The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
France's government has weathered two no-confidence votes in parliament. This follows a decision to push through budget income without a full parliamentary vote. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will use special constitutional powers again for the expenditure part. This move is expected to trigger more no-confidence motions.
Netflix is preparing to stream one of its boldest live events yet with Skyscraper Live, featuring world-renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold attempting a real-time ascent of a skyscraper without ropes or safety equipment, an event expected to captivate viewers worldwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered a young artist in Thiruvananthapuram. The boy presented a portrait of the Prime Minister. Modi acknowledged such gestures of affection. He stated that detractors often label these expressions as pre-planned or drama. The Prime Minister assured the boy he would write him a letter. He emphasized his commitment to the people's feelings.
A recent Twitter feud between Elon Musk and Michael O'Leary, the head of Ryanair, has sparked a lively discourse on the relevance of WiFi in air travel. While top-tier airlines champion it as a crucial amenity to draw in tech-savvy consumers, O'Leary raises doubts, positing that the added costs of WiFi may not be justified on quick journeys.
Poll bodies worldwide will prioritize clean voter lists and photo IDs for every voter. India's Election Commission offered technology and training support to other nations. This comes as India conducts special revisions of voter lists. The aim is to ensure accurate rolls and transparent elections for all citizens.
A little-known Virginia startup, Daedalus Aviation Corp., secured a $140 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security to provide aircraft for President Trump's increased deportation plans. The company has acquired four Boeing 737-700 jets previously used by Avelo Inc., which discontinued deportation flights due to protests. Daedalus's mission focuses on government-directed missions, shielding it from consumer pressure.
The Karnataka High Court has lifted the ban on bike taxis. This decision allows bike taxi services to resume across the state. Thousands of riders and drivers will benefit from this ruling. Ride-hailing company Uber welcomed the decision. The ruling is expected to improve last-mile connectivity in Karnataka's cities, especially Bengaluru.
Short on time but need protein? These quick dishes are nutrient-dense, filling, and ready in just 10 minutesperfect for busy mornings, post-workout hunger, or lazy evenings.
India vs New Zealand Live Streaming: India aims to extend their series lead against New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur on January 23, 2026, following a commanding 48-run victory. The Men in Blue, leading 1-0, will look to capitalize on home advantage. New Zealand, facing early pressure, is expected to make changes to their lineup to level the series.
Russia is escalating attacks on Ukraine's power grid amid harsh weather. The nation's energy system heavily depends on nuclear power plants. Strikes on substations threaten to cause extensive blackouts. Experts warn of unpredictable consequences if substations near nuclear facilities are hit. Ukraine's energy infrastructure has already suffered significant damage.
Poor posture is silently damaging our health. Virat Kohli's nutritionist, Ryan Fernando, shares simple daily habits that can protect your spine, energy, and focus.
Nissan is selling its South African manufacturing plant in Rosslyn to Chery Automobile. The deal is expected to be finalized by mid-2026, pending approvals. Production of the Navara pickup truck will cease in May. This move is part of Nissan's global restructuring plan. Most affected employees will be offered positions by Chery.
Morgan Freeman, known for his roles in movies Seven, The Shawshank Redemption and The Dark Knight, is one of the critically acclaimed actors in Hollywood. In one of his quotes, the Hollywood star emphasises that one must keep going ahead in life but not quit. The thought means that failure becomes certain the moment you give up.
Security forces engaged in a major operation in Jharkhand's Saranda forest. Sixteen Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire. Patiram Manjhi alias Anal Da, a high-value target, was among those neutralized. The operation involved elite CRPF units and state police. This significant anti-Naxal operation is ongoing as security forces secure the area.
FedEx is set to restructure its French operations. The company plans to cut up to 500 jobs and invest significantly to streamline its network. This overhaul aims to improve efficiency in the competitive French parcel market. Affected employees will be given priority for over 770 new roles created. International operations remain unchanged. A formal consultation process will begin.
Davos WEF meeting: The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to help ensure emerging technologies deliver benefits for society while minimising risks. It was launched by the WEF in 2017.
Sanya Malhotras fashion journey proves one thing clearly: red is not just a color for her but a powerful expression of confidence, tradition, and modern glamour.
India and the EU are set to formalize a Security and Defence Partnership alongside their free trade agreement. This pact shifts the relationship from buyer-seller to a structured industrial partnership, with Europe viewing India as a potential supplier and manufacturing partner. The agreement aims to leverage India's growing defense industrial capabilities to strengthen European military capacity and diversify defense partnerships.
A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has appealed to Eknath Shinde's faction to back Uddhav Thackeray's party candidate for the Mumbai Mayor's post. This call comes amid the power tussle in Maharashtra's civic bodies following recent polls. The leader stated that supporting the UBT candidate would be a fitting tribute to Bal Thackeray in his centenary year.
Linkin Park is set to make its highly anticipated India debut in January 2026 with two concerts in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Band members expressed their long-standing desire to perform for their passionate Indian fanbase, with the tour finally materializing after extensive planning. This marks a significant moment for the band and their followers in the country.
Stylist Chris Wenzel reveals that oily roots and dry ends stem from incorrect hair care, not genetics. He emphasizes thorough scalp cleansing with the right shampoo and application technique. For dryness, a two-step post-wash routine involving lightweight leave-in conditioner and minimal oil on ends seals moisture, restoring hair balance without excessive products.
UK businesses saw their fastest growth since April 2024 in January. However, inflation pressures and job losses are also rising. This mixed picture raises questions about the Bank of England's next move on interest rates. The services sector led the upturn, while manufacturers experienced their best month since August 2024. Optimism among businesses is at its highest since September 2024.
Soldiers marched with precision during the Republic Day parade full dress rehearsal on Kartavya Path. Steady rain and thunder did not deter the troops. Military vehicles and missile systems were showcased. Spectators braved the weather to witness the event. The India Meteorological Department reported significant rainfall across Delhi. This event marked the end of a dry winter spell.
Canadian millionaire Kevin O' Leary has sounded an alarm for job seekers on LinkedIn, saying that if employees don't have a LinkedIn profile, employers consider it a 'red flag'. He warned that employers check the posts, history, and the digital footprint of candidates, highlighting that candidates entire online presence is scrutinised.
Vietnam's top leader To Lam has been reappointed for another five years. He pledged to boost the nation's economy. The party aims for at least 10% annual growth through the decade. Lam wants a system based on integrity and competence. He also seeks to become president. This move signals stability for foreign investors.
India's S-400 air defence system, credited with downing Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, will be showcased for the first time at the Republic Day 2026 parade. The Department of Military Affairs' 'Tri-Services Tableau - Operation Sindoor' will highlight joint military operations and successes. The parade will feature 30 tableaux focusing on themes of self-reliance and national pride.
Raj Thackeray, the head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, recently assured his followers that his flexible approach to politics will always prioritize principles over personal ambitions. This comes on the heels of MNS councilors rendering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli area.
Jairam Ramesh has filed a Supreme Court petition against retrospective environmental clearances. He stated these clearances are unlawful and harm public health. Ramesh believes they allow willful defaulters an easy way out. He was encouraged by a recent Supreme Court review on Aravallis. The Congress leader urged the court to take suo motu action on environmental matters.
Silver rate today: The All India Jewellers & Goldsmith Federation has alerted the Finance Minister about potential insider trading in silver derivatives on MCX, citing a significant price discrepancy attributed to import duty hike rumors. MCX attributes volatility to geopolitical events and local fundamentals, emphasizing its robust surveillance.
A major train accident was narrowly averted in Jharkhand's Deoghar district when the GondaAsansol Express collided with a truck at an open railway crossing. The incident injured two bikers and disrupted rail services for two hours. A committee has been formed to investigate the cause, with action promised against those responsible.
A Korean family's visit to Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat offered a profound lesson. Children observed and participated in the manual washing of clothes. This experience highlighted the value of hard work and the dignity of labor. The video shared online garnered widespread appreciation for the parents' approach to teaching their children.
India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, warns that global tensions mirror pre-WWII, with blurred lines between war and peace and technology dictating outcomes. He highlights the threat of cognitive colonialism, where external powers manipulate intellectual and psychological domains through advanced technologies, urging India to embrace independent thinking and its own strategic traditions.
World Economic Forum 2026: Godrej Industries is on the lookout for strategic acquisitions within the consumer goods and animal nutrition sectors. This Indian titan remains undeterred by the sky-high valuations of emerging startups. Recently, Godrej Consumer Products added a mens grooming line to its portfolio. Meanwhile, the group's food and agribusiness arm is on a quest to tap into the animal feed market.
Indore water contamination deaths: Most of those affected are children, officials said. Medical examinations revealed jaundice-like symptoms among patients, raising concerns over the quality of drinking water supplied to the area.
Rabbi Abraham Twerski argued that much of what we call love is actually 'fish love' a selfish pursuit of personal gratification rather than genuine affection. True love, he explained, stems from giving and sacrifice, investing oneself in another, and fostering a connection through responsibility and care, not mere desire.
Swedish telecom giant Ericsson plans further job cuts. CEO Borje Ekholm confirmed headcount reductions are ongoing. This follows a previous cut of 5,000 jobs and a planned 1,600 in Sweden. These cost-saving efforts aim to maintain profitability. The company is navigating a slow 5G market. Further workforce adjustments are anticipated.
This Republic Day, celebrate courage, sacrifice, and national pride from home. These powerful OTT films capture patriotism through gripping stories, unforgettable performances, and moments that stir the Indian spirit.
The Supreme Court directed a Jharkhand lawyer to apologize unconditionally to the high court in a contempt case stemming from a viral courtroom exchange. The lawyer allegedly told a judge, Don't cross the limit. The top court asked the high court to consider the apology sympathetically, disposing of the lawyer's petition.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will not attend a crucial party meeting before the Kerala assembly elections. This decision has led to sharp criticism from within his own party. A senior Congress leader questioned Tharoor's relevance, stating that only relevant people would be present. This incident highlights internal discord as the party gears up for the upcoming electoral battle.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh met with top executives from Blackstone and Brookfield Asset Management at the World Economic Forum 2026. He presented significant investment prospects in areas like commercial real estate, renewable energy, and data centres. These engagements signal Andhra Pradesh's growing appeal to global investors seeking substantial and sustainable returns.
Union Budget 2026: India's demographic dividend offers a unique advantage, but job creation remains a critical challenge. The upcoming budget must focus on sustainable employment generation, particularly by shifting workers from agriculture to manufacturing and high-growth service sectors. Targeted interventions in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and IT, alongside MSME support, are crucial for unlocking India's growth potential and achieving Viksit Bharat.
Spain has refused to join a new peace initiative by US President Donald Trump. The Spanish Prime Minister stated the decision aligns with Spain's commitment to international law and the United Nations. Many traditional US allies are also absent from the board. Israel and several Middle Eastern nations have joined. The initiative aims to broker ceasefires and coordinate rebuilding efforts.
Nipah virus outbreak: As many as 100 people have sent to quarantine in West Bengal to contain the spread of the deadly Nipah virus in the state. Five people have been infected, and the two nurses remain in critical condition. The Nipah virus is zoonotic, spreading between animals and people, and there is no treatment and vaccine for the infection.

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