The Economic Times

Budget: expectations would be that it would be yet another opportunity to deepen reforms by pushing manufacturing competitiveness, improving human capital, modernising tax and trade regimes, and reinforcing investment in emerging technologies that will lay out a roadmap for resilient, inclusive, and innovation-led growth.

Quote of the day by Clarence Day: American author Clarence Day's Quote of the Day warns against excessive pursuit of money, highlighting its potential harm to health and well-being. Day, known for Life with Father, emphasized that money should be a tool, not a master, advocating for a balanced life where financial goals don't overshadow personal fulfillment and happiness.

Wealth Quote of the Day by Ronald Reagan, We who live in free market societies believe that growth, prosperity, and human fulfillment are created from the bottom up, not the government down. Ronald Reagans 1981 vision remains the bedrock of modern American opportunity. He believed prosperity blooms when the government steps aside. By slashing tax rates from 70% to 28%, he ignited a historic 92-month expansion. Today, this ottom-up DNA fuels the digital gig economy and tech startups.

Heavy snowfall in Manali has caused massive traffic congestion, stranding tourists and prompting authorities to advise against unnecessary travel. Himachal Pradesh experienced widespread rain and snow, significantly lowering temperatures and disrupting normal life. Over 600 roads remain blocked across the state due to the extreme weather.

Chinese employee legal battle: A Chinese worker successfully sued his employer after being fired for refusing to perform at the company's annual banquet. The court ruled the dismissal unlawful, emphasizing that voluntary activities are not mandatory work duties. This landmark decision reinforces employee rights, protecting them from punitive actions for declining non-essential events.

Ukraine war: Kyiv faces a harsh winter as Russian attacks cripple power. Residents in high-rise buildings endure freezing conditions and long blackouts. Life is now dictated by electricity schedules. People adapt with candles, power banks and gas burners.

Corporate PIPs are evolving into strategic layoff tools in 2026. High-stakes manufacturing mergers often trigger these 60-day cycles to reduce headcount without severance. For exhausted analysts, the Paid Interview Period strategy is vital. Maintain a strict 40-hour limit. Document impossible workloads as legal leverage. Prioritize health while leveraging current employment for better negotiation. Use your 12-month financial cushion to transition safely. Don't resign; make them pay for your exit

The next round of U.S.-brokered talks between Ukraine and Russia will take place next Sunday in Abu Dhabi, a U.S. official said on Saturday, hailing progress over the last two days of discussions even though they ended on Saturday without a deal.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Saturday slammed US President Donald Trump for saying North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies had shied away from the front line in Afghanistan.

Hiring bias against resume gaps is driving a surge in strategic deception. Job seekers now use ghost companies and stretched dates to bypass picky recruiters. While some bypass shallow background checks, the risk of at-will termination remains high. As AI-driven verification evolves, these shortcuts face a narrowing window. For many, lying is a desperate response to a broken, unforgiving job market.

Haryana is set to become water self-reliant with World Bank's Rs 5,700 crore assistance. The 'Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project' will fund canal and minor canal restoration until 2032. Micro-irrigation systems will cover 70,000 acres. Drainage systems will address waterlogging on 2 lakh acres. Sustainable agriculture and groundwater recharge are also priorities. This initiative aims for a modern, well-restored canal network.

The upcoming India-EU summit on January 27 will focus on a joint strategic agenda to deepen cooperation across prosperity, technology, security, and connectivity. Leaders are also set to announce the conclusion of the long-pending free trade agreement, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer has mandated super checking of voter lists by district officials before final publication. This multi-layered verification process, closely monitored by the Election Commission of India, ensures document accuracy. Officials are also instructed to upload hearing reports and disposal orders on the same day of processing to maintain transparency and efficiency.

The Manipur High Court has ordered the blocking of viral videos depicting a brutal killing in Churachandpur, citing threats to public order and communal harmony. The state government had filed a petition after the victim's family refused to claim the body until perpetrators were arrested. The Centre confirmed blocking orders were issued on January 22.

Assam's Chief Minister defends a voter list revision exercise. He states no genuine Indian citizens are being targeted. Opposition parties, however, accuse the ruling party of manipulation and harassment. They claim names of permanent residents are being removed. The exercise aims to update electoral rolls before a February 10 publication.

Resume mistakes causing rejection: A Reddit user shared how their friend's resume was repeatedly rejected due to five common mistakes, including a two-column layout and missing keywords, which confused applicant tracking systems. After revising the resume to address these issues, the friend saw a significant increase in job callbacks, highlighting the importance of a ATS-friendly format.

Assam polls-With the Assam Assembly elections around the corner the United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL) and ally of ruling BJP in Assam said it would take a final call on its alliance strategy later this month.

China's most senior general, Zhang Youxia, a close ally of President Xi Jinping, is under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law. This high-profile purge occurs as Beijing modernizes its military and projects greater power, with analysts watching for its impact on China's military posture.

Estimated quarterly taxes IRS payment deadlines explained: The 2026 IRS tax season is now active. Freelancers and gig workers must pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties. Key deadlines include April 15, June 15, and September 15. The final 2026 payment is due January 15, 2027. Underpayment interest remains high at 7% per year. Use Form 1040-ES to calculate your debt. Electronic payments via IRS Direct Pay are free. Stay compliant to protect your earnings.

Ancient Greek philosopher Parmenides, living in the late 6th and early 5th century BCE, fundamentally questioned existence. He asserted that what is, is; what is not, is not, arguing that being is real, whole, and unchanging. This led him to conclude that change, motion, and multiplicity are mere illusions, with true knowledge attainable only through reason.

Child tax credit refund: The federal child tax credit offers eligible families up to $2,200 per child under 17 in 2025, with a refundable portion of up to $1,700. This credit helps offset child-rearing costs and is separate from other tax benefits. Several states also provide their own child tax credits, offering additional financial relief.

A tech professional claims a revised resume format secured him 30 interview calls. He detailed his work experience with core responsibilities, emphasizing industry terms and impact. Aligning the resume with job descriptions is crucial. While ATS rankings benefit from keyword matching, caution is advised. This approach offers a potential strategy for job seekers navigating a competitive market.

An investigation at a major U.S. bank reveals a toxic do less culture. Management reportedly pressured a top fraud investigator to ignore suspicious activity to protect team stats. This internal conflict exposes a dangerous shift: prioritizing quotas over federal Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. By suppressing high detection rates, banks risk massive regulatory fines. Such systemic negligence undermines consumer security and reveals a hidden crisis in modern financial oversight.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Canada. He stated that if Canada enters into a trade agreement with China, all Canadian goods will face a 100% tariff upon entering the United States. Trump believes such a deal would be detrimental to Canada's economy and way of life.

A major winter storm has caused over 9,000 flight cancellations across the U.S., impacting roughly 140 million people. Widespread heavy snow and catastrophic ice are forecast from Texas to New England, with dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills expected to persist. Millions are facing potential power outages as utility companies prepare for the severe weather.

An entrepreneur rejected a Gen Z job candidate for asking basic company details despite receiving them beforehand. She cited a lack of preparation and ownership as reasons, sparking debate about the generation's work ethic. The incident highlights the continued importance of thorough research for job seekers.

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvanthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has once again stirred controversy after missing a key strategy meeting of the party to discuss the upcoming Kerala assembly polls, indicating his displeasure over the party's functioning.

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.