The Economic Times

US stock market crashes again today. Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq slip for the 4th day in a row as gold and silver surge to record highs. The Dow dropped 180.36 points (0.37%) to 49,011.63, while the S&P 500 fell 0.78% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq tumbled 1.25%. Conversely, the fear trade has reached a fever pitch in the commodities market. Silver prices skyrocketed over 5% to breach the historic $90 mark for the first time, and Gold hit a fresh record high of $4,625.60 per ounce.

Personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar have been advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure amid rising regional tensions. This decision follows a senior Iranian official's reference to a prior Iranian attack on the base, highlighting Iran's capacity to respond to aggression.

Planning retirement? Timing matters for your money. Dont rush 401(k) rollovers, Social Security, home sales, mortgage payoffs, health insurance, moving, or investments. Waiting until retirement gives you more control, protects your savings, and can increase income. Smart timing helps avoid costs, taxes, and mistakes while giving clarity on real expenses and lifestyle choices before making big decisions.

America's current account deficit saw a significant drop in the third quarter. Tariffs impacted imports, while primary income saw a surge. The deficit contracted by $22.8 billion, reaching its lowest point since the third quarter of 2023. This development reflects a narrowing trade deficit and increased primary income receipts. The report was delayed due to a government shutdown.

Connor Storrie portrays as Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry, an LGBTQ+ sports drama about rival ice hockey players. Opposing him is Shane Hollander, featured by Hudson Williams, whose on-screen chemistry adds depth to the series. The show launched in November 2025 and rapidly became a fan favorite. Storrie went the extra mile and beyond for the role, learning Russian and honing his skating abilities. Season two has already been announced, and Storrie even requested a Russian rap scene.

Dismissing concerns over China's reported deployment of humanoid robots along its borders, Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, Chief of Staff, Army Training Command (ARTRAC), on Wednesday said such machines do not pose a significant challenge to India, asserting that wars are ultimately decided by the quality of soldiers, not technology alone.

Tax planning tips for 2026 OBBBA changes: New tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, brings changes in 2026. Seniors over 65 can claim extra Social Security deductions, but income limits apply. The SALT deduction cap rises significantly, benefiting high-income earners in certain states. However, charitable donations now have a floor, limiting deductible contributions for many.

The Reserve Bank of India has released new guidelines for internal ombudsmen in banks and NBFCs. This move aims to improve how customer complaints are handled within these financial institutions. The internal ombudsman will review complaints that have already been processed but not fully resolved.

India and Malaysia are co-chairing a key meeting on counter-terrorism. Malaysia's delegation head stated readiness to work with India for regional security. The meeting involves ADMM-Plus and ASEAN countries. This collaboration aims to advance counter-terrorism efforts and ensure peace and stability. A visit by Malaysia's defence secretary to India is planned to strengthen cooperation and dialogue.

Wealth Quote of the Day by Daniel Kahneman, Nothing in finance is more fatuous than the notion that you can be starting on a level playing field. Daniel Kahneman, the 2002 Nobel laureate who died in 2024, transformed how we view money. His level playing field quote exposes the $50 trillion market's hidden imbalances. Research shows retail traders lose 80% of the time, not due to effort, but because of oise and institutional edges. By mastering prospect theory and loss aversion, investors can fi

Social Security checks reached record levels in 2026, but many retirees still struggle with daily expenses. Rising healthcare and housing costs reduce the impact of small yearly increases. Some retirees use dividend stocks to earn extra money. Planning carefully and timing Social Security benefits is important to keep long-term income secure.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony at the South Western Command in Jaipur, he said the Army, Navy and Air Force jointly engaged nine terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan with precision in just 22 minutes during Operation Sindoor.

Karnataka's legislature will convene from January 22-31 to discuss the VB-G RAM G law's impact and strategize on restoring the MGNREG Act. The session will raise awareness about the new law's adverse effects on people and panchayats, which curtails local decision-making power for rural work. The state also plans a legal challenge against the legislation.

NTA released UGC NET December 2025 answer key: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the UGC NET December 2025 examination. Candidates can access their question papers, recorded responses, and the answer key on the official website. An objection window is open from January 14 to January 17, 2026, for candidates to challenge answers with a processing fee.

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K Patnaik, has rejected Canadian claims linking New Delhi to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Patnaik emphasized that the case involves four individuals and not the Indian government. He highlighted the lack of evidence provided by Canada and pointed to the unresolved Air India bombing case.

US government shutdown deadline January 30: A US government shutdown looms as lawmakers face a January 30 deadline. Congress needs to approve at least six funding bills to prevent a partial shutdown. The House has passed one package, but the Senate has yet to act. Additional bills are required even if the current package becomes law.

Resfeber is a Swedish travel-related word that has gained attention for naming a feeling many people experience before a journey. It is often used when talking about trips, new places, or big changes. The word highlights how language can capture human emotions that are not always clearly expressed in English.

Prime Videos top movies and shows showcases a strong blend of movies and TV series gaining significant attention from viewers. Award-winning thrillers, humorous comedies, animated family favorites, heartfelt dramas, and popular documentaries are all performing well on the platform. Alongside movies, Prime Video is also featuring limited series, reality competitions, and long-running originals that continues to be subscriber favorites.

Wednesday Season 3 crucial filming update confirms production will begin soon in Dublin. Actor Hunter Doohan shared filming details, timelines, and location plans. The update also suggests a possible change in release timing, with season 3 expected to arrive earlier than previous seasons on Netflix.

India's exports to China saw a significant rise in 2025, climbing to USD 19.75 billion. This growth contributed to a record bilateral trade volume of USD 155.62 billion. However, the trade deficit with China also reached an all-time high of USD 116.12 billion. This indicates a shift in trade patterns despite ongoing global trade tensions.

Social Security checks average $2,071 a month in 2026. Taxes may take a large share. Income limits from 1983 still apply. Even modest dividends trigger taxation. Up to 85% becomes taxable. Claiming age reshapes lifetime income. Working early reduces payments. Inflation and global tensions add pressure. Timing now decides long-term retirement security.

United States President Donald Trump is pressing NATO to support American efforts to acquire Greenland, arguing that US control is crucial for national security and for countering Russia and China. However, Greenlands residents and Danish officials have strongly opposed the idea, stressing the islands autonomy and right to self-determination. Diplomatic talks are currently underway in Washington, even as the United States already maintains a military presence on the Arctic island.

Silver price and gold price today: Silver has crossed $90 an ounce for the first time. Gold is also near its record high. This rally is driven by expected US rate cuts and global political pressures. Geopolitical tensions are also pushing investors towards safe-haven assets like gold and silver. Analysts predict further gains for both metals this year.

Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, emphasized steady effort and moral discipline over instant success. His timeless quote, 'It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop,' highlights the importance of consistency and persistence in personal growth. This message offers a grounding perspective in today's fast-paced world, reminding us that every step forward counts.

Martin Luther King Jr.s Quote of the Day highlights the danger of silence during injustice. The message reminds people to speak up and support others. Kings life and words continue to inspire equality, courage, and peaceful action. His ideas still matter today because they encourage fairness, justice, and standing up for what is right.

Astronomers are closely observing Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), a recently detected object that could get the nickname Great Comet of 2026. Discovered in September 2025, the comet is anticipated to be near its closest point to the Sun on April 20, 2026, followed by its nearest position to Earth on April 27. At a distance of almost 44 million miles, it may become noticeable to the naked eye under dark skies.

A Spanish startup, Orbital Paradigm, claims its Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule survived the failed PSLV-C62 mission, separating and transmitting data. While ISRO has not confirmed this, the company stated the 25kg payload, intended as the final satellite, successfully detached. The mission, which aimed to deploy 15 other satellites, experienced third-stage disturbances, leading to its failure.

The IRS has extended federal tax filing and payment deadlines to May 1, 2026, for storm-affected Washington counties. Individuals, businesses, employers and retirees gain critical relief after December 2025 flooding. The move eases compliance pressure, expands disaster tax options, and signals broader federal flexibility during escalating economic and global uncertainty.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is behind a new wave of violence. Shootings and extortion threats have occurred in India and Canada. Investigators believe these attacks show the gang's control across borders. The gang has claimed responsibility for multiple incidents, often using viral videos.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar posted a cryptic message on X after meeting AICC leader Rahul Gandhi. This has fueled political speculation. Shivakumar also met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Gandhi. He indicated discussions covered state BJP developments. Shivakumar plans a Delhi visit soon. This follows previous cryptic posts hinting at leadership ambitions.

Three diplomats said some personnel had been advised to leave the main U.S. air base in the region, although there were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation of troops as took place in the hours before an Iranian missile attack last year.

A 14-year-old boy in Gadag district discovered a trove of gold and copper ornaments while digging for a house. But instead of keeping it at home, Prajwal Basavaraj Ritti handed over the treasure to the district administration, earning praise for his honesty. The government is considering rewarding the family with 20% of the treasure's value.

Economic confrontation is now the top global risk, according to a World Economic Forum survey. Experts are more worried about trade wars and resource controls than armed conflict. Environmental risks have fallen in short-term concerns. However, long-term worries include AI's impact on jobs and society. The WEF survey gathered insights from over 1,300 global leaders and experts.

Nelson Mandela, an icon of moral leadership, spent 27 years in prison fighting apartheid. He successfully negotiated an end to the discriminatory system, ushering in a peaceful transition to majority rule and serving as the country's first multiethnic president. Mandela's legacy emphasizes freedom and opportunity as the true drivers of success, not wealth itself.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards are expected soon on jeemain.nta.nic.in, with the exam scheduled from January 21-30, 2026. Candidates can download their hall tickets, which contain crucial personal and exam details, by following a simple online process. Last-minute preparation tips emphasize revising high-weightage topics and practicing previous years' questions.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will lead a state delegation to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in 2026. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation will cover travel and accommodation costs. The delegation aims to promote investment and economic cooperation.

Global leaders are flocking to China to rebuild relationships and secure economic deals. This trend follows a period of US-led tariffs. Nations are eager to engage with President Xi Jinping to avoid being sidelined in international politics. Key areas of focus include trade and access to critical minerals. This diplomatic shift aims to stabilize global economic ties.

West Bengal's interim budget is approaching. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a key opportunity to offer voter sops. This budget will outline proposed expenditures and flagship announcements. Expectations are high for new benefits. The budget session follows electoral roll revisions. The Union Budget will also be watched for central government signals. The interim budget is a crucial pre-election political statement.

The Indian Army is actively involving its veterans in national security and development. Initiatives are expanding to support ex-servicemen and their families. Project NAMAN is establishing new centers for defense pensioners. Veterans are contributing to strategic planning and finding employment. Their experience remains vital for the nation's progress and security.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her father-in-law's estate, regardless of when her husband died. The court emphasized that heirs are legally obligated to maintain dependants from inherited property, upholding the moral duty to support those unable to maintain themselves.