The Economic Times

Catherine OHara cause of death: Beloved actress Catherine OHara has passed away at 71. Emergency services responded to a medical situation at her Los Angeles residence early Friday. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead hours later. Her agency stated she died after a brief illness. OHara was celebrated for her iconic roles in Schitts Creek and Home Alone.

A job seeker's year-long quest for a Finance Analyst position ended successfully. He applied to 250 jobs and sent 550 cold emails. His strategy involved tailored applications and contacting multiple people at companies. Crucially, he used LinkedIn Premium for cold outreach. This approach led to interviews and ultimately, an offer. His journey highlights the power of persistence.

Why is gold price nosediving by over 12% and will it go below $4,724 or rise again? Gold prices fell after the U.S. dollar strengthened following Kevin Warshs Federal Reserve nomination. Reduced safe-haven demand triggered heavy selling. Citi expects some risks to fade in 2026, keeping gold volatile around key levels.

The US Justice Department has released new Epstein files under a transparency law. Millions of records were shared online. The data includes documents, videos, and images linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some details were removed to protect victims. The move aims to increase public trust and show what officials knew earlier.

Thought of the day by Maurice Setters shares a quote about silver lining and gold. The explainer covers the meaning of the thought of the day, details about Maurice Setters, and why the quote still matters today.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has blocked servers and promotional channels linked to the 'Wingo' app, identifying it as a 'telecom mule' platform. The app was allegedly used to send fraudulent SMS messages from users' phones without consent. Citizens are warned against downloading or using such applications.

T20 cricket has changed how batsmen play. They now aim for big shots, taking calculated risks. This shift has also liberated bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy are highlighted as India's bowling stars. They use their skills to take wickets. Their focus is on wickets, not just economy rate. India is fortunate to have them.

Receiving a job offer that is below expectations can be both confusing and frustrating, even when the organization is prestigious. A Redditor shared their experience of receiving an offer $15,000 lower than anticipated from a Big 4 firm, at the bottom of the mentioned salary range. While the position offered completely remote work and slightly better benefits, the salary matched their current salary.

The upcoming Union Budget 2026-27 is set to boost the social sector with new welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. Key initiatives include health observatories in eight states to combat diseases, community-managed tribal creches, and sports hubs in schools. The budget also focuses on employment generation, malnutrition, and infrastructure development in remote areas, while preserving tribal culture.

Lakshmi stands serene as elephants pour water over her. Water is not merely a decorative motif; it symbolises the monsoon. The elephants represent the return of movement, the restoration of economic life. The image is a visual metaphor: prosperity arrives when you have the strength and capability to navigate the monsoon of life, to rebuild paths and to reconnect markets. The elephants are not servants; they are partners in wealth creation.

A 27-year-old professional's Reddit post about his BS job sparked a debate on career comfort versus growth. While enjoying a low-stress, remote role, he questioned stagnation. The consensus advised leveraging job stability to acquire new skills and discreetly search for better opportunities, rather than quitting impulsively.

Catherine OHara: Beloved actress Catherine OHara, celebrated for her unforgettable roles over five decades, has passed away at 71 after a brief illness. Known for iconic performances in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and her Emmy-winning turn as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, O'Hara left an indelible mark on comedy. Her manager confirmed her death, with details of the cause remaining undisclosed.

Sunetra Pawar is set to become the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The NCP legislative party will vote for her leadership on Saturday. Leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to propose her name. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening. Discussions are ongoing regarding Ajit Pawar's former portfolios.

The Supreme Court has declared menstrual health a fundamental right under Article 21, mandating free biodegradable sanitary pads for girl students in all schools. States and UTs must also ensure functional, gender-segregated toilets with water and soap, and establish menstrual hygiene management corners. This ruling aims to uphold the dignity and right to education for adolescent girls.

The two NCP factions are unlikely to merge soon. A powerful section wants Sunetra Pawar to strengthen her hold before any merger. The Sharad Pawar faction pushed for a quick merger. A merger now could mean Sharad Pawar controls party affairs. This is not acceptable to the Sunetra Pawar camp.

Wealth quote of the day by Paul Collier, The greatest danger to the market economy is not recessions or bubbles, but the erosion of trust in the fairness of the system Economist Paul Collier warns the real threat to markets is declining trust in fairness. U.S. income inequality now favors the top 10 percent, while public confidence drops sharply. Colliers research links legitimacy to inclusive growth, corporate ethics, and policy reform. He offers data-backed solutions for equitable markets. Rea

Arab foreign ministers met in Delhi to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a two-state solution and Gaza reconstruction on the agenda. Palestine's foreign minister suggested India could mediate, citing New Delhi's support and clear stance on international law. The meeting also addressed economic ties and the US President's peace board.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission will serve Gautam Adani with a civil fraud lawsuit. This allows the regulator's case against the Indian businessman to move forward. Lawyers for Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani agreed to accept the legal papers. This avoids a court ruling on how they should be served.

February SSI payments coming early: On January 30, 2026, the SSA will release $5 billion in SSI payments two days early. This shift affects 7.4 million Americans because February 1 falls on a Sunday. Recipients now see a $994 maximum individual payment following the 2.8% COLA hike. This early deposit ensures liquidity for low-income households. It prevents payment gaps during the weekend. Check your bank portal for these updated federal funds today.

Quote of the Day: Franz Kafka's timeless words offer a unique perspective on youth and beauty. His quote suggests that the ability to see beauty keeps one young at heart. Kafka, a 20th-century writer, explored themes of alienation and absurdity. His insights continue to resonate, reminding readers that perception shapes our experience of life and aging.

The Allahabad High Court has directed parties in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute to file objections by February 20. The court is examining applications related to the 18 suits seeking possession of land and temple restoration. Earlier, the court had dismissed challenges to the maintainability of Hindu worshippers' suits, deeming them not barred by relevant acts.

Fuddy-duddy is a fun English word for someone old-fashioned or cautious. It describes people who avoid new trends but are pleasant to be with. The word comes from Scottish duddy meaning ragged, and fuddy added for rhyme. Use it for friends or family who love slow, safe, traditional ways of living, like checkers or old clothes.

China's powerful PL-17 long-range missile is now visible in detail. This large missile is designed to strike high-value targets from afar. Its capabilities are prompting the US to develop its own advanced long-range air-to-air weapons. Further details about the PL-17 are expected as China may reveal more about this significant weapon system.

The Justice Department has released over three million pages of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. These files are part of a law requiring the government to open its records on the financier and Ghislaine Maxwell. The documents include information about Epstein's abuse of young girls and his connections to powerful individuals.

Almost 600,000 jobs gone: A structural efficiency era has hit the 2026 labor market, with nearly 600,000 jobs cut in January alone. This surge reflects a 15% rise in layoff velocity as firms like Amazon and UPS trade human payroll for AI infrastructure. While tech giants report record profits, they are purging middle management to fund automation. This alent remix signals a permanent shift where entry-level white-collar roles are increasingly being replaced by AI agents.

The US has imposed sanctions on Iran's interior minister, Eskandar Momeni, for his role in repressing nationwide protests. This follows similar EU penalties targeting officials involved in the violent crackdown. The US also sanctioned an investor accused of embezzling oil revenue and others involved in money laundering, aiming to pressure Tehran's regime.

Dibrugarh is set to become Assam's second capital with the foundation stone laying for several key infrastructure projects. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 1,715 crore.

Lords Mark Industries Ltd has outlined a multi-state investment roadmap across clean energy, healthcare, and manufacturing following strategic engagements at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. The company has signed multiple MoUs with state governments including Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, covering projects in green hydrogen, solar energy, medical infrastructure, and manufacturing. With proposed investments exceeding 3,500 crore across various stages, these initiatives are expected to ge

Why are US stock market index futures Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq down now and who are biggest losers and gainers? US futures fell after Donald Trump named Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair pick. Precious metals dropped. Mining stocks declined. Asian markets slipped. Some stocks gained on earnings.

Two nurses in West Bengal infected with the Nipah virus have shown significant improvement, with both testing negative for the contagion. The male nurse has been discharged and is in isolation at home, while the female nurse, though off ventilator support, remains hospitalized under observation. Health officials confirm no other suspected cases and are maintaining vigilance.

India and China will shape global supply chains over the next decade as manufacturing shifts from a single center of gravity. Companies are prioritizing resilience alongside efficiency, with India offering a blend of a large domestic market, industrial base, and democratic stability. By the mid-2030s, India will contribute significantly to the global workforce, making it a crucial manufacturing hub.

Dhurandhar's Netflix debut faces criticism for alleged cuts and poor streaming quality, with viewers reporting a shorter runtime and degraded visuals. While some sources claim independent edits by Netflix, others state filmmakers submitted an unaltered version. The film's sequel is slated for an Eid 2026 release across multiple languages.

Social Security is facing money pressure as baby boomers retire in large numbers. The program will not end, but future benefit cuts are possible after 2034. Many retirees depend on these payments, so experts say planning early is important. Saving more, working longer, or lowering living costs can help reduce future risk.

US stock market crashes again today, Jan. 30. Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq all in red. Gold and silver prices also down. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 139.16 points to 48,932.40. Markets fell as President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair. The S&P 500 slid 0.29% to 6,949.07, while the Nasdaq dipped 0.35%. Rising Treasury yields (4.9%) and a stronger dollar crushed gold prices. Investors are now pricing in aggressive trade tariffs and a hawkish shift in US monetary policy.

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 is positioned as a pivotal crossroads, where wealth, influence and ambition converge inside one ring. For fans, it offers more than spectacle; it provides a glimpse into WWEs hierarchy, both in terms of creative priority and financial clout.

The 2026 Australian Open mens semifinals spotlight Jannik Sinner defending his title against Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz contending with Alexander Zverev. Sinner enters as the overwhelming favorite, riding a 12-match winning streak against top-10 opponents, while Djokovic looks to conclude the longest Grand Slam title drought of his career.

The Delhi High Court expressed concern over the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) being non-functional due to significant vacancies, including the chairperson and members. The court questioned the Centre's request for six more months to fill these positions, emphasizing the statutory body's mandate and the long-standing vacancies.

Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair. Warsh was a Fed governor and is now a Hoover Institution fellow and Stanford lecturer. He may support lower interest rates and Trumps economic plans. If confirmed, Warsh could change Fed policies, affect inflation, borrowing costs, and give Trump more influence over the central bank.

Government shutdown 2026 live: Did the government shut down today? The US government did not shut down today. Lawmakers approved a last-minute stopgap deal before the deadline. Most federal agencies remain funded. Homeland Security received only temporary funding. Immigration policy disputes remain unresolved. Another funding deadline arrives within weeks. If talks fail, a partial shutdown could still occur. Markets, federal workers, and states remain on alert as negotiations continue.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested following his coverage of an anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church on Jan. 18. Although a federal magistrate judge primarily rejected offenses connected to the protest, Lemon was later taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles. His lawyers say Lemon was performing constitutionally protected journalism while livestreaming and interviewing protestors, congregants, and clergy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is engaging with China, a move U.S. President Donald Trump calls dangerous. Starmer believes it is foolish for Britain to ignore China, highlighting economic benefits from recent talks. China agreed to cut tariffs on UK whisky and relax visa rules. AstraZeneca committed to a significant investment in China. Starmer asserts the UK-U.S. relationship remains close.