The Economic Times

30-year mortgage rate currently sits at 6.06 per cent, down about a percentage point from where it was a year ago.

Donald Trump has said it would be difficult for Maria Corina Machado to lead because she doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. Her party is widely believed to have won 2024 elections rejected by Nicolas Maduro.

U.S. Stock Market today: Nvidia was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500 Wednesday after sinking 1.4 per cent. But it rose 2.1 per cent on Thursday.

Insurrection act in USA: Donald Trump's aggressive moves in Minnesota have divided his supporters: 59 per cent of Republicans favored a policy prioritizing arrests by immigration officers even if people get hurt, while 39 per cent said officers should focus on not harming people even if it means fewer arrests, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released.

While Washington has stepped back from military action, the White House said on Thursday that all options remain on the table for the president Donald Trump.

Wealth quote of the day: Stephen A. Schwarzman, co-founder of Blackstone, emphasizes that business success is a team sport, not the work of a solitary genius. Effective leadership relies on collective effort and skilled professionals to drive results. Research supports that collaboration enhances problem-solving and overall organizational performance.

Great healthcare plan: On average, premium costs will increase to $1,904 in 2026 from $888 in 2025, according to health policy firm KFF, a far greater jump than the savings promised in the Donald Trump plan.

Mark Zuckerberg's quote, Ideas dont come out fully formed, they only become clearer as you work on them. You just have to get started, highlights that clarity emerges through action, not pre-planning. His career, from Facebook's inception to Meta's evolving ambitions, exemplifies this principle, demonstrating that embracing imperfection and starting is crucial for progress and innovation.

Trumps tax and spending plan changed company tax deductions, affecting employee perks and corporate charity. Free food, bike commuting, and moving expenses may now cost more or disappear. Companies must give at least 1% of taxable income for charity deductions. These changes can raise taxes, reduce some benefits, and affect both mid-size and large employers budgets.

Song of the Day: Someone Like You by Adele is a moving ballad born from personal heartbreak. The track was inspired by Adele learning her former love had moved on and got engaged, evoking grief, reflection, and acceptance. The song resonates universally, offering listeners a mirror for their own lost loves and unfinished goodbyes.

Word of the day: The word 'aura' has a rich history, once meaning air or breath. Today, it describes a person's unique vibe or presence. Gen Z on social media uses 'aura' to denote charisma and coolness. This evolution shows how language adapts to new cultural expressions and digital communication. The term captures an intangible quality that makes individuals stand out.

Miscreants vandalized the Chakulia block development office in North Dinajpur, causing chaos and violence for three hours. Stones were hurled, SIR forms were set ablaze, and office infrastructure, including electronic gadgets and documents, was destroyed, with damages estimated at Rs 20 lakh. Police personnel and office staff were injured during the rampage.

Madison Sheahan, former Deputy Director of ICE, is leaving her job to run for Congress in Ohios 9th District. She aims to challenge longtime Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Sheahan brings leadership experience from ICE and Louisianas wildlife department and focuses on American jobs, safety, and values. Her campaign highlights law enforcement experience and support for Trumps agenda.

A new $45 TSA fee for identity verification will be implemented on February 1. Travelers can avoid this surcharge by presenting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of identification. The TSA has updated its list of accepted IDs, including digital options, to help passengers navigate the new requirement.

A new rural employment law, VB-G RAM G, will soon replace the current program. It guarantees 125 days of work, an increase from 100 days. Fund allocation to states will now follow objective central government parameters. This aims to reduce disparities and pilferage. The central government plans to increase the budget for the new scheme.

Moody's Ratings has upgraded the outlook for three Adani Group companies to stable. Adani Ports, Adani Transmission Step-One, and Adani Electricity Mumbai now have a stable outlook. This reflects improved liquidity and strong financial profiles. The companies are expected to maintain sufficient liquidity for operations and debt obligations over the next 18 months.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 release date, episode count, trailer, cast, characters details confirm the Netflix return on February 5, 2026. Mickey Haller faces a murder charge. Ten episodes adapt The Law of Innocence. The trailer, cast updates, and character list explain what happens next.

Harry Styles new album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is now available for preorder.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that killings in Iran's protest crackdown are easing, following reports of a death sentence postponement for an arrested protester. Trump stated he received assurances from very important sources on the other side and is adopting a wait-and-see approach, though he did not rule out potential US military action.

Who is Madison Sheahan and why is ICE No 2 leaving her deputy director post? Madison Sheahan, the deputy director of ICE, is resigning to run for Congress in Ohio. She played a central role in immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump and now seeks a seat in the US House.

Dysphoria is a persistent emotional condition marked by unease, dissatisfaction, and discomfort, often overlooked in everyday life. Unlike normal sadness, it can subtly impact motivation, mood, and engagement. Frequently misunderstood as laziness or moodiness, dysphoria may accompany mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or gender-related distress.

Top European leaders will visit India for Republic Day celebrations. They will also co-chair the India-EU summit. A significant free trade agreement will be announced at the summit. This agreement aims to boost trade and investment between India and the European Union. It is expected to benefit Indian exporters. The EU is India's largest trading partner for goods.

Crypto sell-off after X InfoFi ban: X, formerly Twitter, has revoked API access for apps like InfoFi that reward users for posts, citing a surge in spam and AI-generated content. This move has caused significant drops in related crypto tokens, including KAITO, which fell nearly 20%. While some in the crypto community support the crackdown, others urge X to reconsider its stance on creator revenue.

Russia is actively pursuing non-energy joint ventures and product localization in India. Companies from Russia are in talks for manufacturing in engineering, shipbuilding, IT, renewable energy, oil refining, and metallurgy. This move aims to diversify trade and increase non-resource and non-energy goods. Both countries see significant opportunities for mutual growth and market expansion.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Kharge alleged that centuries-old religious and cultural heritage is being destroyed. He stated that temples and shrines were demolished for corridors, and now ancient ghats are being targeted.

America has imposed sanctions on Iranian security officials and financial networks. This action follows a violent crackdown on peaceful protests. Billions in oil revenues were allegedly laundered. The United States stated its firm support for the Iranian people's call for freedom and justice. This move builds on the administration's maximum pressure campaign against Iran.

The Election Commission of India has extended the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states until January 19, 2026. The poll panel informed the Supreme Court that it can only determine citizenship for voter registration. It cannot deport individuals or decide on visa status. This clarification came during hearings on petitions challenging the revision exercise.

Parents filing 2025 taxes can now open a Trump Account for children. The IRS allows a $1,000 federal seed contribution using Form 4547. Eligible kids under 18 gain tax-deferred investment access, early-use flexibility, and long-term financial growth, as Washington pushes family savings amid global economic uncertainty.

Four Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt, engaged in intense diplomacy with the U.S. and Iran to avert a threatened U.S. attack. They warned Washington of regional security and economic repercussions, while urging Iran to avoid retaliatory strikes. This effort aimed to de-escalate tensions and prevent wider instability.

The meeting that took place in Dhaka on Wednesday evening has raised suspicion of BNP's future links with Pakistan and spy agency ISI. Such moves may be detrimental to India's security interests, according to people familiar with Bangladesh-India links.

Talk of Donald Trump impeachment has returned after new corruption claims by Democrats. Any impeachment must start in the House, where Democrats currently lack numbers. Even if Trump is impeached again, removal is very hard because the Senate needs a two-thirds vote. For now, Trump staying in office remains the most likely outcome.

Verizon credit: Verizon is giving 1.5 million customers a $20 credit. This follows a major service outage that lasted up to 10 hours. The company apologized for the disruption. Customers can get the credit through the MyVerizon app. The outage affected many across the United States. Verizon is still not revealing the exact cause of the widespread failure.

The Supreme Court has taken up a serious matter concerning the Enforcement Directorate's recent searches. Notices have been issued to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and DGP Rajeev Kumar. The court expressed displeasure over disruptions in the Calcutta High Court. It has also stayed FIRs registered against ED officers by West Bengal Police.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's democratic strength at the CSPOC conference. He stated that democracy ensures last-mile delivery of welfare, lifting millions out of poverty. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla warned about technology misuse, including misinformation and cybercrime, threatening democracies worldwide. Effective solutions are needed to counter these challenges.

The government of Manipur is prioritizing the rehabilitation and resettlement of its displaced citizens. Security assessments are presently being conducted at various proposed locations. A comprehensive plan is in action, intending to support around 60,000 people. This initiative moves beyond mere relocation, encompassing vital areas such as education, job creation, and overall well-being.

Voting occurred in 29 civic bodies across Maharashtra, including Mumbai. Opposition parties claimed the ink on voters' fingers could be washed off, raising concerns about multiple voting. The State Election Commission refuted these claims, stating the ink is the same used since 2011 and cannot be easily removed. Results are due Friday.

The J&K govt also nominated an officer for coordination with the concerned agencies in respect of the students and residents of J&K, currently in Iran. Additional resident commissioner of J&K govt in Delhi, Anil Sharma, has been assigned the job of providing information, coordination and necessary interventions related to safety, welfare and travel of residents and students from J&K in Iran.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan recently engaged in critical talks with Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, centering on the current security climate and counter-terrorism endeavors. The dialogue underscored the importance of operational efficiency and inter-departmental synergy.

A report highlights 15 Hindu minority murders in Bangladesh by Muslims between December 2025 and January 2026. The Interim Government, led by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is reportedly dismissing these attacks as disinformation. Minorities fear increased violence during the upcoming election campaign, with such acts potentially labeled as political. International observers are urged to intervene for inclusive participation.