The Economic Times

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The US operation in Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro mark a shift from argument-first diplomacy to enforcement-first statecraft. The choreography of international law now trails the action rather than framing it. The message is blunt: power needn't wait for permission.

Davos is buzzing as India takes center stage, presenting itself as a beacon for investors looking for assurance in a tumultuous global economy. Spearheaded by influential CEOs and key ministers, the Indian delegation is set to drive home the message of the nations resilience and growth prospects.

India's ancient Aravalli mountain range faces severe land degradation due to encroachments, deforestation, and illegal mining, impacting its ecological functions. A new study proposes an integrated approach, treating the ecosystem and its inhabitants as a unit, to restore the landscape through targeted interventions and community collaboration.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda is working on a solution for the pharmaceutical industry. Drug regulator and department of pharmaceuticals are tasked with finding relief from strict Schedule M compliance. Pharma lobby groups are seeking an extension for implementation.

Himachal Pradesh is planning two new satellite townships, one near Chandigarh and another near Kangra, to create economic hubs with high-rise residential and retail spaces. The government aims to develop these on the pattern of Gurugram and Noida, utilizing a land-pooling model for private developers. These projects are expected to boost the state's economy.

India will conduct a nationwide survey on urban slums in 2027. This survey will gather detailed information on living conditions in these settlements. It will assess the number of slums and households, and access to basic facilities like electricity, drainage, and water.

Indian business confidence is surging. The CII Business Confidence Index hit a five-quarter high. Strong domestic demand and a robust reform agenda are fueling optimism. Businesses expect growth to strengthen. Investment and hiring intentions remain robust. India is poised to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Weather Today: Two Western Disturbances are set to impact north and northwest India this week, bringing rain, snowfall, thunderstorms, and dense fog. Cold wave conditions are also gripping several regions, with Amritsar recording the lowest temperature. The Northeast Monsoon is expected to withdraw from southern states within 48 hours.

Venezuelans are struggling with soaring prices and a deepening economic crisis following the U.S. military raid that removed Nicols Maduro. With the bolivar rapidly devaluing and the dollar's unofficial rate spiking, basic groceries are becoming unaffordable for many, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian situation.

A World Bank report reveals one million premature deaths annually in the Indo-Gangetic plains and Himalayan foothills due to air pollution. The Congress party highlights these findings, urging the Modi government to address the deepening health crisis.

Syrian President al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire and integration deal with Kurdish-led forces after government troops advanced across northern and eastern Syria. The agreement follows months of stalled negotiations and deadly clashes, marking a blow to Kurdish autonomy. The deal includes integrating Kurdish forces into state ministries and the handover of key provinces and oil fields to Damascus.

A Booth Level Officer in South 24 Parganas district has been hospitalised following a brain stroke. Mehboob Rehman Mollah, a BLO from Mathurapur block, experienced physical discomfort on Saturday night. He was initially taken to Diamond Harbour Hospital. Subsequently, he was referred to a city hospital for further treatment.

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China's rare-earth product exports saw a slight dip in December, falling to 6,745 tons from 6,958 tons in November. This decline occurs amid heightened tensions with Japan, following China's announcement of controls on shipments to the country, potentially impacting high-tech and military applications.

The Election Commission of India is preparing for the next phase of electoral roll revisions. This intensive exercise requires careful scheduling to avoid clashes with the upcoming Census and school examinations. Booth Level Officers, often government teachers, are crucial for this process.

Amid heightened tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reached out to his coalition partners, expressing deep concerns about the US-backed Gaza Executive Board that includes Turkey's foreign minister. Netanyahu's administration labeled the board's formation as unconsulted and at odds with Israel's foreign policy, prompting an urgent dialogue with the US Secretary of State.

Seven Army soldiers were injured in a fierce encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar district on Sunday. The exchange of fire began during a search operation in Sonnar village. Reinforcements were rushed to the area as the operation continued. A Jaish-e-Muhammad group is believed to be trapped. Security forces are engaged in ongoing counter-terror operations against infiltrators.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) continues to maintain its primary organizational base in Hyderabad and Telangana. The party has a significant presence in the city with seven Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), two Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), 67 municipal corporators, and 70 councillors.

The appointment of a BJP mayor in Mumbai is stalled. Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction seeks key posts, including the mayor and standing committee chairman. Shinde's corporators are reportedly gathered for a workshop. The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena is attempting to gain support. BJP states no proposal has been received. The final decision rests with the BJP's parliamentary board.

Security forces neutralised two more Maoist cadres in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Sunday. This follows the killing of four Maoists during the same operation on Saturday. The exchange of fire occurred in the forested hills of the district's north-western region. Six weapons were seized from the encounter sites. Search operations are continuing in the area.

South Korea is seeking favorable terms for United States tariffs on memory chip imports. The country previously secured an agreement ensuring it would not face unfavorable treatment compared to competitors. South Korea's trade minister stated that U.S. tariffs on some advanced computing chips will have a limited impact.

During a recent rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on the diminishing presence of the Congress party in Maharashtra and Bihar, suggesting that Assam could follow suit. He underscored the country's shift away from negativity in politics, advocating for progress and efficient leadership instead. Modi lauded the BJP's increasing authority and success nationwide, even in southern territories.

Afghanistan was hit by several earthquakes recently. A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck on Sunday evening, January 18, 2026. Earlier that day, a 4.1 magnitude tremor was recorded. These follow a 4.2 magnitude quake on January 15. Afghanistan is prone to seismic activity due to its location.

A reconstitution of the party's national organisational team is expected soon, with a focus on younger leaders, sources said. Most new office-bearers are likely to be under 55, with fresh faces from state units projected to occupy key national roles. The overhaul is being seen as a long-term strategic move ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, aimed at strengthening mobilisation, organisational depth, and political messaging.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged West Bengal to embrace 'real change' by voting for the BJP. He highlighted a development agenda, promising good governance, industry, and central schemes. Modi stated the BJP government will address infiltrators and improve law and order. He inaugurated projects worth 830 crore, focusing on infrastructure and transport to boost the state's potential.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. He leads a delegation and has 36 engagements planned. These include meetings with global CEOs, government officials, and diaspora programs. Naidu will address sessions on AI, industrial transformation, and the global economy.

Rudyard Kiplings iconic poem If offers timeless wisdom on how to remain composed in the face of chaos. The opening lines underline the quiet strength found in staying calm when others panic or place blame. This enduring message highlights the value of emotional discipline, self-belief, and resilience when navigating the pressures of everyday life.

January new moon horoscope points to fresh beginnings as planets align at the start of 2026. The January new moon horoscope points to a phase of change, with multiple planets positioned across contrasting zodiac signs.

Over 4.52 crore devotees performed a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela. The event saw a brief disruption when Jyotirpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was stopped from proceeding to the Sangam, sparking a demand for a probe from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

January new moon brings darker skies and prime stargazing conditions across hemispheres. A new moon takes place when the Sun and Moon align closely in the sky, occupying the same celestial longitude.

Gautam Buddh Nagar schools will operate from 10 AM to 3 PM starting January 19, 2026. This change is due to dense fog and severe cold. Visibility across the National Capital remains poor. Authorities urge citizens to limit outdoor activities and follow health advisories. Air quality measures have also been escalated across Delhi and NCR.

Russian attacks have crippled Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving many without power. Ukrainian officials report casualties from these strikes. Meanwhile, Ukraine is engaged in talks with the United States, seeking support for a peace settlement. These discussions aim to finalize proposals for postwar security and economic recovery. Drones also struck Russian territory, causing injuries and evacuations.

A Mumbai comedian narrowly avoided an e-challan scam, highlighting how fraudsters use convincing fake websites and official-looking messages. The scam redirected users to a fake portal mimicking the government's, designed to steal card details. This incident serves as a stark reminder to always verify official communications and website domains.

Is the U.S. stock market open on MLK Day 2026? Will NYSE and Nasdaq trade on Jan. 19. Wall Street stays dark all through Jan. 19. This means no pre-market or after-hours sessions for stocks. The U.S. Treasury market is also fully closed. Expect a return to regular liquidity on Tuesday morning. If you hold options or futures, check specific broker hours, as some contracts may trade on shortened electronic schedules.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma travels to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. He will represent Assam before global leaders and industrialists. Sarma will highlight governance reforms, industrial growth plans, and technology-driven development. This marks the first time Assam represents India at the WEF. The Chief Minister aims to attract investment and discuss key development initiatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project in Assam, a Rs 7,000 crore initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and safeguarding wildlife. The project includes a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor to ensure safe passage for animals while improving traffic flow. Modi also launched three new train services, emphasizing the government's commitment to developing the Northeast.

The Thought of the day by Sabrina Carpenter defines a philosophy shaped by growth, reinvention and self-belief. In defining confidence as beauty, Carpenter offers a perspective that extends beyond celebrity.

India has reportedly received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a new 'Board of Peace' focused on Gaza. This initiative aims for a more agile approach to resolving global conflicts. While Hungary has accepted, other nations are responding cautiously. The board, potentially chaired by Trump, could expand its scope after addressing the Gaza situation.

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Germany and its European allies will not yield to pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump announced new tariffs to force Europe's hand in the Greenland dispute. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that while Germany seeks common solutions with the US, it will not accept blackmail.

Karnataka's delegation is heading to Davos for the World Economic Forum 2026. Minister M B Patil leads the team with a focus on turning investment plans into actual projects. They will attend over 45 high-level meetings to attract global investors. The state aims to showcase its readiness for manufacturing, renewable energy, and data centres.