The Economic Times

King Charles III, then Prince Charles, remarked that disasters often spur action, reflecting frustration with slow, reactive systems. This comment, made during a 2014 flood visit, highlighted how problems are addressed only when crises force a response, rather than through early prevention. The King's long public service has focused on environmental and social causes.

Magha Gupt Navratri, a secretive Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Durga, commences on January 19, 2026. This nine-day observance emphasises silent worship, intense sadhana, and strict rituals, primarily practiced by devotees, sadhaks, and tantriks away from public gatherings. The festival is considered particularly potent for spiritual discipline and inner strength.

Quote of the day by Queen Elizabeth I focuses on the line, The past can not be cured. The quote reflects history, leadership, and responsibility. This explainer shares the quote meaning, Queen Elizabeth Is life, her childhood, education, rule, and other quotes that shaped public memory.

Music composer AR Rahman has issued a clarification after he claimed possible instances of 'communal discrimination' for the last few years in Bollywood. Actor-politician Paresh Rawal has reacted to the controversy and backed AR Rahman, calling him 'our pride'. We love you, sir. You are our pride, wrote Paresh Rawal.

At least eight more countries have been invited to join President Trump's new Board of Peace, intended to oversee Gaza's next steps and potentially expand its global influence. Hungary and Vietnam have accepted invitations, with a $1 billion contribution securing permanent membership. The board aims to facilitate Gaza's reconstruction and disarmament of Hamas.

The world's second-largest economy showed remarkable resilience in 2025, helped by smaller-than-expected U.S. tariff hikes and exporters' push to diversify away from the United States, allowing policymakers to keep stimulus to modest levels.

Maryam Nawaz is facing the backlash of social media users in Pakistan for her outfit choice at her son Junaid Safdar's second marriage. Netizens have accused the Punjab Chief Minister of overshadowing the bride saying that she dressed like a dulhan. On the other hand, the bride Shanzay Ali Rohail also faced the ire of netizens for opting the dresses by Indian designers Sabyasachi Tarun Tahiliani for her wedding and nikah ceremony.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, taught that true wisdom lies within the heart, urging a move beyond material desires to find infinite truth. His verses, preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, advocate for equality, compassion, and truthful living. A profound quote encourages transforming worldly attachments into timeless wisdom, emphasizing inner reflection and spiritual awakening for a life of purpose.

Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi is leading a delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos to attract investments. The team aims to secure funding in key sectors like defence, semiconductors, and renewable energy, showcasing Gujarat's vision for development by 2047 and its growing appeal as an investment hub.

Bangladesh's oldest party, Awami League, says that upcoming elections on February 12 will lack fairness. Leaders allege the Yunus regime banned them undemocratically. They accuse the UN Human Rights body of a biased report on past unrest. The party is documenting recent killings, including of Hindus, for international bodies.

Quote of the day by Epictetus shares a Stoic view on how events come with purpose. The quote explains acceptance, control, and responsibility. It also reflects Epictetus life, teachings, and views on ethics, will, and human conduct.

Greenland tariffs: Trump vowed on Saturday to implement a wave of increasing tariffs from February 1 on EU members Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, along with Britain and Norway, until the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland, a step major EU states decried as blackmail.

A devastating train crash in southern Spain has claimed at least 21 lives. A high-speed train derailed, striking another train. The cause of the accident remains unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident. Many were injured, some critically. Services between Madrid and Andalusia are suspended.

Tell Me Lies Season 3 Episode 4 release time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The episode streams on Hulu on January 20. The season follows Lucy and Stephen as events from the past affect present choices and relationships.

Millions of Americans can now claim a $1,000 stimulus check through Pennsylvanias Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The program, expanded in 2023, helps seniors, widows, and people with disabilities. Applications start in January 2026. Payments are based on income and rent or property taxes paid. Deadline is June 30, 2026.

Reddit down and when will it be back up became a major search topic after users reported problems with the Reddit app and website. Reports began on Sunday evening. Users faced issues with images, videos, and loading. DownDetector recorded thousands of outage reports from the United States.

Landman Season 2 Finale Ending Explained breaks down how Tommy loses M-Tex, starts CTT Oil Exploration and Cattle, saves Cooper from charges, and faces Gallino again. The ending explains the coyote moment, Camis future, and how the finale sets up Landman Season 3.

Idol I Part 5 Episode 9 and 10 release time, schedule and how to watch details the Netflix release dates, global timings, episode count, story progress, cast, recap of Episodes 7 and 8, and what viewers can expect next in the K-drama Idol I.

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.

Donaldolf possesses significant capabilities that should not be overlooked. Beyond material possessions like a mansion, a four-wheeler, and money, Donaldolf demonstrates a capacity for aggression, speed, and effective hunting.

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.