The Economic Times

Social Security changes in 2026 will affect workers, retirees, and high earners nationwide. New thresholds raise work credits to $1,890 per credit. High earners pay taxes on $184,500 income. Younger beneficiaries can earn more before benefits reduce. These updates impact retirement planning, future income, and take-home pay.

Word of the Day: Limerence: Limerence is an intense, all-consuming romantic longing, a psychological state of involuntary fixation on another person. Characterized by euphoria and distress tied to reciprocation, it's fueled by idealization and uncertainty, distinct from healthy attachment. Understanding limerence offers clarity, not judgment, for this deeply human emotional response.

NTA released UGC NET December 2025 answer key: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for the UGC NET December 2025 examination. Candidates can access their question papers, recorded responses, and the answer key on the official website. An objection window is open from January 14 to January 17, 2026, for candidates to challenge answers with a processing fee.

India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K Patnaik, has rejected Canadian claims linking New Delhi to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Patnaik emphasized that the case involves four individuals and not the Indian government. He highlighted the lack of evidence provided by Canada and pointed to the unresolved Air India bombing case.

US government shutdown deadline January 30: A US government shutdown looms as lawmakers face a January 30 deadline. Congress needs to approve at least six funding bills to prevent a partial shutdown. The House has passed one package, but the Senate has yet to act. Additional bills are required even if the current package becomes law.

Resfeber is a Swedish travel-related word that has gained attention for naming a feeling many people experience before a journey. It is often used when talking about trips, new places, or big changes. The word highlights how language can capture human emotions that are not always clearly expressed in English.

Prime Videos top movies and shows showcases a strong blend of movies and TV series gaining significant attention from viewers. Award-winning thrillers, humorous comedies, animated family favorites, heartfelt dramas, and popular documentaries are all performing well on the platform. Alongside movies, Prime Video is also featuring limited series, reality competitions, and long-running originals that continues to be subscriber favorites.

Wednesday Season 3 crucial filming update confirms production will begin soon in Dublin. Actor Hunter Doohan shared filming details, timelines, and location plans. The update also suggests a possible change in release timing, with season 3 expected to arrive earlier than previous seasons on Netflix.

Social Security checks average $2,071 a month in 2026. Taxes may take a large share. Income limits from 1983 still apply. Even modest dividends trigger taxation. Up to 85% becomes taxable. Claiming age reshapes lifetime income. Working early reduces payments. Inflation and global tensions add pressure. Timing now decides long-term retirement security.

United States President Donald Trump is pressing NATO to support American efforts to acquire Greenland, arguing that US control is crucial for national security and for countering Russia and China. However, Greenlands residents and Danish officials have strongly opposed the idea, stressing the islands autonomy and right to self-determination. Diplomatic talks are currently underway in Washington, even as the United States already maintains a military presence on the Arctic island.

Silver price and gold price today: Silver has crossed $90 an ounce for the first time. Gold is also near its record high. This rally is driven by expected US rate cuts and global political pressures. Geopolitical tensions are also pushing investors towards safe-haven assets like gold and silver. Analysts predict further gains for both metals this year.

Zubeen Garg, 52, was with a yacht party on September 19, 2025, when he died of drowning a day before he was slated to perform at the North East India Festival in Singapore.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 Episode 7 release time, schedule and how to watch details confirm the episode premieres on January 14. The episode continues the Golden Fleece quest and sets up the final chapter of Season 2.

New leaks reveal iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 will feature 120Hz LTPO displays with Dynamic Island. iPhone 18 Pro models are set to ditch the Dynamic Island. These Pro versions will move Face ID sensors under the display. This change prepares for the iPhone 20 Pro, planned for 2027. Prototype production is underway for these upcoming models.

Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, emphasized steady effort and moral discipline over instant success. His timeless quote, 'It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop,' highlights the importance of consistency and persistence in personal growth. This message offers a grounding perspective in today's fast-paced world, reminding us that every step forward counts.

Martin Luther King Jr.s Quote of the Day highlights the danger of silence during injustice. The message reminds people to speak up and support others. Kings life and words continue to inspire equality, courage, and peaceful action. His ideas still matter today because they encourage fairness, justice, and standing up for what is right.

Astronomers are closely observing Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), a recently detected object that could get the nickname Great Comet of 2026. Discovered in September 2025, the comet is anticipated to be near its closest point to the Sun on April 20, 2026, followed by its nearest position to Earth on April 27. At a distance of almost 44 million miles, it may become noticeable to the naked eye under dark skies.

A Spanish startup, Orbital Paradigm, claims its Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule survived the failed PSLV-C62 mission, separating and transmitting data. While ISRO has not confirmed this, the company stated the 25kg payload, intended as the final satellite, successfully detached. The mission, which aimed to deploy 15 other satellites, experienced third-stage disturbances, leading to its failure.

The IRS has extended federal tax filing and payment deadlines to May 1, 2026, for storm-affected Washington counties. Individuals, businesses, employers and retirees gain critical relief after December 2025 flooding. The move eases compliance pressure, expands disaster tax options, and signals broader federal flexibility during escalating economic and global uncertainty.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is behind a new wave of violence. Shootings and extortion threats have occurred in India and Canada. Investigators believe these attacks show the gang's control across borders. The gang has claimed responsibility for multiple incidents, often using viral videos.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar posted a cryptic message on X after meeting AICC leader Rahul Gandhi. This has fueled political speculation. Shivakumar also met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Gandhi. He indicated discussions covered state BJP developments. Shivakumar plans a Delhi visit soon. This follows previous cryptic posts hinting at leadership ambitions.

Three diplomats said some personnel had been advised to leave the main U.S. air base in the region, although there were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation of troops as took place in the hours before an Iranian missile attack last year.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 episode 1 to 4 guide and schedule explains episode titles, runtimes, story order, and cast details. The season follows Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, starting from a masquerade ball and leading to an offer that shapes their future.

In a bid to harness its extensive rare-earth materials, India is set to extend invitations to private enterprises for exploration activities of resources like thorium and monazite. This strategic step is designed to enhance self-sufficiency and lessen reliance on international suppliers for essential minerals. The government is also poised to implement stringent safeguards in this delicate industry.

A deal for the India-European Union free trade agreement is consistently under work and top EU leaders will visit India soon for a summit and the Republic Day parade. Negotiations are ongoing to resolve key differences on issues like carbon tax and duty cuts.

A 14-year-old boy in Gadag district discovered a trove of gold and copper ornaments while digging for a house. But instead of keeping it at home, Prajwal Basavaraj Ritti handed over the treasure to the district administration, earning praise for his honesty. The government is considering rewarding the family with 20% of the treasure's value.

Economic confrontation is now the top global risk, according to a World Economic Forum survey. Experts are more worried about trade wars and resource controls than armed conflict. Environmental risks have fallen in short-term concerns. However, long-term worries include AI's impact on jobs and society. The WEF survey gathered insights from over 1,300 global leaders and experts.

Nelson Mandela, an icon of moral leadership, spent 27 years in prison fighting apartheid. He successfully negotiated an end to the discriminatory system, ushering in a peaceful transition to majority rule and serving as the country's first multiethnic president. Mandela's legacy emphasizes freedom and opportunity as the true drivers of success, not wealth itself.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 admit cards are expected soon on jeemain.nta.nic.in, with the exam scheduled from January 21-30, 2026. Candidates can download their hall tickets, which contain crucial personal and exam details, by following a simple online process. Last-minute preparation tips emphasize revising high-weightage topics and practicing previous years' questions.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will lead a state delegation to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in 2026. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation will cover travel and accommodation costs. The delegation aims to promote investment and economic cooperation.

Global leaders are flocking to China to rebuild relationships and secure economic deals. This trend follows a period of US-led tariffs. Nations are eager to engage with President Xi Jinping to avoid being sidelined in international politics. Key areas of focus include trade and access to critical minerals. This diplomatic shift aims to stabilize global economic ties.

West Bengal's interim budget is approaching. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a key opportunity to offer voter sops. This budget will outline proposed expenditures and flagship announcements. Expectations are high for new benefits. The budget session follows electoral roll revisions. The Union Budget will also be watched for central government signals. The interim budget is a crucial pre-election political statement.

The Indian Army is actively involving its veterans in national security and development. Initiatives are expanding to support ex-servicemen and their families. Project NAMAN is establishing new centers for defense pensioners. Veterans are contributing to strategic planning and finding employment. Their experience remains vital for the nation's progress and security.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a widowed daughter-in-law is entitled to maintenance from her father-in-law's estate, regardless of when her husband died. The court emphasized that heirs are legally obligated to maintain dependants from inherited property, upholding the moral duty to support those unable to maintain themselves.

India has registered two new high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds. These breeds can produce over 3,000 kg of milk in a 10-month period. This development increases India's total registered livestock and poultry breeds to 246. The country is focusing on both developing new breeds and conserving indigenous ones. This initiative supports the nation's agricultural growth and dairy sector.

Trump Tariff SC Ruling: The Supreme Court's ruling on President Trump's global tariffs could significantly alter the balance of power between the White House and Congress. A decision against the tariffs could unravel trade deals, create refund complexities for importers, and potentially weaken U.S. negotiating leverage, impacting global markets and diplomatic relations. Trump had said if US SC strikes down trade tariffs then 'We're screwed'.

Vegetarian meals can be just as protein-packed and satisfying. These wholesome Indian dishes combine taste and nutrition, helping you meet daily protein needs while enjoying comforting, flavourful meals every day.

An Indian student and his partner received $200,000 (nearly Rs 1.8 crore) and Master's degrees in a settlement with the University of Colorado Boulder. The couple alleged months of discrimination and retaliation after a staff member objected to the smell of Indian food. The university denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a negative RTPCR report cannot be the sole reason to deny COVID-19 compensation. The court directed the Ahilyanagar district collector to process a Rs 50 lakh insurance claim for a health worker's widow. Medical reports, including CT scans and cause of death certificates, indicated COVID-19 infection.