The Economic Times

A union representing 1,600 white-collar workers at Spirit AeroSystems has reached a tentative agreement with Boeing on a new contract. The SPEEA's negotiation team unanimously recommended approval of the proposal, which includes improved medical and dental benefits, more vacation time, and salary increases. Union members have until January 30 to vote on the offer.

US President Donald Trump's demands to take over NATO ally Denmark's territory Greenland have thrust alliance chief Mark Rutte into an uncomfortable position. The alliance chief insisted his energy was squarely on making sure NATO was doing enough to protect the Arctic -- a key justification in Trump's rationale for wanting Greenland.

Australian fashion brand Sass & Bide is closing all its physical and online stores. This move is part of a plan to reinvent the brand. Stores will close by the end of January 2026, and the online store by the end of February 2026. Sass & Bide promises a relaunch with a renewed vision.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Machado sought to influence Trump's approach to Venezuela's political future. Trump confirmed he would keep the medal, calling it a gesture of mutual respect. Machado stated the gift recognized Trump's commitment to Venezuelan freedom.

IMD Delhi NCR Weather Update: Delhi-NCR region has been in the grip of winter for the past few days and witnessing intense cold. For Friday, the IMD has sounded a yellow alert for Delhi and has warned of cold wave conditions are likely at isolated places. On Thursday, Delhi recorded its coldest morning at 2.9 degrees Celsius. A dense layer of fog is likely to grip Noida tomorrow.

HSBC is reviewing its insurance operations in Singapore. This move is part of a larger plan to simplify the bank's global business. The review will consider all possibilities for the Singapore insurance unit. HSBC remains committed to growth in wealth and wholesale banking in Singapore. The bank is focusing on areas where it has a strong competitive advantage.

Tensions escalated between Denmark and the U.S. over Greenland ownership after conflicting statements from both sides regarding a meeting. While the White House claimed agreement on echnical talks on acquisition, Denmark stated the discussion focused on a working group to explore a common way forward addressing security concerns, emphasizing territorial integrity remains a red line.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, a revered spiritual leader and Nobel laureate, has championed peace and compassion globally since fleeing Tibet in 1959. His advocacy for Tibetan culture and peaceful dialogue, rooted in universal human values, continues to inspire millions. His message emphasizes that love and empathy are essential for humanity's very survival and societal well-being.

Europe faces a challenging year under a hostile US administration, with Donald Trump threatening Greenland's sovereignty and supporting far-right movements. Despite increased defense spending, the EU relies on US help for Ukraine's security, forcing a strategy of appeasement. Europe is now considering economic countermeasures, including trade deal freezes, to protect its interests.

Iran faced a severe internet shutdown. Activists secretly brought in thousands of Starlink satellite internet systems. These systems allowed them to share information about protests. The Iranian government responded by trying to jam the satellite signals. This shows a new challenge for governments trying to control information during unrest. Starlink has become a crucial tool for communication.

U.S. envoy Mike Waltz renewed threats against Iran at the UN Security Council, vowing all options are on the table to stop the crackdown on protests. Iranian dissidents Masih Alinejad and Ahmad Batebi testified about their experiences, urging international action. New sanctions were announced by the U.S. and allies against Iranian officials involved in suppressing demonstrations.

US Senators have raised alarms over new Postal Service mail handling. Changes could mean mail-in ballots receive postmarks days after mailing. This risks legally cast ballots not being counted, especially in states with mail voting. Rural voters may be disproportionately affected.

The U.S. and Taiwan have finalized a trade deal cutting tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductor exports and encouraging U.S. investment. This agreement aims to boost domestic chip production, with Taiwanese companies committing billions to expand operations in the U.S., a move that could further strain relations with China.

President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell protests against federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, following a shooting incident. Governor Walz urged de-escalation, while the Attorney General vowed legal challenges to the federal surge, which has led to over 2,500 arrests.

Nobel Prizes are fetching millions at auctions. Dmitry Muratov sold his for over 100 million dollars. James Watson and Francis Crick also sold theirs. This has led to ethical debates. Maria Corina Machado offered to share hers with Donald Trump. The Nobel Committee states prizes cannot be revoked or transferred. However, they can be sold.

President Donald Trump announced his backing for a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government in Gaza, named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Trump stated this government, supported by the Board's High Representative, will govern Gaza during its transition. He emphasized the leaders' commitment to a peaceful future.

Australia's new law banning under-16s from social media has seen platforms deactivate almost five million accounts. This world-first measure, effective since December 10, is already inspiring similar legislation in France, Malaysia, and Indonesia. While critics question enforceability, regulators report swift compliance. The ban aims to protect young users, with significant fines for non-adherence.

Donald Trump stated his administration's tariffs generated significant revenue and boosted the economy. He claimed hundreds of billions of dollars entered the US Treasury. Trump asserted this policy helped curb inflation and strengthened national security. He also mentioned a 25 percent tariff on foreign automobiles transformed the domestic auto sector, leading to new investments.

30-year mortgage rate currently sits at 6.06 per cent, down about a percentage point from where it was a year ago.

U.S. Stock Market today: Nvidia was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500 Wednesday after sinking 1.4 per cent. But it rose 2.1 per cent on Thursday.

While Washington has stepped back from military action, the White House said on Thursday that all options remain on the table for the president Donald Trump.

Wealth quote of the day: Stephen A. Schwarzman, co-founder of Blackstone, emphasizes that business success is a team sport, not the work of a solitary genius. Effective leadership relies on collective effort and skilled professionals to drive results. Research supports that collaboration enhances problem-solving and overall organizational performance.

Great healthcare plan: On average, premium costs will increase to $1,904 in 2026 from $888 in 2025, according to health policy firm KFF, a far greater jump than the savings promised in the Donald Trump plan.

Mark Zuckerberg's quote, Ideas dont come out fully formed, they only become clearer as you work on them. You just have to get started, highlights that clarity emerges through action, not pre-planning. His career, from Facebook's inception to Meta's evolving ambitions, exemplifies this principle, demonstrating that embracing imperfection and starting is crucial for progress and innovation.

Trumps tax and spending plan changed company tax deductions, affecting employee perks and corporate charity. Free food, bike commuting, and moving expenses may now cost more or disappear. Companies must give at least 1% of taxable income for charity deductions. These changes can raise taxes, reduce some benefits, and affect both mid-size and large employers budgets.

Song of the Day: Someone Like You by Adele is a moving ballad born from personal heartbreak. The track was inspired by Adele learning her former love had moved on and got engaged, evoking grief, reflection, and acceptance. The song resonates universally, offering listeners a mirror for their own lost loves and unfinished goodbyes.

Word of the day: The word 'aura' has a rich history, once meaning air or breath. Today, it describes a person's unique vibe or presence. Gen Z on social media uses 'aura' to denote charisma and coolness. This evolution shows how language adapts to new cultural expressions and digital communication. The term captures an intangible quality that makes individuals stand out.

In the last week of December, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal had a virtual meeting with US trade representative Jamieson Greer.

Miscreants vandalized the Chakulia block development office in North Dinajpur, causing chaos and violence for three hours. Stones were hurled, SIR forms were set ablaze, and office infrastructure, including electronic gadgets and documents, was destroyed, with damages estimated at Rs 20 lakh. Police personnel and office staff were injured during the rampage.

Madison Sheahan, former Deputy Director of ICE, is leaving her job to run for Congress in Ohios 9th District. She aims to challenge longtime Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Sheahan brings leadership experience from ICE and Louisianas wildlife department and focuses on American jobs, safety, and values. Her campaign highlights law enforcement experience and support for Trumps agenda.

A new $45 TSA fee for identity verification will be implemented on February 1. Travelers can avoid this surcharge by presenting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of identification. The TSA has updated its list of accepted IDs, including digital options, to help passengers navigate the new requirement.

According to the paper, investments in urban mobility infrastructure over the past decade, particularly metro rail expansion, have translated into stronger household liquidity management and more disciplined borrowing.

A new rural employment law, VB-G RAM G, will soon replace the current program. It guarantees 125 days of work, an increase from 100 days. Fund allocation to states will now follow objective central government parameters. This aims to reduce disparities and pilferage. The central government plans to increase the budget for the new scheme.

Moody's Ratings has upgraded the outlook for three Adani Group companies to stable. Adani Ports, Adani Transmission Step-One, and Adani Electricity Mumbai now have a stable outlook. This reflects improved liquidity and strong financial profiles. The companies are expected to maintain sufficient liquidity for operations and debt obligations over the next 18 months.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 release date, episode count, trailer, cast, characters details confirm the Netflix return on February 5, 2026. Mickey Haller faces a murder charge. Ten episodes adapt The Law of Innocence. The trailer, cast updates, and character list explain what happens next.

Harry Styles new album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is now available for preorder.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that killings in Iran's protest crackdown are easing, following reports of a death sentence postponement for an arrested protester. Trump stated he received assurances from very important sources on the other side and is adopting a wait-and-see approach, though he did not rule out potential US military action.

The Election Commission of India has extended the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states until January 19, 2026. The poll panel informed the Supreme Court that it can only determine citizenship for voter registration. It cannot deport individuals or decide on visa status. This clarification came during hearings on petitions challenging the revision exercise.

Parents filing 2025 taxes can now open a Trump Account for children. The IRS allows a $1,000 federal seed contribution using Form 4547. Eligible kids under 18 gain tax-deferred investment access, early-use flexibility, and long-term financial growth, as Washington pushes family savings amid global economic uncertainty.

Four Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt, engaged in intense diplomacy with the U.S. and Iran to avert a threatened U.S. attack. They warned Washington of regional security and economic repercussions, while urging Iran to avoid retaliatory strikes. This effort aimed to de-escalate tensions and prevent wider instability.

Participative sports like marathons and cycling are booming in India, driven by rising fitness consciousness and increased corporate involvement. These events, including the Mumbai Marathon, are becoming significant economic drivers, contributing hundreds of crores annually. With millions of runners and rapid growth, the sector's value is projected to multiply significantly.