The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
Mumbai entrepreneur Prashant Desai lost 30 crore in a failed business. This financial setback severely impacted his health. Stress and lack of sleep caused weight gain despite exercise. Desai took seven years to recover his money. Regaining his health is a longer journey. He urges founders to prioritize wellbeing, sleep more, eat clean, and manage stress.
A master's student has earned approximately $39,000 (Rs 35 lakh) in two years by teaching adults and children how to ride bicycles. Leveraging his sports education background, he offers a success-guarantee package, with most adults mastering the skill in just two sessions.
Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1, with jobs expected to be a central focus. India currently has a demographic advantage, with more working-age people than dependents, but translating this into steady employment is critical for the nations economic and global ambitions.
Piyush Tewari, who started working in the area of road safety after losing a young family member in a road crash in 2007, and went on to play a key role in framing India's Good Samaritan law, said a lot of families are affected by this on a daily basis.
The Delhi High Court will deliver its verdict today on Kuldeep Singh Sengar's plea. He seeks a suspension of his sentence in the case concerning the death of the Unnao rape survivor's father in custody. Sengar was sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment. The court's decision is awaited this afternoon. This order will impact his ongoing appeals.
Canada is bracing for significant snow squalls and advisories across Ontario, with warnings issued for Monday, January 19, 2026. Prince Edward County faces potential blizzard-like conditions with heavy snowfall and strong winds, while Kingston expects less severe snow squalls. Travel is deemed extremely hazardous, with possibilities of road closures and power outages.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the relocation of elected corporators to hotels. He stated the mandate from recent civic polls makes it difficult for any party to easily claim the BMC mayor's post. Raut also commented on political developments and historical references. The party is observing the unfolding political situation.
The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL seeking a one-year timeframe for all court decisions, terming it a publicity interest litigation. Chief Justice Surya Kant advised the petitioner to send suggestions via letter rather than filing petitions for cameras. The court emphasized that such aspirations are better addressed through administrative channels.
Two newly-elected corporators from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi have extended their support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. This move consolidates the Shiv Sena's position in the civic body. The corporators met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and handed over letters of support.
A 42-year-old man, Deepak, allegedly died by suicide after a woman shared social media videos accusing him of inappropriate behaviour on a bus. While the woman stands by her claims, Deepak's family and locals vehemently deny the allegations, calling them false. Police have registered a case of unnatural death following the discovery of his body.
India is likely to enter the upper-middle-income group by the end of this decade, joining China and Indonesia, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI). SBI said India is expected to reach a per capita income of $4,000 by 2030, meeting the current threshold for the category.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, a senior Pakistani politician, is going viral online after her unexpected glow-up at Nawaz Sharif grandson Junaid Safdar's lavish wedding in Lahore. Netizens have compared the before and after pictures of Marriyum Aurangzeb and her facial transformation has stunned the internet. Many users even pointed out that she might have taken weight loss drugs.
BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the remarks on Sunday evening after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka, state-run BSS reported.
BJP leader Prakash Reddy has reacted to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's statement regarding Singareni Collieries. Reddy condemned personal attacks involving a woman IAS officer. He suggested internal Congress conflicts are fueling the controversy. The Chief Minister had earlier dismissed media reports of irregularities as baseless propaganda. He asserted there is no place for corruption in his government.
2026 Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami, marking the arrival of spring and dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, will be observed on January 23, 2026. This spiritually significant festival celebrates knowledge, wisdom, and creativity, with devotees seeking blessings for success in education and arts. Celebrations include vibrant decorations, traditional offerings, and regional customs like kite flying.
A devastating train crash in southern Spain has claimed at least 21 lives. A high-speed train derailed late Sunday, striking another train. The accident occurred in Adamuz, Cordoba province. Hundreds of passengers were on board the trains. Emergency crews are continuing their search. An investigation into the cause has begun.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to elect its new National President today, with Nitin Nabin widely expected to be chosen unopposed. This significant leadership transition, potentially making Nabin the youngest to hold the post at 45, is being viewed as a generational shift as the party prepares for upcoming elections.
India is on the cusp of sealing a transformative free trade agreement with the European Union, marking the largest of its kind for the country. This landmark deal encompasses a wide range of goods and services, paving the way for enhanced economic collaboration. Nevertheless, ongoing discussions are needed regarding climate taxes and the mobility of services.
Ex-Wipro CEO Azim Premji is known for how he transformed the company under his leadership and vision. Despite his vast personal wealth, Premji continued to be recognized for his modesty, lack of extravagance, and charity. In one of his quotes, he says if your dreams feel comfortable and universally accepted, they may not push you far enough. You should aim for extraordinary as it brings out the best in you, he says.
Irans biggest risk to global oil supply may not be war, but labour unrest in its oil industry. While fears of US military action have eased, economic stress has raised the risk of strikes, which markets often overlook but have historically caused major production disruptions.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh stated that the Union government has provided substantial funds for West Bengal's development, but accountability for their spending is lacking. This comes after TMC's Abhishek Banerjee accused the Centre of withholding funds, while PM Modi asserted West Bengal is ready for change and an end to jungle raj under the TMC.
Nestle's CEO has apologized after certain infant formula batches were recalled in over 50 countries. The recall is due to a possible quality issue with an ingredient. Health warnings were issued across continents. Nestle confirmed that recalled products are not sold in India. All infant formula brands in India are manufactured locally.
President Trump criticized the establishment of a New York Stock Exchange in Dallas, calling it detrimental to New York. Intercontinental Exchange, NYSE's owner, added Texas as a secondary listing venue last year. NYSE Texas, opened in early 2025, has already seen companies like Halliburton and Trump Media dual list.
Nepal's election campaign is intensifying. Three parties have named their prime ministerial candidates. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) nominated K.P. Sharma Oli. The Nepali Congress and Rastriya Swotantra Party put forward younger leaders. A key contest features Oli against Balendra Shah, a popular youth leader, in the Jhapa-5 constituency.
World Economic Forum 2026: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is heading to Davos for the key annual summit. He anticipates productive discussions and agreements to boost Assam's growth. The state aims to attract investment, launch new projects like semiconductor initiatives, and create jobs. Sarma will participate in over 17 meetings and sign several MoUs, focusing on future-ready workforces, tourism, and healthcare.
Garena Free Fire Max players can get free items using redeem codes. These codes are released regularly. Players must use them quickly as they expire. The article provides codes for January 19, 2026. It also explains how to redeem these codes on the official Garena website. Players can log in and enter the codes to claim their rewards.
In a tragic incident, Noida techie Yuvraj Mehta died after he remained standing atop his partially submerged car for nearly two hours. He drowned in a nearly 70-foot-deep drain in Noidas Sector 150 early Saturday, triggering outrage among the residents. Yuvraj clung onto the car's roof, dialled his father, shared his location, and kept calling for help but his cries went in vain.
American tennis player Michael Zheng's impressive Australian Open run faces a hurdle as US college rules limit prize money earnings to $10,000 annually. The 21-year-old, still a student at Columbia University, may have to return a significant portion of his winnings. Zheng is seeking clarification on potential exemptions before returning to finish his degree.
A software engineer tragically died after his SUV plunged into a deep, water-filled pit in Greater Noida's Sector 150 on a foggy night. Despite desperate pleas for help and a father's helpless proximity, rescue efforts were hampered by dense fog and the pit's depth, raising serious safety lapse concerns.
Syria-Kurdish deal: The terms of the deal appeared to be a major blow for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which ran a semi-autonomous region in Syria's northeast for more than a decade.
Chinas population fell for the fourth straight year in 2025, dropping by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion, faster than in 2024. Births fell to 7.92 million, the lowest in decades, while deaths rose to 11.31 million, widening the natural population decline.
Magha Gupt Navratri, a secretive Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Durga, commences on January 19, 2026. This nine-day observance emphasises silent worship, intense sadhana, and strict rituals, primarily practiced by devotees, sadhaks, and tantriks away from public gatherings. The festival is considered particularly potent for spiritual discipline and inner strength.
Quote of the day by Queen Elizabeth I focuses on the line, The past can not be cured. The quote reflects history, leadership, and responsibility. This explainer shares the quote meaning, Queen Elizabeth Is life, her childhood, education, rule, and other quotes that shaped public memory.
Music composer AR Rahman has issued a clarification after he claimed possible instances of 'communal discrimination' for the last few years in Bollywood. Actor-politician Paresh Rawal has reacted to the controversy and backed AR Rahman, calling him 'our pride'. We love you, sir. You are our pride, wrote Paresh Rawal.
Maryam Nawaz is facing the backlash of social media users in Pakistan for her outfit choice at her son Junaid Safdar's second marriage. Netizens have accused the Punjab Chief Minister of overshadowing the bride saying that she dressed like a dulhan. On the other hand, the bride Shanzay Ali Rohail also faced the ire of netizens for opting the dresses by Indian designers Sabyasachi Tarun Tahiliani for her wedding and nikah ceremony.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, taught that true wisdom lies within the heart, urging a move beyond material desires to find infinite truth. His verses, preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, advocate for equality, compassion, and truthful living. A profound quote encourages transforming worldly attachments into timeless wisdom, emphasizing inner reflection and spiritual awakening for a life of purpose.
Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi is leading a delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos to attract investments. The team aims to secure funding in key sectors like defence, semiconductors, and renewable energy, showcasing Gujarat's vision for development by 2047 and its growing appeal as an investment hub.
India's economy is projected to grow at 7.4%, yet Prime Minister Modi faces a critical decision between continued infrastructure spending and fiscal restraint. Despite strong headline growth, low private investment and a ballooning debt-to-GDP ratio of 81% signal what may be an unsustainable model.
Senegal clinched the Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time. The final saw dramatic scenes as Senegal protested a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the 94th minute.
Quote of the day by Epictetus shares a Stoic view on how events come with purpose. The quote explains acceptance, control, and responsibility. It also reflects Epictetus life, teachings, and views on ethics, will, and human conduct.
Greenland tariffs: Trump vowed on Saturday to implement a wave of increasing tariffs from February 1 on EU members Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, along with Britain and Norway, until the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland, a step major EU states decried as blackmail.
A devastating train crash in southern Spain has claimed at least 21 lives. A high-speed train derailed, striking another train. The cause of the accident remains unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident. Many were injured, some critically. Services between Madrid and Andalusia are suspended.
Tell Me Lies Season 3 Episode 4 release time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The episode streams on Hulu on January 20. The season follows Lucy and Stephen as events from the past affect present choices and relationships.
Millions of Americans can now claim a $1,000 stimulus check through Pennsylvanias Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The program, expanded in 2023, helps seniors, widows, and people with disabilities. Applications start in January 2026. Payments are based on income and rent or property taxes paid. Deadline is June 30, 2026.
Reddit down and when will it be back up became a major search topic after users reported problems with the Reddit app and website. Reports began on Sunday evening. Users faced issues with images, videos, and loading. DownDetector recorded thousands of outage reports from the United States.

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