The Economic Times

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 Federal rules tax up to 85% of benefits using outdated income thresholds.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.

A viral video shows an ICE officer slipping on ice during a protest in Minneapolis, leading to jokes and questions online. The clip spread fast on social media as anger toward ICE grew after a deadly shooting involving an ICE agent. Many people are reacting, debating police actions, and asking why the officer was running.

The German authorities had taken custody of Ariha on September 23, 2021, when she was seven months old, alleging that the parents harassed her.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Ahmedabad, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram and emphasizing the enduring relevance of his teachings. Merz later joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Gujarat's International Kite Festival, flying kites together and experiencing local culture.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to Union Ministries of Law, Health and Ayush on a plea seeking a direction to declare AYUSH doctors as 'registered medical practitioners' under the law, like allopathic doctors.

Delhi is set to launch a 40-seater luxury cruise on the Yamuna River in February, offering hour-long round trips with onboard entertainment and food. This initiative is part of a larger plan to develop a recreation and leisure hub along the river, aiming to provide an international luxury experience at affordable prices for residents.

The State Election Commission has prohibited the Maharashtra government from releasing an advance instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme due to the model code of conduct for municipal elections. This decision follows complaints that the government intended to disburse a combined Rs 3,000 for December and January as a pre-poll gift, a move opposed by the Congress.

Capital One stock, Visa stock, and JPM stock dropped after Donald Trump proposed a 10% limit on credit card interest rates. Investors fear lower profits for banks and card firms if the plan moves ahead. Analysts say Congress must approve the idea, making its chances uncertain, but markets reacted fast to the risk.

Thought of the day by James Baldwin is meaningful because it speaks to both individual and collective life. In personal terms, it urges caution before surrendering oneself entirely to ambition, love or ideology.

Walmart and Google are transforming online shopping with an AI-powered experience in Googles Gemini app. The collaboration incorporates Walmarts retail ecosystem directly into Gemini, allowing people to discover, personalize, and buy products without leaving the AI assistant. At the core of this program is agent-led commerce, which enables conversational product suggestions, cart merging, and membership advantages for Walmart+ and Sams Club.

According to the officials, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate vehicular emissions, a primary driver of air pollution in the national capital. Alongside the charging infrastructure, the government is planing to strengthen public transport by expanding the bus fleet.

India is strategically reorienting its partnerships towards the European Union as U.S. trade faces increasing tariffs. Germany's Chancellor's visit highlights this shift, with a potential EU free trade agreement and growing defense cooperation signaling a comprehensive, structural realignment in India's foreign economic policy.

India and China are locked in a territorial dispute over the Shaksgam Valley, with Beijing reaffirming its claims and calling its infrastructure projects eyond reproach. India, however, maintains the valley is Indian territory and has never recognized the 1963 China-Pakistan boundary agreement, reserving the right to protect its interests.

Wheat sowing has increased by 2 percent to 334.17 lakh hectares as of January 9. This rise in acreage for the rabi season is attributed to better monsoon rains and higher minimum support prices. Other rabi crops like paddy, pulses, Shri Anna, coarse cereals, and oilseeds have also seen increased sowing areas. Overall rabi crop coverage has reached 644.

A petition has been filed in an Ajmer court asserting the Ajmer Dargah was once a Shiva temple. The plea seeks an Archaeological Survey of India investigation. This follows a similar claim made earlier this year. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a significant Muslim shrine. It is the tomb of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

Former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar has been admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi. This follows two instances of him falling unconscious on January 10. Doctors at AIIMS insisted on his admission for further tests. Dhankhar, aged 74, has experienced blackouts previously. He had resigned as vice president last year citing health reasons.

Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel denies talks with the U.S. government. He insists on dialogue based on international law, not threats. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump's warnings. Cuba faces economic pressure and relies on oil from Venezuela. Experts suggest Cuba is seeking time to decide its next move. Migration remains a point of technical contact.

Heineken's CEO, Dolf van den Brink, is stepping down on May 31st amidst declining beer sales and job cuts. The world's second-largest brewer faces a challenging economic climate, with Europe and the US showing significant drops in sales. This leadership change occurs as the company navigates a 'mixed performance' and reorganizes its Amsterdam headquarters, impacting 400 jobs.

Dina Powell McCormick: Meta has appointed Dina Powell McCormick as its new president and vice chairman, a move signaling a strong focus on global strategy and growth. Powell McCormick, who previously served on Meta's board, brings extensive experience from Wall Street and government roles to guide the company's future execution.

The talks come as Pakistan's defence industry moves forward with a series of defence procurement negotiations, including deals with Libya's National Army and Sudan's army, and looks to establish itself as a sizable regional player.

Henry Ford, the visionary behind Ford Motor Company, revolutionized car manufacturing, making automobiles accessible to all. His enduring philosophy, 'Whether you think you can, or you think you cant youre right,' underscores the power of self-belief in achieving success. Ford's legacy extends beyond industry, inspiring confidence and ambition in countless individuals.

Tensions have routinely spiked among some of NATO's members over the decades, notably between neighbours Greece and Turkey. But it would set a dangerous precedent should its most powerful country, the United States, annex the territory of another ally.

Wealth quote of the day by J. Pierpont Morgan, Nothing so undermines your financial judgement as the sight of your neighbor getting rich. J. Pierpont Morgan was not just a banker; he was the unofficial central bank of the United States before the Federal Reserve even existed. Born in 1837 in Hartford, Connecticut, Morgan was groomed for financial dominance by his father, Junius Spencer Morgan. He was a mathematical prodigy educated in Europe, but his life was defined by physical and emotional gr

Mattel has launched its first autistic Barbie doll. This new doll features sensory-friendly accessories and design elements. It aims to represent neurodivergent experiences better. The company states this is part of its commitment to inclusion. The doll joins other inclusive Barbies representing various conditions. This move seeks to help more children see themselves in Barbie.

Unlike a partial lunar eclipse, in which only part of the Moon is obscured, the upcoming event will be a total lunar eclipse, with the Moon moving entirely into Earths shadow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, highlighting the strength and responsibility of Indias youth. He expressed his long-standing faith in the younger generation, saying that their capability and energy give him strength.

Quote of the Day: Abraham Lincoln once said, The best way to predict the future is to create it. This quote emphasizes the power of proactive action, responsibility, and decision-making. It motivates people to take charge of their lives instead of waiting for situations to determine their destiny. In todays fast-paced world, where technology,profession, and social changes move rapidly, creating your own trajectory is more significant than ever.

Trump has suggested a $2,000 stimulus-style payment funded by tariff money. The check would likely go only to people earning under $100,000, leaving many Americans out. About 58% of households may qualify. The plan still needs approval from Congress, and experts warn it could increase government debt.

Jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, argued in the Supreme Court that her husband's detention under the NSA was based on irrelevant material and a failure to apply due diligence. She contended that not providing four key videos violated Wangchuk's right to effective representation, as the grounds of detention were allegedly copy-pasted from the SSP's recommendation.

Merz said Berlin also wants a closer security partnership with New Delhi, including deeper cooperation between our defence industries to cut India's traditional dependence on Russia for military hardware.

Social Security crisis: American retirees face a concerning future. Their Social Security benefits may soon fall behind those in many other nations. This is due to rising living expenses and projected cuts to Social Security by 2034. Decades of budget deficits have worsened the situation. Retirees in countries like Ecuador and Colombia could soon have greater purchasing power than Americans.

With memories of the pandemic-era Tokyo Games still fresh, organisers expect strong global interest in the 2028 LA Olympic, particularly given the scale of venues, entertainment offerings and Los Angeles status as a global cultural hub.

Leonardo DiCaprio experienced a brief interruption at the 2026 Golden Globes after security stopped him from making his way back to his seat during the live broadcast. Enforcing strict no-movement regulations while cameras were rolling, staff held DiCaprio along with Chase Sui Wonders and Selena Gomez until a commercial break.

The most recent update was shared by co-creator and lead actor Stephen Graham at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards on January 11, where he responded to questions about the shows future.

People earning over $150,000 may lose money to hidden tax mistakes. Issues like RSUs, bonuses, payroll taxes, and state taxes can quietly raise tax bills. Many high earners under-withhold or miss planning chances. The problem is not high income, but complex tax rules that need smart planning to avoid losing thousands each year.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Monday that the participation will be the highest ever in the history of the conference that will be attended by countries including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

James Clerk Maxwell, a pivotal physicist, believed that acknowledging our ignorance is the gateway to scientific advancement. His groundbreaking work on electromagnetism underpins modern technologies like Wi-Fi and mobile communication. Maxwell's legacy emphasizes that true progress stems from humble curiosity and the courage to explore the unknown.