The Economic Times

The Armed Forces Tribunal has awarded a special family pension to the widow of Wing Commander Durlabh Bhattacharya. He tragically drowned while saving children from a lake during a family picnic. The tribunal overturned a previous finding that his death was not linked to military service.

IRS tax filing rules 2026: Tax season is approaching, and many Americans wonder if they must file a federal tax return for 2025 or 2026. The IRS mandates filing if gross income exceeds specific thresholds based on filing status and age. Self-employment income of $400 or more also triggers a filing requirement. Even if below thresholds, filing can secure refunds and credits.

Eminent human rights lawyer Imran Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, were each sentenced to 17 years in prison for controversial social media posts. The couple was arrested en route to court and later boycotted proceedings, alleging torture. Their arrests have sparked condemnation and warnings of a lawyers' movement.

Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup hinges on a final decision from the government, according to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He stated the matter will be presented to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif upon his return, emphasizing the government's directive will be binding. Naqvi also criticized the ICC's handling of Bangladesh's situation, alleging unfair treatment and selective decision-making.

Retirees in 2026 are combatting inflation through geographic arbitrage. Indiana leads the nation for affordability, covering 90.9% of expenses for mortgage holders. Delaware offers the best value for debt-free homeowners, where average $2,171 benefits exceed basic costs by 9%. For renters, Alabama and Kansas provide critical relief. Strategic relocation, combined with delaying benefits until age 70, can secure an annual $23,760 income boost, ensuring long-term financial dignity.

A family dispute in Lawrenceville, Georgia, tragically resulted in four deaths, including an Indian national, after a late-night shooting. A 12-year-old child's bravery in calling 911 saved other children present from further harm. Police have identified Vijay Kumar as the alleged shooter, facing multiple murder charges.

Smartphone ban in schools: Michigan is poised to ban smartphone use for students in grades K-12 during instructional time, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This bipartisan bill aims to reduce classroom distractions while allowing basic flip phones for safety. Exceptions for emergencies and medical needs are included, with potential state funding leverage for enforcement.

West Bengal shows strong control over revenue spending in the current fiscal year. This is a positive sign compared to other states. However, the state's capital expenditure has declined significantly. This trend has continued from the previous fiscal year. The report highlights this mixed fiscal performance.

Delhi faces a severe water crisis as treatment plants operate below capacity due to high ammonia levels in the Yamuna. Thousands of households are experiencing prolonged dry taps, with fears the disruption could extend into next month. Residents are relying on expensive water cans and express frustration over the lack of permanent solutions.

Stray dog killings are on the rise in Telangana. In Jagtial district, approximately 300 canines were allegedly poisoned. This incident follows similar reports in other districts, with animal rights groups claiming a total of 900 dogs killed. Investigations are underway, with police registering cases against elected representatives and village officials.

India prepares for its 77th Republic Day parade. This grand event will highlight military might and cultural richness. In contrast, the first Republic Day in 1950 saw humble celebrations. These focused on welfare for displaced families and children. Early events were decentralized and budget-conscious. Today's parade represents a significant evolution in scale and purpose.

Firozabad is building a new glass museum. This project aims to boost the city's famous glass and bangle industry. Officials expect it to attract global tourists. The museum will showcase the history of glass products. It will also feature modern attractions like AR-VR zones.

The Delhi civic body will launch 'MCD Shri' schools, mirroring central and state initiatives, to identify and nurture meritorious students. In the initial phase, two schools per zone will admit outstanding students, preparing them for higher studies. The initiative also emphasizes academic excellence, sports, co-curricular activities, and essential facilities for students.

Delhi Police have arrested a 45-year-old woman for using forged diplomatic registration plates on her SUV. She was apprehended in Vasant Vihar while driving through sensitive areas. The vehicle was found with fake plates resembling those used by foreign missions. The woman claimed to be an embassy representative but could not provide valid documents.

The US is urging Bolivia to expel suspected Iranian spies and label the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist groups. This diplomatic push aims to counter Iran's influence in Latin America, building on recent actions in Ecuador and Argentina. Bolivia's new centrist government, seeking to mend ties with Washington, is now a key focus.

Afghanistan is reeling from severe weather. Snow and heavy rain have claimed 61 lives over the past three days. The disaster management authority reported 110 injuries and extensive damage to homes. Hundreds of families are affected. A key highway remains closed, and aid is being provided to stranded travelers. Authorities urge caution on snowy roads.

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches us to focus on our own actions and thoughts while accepting external circumstances beyond our control. Founded by Zeno of Citium and later developed by thinkers such as Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, it emphasises virtue, emotional understanding, and resilience. Even today, Stoicism offers timeless guidance for navigating lifes uncertainties and finding inner peace.

Noida Authority has a new CEO, Krishna Karunesh, appointed after the tragic death of a techie in a construction pit. Yuvraj Mehta's demise in an unmarked pit, amidst dense fog, has ignited resident protests and calls for accountability. This incident highlights critical issues in urban planning and road safety, prompting a national discussion on construction zone hazards.

Russia launched a major missile strike on Ukraine's cities Kyiv and Kharkiv. This happened while peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US were taking place in Abu Dhabi. The attack targeted energy infrastructure, causing power outages for many. Ukraine's president had urged Russia to show readiness to end the war. Russia insists on Ukraine yielding its eastern Donbas region.

Union Budget 2026: Parliament's Budget Session commences January 28 with President Draupadi Murmu's address. A crucial all-party meeting is scheduled for January 27. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1, a Sunday. The session will run until April 2, with a break from February 13 to March 9.

India located over 70 fugitives abroad in 2024-25, the highest in a decade, while 203 foreign fugitives were detected in India. The nation also saw 27 fugitives return from abroad. The CBI, acting as India's Interpol nodal point, issued various notices and processed thousands of citizenship renunciation applications.

Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the engine of a developed India by 2047. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the state's transformation from a 'BIMARU' state to a 'breakthrough state'. He asserted that by the nation's 100th Independence anniversary, Uttar Pradesh will be fully developed. This progress is attributed to the combined efforts of the central and state governments.

A Faridabad father allegedly beat his four-year-old daughter to death for not writing numbers correctly. Krishna Jaiswal was arrested after his wife filed a complaint. The child, Vanshika, was reportedly struck with a rolling pin and slammed on the floor. Her seven-year-old brother revealed the truth to their mother.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday allowed Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid to attend the upcoming parliament budget session in custody. Baramulla MP sought an interim bail or custody parole to attend the Parliament Session scheduled to commence from January 28 till April 2.

A 70-foot steel bridge, weighing over 10 tonnes and built four decades ago in Chhattisgarh's Korba city, was stolen overnight. Police have identified 15 individuals involved in the theft, with five arrested so far. The accused confessed to dismantling the bridge using gas cutters to sell the iron as scrap.

A suicide bombing at a wedding in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan district has killed seven people. The attack targeted members of a peace committee. The Pakistani Taliban has previously labeled such members as traitors. This incident highlights Pakistan's ongoing struggle with increasing militant violence. The Pakistani government has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, a charge Kabul denies.

Delhi's commuters face grave danger from unsecured construction sites, with uncovered pits and broken barricades posing a constant threat. A recent fatality in Noida underscores the alarming reality of poor safety compliance. Heaps of soil, waterlogged ditches, and inadequate signage are common, turning roads into hazards, especially at night and during rain.

This Republic Day parade showcases unique animal soldiers, including Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies. New weapon systems like the S-400 and Akash missile systems will be on display. A European Union contingent will march for the first time. Women officers will lead contingents and command tableaux. The event highlights India's military strength and indigenous capabilities.

Tired of the same old lentils and chickpeas? Discover seven underrated plant-based protein powerhouses that pack serious nutritional punch. From ancient grains to fermented legumes, these sources deliver muscle-building amino acids while keeping your meals interesting and sustainable.

A man was discovered deceased inside a Kitchener home following a reported stabbing on Friday, January 23, 2026. Waterloo Regional Police are investigating the incident as a homicide and have taken a man into custody. As the investigation continues, there will be an increased police presence in the Garden Path Place area.

Your gut's best friends are waiting on your plate. Discover seven everyday fibre-packed foods that transform digestion, boost energy, and keep your system running like clockwork.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut predicts a reunion of NCP factions. He states Ajit Pawar will rejoin the Maha Vikas Aghadi, citing family ties. Raut points to the joint contest on the 'clock' symbol in upcoming local elections as evidence of unity. He also suggests Eknath Shinde is unhappy with the BJP regarding the BMC mayor post.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen expressed deep concern over West Bengal's electoral roll revision process, citing undue haste and inadequate time for voters. He warned this could jeopardize democratic participation, particularly with upcoming assembly elections. Sen highlighted the challenges faced by rural citizens in providing documentation, fearing exclusion for the underprivileged and poor.

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook Sindirgi in Balikesir province, western Turkiye early today. Turkiye's disaster management authority confirmed the tremor occurred at a depth of over 11 kilometers. Fortunately, no human or material losses have been recorded so far. Field survey operations are underway to assess the situation. This follows a similar earthquake last year.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has fined the BJP Rs 19.7 lakh and filed a police case. This action follows the installation of illegal flex boards on footpaths for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. The boards caused public inconvenience. The Corporation secretary filed a complaint leading to a police case against the BJP district president.

Shakira, a Colombian star, has achieved global fame with her music and dance. She is a multi-award winner and has sold millions of albums. Beyond her music career, Shakira is dedicated to philanthropy. She founded the Barefoot Foundation to aid children in Colombia. Shakira also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro lineup is rumored to feature a new under-display area replacing the Dynamic Island and an advanced A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process. Leaks also suggest a potential split launch strategy, with Pro models arriving in September 2026 and standard models in early 2027. Advanced camera upgrades, including a mechanical iris, are also anticipated.

The Election Commission faces challenges in meeting a Supreme Court deadline to publish voter lists with discrepancies by Saturday. Booth Level Officers have not received the necessary software, making it difficult to process and display the data for approximately 1.26 crore voters. This logistical hurdle raises uncertainty about complying with the court's directive.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated he has always upheld party stances in Parliament. His sole principled disagreement was regarding Operation Sindhoor. Tharoor explained his views on the Pahalgam incident, advocating for a targeted response. He emphasized that national interests supersede political differences. Tharoor's comments come amid reports of party friction.

Iran faces its most severe crackdown since the 1979 revolution. Protests over currency collapse turned violent, leading to widespread damage and a rising death toll. Authorities have cut internet access, obscuring the full extent of the unrest. Human rights groups report unlawful killings and the threat of mass executions. The situation remains tense as the world watches.

An out-of-control bushfire in south-west Victoria has reached emergency level. Residents are ordered to take shelter as the blaze threatens homes and lives. Authorities state it is too late to leave safely. A wind change is expected, shifting the fire's direction. A total fire ban is in effect across multiple Victorian regions. This occurs as Victoria experiences a prolonged heatwave.

A US warship made a historic port call at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, docking near Chinese vessels. This marks the first US naval visit since China's renovations, which have raised strategic concerns for Washington in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia maintains the base is open to all international partners.

Arunachal Pradesh is becoming a major power hub and a key player in India's startup scene. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the state's progress at Startup Arunachal Day 2026. Initiatives like APIIP are supporting young entrepreneurs. The government is doubling seed funding and intake capacity for upcoming cohorts. Arunachal Pradesh aims to leverage its potential for national development.