a decade, is now 135% above its historical average. Experts warn that extreme valuations often precede a lost decade of flat or negative returns for investors.
Blackstone faces a significant legal challenge from India's tax department. The dispute centers on tax residency and treaty benefits for foreign investors. This case, similar to the Tiger Global matter, will test the validity of tax residency certificates. The outcome could impact how offshore investors are taxed in India. Control and beneficial ownership are key points of contention.
Congress leaders will meet with Tamil Nadu party functionaries in Delhi to discuss the upcoming state assembly elections. This follows the Congress's request to coalition leader DMK for more seats and a pre-poll power-sharing agreement, which the DMK has reportedly ruled out. A section of Tamil Nadu Congress leaders may seek ministerial berths if the alliance wins.
The Congress party has demanded an immediate stop to the beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. They allege the Modi-Yogi government is demolishing Hindu heritage. The party states renovation efforts have affected temples and even a sacred Vat Vriksh. They also point to the destruction of the historic Dalmandi market.
Manipur's former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi are in New Delhi for crucial talks with party leaders. The discussions aim to restore a regular government in the state, which has been under President's rule. Kuki Zo groups have agreed to join the government pending written assurances.
Maharashtra's civic election results have significantly reshaped the state's political landscape, with the BJP emerging as a dominant force in urban areas. Traditional parties like the Congress and NCP (SP) have suffered substantial losses, while the UBT Sena and AIMIM have made notable gains, particularly among minority voters.
Priya Kapoor, the third wife of the late Sunjay Kapoor, has requested certified copies of documents and orders related to the divorce proceedings between Sunjay Kapoor and actress Karisma Kapoor. The purpose of this request, as stated in the provided information, is to understand the financial and child custody arrangements made by her late former husband.
Kashmiri Shia leaders and residents held peaceful demonstrations after Friday prayers, expressing solidarity with the Iranian regime. They urged Iranians to counter US and Israeli influence, with prominent leader Aga Hassan advocating for dialogue and criticizing the UN's perceived inaction. Slogans against US, Israel, and their leaders were raised, and support was voiced for Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Supreme Court has stayed the Calcutta High Court's ruling that disqualified Mukul Roy from the West Bengal Assembly under the anti-defection law. A division bench issued an interim order, keeping the high court's judgment in abeyance. The top court expressed reservations about the high court's reasoning regarding the authentication of social media posts in anti-defection proceedings.
Selena Gomezs quote, I realize everybody wants what they dont have. But at the end of the day, what you have inside is much more beautiful than whats on the outside, serves as a prompt to value inner beauty over appearances. As a singer, actress, and philanthropist, Selena has inspired millions by revealing her personal journey and challenges with self-worth.
Donald Trump is rethinking who should lead the Federal Reserve next. Kevin Hassetts chances dropped after controversial comments, while Kevin Warsh moved ahead as the top choice. Some senators are blocking any decision until an investigation ends. The race now focuses on independence, trust, and who can lead the Fed without political pressure.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Al Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and others for allegedly generating and laundering 493.24 crore in proceeds of crime. The agency found Siddiqui exercised dominant control over the trust and university, using them for personal and family benefit. Immovable properties worth 139.97 crore have been attached.
Government reforms now treat postal e-commerce exports like regular cargo, enabling speedier clearances and access to key export incentives. These changes, effective January 15, address a procedural bottleneck, benefiting small sellers and e-commerce firms by streamlining processes and improving cash flow for digital-first exporters.
A planned chartered flight to evacuate Indians from Tehran to Delhi has been postponed. This decision follows the US President's decision to step back from attacking Iran for now. The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains vigilant and prepared to launch the evacuation if the situation deteriorates. Several Arab states engaged in backchannel diplomacy to de-escalate tensions.
Euphoria Season 3 release date, time, schedule and how to watch explains when the HBO series returns, where to stream it, episode rollout, cast details, story focus, credits, and viewing options for global audiences. The season has eight episodes with weekly releases.
Nitin Nabin will officially become the Bharatiya Janata Party's new national president on January 20. A grand ceremony is planned at the party headquarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend. Nabin is set to be elected unopposed. This marks a significant leadership transition for the party.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a charge sheet in Dimapur against individuals and firms in connection with the alleged misappropriation of public funds and substandard construction of the new Gauhati High Court complex in Kohima. The investigation revealed inflated costs for construction work, leading to an excess payment of approximately Rs 1.09 crore to contractors and PWD officials.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged as the leading party in the municipal corporations of Nagpur, Akola, and Amravati in eastern Maharashtra. The Congress secured the top position in Chandrapur. The BJP retained power in Nagpur for the fourth consecutive term, winning a significant majority of seats.
Layoff survival guide: A shocking HR email mistake left an employee reeling after they were mistakenly CC'ed on a layoff announcement. The employee saw their name on a list of those being let go, causing immense stress and anxiety despite a swift recall attempt. This incident underscores the critical need for careful internal communication, especially concerning sensitive employment matters.
Word of the Day: Have you ever met someone who acts like they know everything, even when they clearly dont? Thats exactly the type of behavior the word presumptuous enters the scene. It states that someone who oversteps social or personal limits, being audacious or overconfident in ways that make others feel uncomfortable. From offering unsolicited advice to taking credit for someone elses effort, presumptuous actions are everywhere.
Wedding plans for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly on hold. The couple is focusing on Travis Kelce's future in the NFL. Kelce is contemplating retirement after a recent season. They are enjoying their engagement and taking their time with wedding preparations. Guest lists and seating charts are not yet a priority for the couple.
In Fallout Season 2, Walton Goggins offers raw vulnerability to the role of Cooper Howard/The Ghoul. Feeling nothing left after filming The White Lotus and The Righteous Gemstones, Goggins personal exhaustion seamlessly aligned with his characters emotional exhaustion. He explained Episode 5, The Wrangler, where Cooper has nothing left and lacks control over his environment, showing his own state.
Machine learning (ML), a branch of AI, empowers computers to learn from data and improve performance without explicit programming. This technology, driven by increasing computing power and data availability, is transforming industries from streaming services and e-commerce to finance, logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture by enabling pattern recognition and predictive analytics.
America faces a demographic shift. By 2030, more people will die than be born. This trend is driven by falling birth rates and reduced immigration. The nation's population growth will then depend on immigration. This situation presents economic challenges for programs like Social Security and Medicare. Future population numbers will be linked to border policy.
India's textile and apparel exports grew for the second month in December. This growth shows the sector's adaptability and strength in value-added products. Handicrafts, ready-made garments, and MMF yarn led the expansion. Exports remained stable for the full year. India's market presence broadened significantly across many countries, highlighting its position as a reliable global sourcing hub.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments featuring the new 2.8% COLA boost. This second wave of January distributions targets beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th. The average retired worker now sees a monthly check of $2,071, a $56 increase from 2025. However, rising Medicare Part B premiums of $202.90 may offset these gains for many households.
The All India Majlis E Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured 114 seats in Maharashtra civic elections. Asaduddin Owaisi's door-to-door campaign and rallies energized party workers. Previous close defeats also motivated the cadre. The party's performance in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Malegaon, and Amravati was notable. This victory reflects a strong showing across the state.
Word of the Day: Antidisestablishmentarianism the longest non-technical, non-medical word in the English language, its meaning and usage. The word first emerged in 1838 Britain. It originally referred to those defending the Anglican Churchs state-funded status. Today, it describes any group fighting to keep traditional institutions linked to government authority. In a 2026 context, this means protecting religious symbols and tax-funded faith initiatives from secular reforms.
Kerala's Industries Minister P Rajeev will lead a delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos to attract global investments. The delegation will highlight the state's economic growth, transition to high-tech industries, and commitment to responsible investment and ESG principles, showcasing its readiness for sustainable business.
RKLB stock: Rocket Lab USA shares surged over 8% following a significant upgrade from Morgan Stanley, which raised its rating to Overweight and boosted the price target to $105. This optimism stems from Morgan Stanley's bullish outlook for the space technology sector in 2026, anticipating continued growth driven by increased launch cadences and new product introductions.
American factory output saw a surprise rise in December. This boost came from primary metals, offsetting a dip in car manufacturing. However, overall industrial activity contracted in the last quarter. Import tariffs have impacted the sector. Despite challenges, some industries like primary metals and aerospace saw gains. Utilities production also increased due to cold weather.
BMC Election 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has broken the Shiv Sena's decades-long hold on Mumbai, emerging as the single largest party in the BMC elections. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance also secured victories in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, signaling a major political shift in Maharashtra's urban landscape and a move towards development-focused politics.
The Ministry of External Affairs has stated it has no involvement in the upcoming film 'Battle of Galwan'. The movie, based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, has garnered significant attention. China's state media has criticized the film for allegedly distorting facts. The teaser features Salman Khan as an Indian Army officer.
Dakota Johnson and singer Role Model have reignited romance rumors after being captured together during another Los Angeles night out. Both were spotted arriving at a popular Beverly Hills restaurant, gaining attention for their coordinated appearance and easy going chemistry. The outing follows previous sightings from December, when the couple seemed to be close during a dinner with friends.
Union Budget News: The government is expected to set the fiscal deficit at 4.3 percent of GDP for the next financial year. Capital expenditure is projected for a significant increase. This comes as the focus shifts towards medium-term debt consolidation. The budget will also consider recommendations from the 16th Finance Commission. Market issuances are anticipated to rise sharply.
US stock market down again today. Dow and S&P 500 are in red while Nasdaq stays green. The Dow fell over 120 points, while the S&P 500 edged lower. The Nasdaq stayed slightly positive. Meanwhile, gold slid to $4,614 and silver dropped nearly 4%.
Dense to very dense fog has enveloped Uttar Pradesh, significantly disrupting visibility across numerous districts. The India Meteorological Department warns of persistent foggy conditions, particularly during late night and early morning hours, with temperatures dipping below normal in many areas.
A Delhi court has sent five individuals to judicial custody in connection with the Red Fort blast case. The accused include three doctors and a religious preacher. The National Investigating Agency is investigating the matter. The blast claimed fifteen lives. Two other accused have also had their custody extended. The NIA has arrested nine people so far.

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