The Economic Times

Union Budget 2026: India's demographic dividend offers a unique advantage, but job creation remains a critical challenge. The upcoming budget must focus on sustainable employment generation, particularly by shifting workers from agriculture to manufacturing and high-growth service sectors. Targeted interventions in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and IT, alongside MSME support, are crucial for unlocking India's growth potential and achieving Viksit Bharat.

Spain has refused to join a new peace initiative by US President Donald Trump. The Spanish Prime Minister stated the decision aligns with Spain's commitment to international law and the United Nations. Many traditional US allies are also absent from the board. Israel and several Middle Eastern nations have joined. The initiative aims to broker ceasefires and coordinate rebuilding efforts.

Nipah virus outbreak: As many as 100 people have sent to quarantine in West Bengal to contain the spread of the deadly Nipah virus in the state. Five people have been infected, and the two nurses remain in critical condition. The Nipah virus is zoonotic, spreading between animals and people, and there is no treatment and vaccine for the infection.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that three to four people are dying by suicide daily in the state. This is attributed to anxiety surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Banerjee asserted that the Election Commission and the central government must take responsibility for these deaths.

As Davos concludes, the annual gathering saw world leaders, CEOs, and influential figures convene, fostering discussions on peace and global issues. India's significant participation and a memorable session on football's global impact stood out.

Global investors now prioritize geopolitical risks. Events like the Ukraine war and U.S. policy shifts have increased demand for expert analysis. Asset managers and corporations are building in-house capabilities or seeking external advice. Consultancy firms are expanding to meet this growing need. This focus on political risk is reshaping investment strategies worldwide.

IBPS has released the RRB Clerk Prelims Result 2025 on January 23. Candidates can check their qualification status online for the mains exam, scheduled for February 1, 2026. Scorecards and cut-offs are expected by the fourth week of January. The prelims were held in December 2025.

YSRCP MP P V Mithun Reddy appeared before Enforcement Directorate officials. This is in connection with a Rs 3,500-crore liquor scam money-laundering case. The alleged scam took place during the previous YSRCP regime. Mithun Reddy was named an accused and arrested by the SIT in July 2025. He is currently out on bail.

Vikas Gogawale, son of Shiv Sena Minister Bharat Gogawale, surrendered to Mahad police. This action followed strong criticism from the Bombay High Court regarding the Maharashtra government's delay in arresting him. The clashes occurred during municipal council elections in Raigad district. The court accepted the government's statement about the surrender. Another accused, Shreeyansh Jagtap, withdrew his bail plea.

Rain and thunder disrupted the Republic Day full dress rehearsal at Kartavya Path on Friday morning. Delhi experienced its first rain of 2026, causing a delay in the proceedings. Security personnel braved the weather, remaining at their posts. Spectators sought shelter as organizers worked to cover seating areas. The weather change was attributed to a western disturbance.

America's control over Venezuela's oil exports diverts crude shipments previously used to repay China. Venezuela owes China billions, with estimates varying widely. China continued receiving payments even after Venezuela's default through oil-backed loans. The U.S. now controls oil sale proceeds, making future debt servicing to China uncertain. Other creditors pursue Venezuela's assets.

As the United States tightens its hold on Venezuela's oil shipments, a ripple effect is emerging across geopolitical lines. The alteration of oil exports destined for China's debt obligations presents a possible flashpoint between the US and China.

Congress has labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India's greatest distorian. The party alleges attempts to distort the history of the national anthem and disrespect Rabindranath Tagore. They also claim the Prime Minister is dismantling Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. These accusations surfaced during a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram and on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary.

Donald Trump has sued JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and his bank for $5 billion, alleging they illegally debanked Trump's businesses due to his politics. Despite the lawsuit, JPMorgan's stock rose, and Dimon received a raise. This action highlights Trump's ongoing disputes with financial firms and his complex, often combative, relationship with Dimon.

Greenland's strategic importance to the United States began in World War II. The Cold War saw extensive US military development on the island. Now, President Trump seeks to acquire Greenland. This echoes past US military ambitions. Denmark has historically maintained sovereignty. Current geopolitical shifts are renewing interest in the Arctic island.

The central government has approved significant wage and pension revisions. This benefits over 46,000 employees and 23,000 pensioners across PSU General Insurance companies, NABARD, and RBI. Wage revisions for PSU General Insurance companies are effective from August 1, 2022. NABARD's payment revision starts November 1, 2022. RBI and NABARD retirees will see pension enhancements from November 1, 2022.

Today's word of the day 'Astrolabe' refers to an ancient astronomical instrument that once helped people navigate both time and space. An astrolabe is a small, handheld instrument once used to observe the sky and calculate the position of stars, planets, and the sun. Long before GPS or even the sextant, it helped astronomers, sailors, and scholars understand where they wereand what lay above them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched significant development projects and new train services in Kerala, bolstering infrastructure and financial inclusion. He inaugurated a modern post office and disbursed PM SVANidhi loans, alongside flagging off four new trains to enhance regional connectivity.

Popular actor Ranjini Menon recounted how a life-altering stroke and near-death experience recently changed her life. She said that she initially dismissed the subtle signs, leading to a medical emergency before a public event. She said that the days in the ICU taught her profound lessons on health, humility, and the true value of life.

Essar Group committed Rs 25,000 crore to Uttar Pradesh for power, energy, logistics, and data centers, marking a significant investment at the WEF 2026. The state also secured an MoU with SA Technologies for a Rs 200 crore Global Capability Centre and a non-financial pact with NTPC Green Energy for renewable projects.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif urged the PCB to boycott the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, which is threatening to withdraw over security concerns. Latif believes Pakistan's absence would significantly impact the tournament and presents a crucial opportunity to challenge the existing cricket power structure.

America has officially exited the World Health Organization. This move triggers a significant budget crisis for the WHO, leading to staff reductions. The US stated its decision reflects management failures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country plans to work directly with other nations on global health matters. This departure impacts disease surveillance and response efforts worldwide.

TTD Ratha Saptami 2026: Tirumala is preparing for the Ratha Saptami festival on January 25, 2026, expecting over two lakh devotees. To manage the anticipated crowds, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has cancelled all arjitha sevas, special darshans, and slotted Sarva Darshan tokens from January 24 to 26. Extensive arrangements are being made for devotee safety and comfort, including security, traffic management, and food distribution.

Reports from activist groups indicate that the Iranian government's suppression of protests has resulted in more than 5,000 deaths. This alarming rise in casualties coincides with the country's most extended internet blackout, as tensions escalate with the approach of a US aircraft carrier fleet towards the Middle East. In response, Iran dismisses the figures, calling the protesters 'rioters'.

Bomb Threat in Noida School: Shiv Nadar School in Noida was evacuated and closed Friday following a bomb threat email, prompting a security alert ahead of Republic Day. Similar threats were received by schools in Ahmedabad, leading to heightened security citywide. Authorities are investigating the origin of the emails while assuring parents.

Srinagar Flights Cancelled List: Srinagar experienced heavy rain and snowfall on Friday. This caused significant disruptions to road and air transportation. Several flights to and from Srinagar Airport were cancelled. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway also faced closure. IndiGo issued advisories for passengers regarding potential delays and rebooking options.

Victoria is preparing for a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. This heat is increasing the risk of bushfires across the state. Meanwhile, Queensland is monitoring a tropical low developing in the Gulf of Carpentaria. This system could potentially intensify into a cyclone, raising concerns for flood-affected areas in north Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Prayagraj witnessed a massive gathering on Basant Panchami. More than one crore devotees performed holy dips in the Ganga and Sangam during the ongoing Magh Mela. The festival holds special significance, marking the confluence of sacred rivers and the onset of spring. Extensive arrangements were made for the pilgrims, including sanitation, security, and accommodation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met over twenty business leaders in Davos. He discussed Assam's unique investment opportunities across various sectors. These discussions aimed to foster growth for enterprises. The Chief Minister highlighted Assam's rapid development and attractive policies. He also mentioned the state's talented workforce. These engagements are expected to yield positive results in the near future.

Conservative voices are intensifying attacks on progressive white women. Figures like Erick Erickson and Vincent Oshana are criticizing them harshly. This trend coincides with a broader right-wing push against modern feminism and a renewed emphasis on traditional masculinity. Some even question women's right to vote. This rhetoric targets women voters and challenges their social value.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim their rewards by visiting the official Garena redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 8 new release time, updated schedule and how to watch details the delayed Starz release, global streaming times, reasons for the gap week, episode schedule updates, and where viewers can stream episodes across regions.

Today's Weather Alert: Northern India is set for a spell of active winter weather. A strong western disturbance will bring widespread rainfall, snowfall, thunderstorms, and fog across north and northwest India. The western Himalayas will see heavy rain and snow. Plains will experience intense thunderstorms and hailstorms. Dense fog is expected to return after the active weather passes.

Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 release time, what to expect and how to watch details the next chapter of the anime. The episode introduces the Hero of the South, recalls Frierens past, and sets up a new mission. Streaming details and global release times are explained.

Basant Panchmi Wishes 2026: Basant Panchami marks fresh beginnings across India, with a focus on learning and knowledge. Celebrated on the fifth day of Magha, the festival emphasizes the color yellow, symbolizing energy and prosperity. It's a time for Saraswati Puja, seeking blessings for wisdom and creativity, and for initiating new studies or life journeys.

Himachal Pradesh snowfall: Heavy rain and snowfall has been predicted for Himachal Pradesh today by the IMD. Manali may freeze at 0 degrees today with the weather office predicting rainfall and snowfall for the day. An orange alert has been sounded for Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti with forecast of heavy snowfall along with rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Shimla might see heavy rain along with hail, cold day, thunderstorms and lightning today.

Ukraine peace talks: Ukraine is enduring its harshest winter of the war as Russia mounts heavy missile and drone strikes on its energy infrastructure. With temperatures way below freezing, hundreds of thousands of people in Kyiv and other cities have suffered long power cuts and been left without heating.

Delhi Police's Special Cell has filed an FIR against SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This action follows threats of unrest in Delhi ahead of Republic Day. Pannu claimed pro-Khalistan posters were placed, but police investigations have not found any evidence.

President Donald Trump announced plans to visit China in April, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected in the U.S. by late 2026. This follows Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's suggestion of up to four meetings between the leaders this year, noting improved U.S.-China ties and increased soybean purchases.

On November 27 last year, the UAE President, in an official order shared on his website, mentioned that 2937 inmates had been released ahead of Eid Al Etihad. Eid Al Etihad is the UAE's national celebration on December 2, marking the moment in 1971 when the emirates united under one flag.

Queen Elizabeth II served as Britain's longest-reigning monarch for over 70 years. Her reign saw significant global transformations and she remained a symbol of continuity. She dedicated her life to public service and constitutional duty. Her legacy is defined by her unwavering sense of duty and her role as a unifying figure. She passed away in 2022.