The Economic Times

The Bombay High Court has put on hold the Thane district collector's decisions regarding alliances in the Ambernath Municipal Council. Judges humorously described the shifting loyalties of NCP members as 'globe-trotting'. The court has directed the collector to hold a hearing for all parties involved. This ensures a fair process before any new alliances are recognized or derecognized.

Calls are growing louder for the European Union to deploy its powerful anti-coercion instrument in response to US President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs in the standoff over Greenland. The anti-coercion instrument is our economic nuclear weapon, she said.

US President Donald Trump's trade threats have created a crisis for European Union trade deals. EU lawmakers are now preparing to retaliate against the US. This situation highlights the wisdom of India's careful trade negotiations. India avoided rushing into agreements, prioritising its national interests. This approach has preserved India's strategic options and negotiating strength.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Election Commission in West Bengal to display names of voters on the logical discrepancies list at local government offices. This list includes 1.25 crore voters with potential issues like parent name mismatches or age discrepancies. Affected individuals will be allowed to submit documents or objections at these designated locations.

In a shocking turn of events, southern Spain witnessed a catastrophic train crash late Sunday evening when two high-speed passenger trains collided near Adamuz, Cordoba province. The incident has resulted in a grim tally of at least 39 deaths and more than 120 injuries, with many passengers suffering severe wounds.

Scientists have identified a rare natural sugar, tagatose, that offers a healthier alternative to regular sugar with fewer calories and minimal impact on insulin levels. A new, efficient production method using engineered bacteria promises to make this tooth-friendly sweetener more accessible, potentially transforming the market for sugar alternatives.

As Budget 2026 discussions ramp up, Indian businesses are gearing up for transformative shifts in customs duties. They are advocating for a seamless framework akin to GST, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and expedite dispute resolution. Their requests include a consolidated clearance window, expedited timelines for Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, and a more efficient customs investigation protocol.

IMF India growth outlook has been revised upward for 2025 by 0.7 pp to 7.3 percent. This is due to better corporate earnings and strong economic momentum. IMF said global economy is also showing resilience. AI investment is a key driver. Global growth is projected to hold steady. Inflation is expected to decline. However, the risks include AI sector valuations and geopolitical tensions.

Trump Greenland tariffs: Trump has threatened new tariffs on those that are opposing his bid to grab Greenland. The proposed levies could begin in February, impacting goods from countries like Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain and Norway. European Union ambassadors are preparing retaliatory measures.

Mangilal, one of the beggars of Madhya Pradesh's Indore, owns multiple properties, three-rented auto rickshaws, a car with a driver and also runs a part-time money-lending business. The Indore Beggar Eradication Campaign led to the discovery of Mangilal, who collected substantial daily earnings and was picked up from Sarafa Bazaar in Indore. Mangilal is also a beneficiary of a one-BHK house as part of a combined initiative by the state government and the Red Cross.

The Delhi High Court has denied former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's request to suspend his 10-year sentence in the Unnao custodial death case. Sengar, in custody since April 2018, is serving time for the death of the Unnao rape victim's father.

India has received an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace. This international body aims to manage Gaza's post-war transition and reconstruction. The US initiative, proposed by President Donald Trump, seeks global cooperation for stability in the region. India is currently reviewing the proposal, considering its long-standing policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski , saying the meeting came at a time when the world was witnessing significant global churn, and urging that Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel terrorist infrastructure in India's neighbourhood.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. This is a historic first for any Assam Chief Minister. He will engage in discussions on global economic issues. The Chief Minister is showcasing Assam's strengths to attract international investment. This participation aims to boost Assam's growth journey and global presence.

A Delhi High Court judge has recused himself from a case involving Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. The case concerns charges of conspiracy and corruption in the Chinese Visa scam. This is the second judge to step aside. The trial court had framed charges against Chidambaram and others. The matter will now be heard by another bench.

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy for questioning in a money-laundering case. This case is linked to a Rs 3,500-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh. Ex-MP Vijayasai Reddy has also been summoned. The investigation focuses on the liquor policy implemented between 2019 and 2024.

Social media plays a huge role in our beauty obsession, says Dr Jaishree Sharad . Seeing celebrities, especially Western stars, looking younger online makes people question their own skin and chase unrealistic expectations.

Actor Vijay appeared at the CBI headquarters for a second round of questioning. The inquiry is related to the Karur stampede case. This incident occurred on September 27, 2025. The stampede resulted in 41 deaths and over 60 injuries. The CBI took over the investigation following a Supreme Court order. Vijay was previously questioned for over six hours.

Donald Trump has linked his pursuit of Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. He threatened tariffs on European nations if control of the island is not granted. European Union leaders are meeting to discuss potential retaliation against these threats.

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, has said he will divorce his wife, Aparna Yadav in an explosive Instagram post. He posted a photo of Aparna and called her selfish and claimed she ruined his family ties. Aparna Yadav, who was initially with the SP, joined BJP in 2022.

Tennis legend Margaret Court, an 11-time Australian Open champion, achieved a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a feat matched only by Novak Djokovic. Her powerful game and dedication redefined women's tennis. Court's quote highlights her commitment to preserving her identity amidst fierce competition, showcasing a balance of strength and personal values.

Australian stocks declined on Monday, January 19, 2026, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid US President Trump's tariff threats against European nations. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.33%, with A2 Milk and Life360 Inc. leading the losses. Gold miners, however, surged to a record high as bullion prices climbed due to escalating tariff-related risks.

Global value chains face structural volatility, shifting business strategies towards resilience as a growth driver. A new WEF report highlights that nearly three in four leaders now prioritize resilience, moving away from pure efficiency. Companies and countries must build foresight and ecosystem coordination to thrive in a fragmented global economy.

Apple has regained its top position in China. iPhone shipments saw a significant 28% surge during the holiday quarter. This growth occurred despite a global shortage of essential memory chips. Other companies like Huawei and Xiaomi experienced declines. Overall smartphone shipments in China saw a slight decrease. Apple's premium devices remained resilient to the chip crunch.

Kashmir experiences a slight relief from the intense cold. Minimum temperatures across the valley have risen by a few degrees. Srinagar recorded a higher low compared to the previous night. Other areas like Sonamarg, Shopian, Pulwama, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara also saw temperature increases. This comes as the region is in the midst of 'Chilla-i-Kalan'.

Lieutenant Governors of five Union territories now hold new powers. They can authorize officers to search any premises and seize records. This action targets misleading advertisements claiming magical cures for diseases like cancer and diabetes. The move aims to curb deceptive health claims.

Delegates have arrived in Davos for the World Economic Forum. The town is alive with activity, with pavilions setting up and early conversations beginning. Artificial intelligence is a dominant theme this year, with a focus on practical applications and global coordination. Security is in place, and the stage is set for a week of intense dialogue and networking.

Union Budget of India: The upcoming Union Budget in 2026 is expected to prioritize fiscal prudence over populism, focusing on expenditure management and consolidation. While growth remains a priority, moderate increases in capital expenditure and targeted social welfare programs are anticipated. The budget will likely maintain continuity in tax structures, with potential adjustments to customs tariffs influenced by global trade dynamics.

Noted industrialist Anand Mahindra shared an interesting brain challenge that asked readers to read 900 words per minute. Anand Mahindra, known for sharing insightful and exciting videos on social media, said this exercise helped him brush up his speed reading skills. Netizens thanked Anand Mahindra and agreed that focus is really important to improve clarity.

Union Budget 2026: In poll-bound West Bengal, Budget 2026 is being watched not for numbers alone but for political intent. For the BJP, economic policy has become inseparable from its strategy to breach one of its most resistant electoral fortresses.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured farmers of paddy procurement. The Centre will lift 8 lakh tonnes of rice. Development projects worth over Rs 891 crore were launched in Kalahandi. These projects aim to boost irrigation and farmer income. New irrigation projects are planned. A cotton production cluster will be established.

Mumbai entrepreneur Prashant Desai lost 30 crore in a failed business. This financial setback severely impacted his health. Stress and lack of sleep caused weight gain despite exercise. Desai took seven years to recover his money. Regaining his health is a longer journey. He urges founders to prioritize wellbeing, sleep more, eat clean, and manage stress.

A master's student has earned approximately $39,000 (Rs 35 lakh) in two years by teaching adults and children how to ride bicycles. Leveraging his sports education background, he offers a success-guarantee package, with most adults mastering the skill in just two sessions.

Piyush Tewari, who started working in the area of road safety after losing a young family member in a road crash in 2007, and went on to play a key role in framing India's Good Samaritan law, said a lot of families are affected by this on a daily basis.

The Delhi High Court will deliver its verdict today on Kuldeep Singh Sengar's plea. He seeks a suspension of his sentence in the case concerning the death of the Unnao rape survivor's father in custody. Sengar was sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment. The court's decision is awaited this afternoon. This order will impact his ongoing appeals.

Canada is bracing for significant snow squalls and advisories across Ontario, with warnings issued for Monday, January 19, 2026. Prince Edward County faces potential blizzard-like conditions with heavy snowfall and strong winds, while Kingston expects less severe snow squalls. Travel is deemed extremely hazardous, with possibilities of road closures and power outages.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the relocation of elected corporators to hotels. He stated the mandate from recent civic polls makes it difficult for any party to easily claim the BMC mayor's post. Raut also commented on political developments and historical references. The party is observing the unfolding political situation.

The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL seeking a one-year timeframe for all court decisions, terming it a publicity interest litigation. Chief Justice Surya Kant advised the petitioner to send suggestions via letter rather than filing petitions for cameras. The court emphasized that such aspirations are better addressed through administrative channels.

Jeff Bezos ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott, has donated millions to the Solidaire Network, which funds groups that are facing FBI and congressional investigations over alleged Hamas ties. Although Scotts contributions are unrestricted, the network backs organisations such as Students for Justice in Palestine. MacKenzie Scott parted ways with Jeff Bezos in 2019 and recently cut her Amazon stakes to donate in millions of charity.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are spreading false information about the new VB-G RAM G scheme. He clarified that the scheme will be implemented in all panchayats and will strengthen the Right to Work, offering 125 days of work and unemployment allowance. The new Act will replace MGNREGA in six months.

A major 5.7 magnitude earthquake jolted India's Leh-Ladakh region on Monday at 11:51 am IST.

Former WA Labor strategist Tim Picton has died at 36 following an alleged assault outside a Perth nightclub. Highly regarded for his political influence, Picton was in critical condition for over three weeks after sustaining a severe brain bleed and fractured skull. His alleged attacker, Brodie Jake Dewar, faces charges for this incident and a separate alleged Christmas Day assault.

These OTT family dramas go beyond saas-bahu stereotypes. They mix emotions, conflicts, secrets, and realism making them impossible to stop watching once you start.

New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell hailed his team's calm approach and collective belief after their historic ODI series win in India. Despite a strong Indian chase led by Virat Kohli, New Zealand held their nerve. Mitchell emphasized the significance of the victory, calling it a testament to the team's growth and preparation.

A devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza has claimed 14 lives. Rescue teams discovered eight more bodies in the rubble after the blaze was controlled. The building, a landmark since the 1980s, suffered extensive damage, with fears of further collapse. Authorities are concerned about an estimated 70 people still trapped inside.

Two newly-elected corporators from Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi have extended their support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation. This move consolidates the Shiv Sena's position in the civic body. The corporators met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and handed over letters of support.

Sunil Gavaskar believes India's ODI series loss to New Zealand stemmed from poor starts, urging batters to learn from Virat Kohli's situational approach. Kohli's lone century wasn't enough as the team struggled to build partnerships. Gavaskar highlighted Kohli's adaptability and never-give-up attitude as crucial lessons for younger players aiming for consistency.