The Economic Times

Quote of the Day: Bob Dylan's powerful words highlight a timeless human tendency. People often choose convenience over conviction, leading to regret. This observation is central to Dylan's enduring legacy as a keen observer of life. His career itself often defied expectations, showcasing a commitment to his own path. The quote invites introspection without judgment.

Quote of the day by Harrison Ford: Hollywood legend Harrison Ford's words encourage embracing your unique journey. He stresses the importance of self-direction, urging individuals to follow their own path. Ford, known for iconic roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, shares wisdom gained from a celebrated career.

A big AI fight has started after Anthropic accused some Chinese tech companies of secretly using its AI system to learn and improve their own tools. The issue is about data copying, fake accounts, and a method called distillation. This case shows how fast the global AI race is growing and why security worries are increasing.

European officials sought clarity after Donald Trump announced a 15% global import tariff, prompting the European Parliament to pause ratification of the US-EU trade deal. The new rate, potentially breaching agreed caps, follows a Supreme Court ruling, raising uncertainty for Europe and pressure on the US economy.

Scientists have detected a plume of lithium pollution in Earths upper atmosphere and traced it to the re-entry of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage. Using advanced LIDAR technology, researchers observed a rapid spike in lithium almost 100 kilometres above Earth, about ten times higher than normal levels. Atmospheric modelling connected the plume directly to the rockets uncontrolled descent over the Atlantic Ocean.

Anthropic AI cybersecurity stocks crash today: Cybersecurity stocks tumbled Monday as investors reacted to Anthropic's new AI tool, Claude Code Security, fearing disruption to traditional business models. While executives like CrowdStrike's CEO pushed back, emphasizing the need for battle-tested platforms, the market remains concerned about AI's impact on code scanning and security workflows.

Kazakhstan, a major uranium producer, will supply a significant amount of uranium to India. This new contract will fuel India's nuclear power plants. The agreement follows recent discussions between Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom and India's Department of Atomic Energy. India and Kazakhstan have a history of uranium supply deals. This development strengthens energy cooperation between the two nations.

After a 40-day pursuit and six encounters, the Army eliminated three terrorists, including Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah, concluding the threat from a seven-member group active in Chenab Valley since May 2024. The operation, which involved an army dog and faced challenging terrain, resulted in the deaths of all seven militants responsible for killing nine Army personnel.

Hillhouse Investment has bought a minority stake in Quest Global, an engineering services firm. The deal value was not disclosed. Quest Global operates globally with over 21,000 employees. This investment is part of the company's pre-IPO fundraising. Quest Global is also considering moving its parent entity to India for a potential listing on Indian stock exchanges.

India has launched its first national counter-terrorism policy, PRAHAAR. This policy establishes a structured, intelligence-led framework to prevent and combat terrorism. It emphasizes prevention, swift response, and agency coordination. The strategy is proactive and intelligence-guided, focusing on curbing terror financing, dismantling networks, and countering online threats. It also addresses emerging risks like drones and cyber-attacks, reinforcing protection for critical infrastructure.

Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson was arrested by British police in a serious misconduct case. The investigation is linked to his past connection with Jeffrey Epstein and claims of sharing sensitive information. The arrest comes after emails revealed their close ties, making the issue a major political controversy in the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel this week will see the renewal of a key security pact. This comes amid shifting geopolitical landscapes in West Asia. India and Israel are strengthening ties, building on existing cooperation. The visit also follows recent defense pacts with the UAE.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal calls for top quality from manufacturers. This is crucial for India to become a developed economy. New free trade agreements with 38 developed nations will open global markets. Indian products must meet the highest global standards. This will help achieve export targets and build Brand India.

Gilead will pay $115 per share in cash at the deal's closing, which is at a premium of 79% to the stock's last close. Kite Pharma, a unit ?of Gilead Sciences, was partnering with Arcellx ?to jointly develop and sell anito-cel, an experimental CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Word of the Day: Life's moments of confusion, where understanding eludes us, are termed 'perplexity'. This state, stemming from the Latin for 'entangled', isn't always negative. It can spark curiosity, drive deeper thinking, and ultimately lead to growth and clarity, urging us to engage with challenges rather than avoid them.

In Zaporizhzhia, a drone attack on industrial facilities killed a 33-year-old man and wounded another, according to regional chief Ivan Fedorov. The city, a major industrial hub near the front line, faces regular strikes as Russian forces intensify pressure on Ukraine's southeast. Further north, a missile hit Kharkiv's Kholodnogirsky district, mayor Igor Terekhov said early Monday.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has strongly criticized AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami. Stalin accused Palaniswami of mortgaging and selling the AIADMK to the BJP for personal gain. Palaniswami responded by questioning Stalin's grandfather's past alliances with the BJP. The exchange highlights a heated political debate between the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK.

Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said Sunday. He had a $15 million US bounty on his head.

PayPal shares rose after news that some buyers may want to purchase the company. Interest came after the stock fell a lot in recent years. The company is also facing slow growth, strong competition, and lower customer spending. Leadership changes and weak future profit outlook have added to investor worries about the companys long-term performance.

Tamil Nadu's final electoral roll reveals 5.67 crore voters, a significant drop from previous figures. Notably, women now outnumber men, and the state has welcomed over 12.5 lakh first-time voters. This revision saw substantial deletions, primarily due to absent or shifted electors, with urban areas experiencing the highest purge rates.

Maharashtras next Rajya Sabha poll is emerging as a high-stakes battle for the Maha Vikas Aghadis cohesion. All eyes are on Sharad Pawar, whose call on contesting may be the deciding factor in the oppositions bid for a seat.

New York City is grappling with a powerful winter storm, causing widespread disruptions. Public schools are closed, and transit services face significant delays and route changes. Over a thousand flights have been cancelled at major airports. Postal services are suspended, and delivery operations like DoorDash have paused. Residents are urged to stay home as the city digs out.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued an open letter to the people of West Bengal, vowing to usher in a transformative chapter for the state. He promises to eradicate fear, curb corruption, and put an end to misgovernance. Modi also emphasizes enhanced safety for women and expanded employment opportunities.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh government's decision. A one-member committee will review administrative lapses concerning the Tirumala laddu controversy. The court found no overlap with the ongoing criminal proceedings. Both processes will continue strictly as per law. The SIT has completed its investigation and filed its report.

Word of the day: Over 170,000 English words exist today. Yet hornswoggle is trending in vocabulary searches. The hornswoggle meaning is simple. It means to trick or deceive someone. Pronunciation: HORN-swog-uhl. The word dates back to 19th-century American English. Writers use it for strong impact. Learning rare verbs improves communication skills and credibility. Add this Word of the Day to grow vocabulary smartly and naturally.

The Election Commission of India will provide daily updates to the Calcutta High Court. These reports will detail cases resolved by over 200 judicial officers. A new portal has been launched for this purpose. Judicial officers have received training and login credentials. They are now actively working on case adjudication. This initiative aims to streamline the disposal of cases.

Emily Dickinson's quote, Forever, is composed of Nows, emphasises that the present moment shapes our future. This timeless wisdom encourages mindfulness, urging us to value each day and act with intention. By focusing on today's actions and experiences, we build a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Gold overtakes US dollar as reserve asset: Gold is now the world's top reserve asset, surpassing the US dollar. Central banks are increasingly buying gold for stability amid global uncertainty. Emerging economies, including China and India, are leading this trend as they reduce reliance on the US dollar. This shift highlights gold's growing importance as a strategic global financial asset.

The Supreme Court has ordered ministries to develop a plan for relocating coal-based industries from the Delhi-National Capital Region. Neighboring states will seek public input on phasing out these industries. The court also mandated an examination of alternative fuel sources.

Should you take a $50,000 pay cut for better benefits and work-life balance? Health insurance for families now tops $23,000 a year. That changes everything. Many professionals are asking if they should take a $50,000 pay cut for real employee benefits and work-life balance. A $150K salary with no health insurance, no 401(k) match, and 60-hour weeks shrinks fast. A $100K job with benefits, PTO, and retirement match may deliver stronger total compensation and long-term financial security.

The apex court issued a notice to WhatsApp and its parent Meta Platforms on a plea for imposing a five-year ban on advertisements on WhatsApp, following a recommendation by the CCI .

Aretha Franklins quote, Sometimes, what you're looking for is already there, reminds us that fulfillment, clarity, and solutions may exist quietly in our lives, waiting to be recognized. Franklins insight encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and gratitude, emphasizing that happiness or success is often closer than we think. By appreciating what we already have, our skills, relationships, or opportunities we can navigate challenges with confidence.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana vowed to fill seats with former lawmakers if the opposition boycotts Prime Minister Modi's address, a move tied to the Supreme Court President's exclusion. Opposition leader Yair Lapid insists on protocol, warning of embarrassment for India and Israel. This political standoff highlights Israel's deep judicial overhaul divisions.

West Indies surged to the top of the Super 8 standings with a dominant win over Zimbabwe, boosting their Net Run Rate. India, however, stumbled against South Africa, facing a must-win scenario in upcoming matches to keep semi-final hopes alive and improve their NRR.

Novo Nordisk shares have fallen sharply. Their new obesity drug, CagriSema, did not meet expectations in trials. This setback affects future sales and market position. Eli Lilly's shares saw a rise. Investors are watching competition in the weight-loss drug market closely. Novo's stock is back to levels seen before Wegovy's success.

Israel is poised to issue a disarmament ultimatum to Hamas in Gaza, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. If Hamas rejects the terms, Israeli forces are expected to move in and take over the enclave. Washington is said to support this potential escalation, while foreign forces stationed nearby may pull out soon.

Professor Omar Yaghi, a 2025 Nobel Prize-winning chemist, has developed a revolutionary machine that extracts drinking water directly from the air. Using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), highly porous materials created via reticular chemistry, the device captures water molecules even in low humidity. Powered only by sunlight or low-grade thermal energy, it functions off-grid, generating up to 1,000 liters of clean water everyday.

Why gold and silver prices are rising while platinum and copper fall: Gold and silver prices are skyrocketing as gold hit $5,230.70, gaining 2.95% today. This surge follows a Dow Jones crash of 814 points triggered by 15% global tariffs. Investors are fleeing stocks for safety. Silver prices jumped 5.66% to $87.00 on massive industrial deficits. Meanwhile, copper and platinum fell nearly 1%. Markets now prioritize precious metals as the ultimate 2026 recession hedge.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath secured investment proposals worth Rs 19,877 crore from Singapore companies for industrial and digital infrastructure. These projects, including data centers and renewable energy, are expected to create over 20,000 jobs and boost the state's economy. Agreements also focus on skill development through a partnership with ITE Education Services.

Reddit Story: A 70-year-old manager with more than five decades of service was dismissed without severance after his company was acquired. Placed on a Performance Improvement Plan for issues reportedly outside his direct control, his termination has sparked debate about corporate loyalty and potential age discrimination.

Hobbledehoy is a whimsical English word used to describe a gangly, awkward adolescent, usually a teenage boy. Originating from Middle English, it combines hobelen, meaning clumsy movement, and hoy, a young lad. The word spots the unique physical and social awkwardness of adolescence, providing a humorous yet endearing perspective on teenage growth.

A powerful nor'easter has dumped over 15 inches of snow in New York City and more than 22 inches on Long Island, leading to widespread travel disruptions and power outages. Blizzard warnings are in effect across the Northeast, with millions facing near-impossible travel conditions and significant flight cancellations.

Quote of the day by Jack Nicholson: Jack Nicholson's wisdom on leisure highlights its crucial role in mental well-being, often overlooked in our fast-paced world. His insights, supported by psychological research, emphasize that rest isn't idleness but a vital component for creativity and preventing burnout.