The Economic Times

Davos: At Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu's meeting with Israeli representatives at the WEF venue, establishing an Israel Industrial Park in Andhra Pradesh was proposed. This park would host Israeli firms in med-tech, aero-defence and clean-tech sectors. Discussions also covered defence, aerospace and UAV ecosystems.

The Supreme Court will form an expert committee to examine mining and related issues in the Aravalli Hills. This committee will conduct a comprehensive study of the region. The court has also extended its earlier order regarding the definition of the Aravalli ranges. Illegal mining is a serious concern with irreversible environmental consequences.

A tragic road accident on Udaipur's old bypass claimed four teenage lives and injured six others. The collision, which completely destroyed both vehicles, occurred as a car carrying birthday celebrants entered the main road. A disturbing video shows the teenagers' car speeding and the driver smoking, with a passenger pleading to slow down just before impact.

Andhra Pradesh at Davos: The MoU is among the largest clean-infrastructure commitments announced at the summit and highlights Andhra Pradesh's growing profile as a destination for large-scale, sustainable investments.

India Budget 2026: India's fiscal policy is set to favor growth as the government shifts its focus to a debt-to-GDP ratio target from April 2026. This move is expected to lead to a gentler pace of fiscal tightening. Economists anticipate gross borrowings to reach record highs, though net borrowings may remain stable, potentially impacting bond markets.

During an inspiring visit to Davos, Karnatakas Industries Minister M B Patil convened with industry leaders to discuss transformative investments. The talks with ReNew Power emphasized the importance of renewable energy. Xylem Inc seized the opportunity to highlight their commitment to cutting-edge wastewater treatment and effective water supply solutions.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that a 'pure' voters' list is vital for democracy, citing Bihar's recent revision exercise where no complaints arose regarding inclusions or exclusions. He highlighted the efficiency of the local poll machinery in ensuring a clean electoral roll, countering opposition concerns about the Special Intensive Revision process.

In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that attendance of Members of Parliament will now be recorded only when they are physically present inside the House at their designated seats. The new attendance rule will be effective from the upcoming Budget Session.

President Donald Trump faces a three-hour delay en route to Davos. An electrical problem grounded Air Force One, necessitating a plane change. He is heading to address the World Economic Forum. This development comes as the US leader pursues a Greenland initiative. The schedule adjustment impacts his arrival at the Swiss resort.

India needs a strong military, with air power crucial for protecting economic interests and technological infrastructure. Air Force chief A P Singh emphasized this at the Subroto Mukerjee Seminar. He highlighted the need for the will to use military strength. India must also focus on indigenisation and acquiring critical technologies for future preparedness.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI to boost credit for MSMEs. This capital, released over three years, aims to increase financial assistance recipients from 76.26 lakh to 1.02 crore by 2028, potentially creating over a crore new jobs.

The Supreme Court has extended protection for three individuals accused in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. The court directed them to seek regular bail from the trial court. This comes after the High Court cancelled their default bail and ordered their surrender. The scam involves alleged manipulation in liquor procurement and kickbacks during the previous government's tenure.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, a leader known for steady guidance and smart decisions, inspires us to find joy in life's journey, not just distant goals. Under his tenure, Apple has seen significant product launches and growth in services. Cook's emphasis on values like privacy and environmental responsibility, alongside his quiet yet effective leadership, continues to shape the tech giant's future.

India asserts its position among global AI leaders, rejecting a US-China-centric hierarchy. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India's independent strategy, talent, and progress across the AI stack, emphasizing return on investment over frontier model size. He envisions a multipolar AI future driven by custom silicon and cost-effective compute.

A flat owner in Bengaluru proposed cost-cutting measures for apartment maintenance. Suggestions included removing night security guards and CCTV cameras. Other ideas involved eliminating gardeners, dimming common area lights, altering garbage collection, and disabling power backup. These proposals generated significant criticism and sarcastic reactions on social media platforms like Reddit.

A viral video by Gaurav Kapur satirises finance influencers' shifting advice during market rallies versus crashes. The clip highlights how confident stock-picking promises during bull runs transform into cautious, blame-free guidance when markets turn volatile, resonating with retail investors.

The Pitt Season 2 Episode 3 release date, time, schedule, streaming platforms and how to watch details confirm the episode will stream on HBO Max on January 22, 2026. This explainer covers global timings, episode schedule, cast details, story focus, and viewing options.

India spy satellites: India plans to deploy as many as 150 new satellites to boost border security, reports said citing Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V Narayanan. The estimated cost of placing 150 satellites is about Rs 26,000 crore ($2.8 billion), the reports added.

The Union Budget 2026 will be more than a fiscal exercise. As autonomous drones, algorithm-driven targeting and cyber warfare reshape conflict, the Union Budget will reveal how seriously India intends to invest in next-generation military power amid shrinking fiscal headroom.

The inheritance dispute over late businessman Sunjay Kapurs estimated Rs 30,000 crore estate has intensified, with his mother Rani Kapur moving the Delhi High Court to seek cancellation of the Rani Kapur Family Trust, which holds a stake in auto component maker Sona Comstar.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson CR Kesavan has accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of displaying an anti-Hindu mindset. He criticized Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's past remarks and questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin's silence. Kesavan pointed to incidents opposing Hindu festivals as examples of this alleged mindset.

CBSE admit card 2026 for regular student: CBSE is expected to release Class 10 and 12 admit cards for regular students soon, typically five to six days before the February 17, 2026 exams. Students must carry their admit cards to examination centers, as entry is prohibited without them. Schools are instructed to ensure admit cards are clearly printed with official stamps and signatures.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has courted controversy after inaugurating a fake Pizza Hut outlet in Sialkot. The company swiftly clarified the establishment was unauthorized, not adhering to their standards. This incident has sparked widespread mockery online, with netizens questioning due diligence and drawing parallels to other perceived fakes.

Delhi government has approved a welfare initiative to provide a free LPG cooking gas cylinder to economically weaker households on Holi and Diwali. The decision, with a Rs 300 crore allocation, fulfills a BJP electoral promise. Beneficiaries will receive funds via Direct Benefit Transfer to their Aadhaar-linked accounts.

Bangladesh elections: A December opinion poll by the U.S.-based International Republican Institute ranked Jamaat as the most liked party and projected a tight race with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for the top spot in the February 12 election.

A senior manager at an LIC office in Madurai died in what was initially thought to be an accidental fire. Police now say an assistant officer murdered her. The manager was investigating document irregularities linked to the assistant officer. He allegedly set her on fire and locked her in a room.

Pakistan Cricket Board backs Bangladesh's stance on not playing T20 World Cup matches in India. This follows security concerns raised by Bangladesh. The International Cricket Council will decide on Bangladesh's participation. Bangladesh wants its matches shifted to Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. The issue began after a directive from the BCCI regarding a player.

Canada is bracing for another year of extreme heat, with 2026 predicted to be among the hottest on record. Global temperatures are expected to remain significantly above pre-industrial levels, marking the 13th consecutive year. This trend suggests the period from 2026 to 2030 will likely be the hottest five-year span ever recorded.

Basant Panchami 2026 shubh muhurat kab hai: Basant Panchami, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, 2026, based on Udaya Tithi. This auspicious day marks the arrival of spring and is ideal for new beginnings, learning, and arts. Devotees worship the Goddess of wisdom, seeking blessings for creativity and clarity of thought.

A new European Twenty20 league is set to begin in August. Cricket boards from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands back the league. Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is a founder. Glenn Maxwell co-owns the Belfast franchise. Steve Waugh is part of the ownership for the Amsterdam team. The league aims to boost cricket in Europe.

Singer Anup Jalota has sharply criticized composer AR Rahman's recent comments. Jalota suggested Rahman should reconvert to Hinduism if he believes his Muslim faith hinders his film career. Rahman had previously spoken about facing prejudice in Bollywood. He later issued an apology for any hurt caused by his statements. Rahman continues his work on upcoming projects.

A Japanese court handed down a life sentence to Tetsuya Yamagami for assassinating former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Yamagami confessed to the murder, stating his motive was to target a controversial church with alleged ties to Japan's ruling party. The shocking incident has spurred investigations into the church and prompted security reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura on their statehood days. He acknowledged their contributions to India's progress and development. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the continued growth and prosperity of these states. He highlighted Manipur's dedication, Meghalaya's cultural vibrancy, and Tripura's blend of tradition and modernity.

Nome, Alaska, a remote Arctic town, is set to become the U.S.'s first deepwater Arctic port, a $548 million expansion aiming to boost trade and resources. While proponents see economic growth and self-sufficiency, residents and tribal members express concerns about population booms, infrastructure costs, and impacts on their traditional subsistence lifestyle.

Delhi's air quality saw a slight improvement on Wednesday morning, registering an AQI of 339, still in the very poor category. While better than Tuesday's 395, 30 stations reported very poor conditions, with Jahangirpuri at 390. The city experienced a minimum temperature of 7.2 degrees Celsius with moderate fog expected.

The three-day enumeration drive is being carried out by the Chilika Wildlife Division in coordination with the Chilika Development Office to assess the current population, distribution, and habitat use of dolphins in Asia's largest brackish water lagoon.

Leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos voiced strong concerns over global trade and President Trump's actions. French President Emmanuel Macron warned of a ew colonial approach. California Governor Gavin Newsom urged leaders to stand tall and firm. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney advocated for middle powers to cooperate.

Sentenced to Be a Hero Episode 3 release date, time, schedule, what to expect and how to watch details the next chapter of the anime. The episode continues the tunnel mission, explores Demon Blight effects, and follows Xylos decision to rescue trapped miners while facing the system behind his sentence.

Since his inauguration in June, Lee has pushed for dialogue with the North without preconditions, a stark departure from the hawkish approach of his predecessor. But Pyongyang has not responded to his overtures and recently accused South Korea of flying a drone into the border city of Kaesong.

Garena Free Fire Max continues to engage players with tournaments and daily rewards, with redeem codes offering an easy way to acquire free items. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim their rewards by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Air Force One, carrying President Trump, made an unexpected return to Joint Base Andrews shortly after departing for Switzerland due to a minor electrical issue. The President will switch to another aircraft to continue his journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos. This incident highlights the aging fleet of presidential planes.

Gujarat's delegation is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Led by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the delegation aims to explore new opportunities in sectors like Artificial Intelligence and defence.

Iran has warned former US President Donald Trump against taking any action against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with a top military spokesman saying any aggression would trigger severe retaliation. The warning followed Trumps call for an end to Khameneis nearly 40-year rule.

During the press conference, he again repeated the claim that he settled eight wars, including between India and Pakistan, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda and others.

Why is silver price rising above $95.89 and will it increase further? Silver hits record highs due to geopolitical tensions, USEurope trade disputes, and safe-haven demand. Traders remain cautious amid Fed interest rate decisions. The price movement reflects global economic and political uncertainty, making Silver a sought-after asset.