The Economic Times

President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace at Davos on January 22, 2026. This new group will oversee post-war Gaza and global conflicts. Trump serves as the lifelong Chairman. Over 20 nations joined, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. Membership costs $1 billion for a permanent seat. The board aims to raise $53 billion for reconstruction. It acts as a private alternative to the United Nations.

Weather forecast snow storm warning: Nineteen states include Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.

Michelle Obama firmly stated her opposition to her husband, Barack Obama, running for a third term, even if laws were changed. She believes two terms are sufficient, emphasizing the need for new visions and energy to address the country's evolving challenges. Obama highlighted the importance of fresh perspectives from younger generations.

Skills Accelerator is a multistakeholder platform aimed at identifying, scaling, and accelerating innovative solutions and publicprivate partnerships to address critical skills gaps in the workforce by promoting lifelong learning, industry-aligned training, and large-scale reskilling. Currently active skill accelerator countries include Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria and Qatar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the NDA's election campaign in Tamil Nadu on January 23. The event in Madurathakam will see leaders from allied parties present. Efforts are underway to bring more allies into the fold. A large public meeting is anticipated, marking a significant start to the campaign to unseat the DMK.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot dramatically exited a legislative session after reading only a few lines of the government-prepared address, which reportedly criticized central policies. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the act as an insult, vowing to explore legal action. This follows similar gubernatorial walkouts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, highlighting escalating political tensions.

Simonize meaning: Simonize, a word born from a car wax brand, means to polish to a high shine. This term is now used for more than just cars. It can describe making speeches or essays gleam. The word's journey shows how language evolves. It offers a vivid way to describe polishing both physical items and abstract concepts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with EU ambassadors. He stressed stronger India-EU ties will de-risk the global economy. Cooperation on supply chains and security partnerships will stabilize the world order. Upcoming visits by European leaders for Republic Day were noted. Spain's Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI was also launched.

Delhi-NCR breathes easier as GRAP 3 restrictions were lifted Thursday, thanks to a significant improvement in air quality. The Air Quality Index dropped to 332, prompting the Commission on Air Quality Management to relax curbs. Forecasters predict the AQI will likely stay in the moderate to poor range, offering continued relief.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu revealed that investment pledges totaling Rs 2.5 lakh crore from the 2025 World Economic Forum have been realised. He shared this at the 2026 WEF in Davos. Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's progress in green energy, technology, and AI.

Madonna was reportedly appalled after encountering her ex-husband Sean Penn recently, according to Rob Shuters Naughty But Nice Substack. The pop star was astonished by Penns gray hair and natural aging, which insiders stated compelled her to confront a reality she prefers to keep tightly controlled. The actor looks his age, and seeing him without filters,cosmetic procedures, or Hollywood tricks was a shock to Madonnas system.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea to stop Prasar Bharati from referring to the BCCI's cricket team as 'Team India'. The court termed the plea frivolous. Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul M Pancholi upheld the Delhi High Court's earlier order. The bench questioned the petitioner's argument, stating the team represents India.

India is becoming a major center for electronics production. Global companies are shifting manufacturing from China to India and Vietnam. This move is driven by economic reasons and the need for stable supply chains. The pandemic highlighted the importance of having diverse manufacturing locations. India's growing electronics sector offers significant opportunities for investment and job creation.

Seven individuals have been arrested following the collapse of a new water tank in Surat, Gujarat. The incident injured three laborers. Gujarat's Chief Minister has ordered stringent action against all responsible contractors and officials. The opposition has criticized the state government, alleging widespread corruption in awarding contracts and compromising construction quality.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has released the tentative exam dates for NEET-PG and NEET-MDS 2026. NEET-MDS is scheduled for May 2, 2026, with an internship completion deadline of May 31, 2026. NEET-PG will be held on August 30, 2026, requiring internship completion by September 30, 2026. Both exams will be computer-based.

Google has launched free, full-length SAT practice tests inside the Gemini app, making high-quality test prep accessible to all. Developed in partnership with The Princeton Review, the tests mirror the real digital SAT in format, difficulty, and timing. Available globally at no cost, this initiative aims to democratize college readiness and reduce reliance on expensive coaching.

Pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, known as he Obscure, emphasized that change is the fundamental nature of the universe. His famous same river quote illustrates that nothing remains static, including ourselves. Heraclitus believed this constant flux follows a rational order, urging acceptance of life's inevitable progression.

Gold rate prediction: Gold price is further pressured by fading expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts in the near term.

The Election Commission has ordered an FIR against Farakka MLA Monirul Islam following vandalism at a BDO office. Separately, the ECI has sought an explanation from the West Bengal Chief Secretary. This is regarding disciplinary action taken against four officials. The Commission stated the proceedings were procedurally irregular and lacked mandatory consultation. Complete case records have been requested for review.

Soon, drivers accumulating five or more traffic violations within a year face a three-month driving ban. This new rule, aimed at curbing repeat offenders, allows authorities to suspend or revoke licenses. Past offenses won't be counted beyond the 12-month period, focusing on recent violations.

The Ministry of External Affairs has condemned an incident of trespassing and vandalism at the Indian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by anti-India elements. India has strongly raised the issue with Croatian authorities, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. The MEA emphasized the inviolability of diplomatic premises under the Vienna Convention.

Former MLA A V Thamarakshan and his faction have joined the NDA in Kerala. Thamarakshan, previously expelled from the Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi, announced his faction's merger with the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular). BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar welcomed Thamarakshan. Thamarakshan had merged his faction with the JSS in 2009. The JSS was founded by K R Gowri Amma.

From illusion gowns to sculpted silhouettes, nude-toned dresses have become the ultimate power move, blending bold design and confidence across global fashion moments.

The Artemis 2 mission represents a significant step in NASAs long-term plan to send humans back into deep space and lay the groundwork for a lasting human presence on the Moon.

At WEF Davos 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw positioned India as a first-tier AI nation and trusted global tech partner. He announced India will run most AI work on sovereign models within a year, backed by 38,000 GPUs in a national compute grid. A complete semiconductor ecosystem is emerging, with 24 startups designing 2nm chips and four fabs launching in 2026.

Noida police have arrested two more builders. This is in connection with the death of a software engineer. The engineer drowned after his car fell into a waterlogged trench. The incident occurred in Sector 150. The FIR was lodged following a complaint by the techie's father. Police had earlier arrested another director in the case.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission wants to email summons to Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and executive Sagar Adani. This follows India's refusal to serve the documents twice. The SEC alleges a fraud and bribery scheme involving $265 million. Adani group denies the claims. The SEC believes further attempts through international treaties will fail.

India celebrates Basant Panchami on January 23, marking spring's arrival and honoring Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts. This vibrant festival signifies new beginnings and intellectual growth. Devotees seek blessings for wisdom, creativity, and success, embracing the season's optimism and the pursuit of learning.

Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma asserted that the constituency belongs to the Gandhi family, who have consistently prioritized its welfare and development. Sharma, acting on the family's instructions, pledged to serve Amethi and ensure its progress. He also criticized BJP governments for allegedly harming the poor and laborers, and condemned the treatment of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.

Asaduddin Owaisi has appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He seeks the rescue of 16 Indian nationals. These individuals were promised jobs in Thailand. They are now enslaved on the Myanmar-Thailand border. Three of the victims are from Hyderabad. They face forced labor and physical punishment. Their passports and phones are confiscated. Medical facilities are denied.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' enduring mantra, 'Stay hungry, stay foolish,' champions relentless curiosity and bold risk-taking. This philosophy, born from his own journey of innovation, urges individuals to embrace learning, challenge norms, and pursue passions fearlessly. It's a powerful call to action for personal growth and creative breakthroughs.

As todays Word of the Day, sesquipedalian reminds us that language is elastic. It can be stretched, compressed, embellished or stripped bare.

Ten soldiers died and eleven were injured when an Army vehicle fell into a gorge in Doda district. The accident occurred on the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. A joint rescue operation was launched immediately. Injured soldiers were airlifted for specialized treatment. Officials confirmed the fatalities and injuries. Leaders expressed grief and condolences to the families.

Eight Maoists, including a high-value target with a Rs 1 crore bounty, were eliminated in a fierce gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district. The intense exchange of fire occurred in the Saranda forest's Kumdi area. Patiram Majhi, also known as Anal Da, was among those killed.

After celebrating her sisters wedding and indulging in all the shaadi treats, Kriti Sanon is officially back to her fitness grind.

A Telangana government officer, Arramada Venkat Reddy, is under investigation for allegedly amassing assets worth over Rs 7 crore, disproportionate to his known income. The Anti-Corruption Bureau seized properties including houses, plots, and agricultural land, along with significant movable assets like cash and vehicles. The market value of these assets is estimated to exceed Rs 50 crore.

Rahul Gandhi asserted the Modi government's intent to dismantle MGNREGA mirrors the repealed farm laws. He urged rural workers to unite, drawing parallels with farmers' successful protest. Gandhi stated that collective action can force the government to reinstate MGNREGA in its original rights-based form. The Congress leader highlighted concerns over centralized control and reduced worker wages.

Jack Nicholson, a celebrated actor known for iconic roles, embodies a philosophy of continuous learning. His quote, 'The minute that you're not learning I believe you're dead,' emphasizes that lifelong curiosity and engagement with new ideas are essential for intellectual and emotional vitality, preventing stagnation and fostering adaptability throughout life.

TN election news: The Election Commission of India has allocated symbols to the political parties of actors Vijay and Kamal Hassan. Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will use the whistle symbol. Kamal Hassan's Makkal Needhi Maiam received the battery torch symbol. Both parties are preparing to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. They aim to challenge the ruling DMK party.

The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026 for Group 'A' Gazetted Officer posts. The online examination is scheduled for January 31, 2026, with candidates needing to download their admit cards from afcat.cdac.in. The exam will cover General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning, with a duration of two hours.

Security agencies are on high alert nationwide. Coded messages '26-26' suggest a possible threat linked to Republic Day 2026. Intelligence points to Pakistan-based terror groups planning coordinated strikes. A Kashmiri group has also issued threats. These warnings are being treated as a significant retaliatory move.

Gujarat Giants have signed Jintimani Kalita as a replacement for injured Titas Sadhu. Kalita joins the Giants from Mumbai Indians for the rest of the Women's Premier League season. Sadhu, who was acquired from Delhi Capitals, has not yet played a match. Kalita brings WPL experience to the Giants squad.