15 C The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Victoria is preparing for a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. This heat is increasing the risk of bushfires across the state. Meanwhile, Queensland is monitoring a tropical low developing in the Gulf of Carpentaria. This system could potentially intensify into a cyclone, raising concerns for flood-affected areas in north Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Prayagraj witnessed a massive gathering on Basant Panchami. More than one crore devotees performed holy dips in the Ganga and Sangam during the ongoing Magh Mela. The festival holds special significance, marking the confluence of sacred rivers and the onset of spring. Extensive arrangements were made for the pilgrims, including sanitation, security, and accommodation.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met over twenty business leaders in Davos. He discussed Assam's unique investment opportunities across various sectors. These discussions aimed to foster growth for enterprises. The Chief Minister highlighted Assam's rapid development and attractive policies. He also mentioned the state's talented workforce. These engagements are expected to yield positive results in the near future.
Conservative voices are intensifying attacks on progressive white women. Figures like Erick Erickson and Vincent Oshana are criticizing them harshly. This trend coincides with a broader right-wing push against modern feminism and a renewed emphasis on traditional masculinity. Some even question women's right to vote. This rhetoric targets women voters and challenges their social value.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim their rewards by visiting the official Garena redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.
Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 8 new release time, updated schedule and how to watch details the delayed Starz release, global streaming times, reasons for the gap week, episode schedule updates, and where viewers can stream episodes across regions.
Today's Weather Alert: Northern India is set for a spell of active winter weather. A strong western disturbance will bring widespread rainfall, snowfall, thunderstorms, and fog across north and northwest India. The western Himalayas will see heavy rain and snow. Plains will experience intense thunderstorms and hailstorms. Dense fog is expected to return after the active weather passes.
Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 release time, what to expect and how to watch details the next chapter of the anime. The episode introduces the Hero of the South, recalls Frierens past, and sets up a new mission. Streaming details and global release times are explained.
Basant Panchmi Wishes 2026: Basant Panchami marks fresh beginnings across India, with a focus on learning and knowledge. Celebrated on the fifth day of Magha, the festival emphasizes the color yellow, symbolizing energy and prosperity. It's a time for Saraswati Puja, seeking blessings for wisdom and creativity, and for initiating new studies or life journeys.
Himachal Pradesh snowfall: Heavy rain and snowfall has been predicted for Himachal Pradesh today by the IMD. Manali may freeze at 0 degrees today with the weather office predicting rainfall and snowfall for the day. An orange alert has been sounded for Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti with forecast of heavy snowfall along with rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Shimla might see heavy rain along with hail, cold day, thunderstorms and lightning today.
Ukraine peace talks: Ukraine is enduring its harshest winter of the war as Russia mounts heavy missile and drone strikes on its energy infrastructure. With temperatures way below freezing, hundreds of thousands of people in Kyiv and other cities have suffered long power cuts and been left without heating.
Delhi Police's Special Cell has filed an FIR against SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This action follows threats of unrest in Delhi ahead of Republic Day. Pannu claimed pro-Khalistan posters were placed, but police investigations have not found any evidence.
President Donald Trump announced plans to visit China in April, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected in the U.S. by late 2026. This follows Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's suggestion of up to four meetings between the leaders this year, noting improved U.S.-China ties and increased soybean purchases.
On November 27 last year, the UAE President, in an official order shared on his website, mentioned that 2937 inmates had been released ahead of Eid Al Etihad. Eid Al Etihad is the UAE's national celebration on December 2, marking the moment in 1971 when the emirates united under one flag.
Queen Elizabeth II served as Britain's longest-reigning monarch for over 70 years. Her reign saw significant global transformations and she remained a symbol of continuity. She dedicated her life to public service and constitutional duty. Her legacy is defined by her unwavering sense of duty and her role as a unifying figure. She passed away in 2022.
Ukraine war: Zelenskyy announced a trilateral meeting between US, Ukrainian and Russian officials will be held in the UAE from Friday. Trump called his meeting with Zelenskyy good but said peace talks have a ways to go, adding the war must end and negotiations are ongoing.
Tesla plans to offer its Optimus robots to consumers by the end of next year. Elon Musk also anticipates regulatory approval for the company's Full Self-Driving system in Europe and China within the next month. These developments come as Tesla seeks to diversify revenue streams beyond its electric vehicle sales.
The prekindergarten pupil, Liam Conejo Ramos, is pictured in a photo released by the school system as he stands next to a vehicle with an adult's hand on his backpack. His father is not in sight. The image prompted outrage in the Twin Cities area, where many people have been angered since mid-December by the Trump administration's surge in deportation operations.
Davos: Madhya Pradesh wants to play the most important role in INDIA'S progress; the state govt already prepared its plan and is committed to it, said Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at the WEF summit.
Brazil president India visit: Modi conveyed to Lula that he looked forward to welcoming Lula to India at an early date. Lula is planning to visit India for the AI Summit and State visit next month.
Why is gold price rising and will it go above $4,937? Gold crossed $4,900 as the dollar weakened and markets expected Federal Reserve rate cuts. Geopolitical tension, U.S. data, and demand trends also supported gold, silver, and platinum prices.
Blackstone, a global investment giant, no longer considers India an emerging market. The firm sees immense growth potential in India, citing its large population and stable government. Blackstone plans to expand its investments across various sectors. Artificial intelligence is also highlighted as a technology set to transform the world rapidly. This outlook contrasts with short-term stock market fluctuations.
Microsoft 365 services and products operational now? Microsoft reports recovery in consumer-focused products, but Microsoft 365 services still face issues. Outlook and Teams show high reports, while traffic redirection and load balancing are ongoing. Users can check Microsofts status page for updates on service restoration.
What is Microsoft 365 451 4.3.2 Temporary Server Error and how to fix it? Microsoft 365 faced outages affecting Outlook, Teams, Defender, and Purview. Users reported over 11,000 issues. The error indicates server-side problems. This guide explains causes, Microsoft updates, and steps for users and admins to resolve or manage the issue.
Microsoft 365 down and when will it be back up? Microsoft 365 faced a major outage impacting Outlook, Teams, Defender, Purview, and Microsoft Store. Thousands of users reported email delays, login failures, and server errors. Microsoft confirmed the issue and said engineers are working on service recovery.
Quote of the day by George Soros: Investor George Soros emphasizes the inherent unpredictability of financial markets, driven by human behavior and global events. He advocates for preparing for multiple scenarios rather than relying on precise forecasts. This approach, supported by behavioral finance, encourages humility and adaptability in navigating market volatility.
Donald Trump Vs JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon $5 billion lawsuit explained as the U.S. president accuses the bank of debanking him for political reasons. The lawsuit claims account closures followed January 6 events. JPMorgan denies political bias and cites regulatory risk.
HR angry email goes viral: A job seeker's sharp rejection email from a hiring manager has gone viral on Reddit, sparking widespread discussion. The applicant, who had already accepted another role, was accused of unprofessionalism for not attending a scheduled interview. This incident highlights growing frustrations among job seekers regarding recruiter entitlement and poor communication practices.
Sources tell celebrity journalist Rob Shuter that Hollywoods most celebrated friendship between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds may be weakening. Hughs been unusually quiet around Ryan lately; people are whispering hes stepping back for his own sanity, a source stated. Insiders cite that minor blips, like missed messages, have escalated into noticeable strain. The tension reportedly arrives from Reynolds and Blake Livelys ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
Global trade is changing rapidly. US tariff policies have shifted focus from multilateral agreements to bilateral trade deals. This creates uncertainty for businesses. India is strategically diversifying its trade partnerships. This approach helps navigate a more disrupted world. New strategies are needed to adapt to these evolving trade dynamics.
K-Pop sensation BTS is returning to the touring stage with their 2026 World Tour. Tickets are now available for fans eager to see the group live. The tour kicks off in South Korea and will make its way to the US, with multiple stops scheduled. Dates are set to run into March 2027, promising a global spectacle.
Elon Musk Davos speech: Elon Musk surprised attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He spoke about his dream of dying on Mars and joked about global politics. Musk also shared his vision for widespread humanoid robots and provided updates on Tesla's self-driving technology. He mentioned potential regulatory approval in Europe and China.
Credit card debt relief is gaining attention as balances cross $1.1 trillion and interest rates stay above 21%. In 2026, select Americans may qualify for debt forgiveness through issuer programs. Eligibility depends on hardship, delinquency, and negotiation. Settlements, tax impacts, and credit risks matter. With economic uncertainty rising, informed borrowers are exploring relief paths carefully.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met EU ambassadors to discuss global economic derisking ahead of the India-EU summit. The summit will see the conclusion of FTA negotiations, aiming to strengthen ties for resilient supply chains, public goods provision, and global stability through enhanced trade and security partnerships.
The Congress party alleged that the recently enacted G RAM G scheme was part of the Centre's design to deny workers right-based MGNREGA and by ending it, the government has attacked the poor and weaker sections of rural India, and this is being opposed across the country
Fresh tension grips Manipur after a man was found dead following his kidnapping. Suspected United Kuki National Army militants abducted the 38-year-old and his wife. A video shows the victim being shot. The incident has reignited ethnic divides.
LinkedIn AI report: LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman argues that US companies are missing the biggest AI productivity gains by focusing on chief AI officers and pilot teams. True transformation, he states, comes from automating everyday work and fostering open employee learning, not secret experimentation. Companies integrating AI into daily tasks will see compounding gains over time.
Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to sue The New York Times. This action follows the publication of an opinion poll by the newspaper. The poll indicated a decline in voter support for the Republican figure. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the poll results will be part of his ongoing legal action against the publication.
With an impressive 16 nominations, Sinners has emerged as the dominant force this awards season. The film's success stems from its bold storytelling, technical mastery, and emotionally resonant performances, reflecting a clear and confident directorial vision. This widespread recognition across major and technical categories signals a strong alignment with the Academy's evolving taste for complex narratives.
Paramount is extending its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is also preparing for a proxy fight. Warner's board favors a deal with Netflix. Paramount argues its offer is better for shareholders. The battle for Warner is complex, with different assets being targeted. The outcome could face significant regulatory review. Both Warner and Netflix shares saw minor dips.
Donald Trump's policies are reshaping global dynamics. The United States now views Europe as a rival, potentially weakening transatlantic ties. This shift creates opportunities for China to expand its influence. America is exhibiting tendencies towards resource imperialism, a strategy ill-suited for the 21st century. These developments signal a fundamental turning point in world power structures.
U.S. stocks surged as small caps took the lead. The Russell 2000 jumped 1.25% to 2,731.77, hitting a fresh record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite also advanced. Dow climbed 435.64 points, or 0.89%, to 49,512.87. The S&P 500 advanced 0.70% to 6,924.01, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.03%, finishing at 23,463.04.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized European allies for a slow, fragmented response to Russia's ongoing aggression, urging the continent to become a global force. He lamented that a year after his previous warning, Europe's defense posture remains unchanged, leaving Ukraine vulnerable. Zelenskyy's remarks followed a meeting with U.S. President Trump, who is pushing for a peace settlement.