The Economic Times

Quote of the Day: Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, believes success comes from many failures. His journey with Google shows innovation requires constant trial and error. From early days to global impact, Brin's perspective emphasizes learning from mistakes. This approach drove Google's transformation. His words encourage persistence and resilience in pursuing ambitious goals.

Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Xfinity down across US became a major question after Verizon faced a nationwide outage. Users saw SOS mode, no signal, and call failures. Other carriers reported spillover issues. Verizon confirmed the problem and said engineers are working on a fix.

The IRS has warned Americans about rising tax scams ahead of the 2026 filing season. Fraudsters are using fake messages, social media posts, and identity theft to steal refunds and personal data. Seniors, workers, and businesses are all targets. The agency urges people to stay alert, file carefully, and use extra security steps.

Bitcoin price surged to its highest in two months, nearing $97,700. MicroStrategy's significant Bitcoin purchase fueled this rise. Supportive US inflation data also boosted investor confidence in risk assets. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum also saw gains. However, some experts remain skeptical, calling it a temporary rally. Meanwhile, US stocks experienced a decline.

Verizon outage hit services in areas such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

Verizon stock and share price moved higher on Wednesday despite a nationwide network outage. Users reported phones stuck in SOS mode. Downdetector logged over 170,000 complaints. Verizon confirmed service disruption and said engineers are working on a fix while investors focused on earnings expectations.

Taylor Swifts quote, You dont have to forgive and you dont have to forget to move on. You can move on without any of that happening, offers a realistic perspective of emotional healing. It indicates that closure does not always need forgiveness or forgetting painful experiences. Instead, growth arrives from setting limits and prioritizing personal peace.

Taylor Swift has made a significant donation to The Store, a Nashville-based non-profit co-founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The generous gift will aid the organization in its mission to combat food insecurity by providing groceries with dignity to families in Middle Tennessee, especially as they prepare to open a second location.

U.S. visa freeze: The pause, which will impact applicants from countries including Somalia, Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Yemen, Thailand and Brazil, will begin on January 21, the spokesperson said. It does not affect visitor visas, as per reports.

Word of the day: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is a fun, whimsical word popularized by the Disney classic Mary Poppins. It explains something extraordinarily wonderful, magical, or beyond ordinary description. The word blends fun, creativity, and exaggeration, making it ideal for conveying joy, awe, and amazement. Often used in storytelling, conversation, and writing, it incorporates a cheerful, imaginative touch to language.

Bilt has launched its new 2.0 credit cards that reward users for rent and mortgage payments. The update adds Bilt Cash, removes old spending rules, and introduces three card options with different fees and benefits. The move shows Bilt wants users to spend more inside its rewards system.

Song of the day: Released in August 1968, The Beatles Hey Jude is one of the bands most beloved tracks. Written by Paul McCartney to console John Lennons son, Julian, the track motivates to turn sadness into hope: Take a sad song and make it better. Its simple piano melody, soaring vocals, and iconic 4-minute Na-na-na coda gives you an unforgettable sing-along experience.

Donald Trump faced a silent reception in Michigan after mimicking President Biden's speaking style, including a mock cough and wheezing. Trump's remarks, which targeted Biden's health and speech delivery, drew criticism for their perceived insensitivity. The audience's lack of reaction was noted, with some deeming the act a self-inflicted humiliation for Trump.

Verizon users across the United States are reporting a network outage causing phones to show SOS mode. This guide explains what the Verizon SOS mode issue is, why it happens, and step-by-step methods to fix it. It also covers affected regions, Verizon responses, and how to restore normal connectivity.

LA 2028 Olympics tickets registration opens today as price details for tickets for Los Angeles Olympics are out.

President Trump is generating significant turmoil early in the new year, escalating foreign policy threats and domestic immigration crackdowns. His administration's actions, including a probe into the Federal Reserve, are raising concerns among allies and the public, with midterm elections looming as a key test of his leadership.

Layoff: A software engineer lost their job after inappropriate search history surfaced on a company laptop. This happened immediately after the engineer completed a four-month performance improvement plan. Employers can monitor work devices. In the US, at-will employment allows termination for many reasons not deemed illegal. Review policies and seek legal advice if you face a similar situation.

Medicare will end broad athome telehealth coverage starting January 31, 2026. Millions of seniors rely on virtual visits for routine care. Pandemic-era waivers allowed telehealth from home with multiple provider types. After the change, most visits require a rural facility. Behavioral health remains an exception. Patients may face higher costs, travel, or delayed care. Medicare Advantage plans may offer alternatives.

The procession was held under the banner of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust on Wednesday during which protesters targeted US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. They also carried portraits of Imam Khomeini and Khamenei and placards, expressing solidarity with the people of Iran.

India's exports to Hong Kong are surging. Shipments of silver jewellery, electronics, and processed stones have seen substantial growth. Cut and polished diamonds are leading this increase. This trend highlights Hong Kong's growing importance as a trading hub for India. Diversification of exports is a key factor. Electronics and silver jewellery exports have more than doubled.

What began as a 'buffer zone' in Manipur to safeguard against ethnic conflict has morphed into a politically charged environment, exacerbating existing divisions. Allegations of movement restrictions by security forces have ignited debates about the legitimacy of these actions, resulting in the emergence of de facto internal borders.

Wholesale prices have exited deflation. Inflation reached an eight-month high of 0.83% in December. This shift was driven by stable food prices and rising costs for manufactured goods. Retail inflation also saw an increase. Experts note base effects and stable prices contributed to the wholesale inflation rate. The commerce ministry highlighted increases in various manufacturing sectors.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, Just concluded a good conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy. Both leaders agreed to continue discussions on these matters and other issues.

The Army said if at all the hospital is allowed to be built, it should have over 15-ft concrete boundary wall with separators and no window of the structure should face the Army camp.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reflected on the complex history surrounding the deployment of Indian forces for Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka almost four decades ago, suggesting that opinions may vary on the decision. Nonetheless, he staunchly defended the valor of the IPKF troops, calling for widespread recognition of their sacrifices and the heroism they demonstrated during difficult times.

Verizon outage affected regions list and what should users do now explains the current Verizon network outage. Customers across several US cities report SOS mode, call failures, and no signal. This explainer covers affected regions, reported issues, SOS mode meaning, and steps users should follow now.

Millions of Americans are bracing for significantly higher heating bills this winter, with electric heating users facing the steepest increases. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) received $3.7 billion, but officials state this is insufficient to meet demand, potentially leading to increased consumer debt and utility shutoffs.

Pakistan is often seen as having a chequered past when it comes to illicit money flow. At a proposed FATF meet next month, there will be scrutiny on whether it aided terror financing or not.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Pongal, highlighting Tamil culture as an ancient living civilization that guides the future. He emphasized the vital role of farmers and the necessity of protecting nature, linking these themes to India's cultural strength and confidence. The Prime Minister also noted Pongal's global reach and its embodiment of gratitude and balance.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the Enforcement Directorate. The ED alleges interference by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This interference reportedly occurred during a probe and search at the I-PAC office. The ED claims records were illegally seized. The Calcutta High Court has disposed of a related petition.

NCPs Ajit Pawar has fired a significant shot across the bow at the erstwhile Shiv Sena-BJP coalition, alleging they orchestrated an irrigation scam that saw project budgets fattened for illicit gains. As the heat rises in the lead-up to civic elections and investigations remain active, opposition parties are quick to defend their honor by questioning Pawar's own track record.

Chattisgarh news: Twenty-nine Maoists surrendered in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. This included Podiam Budhra, a leader with a 2 lakh reward. The surrender occurred under the 'Poona Margem' initiative. A new security camp in Gogunda played a key role. Anti-Maoist operations intensified, disrupting rebel activities. This follows other recent surrenders in the region. The Centre aims to eliminate Maoism by March 31.

Animal Crossings: New Horizon 3.0 Update launch time has become a major topic as players wait for the January 15 release. Nintendo has not confirmed timing, but past updates suggest a fixed pattern. Time zone differences may allow early access in several regions worldwide.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha will again discuss the killing of student Angel Chakma with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Angel Chakma was allegedly killed in a racially motivated attack in Dehradun. Saha visited the family and assured support. He will meet Dhami in Delhi to expedite the investigation. The Tripura government has provided ex gratia.

Citigroup will cut about 1,000 jobs this week as part of a 20,000-role global restructuring. CEO Jane Fraser aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and close performance gaps with rivals. Cuts focus on corporate, technology, and support roles. The bank employed 229,000 globally by 2024. Fourth-quarter results may reveal impact. Global risks including Middle East tensions affect strategy.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 3 release time, schedule, spoilers and how to watch details confirm the next chapter of the Culling Game arc. The episode streams globally on January 15, 2026, with confirmed timings, platforms, recap, expected plot focus, and full season schedule.

President Trump defended the ICE shooting of Renee Macklin Good, calling her actions pretty tough despite her father's grief and claims she was trying to flee. Protests erupted in Minneapolis over the incident, with federal agents using flashbangs and arresting a woman seeking medical attention. Prosecutors resigned amid pressure to investigate the widow, not the officer.

Meta began 2026 with a major workforce reset, cutting over 1,000 jobs from its Reality Labs division. The layoffs, affecting nearly 10% of the unit, started on January 13 and mark the first big Bay Area tech cuts of the year. Meta says Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are not impacted. This move addresses $71 billion in losses since 2021. CTO Andrew Bosworth is now shifting capital toward AI-integrated wearables and smart glasses. This restructuring prioritizes immediate AI consumer hardware ov

Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's absence at the airport for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's arrival. Patil stated the visit was private, with no government engagements, thus no formal reception was necessary. He criticized the BJP for politicizing the situation.

BAC stock: Bank of America shares saw a significant drop even after reporting strong fourth-quarter profits. The bank's net interest income and trading revenue both showed impressive growth. This performance signals continued consumer and business resilience. Market watchers suggest the stock's pullback is a normal reaction after a strong run-up into the earnings report.

Trump Tariffs US SC Verdict: The US Supreme Court has again postponed a ruling on President Donald Trump's global tariffs. These duties, implemented in 2025, imposed significant charges on imports. Critics argue the President exceeded his authority. President Trump warned that overturning the tariffs could destabilize the US economy. He stated that refunding collected revenue would be a major disruption.

American shoppers spent more in November. Retail sales saw a 0.6 percent increase, beating forecasts. This rise signals a stronger start to the holiday shopping season than anticipated.