The Economic Times

Experiencing emotional release brings relief and renewal. This process, known as catharsis, helps cleanse and purify strong emotions. Modern life often encourages emotional restraint, leading to buildup. Catharsis prevents burnout and resentment. It allows processing feelings instead of burying them. This quiet healing is essential for well-being. It is a human need for emotional maintenance.

Todays word that we are going to discover the meaning of is Quixote. The word comes from a famous old book written more than 400 years ago. It became popular because of a unique story and character. Over time, this word entered everyday English and is now used widely in books, news, and daily conversations.

Anhedonia is the reduced ability or complete inability to feel happiness and losing interest from the activities that are once enjoyable. It impacts emotional, social, and physical experiences, making everyday life seem to be dull despite normal routines continuing. Unlike sadness, anhedonia is signified as emotional numbness rather than emotional distress.

President Donald Trump's administration is facing criticism for its limited action on declining birth rates. Despite vocal support from Vice President JD Vance and other officials, concrete policies to reduce the cost of raising children have stalled. Conservatives expected more, but the focus has been on immigration.

President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would face a complete mess and difficulty repaying tariff collections if the Supreme Court rules against his unilateral authority to impose them. He stated on social media that refunds could be almost impossible and may not be possible due to the immense complexity and scale of the potential payouts.

Anthem class action settlement: Health insurer Anthem, now Elevance Health, will pay $12.875 million to settle a class action lawsuit. The suit challenged denied coverage for residential treatment services. Customers whose claims were denied between April 2017 and April 2025 may be eligible for a payment. A final approval hearing is set for January 2026.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of deleting 54 lakh names from draft voter lists. She claims this was done unilaterally using AI tools devised by the BJP. Banerjee alleges genuine voters were removed without proper notification.

Nitin Nabin will become the new Bharatiya Janata Party National President on January 20. He will succeed JP Nadda. Nabin was elected as the party's working president in December. He will file his nomination on January 19. Senior party leaders will attend the announcement in Delhi. This appointment signals a focus on youth leadership within the BJP.

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, and Jennifer Lopez attended the 2026 Golden Globe Awards but chose not to pose together, initiating public curiosity. Insiders state that the decision was not because of the conflict, as Garner and Lopez continue to be friendly and consistently interact because of their combined family. Sources describe that a joint photograph would have resulted in unnecessary media attention and possible discomfort for their children.

Nicolas Cage is a well-known Hollywood actor with a long career in movies. He has won an Academy Award and acted in many action and drama films. Born in California, he started acting in the early 1980s. Over the years, Nicolas Cage became famous for intense roles and blockbuster films loved worldwide.

Trump 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran: US President Donald Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on any nation continuing business with Iran, a move that could significantly impact global trade. With Iran exporting to 147 countries, including major players like China and Turkey, this policy could create substantial economic pressure on allies and adversaries alike. Fuel remains Iran's primary export.

Maharashtra will hold elections for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis on February 5. Vote counting is scheduled for February 7. The State Election Commission announced the poll schedule, triggering the model code of conduct. Over 25,000 polling stations are being set up.

Security forces in Manipur have arrested three militants from KYKL and PREPAK groups for their alleged involvement in a bomb explosion at a fuel station. The blast caused damage, leading to a shutdown of petrol pumps across the Manipur Valley. Meanwhile, the Governor highlighted Manipur's resilience and potential for growth at a seminar focused on stability and development.

America has imposed a 25% tariff on trade with nations doing business with Iran. This move comes as Iran faces significant anti-government protests. Iran's trade partners include China, India, Turkey, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. Fuels are Iran's primary export. The US sanctions aim to cut funding for Iran's nuclear program.

Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, stated that India's democratic system faces an attack. He mentioned institutions like the Election Commission are under pressure. Gandhi urged young people to remain confident and question those in power. He emphasized that democracy relies on everyone having a voice. The government is accused of undermining the people's voice.

Puzzle enthusiasts note that Strands offers a satisfying balance between structure and discovery. The hint system rewards exploration, while the spangram adds a strategic layer that sets the game apart from other NYT offerings.

Delhi-NCR School Holiday: Delhi schools remain closed on January 14, 2026, due to ongoing winter vacations. Uttar Pradesh schools in Noida and Ghaziabad will observe a public holiday for Makar Sankranti on January 15, 2026. Gurgaon and other Haryana schools are also shut until January 15 for winter break. Students across Delhi-NCR enjoy a mid-January break.

Lohri 2026 time to light Lohri fire: Lohri, celebrated on January 13, is a significant Punjabi and Sikh festival marking the harvest season with community bonfires. Families gather to offer gratitude for winter crops, share traditional foods like rewari and gajak, and engage in folk songs and dances. The auspicious time for lighting the bonfire in 2026 is from 5:43 pm to 7:15 pm.

Global central bankers stand with U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. They issued a statement of solidarity after President Donald Trump threatened criminal charges. Powell is praised for his integrity and commitment to public interest. The independence of central banks is crucial for economic stability. This independence must be preserved with respect for the rule of law.

China on Monday reaffirmed its territorial claims over the Shaksgam valley in the backdrop of India's objections, stressing that the Chinese infrastructure projects in the area are eyond reproach.

Haryana Police have removed 67 songs promoting gang lifestyle, weapons, and violence from digital platforms. This action follows an investigation revealing how such content glamorizes crime and influences young minds. The police are continuing their crackdown, warning creators and monitoring online activity to combat the glorification of criminal behavior.

President Donald Trump is reshaping the global order with aggressive actions. He has targeted Venezuela and threatened other nations. His America First approach is causing unease among allies. This shift towards spheres of influence mirrors past doctrines. World leaders are reacting to these changes. The U.S. is asserting its power, impacting international stability.

Estranged RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav attended a feast hosted by Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, sparking speculation about his political future. Yadav, who recently floated his own outfit, met Sinha days prior to extend an invitation. Both leaders emphasized shared cultural ethos, leaving room for future political developments.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared antimicrobial resistance a significant threat to humanity. He urged experts to develop a plan to combat this growing challenge. Shah also laid the foundation stone for a BSL-4 biocontainment facility in Ahmedabad.

Venezuela's political dynamics are in flux, with influential figures such as Delcy Rodriguez and Diosdado Cabello at the helm. In contrast, American leaders like Marco Rubio and John Ratcliffe are playing critical roles in determining the nation's trajectory. The U.S. aims to revitalize Venezuela's oil industry while securing its geopolitical stakes.

The Congress party has initiated a nationwide campaign called 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram'. This movement aims to restore constitutional rights related to work, wages, and accountability under the MGNREGA scheme. The party urges citizens to join this struggle, which will reach numerous gram panchayats and millions of people across India.

At least 2,000 people have died since unrest erupted in Iran, according to an official cited by Reuters, who attributed the high toll to terrorists. The unnamed official said the fatalities include members of the security forces, underscoring the scale and intensity of the ongoing violence.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced plans for a law to deduct 10-15% of government employees' salaries if they neglect elderly parents, with funds directly sent to them. He also advocated for transgender representation in civic bodies and inaugurated day care centers for senior citizens.

Wordle is an online word puzzle developed by software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021. Its clean design, once-a-day format and easy sharing of results helped propel it to widespread popularity.

A Bengaluru software engineer captured a stunning view of the city from her 27th-floor apartment, showcasing a serene cityscape blanketed in clouds. The viral video offers a dreamlike perspective, a stark contrast to the well-known traffic congestion below. This elevated vantage point provided a rare, peaceful glimpse of the bustling metropolis.

In 2025, the chip market soared to unprecedented heights, raking in an astounding $793 billion. This remarkable boom was predominantly fueled by AI chips, with NVIDIA at the forefront of this technological revolution. Trailing closely were Samsung Electronics, securing the second spot, and SK Hynix, which made impressive gains to take third place.

Two oil tankers were attacked near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's Black Sea loading terminal, a key export route for Kazakh crude. The ships had moved away before loading and the extent of damage remains unclear. This incident adds to intensified shipping attacks in the Black Sea over the past six weeks.

Maharashtra will observe a four-day alcohol ban from January 13 to 16 across 29 civic body areas to ensure peaceful municipal corporation elections on January 15. Stock markets will also be closed on polling day, with counting scheduled for January 16. Mumbai has also declared January 15 a public holiday.

Gold rate prediction: Citi raised its three-month price targets to $5,000/oz for gold, as per a report.

The Indian Army held a Commander's Parade in Jaipur. This event preceded the main Army Day Parade. Helicopters showered flower petals. Gallantry award winners paid respects. The 61 Cavalry performed synchronized drills. Heavy armour and indigenous platforms were displayed. Advanced weaponry and engineering assets were also showcased. The parade concluded with cultural performances and a motorcycle team display.

Cold winter mornings call for breakfasts that are warm, nourishing, and easy to digest. These Indian options offer comfort without compromising on health.

Edward L. Bernays, a pioneer in public relations and nephew of Sigmund Freud, work influenced unimaginable parts of our history, including the American breakfast, Womens decision to smoke and more. In one of his quotes, Edward Bernays says the great enemy of any attempt to change mens habits is inertia. Civilization is limited by inertia.

The Indian Navy is looking to lease four amphibious aircraft for four years. This move aims to boost coastal security and enhance maritime capabilities. The aircraft will support logistics, search and rescue, and disaster relief. India has pursued such aircraft for over a decade. Previous discussions involved the ShinMaywa US-2 model.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition demanding the removal of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's portraits from public spaces. The court cautioned the petitioner, a retired IRS officer, against filing frivolous cases. Judges indicated exemplary costs could be imposed for wasting judicial time.

U.S. stock futures fell slightly on Tuesday. The futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined nearly 0.1 per cent.

Neville Tata's induction into the Sir Ratan Tata Trust marks a significant generational transition within the Tata Group's philanthropic and corporate ecosystem. This move, following his entry into the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, consolidates authority under his father, Noel Tata, and embeds the next generation into the group's governance architecture.

The Gujarat High Court has dismissed appeals by AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh challenging lower court orders that rejected their plea for separate trials in a defamation case. The case stems from remarks made by the leaders about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational degree, targeting Gujarat University.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that India's Sanatan Dharma and culture are resilient, citing the Somnath temple's repeated reconstruction after centuries of attacks. He emphasized that those who sought to destroy the temple have vanished, while it continues to stand as a symbol of India's enduring faith and pride.

A WPL 2026 match saw a ball girl's viral bottle-flipping act steal the show, bringing smiles and proving entertainment comes from unexpected places. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues faced online criticism for her batting form after two consecutive losses, with fans questioning her performance and approach.

The BBC is fighting a massive lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. Trump is suing for 10 billion dollars over an edited speech. The BBC argues the court lacks jurisdiction and Trump cannot prove damages. The broadcaster has apologized for the editing but will defend itself in court. The BBC seeks to dismiss the case and halt evidence gathering.

These true crime documentaries arent fictional thrillers. Theyre real stories with disturbing twists, shocking truths, and investigations that will stay with you long after the screen fades.