The Economic Times

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.

Taylor Swifts quote, Life isnt how to survive the storm, its about how to dance in the rain, conveys resilience and optimism. The message motivates people to face difficulties with confidence rather than simply enduring them. Often associated with Swift's own journey through public scrutiny and personal growth, the quote aligns with her broader concepts of self-empowerment.

As tensions rise in Iran with ongoing demonstrations and fears of military actions, India is stepping up to bring its citizens home. The inaugural flight is set to leave Tehran on Friday, accommodating 300 Indians eager to return.

European nations are sending troops to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark amid fundamental disagreement with the U.S. over the Arctic island's future. Denmark is increasing its military presence, while France, Germany, and others deploy symbolic troop numbers. Talks with U.S. officials highlighted President Trump's desire to acquire Greenland, which Greenlanders firmly reject.

Indian textile and apparel exports saw a slight dip in the first nine months of FY26. Textile shipments declined, while apparel exports showed growth. Restrictions in Bangladesh and market uncertainties in the US impacted yarn and fabric sales. Some exporters offered discounts to maintain sales volumes. Companies heavily reliant on the US for home textiles faced significant challenges.

Heated Rivalry Season 2 filming and release update explains when production may begin, what creator Jacob Tierney has said, and how Rachel Reids book The Long Game shapes the story. The update also covers release timing, cast schedules, and future plans.

Financial word of the day: Black-Scholes model The Black-Scholes model remains the 2026 gold standard for pricing trillions in derivatives. It uses five key data points: stock price, strike, time, interest rates, and volatility. This math-heavy formula eliminated guesswork, creating todays liquid markets. Traders rely on its Greeks to manage risk instantly. Even with AI, Black-Scholes provides the essential fair-value benchmark for every call and put option traded globally.

A major Iranian bank's collapse triggered widespread economic hardship. Millions lost savings as Ayandeh Bank failed with billions in losses. This led to protests across Iran. The government's response included printing money and cutting subsidies. Sanctions and regional conflicts also worsened the situation. The economic turmoil highlights deep-seated corruption and inequality.

India is projected to surpass USD 850 billion in total exports for FY 2025-26, building on a strong performance in both merchandise and services. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, overall exports reached USD 634.26 billion, a 4.33% increase from the previous year. The services sector continues to be the primary driver of this growth.

NBC Nightly News scored a rare win over ABC in the important 2554 age group, shaking up the nightly news ratings race. ABC World News Tonight with David Muir still leads in total viewers, but NBCs Tom Llamas is gaining ground. CBS Evening News remains far behind despite recent changes and growing digital attention.

Gurugram Police have taken action against 73 flat owners for allegedly accommodating foreign nationals without the required permissions and without submitting Form-C. The action followed a tip-off that led to a verification drive by the police. Authorities have reiterated that filing Form-C is mandatory for monitoring the stay of foreign nationals and stressed that strict compliance with these rules is essential in the interest of national security.

Jaipur hosted the 78th Army Day Parade, a significant event marking several firsts. The parade moved outside a cantonment area for the first time. The newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion also made its debut. Traditional Rajasthani folk dances were showcased. Military prowess was on display with advanced weaponry and platforms.

In March 2025, Washington made the decision to suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine as part of efforts to crank up pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to cooperate with President Donald Trump's bid to convene peace talks with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

GS Stock: Goldman Sachs shares surged after the bank announced fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed analyst predictions. Strong dealmaking and trading performance significantly boosted the investment bank's results. This positive financial outcome has increased investor confidence in the company's stock. The firm also saw growth in its wealth management business and raised its quarterly dividend.

A UK court has ruled that the Payments System Regulator can cap cross-border card fees. Mastercard, Visa, and Revolut challenged this plan. The regulator stated the decision confirms its power to ensure fair card payment costs for UK businesses and consumers. This allows the regulator to proceed with setting appropriate levels for cross-border interchange fees.

Book of the day: Flashlight is not merely a story to be read; it is an experience to be lived, offering illumination in the spaces where memory and meaning flicker, expand, and ultimately endure.

France is reinforcing its military presence in Greenland. President Macron announced additional land, air, and sea forces will join a European exercise. This move comes after the United States threatened to seize the Danish territory. European nations are increasing security in the Arctic due to Russian and Chinese threats. France is also boosting its defense budget significantly.

The Traitors US Season 4 was released in the United States, featuring Love Islands Maura Higgins showcasing the UK. Hosted by Alan Cumming, this celebrity-focused reality show that combines deception, strategy, and competition. UK audiences are eager to follow the drama and face geo-restrictions, as Peacock streams the show exclusively.

Iran's journey from a liberal nation to a repressive state is detailed. The 1979 revolution, fueled by dreams of freedom and independence, took a turn after a power struggle. Oil played a significant role, influencing political events and societal expectations. Frequent protests highlight economic woes and civil liberties concerns, with recent movements focusing on personal rights and freedoms.

President Vladimir Putin stated the international situation is deteriorating and becoming more dangerous, though he remained silent on Venezuela, Iran, and U.S. threats. Speaking to new ambassadors, Putin criticized those dictating their will and reiterated Russia's commitment to a multipolar world and new European security architecture.

This development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran over rising living costs, with authorities imposing internet restrictions. Trump had previously threatened to intervene but said on Wednesday that killings of protesters had stopped, and he'd watch and see about military action.

The prospect of US retaliation for the deaths of protesters still hung over the region, though President Donald Trump signaled a possible de-escalation, saying the killing appeared to be ending. The US announced new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of suppressing the protests, which began late last month over the country's faltering economy and the collapse of its currency.

Denmark and Greenland's top diplomats met with US officials to oppose President Trump's proposal to buy Greenland. They asserted Greenland's independence and rejected claims of Chinese threats. Denmark highlighted its own security contributions, including advanced military assets. Both nations emphasized their commitment to Denmark if forced to choose. The meeting aimed to address US concerns while maintaining Greenland's sovereignty.

Northern and Eastern India are experiencing severe cold. Hisar in Haryana recorded 0.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi saw its coldest morning of the season at 2.9 degrees Celsius. Kashmir's Dal Lake has frozen. Jharkhand and West Bengal also recorded freezing temperatures. This cold wave is impacting several states.

Britain will boost its military reserve forces. The maximum age for former personnel to be called up will rise to 65. The criteria for calling up reserves will also expand to include 'warlike preparations'. These changes aim to enhance national readiness. The reforms are set to be implemented from spring 2027. This move aligns with broader NATO force strategies.

J.R.R. Tolkien's famous quote challenges the idea that a straight path is the only way. It suggests that wandering can be a deliberate choice, a form of exploration. This applies to both external journeys and internal growth. Tolkien's own life and works reflect this wisdom. His stories show that strength comes from facing challenges.

Private assets are investments in private companies, real estate, or infrastructure, not public stocks. They are usually for big investors and are harder to sell, value, and understand. Adding them to 401(k)s could give more choices for retirement savings but may also increase costs and complexity, making them different from normal stock or bond investments.

Mumbai's vote counting for 227 wards begins Friday. Unlike previous elections, counting will be phase-wise, not simultaneous. This change means results for all seats may be declared late. Officials anticipate a delay of about an hour in the final announcement. Adequate security and staff are in place for the counting exercise.

MrBeast net worth: Social media star Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, reveals a surprising financial reality. Despite a multi-billion dollar empire, he states he is cash poor. MrBeast reinvests nearly all his earnings back into his content and businesses. He even borrows money for personal expenses. This focus on growth over personal cash is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 8 release time, schedule and how to watch details the Starz release date, global timings, episode list, and streaming options. The episode airs on January 16, 2026, with weekly releases continuing until the season finale.

Russia and China would offer Iran diplomatic and economic aid amid US threats, but military support is unlikely if Washington takes action. Experts believe both Moscow and Beijing prioritize their relationships with the US over a direct confrontation regarding Iran, with Ukraine being a higher priority for Russia.

Amazon Prime Video has revealed a first look at Sophie Turner as the iconic archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft in the forthcoming Tomb Raider live-action series.The image features Turner ready for adventure, wearing Crofts signature shorts, shades, and dual pistols. Produced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the series also involves Sigourney Weaver, Jason Isaacs, Martin Bobb-Semple, and more, combining new characters with classic ones such as Crofts uncle Atlas DeMornay.

Word of the Day: Petrichor, the earthy scent of rain on dry soil, is a scientifically recognized phenomenon coined by Australian researchers. This evocative smell, derived from Greek words for stone and lood of the gods, triggers deep emotional and psychological responses. It connects us to memory, renewal, and the natural world's cycles.

American forces have captured another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. This vessel is linked to Venezuela. The seizure is part of a larger US strategy to gain control over Venezuela's oil production and distribution. This marks the sixth tanker seized by US forces in this ongoing operation.

The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court its authority is limited to voter registration. It cannot deport individuals or determine visa status. The poll panel's role is to identify citizens for electoral rolls. This clarification came during final hearings on petitions challenging the EC's special intensive revision exercise.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran. These target shipping, trading, and energy firms. Eleven individuals and Fardis Prison are also affected. The sanctions follow Iran's severe crackdown on nationwide protests. This action by the Trump administration highlights ongoing tensions and the US response to internal unrest in Iran.