The Economic Times

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned member states that the United Nations faces an imminent financial collapse due to unpaid dues and rigid budget rules, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

S&P 500 Dow Nasdaq January performance: US stocks ended lower Friday, with tech shares under pressure. Investors reacted positively to President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, boosting the dollar and Treasury yields. Gold and silver prices crashed after a year-long rally, with silver experiencing its worst day on record. Despite volatility, major indexes finished January higher.

Kevin Warsh has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the next chair of the US Federal Reserve and faces an early test as he seeks to deliver on promises of major policy change. Warsh has pledged to shrink the Feds balance sheet and argued that artificial intelligencedriven productivity gains will keep inflation low, creating room for lower interest rates. After three rate cuts late last year, the Fed paused in January amid persistent inflation and a steady labour market, with markets not

Jeffrey Epstein Steve Tisch emails: Newly revealed Epstein Files expose Jeffrey Epstein's role as a facilitator for New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, connecting him with multiple women in 2013. Emails detail Epstein's candid commentary on these women, with Tisch actively engaging in the discussions. The exchanges, released by the DOJ, offer a glimpse into their communications.

The Euro zone economy showed surprising strength at the end of last year. Growth exceeded expectations, defying trade tensions. Countries like Spain and Germany performed well. Inflation is stable, aligning with the European Central Bank's target. This economic resilience offers a positive outlook for the region's financial stability.

Elon Musk Epstein emails: New emails show Jeffrey Epstein invited Elon Musk to his island in 2012 and 2014. Musk discussed potential visits and party plans. Epstein also sought SolarCity's help for his properties. Musk has stated he declined invitations and has not been accused of wrongdoing. The emails are part of over three million documents released by the Justice Department.

Gold silver prices: Silver's dramatic surge has pushed the gold-to-silver ratio to multi-year lows, significantly outperforming gold. This shift is attributed to broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties, coupled with robust industrial demand for silver. Analysts suggest this trend could continue, though individual investment decisions require careful consideration of risk.

Why are US stocks falling down and who are biggest losers and gainers? US stocks closed lower as investors reacted to President Donald Trumps Federal Reserve nominee, inflation data, and a sharp fall in gold and silver prices, while select tech and consumer stocks limited losses.

Trump Epstein: New documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have surfaced. These files include a victim's complaint naming television host Robin Leach. The complaint alleges Leach's involvement in a sex party with Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. Another allegation claims Leach was seen strangling a young girl. No charges were filed against Leach. He died before Epstein's indictment.

Why are gold and silver witnessing one of the steepest daily drops ever in history and will they bounce back or continue to fall sharply is now a key market question as prices crash. A stronger dollar, Federal Reserve clarity, and shifting geopolitical risks triggered the sharp fall.

US dollar biggest one-day gain: The US dollar saw a significant surge on Friday, its biggest one-day gain since July. This rally followed a sharp decline in gold and silver prices, which impacted currencies globally. The nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve also played a role. Commodity-linked currencies experienced notable drops as precious metals prices tumbled.

Why is silver price down by 31% and will it slump below $79 or make a comeback? Silver prices fell sharply after a stronger US dollar and a gold sell-off followed the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, easing fears over central bank independence.

Catherine OHara cause of death: Beloved actress Catherine OHara has passed away at 71. Emergency services responded to a medical situation at her Los Angeles residence early Friday. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead hours later. Her agency stated she died after a brief illness. OHara was celebrated for her iconic roles in Schitts Creek and Home Alone.

A job seeker's year-long quest for a Finance Analyst position ended successfully. He applied to 250 jobs and sent 550 cold emails. His strategy involved tailored applications and contacting multiple people at companies. Crucially, he used LinkedIn Premium for cold outreach. This approach led to interviews and ultimately, an offer. His journey highlights the power of persistence.

Why is gold price nosediving by over 12% and will it go below $4,724 or rise again? Gold prices fell after the U.S. dollar strengthened following Kevin Warshs Federal Reserve nomination. Reduced safe-haven demand triggered heavy selling. Citi expects some risks to fade in 2026, keeping gold volatile around key levels.

The US Justice Department has released new Epstein files under a transparency law. Millions of records were shared online. The data includes documents, videos, and images linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some details were removed to protect victims. The move aims to increase public trust and show what officials knew earlier.

Tamil Nadu Congress is set to resume seat-sharing talks with ally DMK within a week, following a positive meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Kanimozhi. The Congress expects to secure its desired number of seats for the upcoming state election. This comes after recent sharp comments from a DMK MLA against the Congress.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is seeking micro DNA testing to resolve the controversy over alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirupati laddoos. The opposition YSRCP claims a moral victory after the SIT's chargesheet did not find animal lard, while the TTD chairman accuses the YSRCP of politicizing the issue and misleading devotees.

Whirlpool Corporation has halted plans to sell more shares in its Indian business. The company will now look for different ways to lower its debt. This comes after Whirlpool previously sold a portion of its stake in November. The US parent company is comfortable with its current ownership level in India. It aims to reduce debt by $400 million.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed praise for Rahul Gandhi, calling him a sincere person and a strong voice against communalism. This comes after Tharoor met with Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, signaling a resolution of differences. Tharoor also affirmed his commitment to the Congress and his role as a campaigner for the UDF in upcoming polls.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has blocked servers and promotional channels linked to the 'Wingo' app, identifying it as a 'telecom mule' platform. The app was allegedly used to send fraudulent SMS messages from users' phones without consent. Citizens are warned against downloading or using such applications.

Receiving a job offer that is below expectations can be both confusing and frustrating, even when the organization is prestigious. A Redditor shared their experience of receiving an offer $15,000 lower than anticipated from a Big 4 firm, at the bottom of the mentioned salary range. While the position offered completely remote work and slightly better benefits, the salary matched their current salary.

Lakshmi stands serene as elephants pour water over her. Water is not merely a decorative motif; it symbolises the monsoon. The elephants represent the return of movement, the restoration of economic life. The image is a visual metaphor: prosperity arrives when you have the strength and capability to navigate the monsoon of life, to rebuild paths and to reconnect markets. The elephants are not servants; they are partners in wealth creation.

A 27-year-old professional's Reddit post about his BS job sparked a debate on career comfort versus growth. While enjoying a low-stress, remote role, he questioned stagnation. The consensus advised leveraging job stability to acquire new skills and discreetly search for better opportunities, rather than quitting impulsively.

Catherine OHara: Beloved actress Catherine OHara, celebrated for her unforgettable roles over five decades, has passed away at 71 after a brief illness. Known for iconic performances in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, and her Emmy-winning turn as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, O'Hara left an indelible mark on comedy. Her manager confirmed her death, with details of the cause remaining undisclosed.

Sunetra Pawar is set to become the new Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The NCP legislative party will vote for her leadership on Saturday. Leaders met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to propose her name. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening. Discussions are ongoing regarding Ajit Pawar's former portfolios.

The Supreme Court has declared menstrual health a fundamental right under Article 21, mandating free biodegradable sanitary pads for girl students in all schools. States and UTs must also ensure functional, gender-segregated toilets with water and soap, and establish menstrual hygiene management corners. This ruling aims to uphold the dignity and right to education for adolescent girls.

The two NCP factions are unlikely to merge soon. A powerful section wants Sunetra Pawar to strengthen her hold before any merger. The Sharad Pawar faction pushed for a quick merger. A merger now could mean Sharad Pawar controls party affairs. This is not acceptable to the Sunetra Pawar camp.

Arab foreign ministers met in Delhi to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a two-state solution and Gaza reconstruction on the agenda. Palestine's foreign minister suggested India could mediate, citing New Delhi's support and clear stance on international law. The meeting also addressed economic ties and the US President's peace board.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted no infiltration occurred during the past decade of BJP governance in Assam. He promised to detect and expel all infiltrators within the next five years. Shah highlighted the BJP's commitment to securing Assam from illegal entry. He urged voters to support the BJP for continued safety and development.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he planned to speak with Iran, even as the U.S. sent another warship to the Middle East and the Pentagon chief said the military would be ready to carry out whatever the president decided. U.S.-Iranian tensions have soared in recent weeks after a bloody crackdown on protests across Iran by its clerical authorities.

Positive news on government financesby December, the fiscal deficit has shrunk to 54.5% of its annual goal. This achievement is primarily driven by robust net tax collections and a healthy increase in total receipts. Meanwhile, revenue expenditure has been kept in check, and capital investments have surged.

The Election Commission of India has directed that all hearings and document uploads must be completed within the next seven days. This follows a ten-day window given by the Supreme Court for document submission. Pending notices are to be generated by Saturday 5 PM. Proof of service for outstanding notices must be uploaded by BLOs by February 1.

Canyon Middle School in New Braunfels went into lockdown after a reported threat caused panic among students and parents. Police rushed to the campus and secured the area. Later, officials found the threat came from a fake spoofed phone call. No one was hurt. The case shows the growing problem of hoax school threats.

With high US tariffs hopefully behind us, India's net FDI inflows are set to surge. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran predicts a promising rise in private investment for FY25. The upcoming free trade agreements are anticipated to greatly enhance merchandise exports. Emphasizing growth, the idea of an 'entrepreneurial state' promotes decisions that prioritize tangible development outcomes.

Government expenditure saw a nearly 4% increase compared to the previous year, resulting in a deficit of 12.7 trillion ($1.8 trillion). This figure represents the difference between government spending and its revenue, according to calculations by Bloomberg based on data released by the Ministry of Finance on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial aid for families affected by a tragic warehouse fire in Anandapur, West Bengal. The incident claimed 25 lives and left many missing. The state government also offered compensation. The West Bengal Governor visited the site, highlighting critical fire safety concerns. Political parties have raised questions regarding the incident and accountability.

Johnny Depp, a versatile actor known for his eccentric roles, champions self-acceptance and courage with his quote, 'It's okay to be different.' This message encourages embracing individuality and resisting societal pressures. Depp's career and personal journey exemplify the celebration of unique identities, inspiring millions to see difference not as a flaw, but as a strength.

Obsequious, refers to behavior that is signified by excessive obedience, flattery, or submissiveness, mainly toward someone in a position of authority. Rather than showing genuine respect, obsequious conduct often feels forced or insincere, driven by a desire to gain approval or favor. The term is commonly used to explain social and professional situations where power imbalances exist, such as workplaces or hierarchical settings.

IRS refund delays 2026: Americans filing taxes this year face potential delays as the IRS braces for a possible government shutdown. Funding talks have stalled, primarily over the Department of Homeland Security budget. A shutdown could disrupt processing, refund issuance, and customer support, even though the April 15 deadline remains. This marks an unprecedented challenge for the tax agency.

A high-performing HR employee was disciplined for taking sick days due to the flu and pneumonia, despite having a strong attendance record. Her employer's rigid policies led to a $14,000 severance payout and a lesson in labor laws after she was hospitalized and denied return to work without excessive documentation.

A Reddit employee shared how his strategy job slowly turned into random work. The CEO kept delaying real planning talks and gave him extra tasks outside his role. Feeling stuck and worried about his CV, he started planning a careful exit. The story highlights job role confusion, poor leadership, and the risks of staying too long in unclear roles.

Quote of the day by JP Morgan highlights views on money, credit, and value. The quote explains why gold held importance in financial systems. This explainer shares the meaning of the quote, the background of J.P. Morgan, and why the quote still matters today.