The Economic Times

A Reddit thread titled Is this layoff language? delves into how seemingly ordinary corporate meeting invites can result in anxiety among employees. One user shared a message about a business update and worried it might signal layoffs, though they finally were safe while three colleagues were laid off. Other Redditors stated the concern, citing previous experiences where vague wording preceded restructuring, offshoring, or job cuts.

McDonald's is reintroducing its popular Changeables Happy Meal toys from the 1980s and 1990s. These toys transform from classic McDonald's items into robots and dinosaurs. The company is updating the designs to appeal to a new generation. Changeables were highly requested by customers. They will be available for a limited time with 16 different characters.

Social Security may face benefit cuts in the coming years due to money problems. Experts warn the trust fund could run out by 2033. Lawmakers are discussing changes like higher payroll taxes, taxing high incomes, raising retirement age, and adjusting benefits for wealthy workers to protect future payments and avoid automatic cuts.

Ajit Pawar, a six-time Deputy Chief Minister, died in an air crash. His political journey was filled with ambition and resilience. He often expressed his desire to become Chief Minister. Pawar was known for his administrative skills and punctuality. His career saw many twists and turns, but he always survived controversies.

Divestment, when designed as a governance instrument rather than just a sale, transforms state ownership into a continuously scrutinized economic asset. This approach enhances price discovery, capital allocation, and productivity, as demonstrated by the BCCL IPO and the oil and gas sector's market capitalization growth. Effective divestment requires clear objectives, credible disclosures, and sustained governance follow-through.

A private sleeper bus caught fire late Tuesday night in Shivamogga, Karnataka, narrowly escaping a major tragedy. Thirty-six passengers evacuated safely, though six, including the driver, sustained injuries after the vehicle crashed into a tree. The bus was completely gutted in the blaze.

Addressing a gathering at the annual National Cadet Corps PM Rally at Delhi Cantonment here, the prime minister also said the entire world is looking at India's youth with a lot of trust and the reason behind that trust is skill and 'sanskar' (culture).

Healthcare's silent, consistent functioning is crucial for India's nation-building, ensuring individual well-being and socio-economic continuity. ASP's long-term commitment to strengthening India's healthcare ecosystem through education, awareness, and reliable systems exemplifies this quiet, impactful contribution to national progress.

New Delhi: The government has updated pollution control rules. Consent to Operate for industries will now remain valid until cancelled. This change reduces paperwork and compliance burdens. It also speeds up approvals for Red Category industries. A single application will now cover air, water, and waste management permissions. Environmental auditors can also verify compliance.

National news features Ajit Pawar's funeral and PM Modi's NCC rally attendance. Internationally, an EU trade deal impacts India's textile sector. Suryakumar Yadav shines in T20 rankings. South Africa considers tariffs on vehicles from China and India. UPS plans job cuts. African nations now send more money to China than they receive in loans.

President Trump's approach to foreign relations has been labeled as neo-feudal, emphasising the enrichment of a select few over the broader national agenda. This strategy is fracturing the existing global framework. Examples, such as the pursuit of Greenland and negotiations with geopolitical contenders, illustrate this tendency. The analysis warns that such an extractive mindset could destabilise international harmony.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Beijing to boost trade with China. He aims to expand export business for British industries. Starmer is navigating a delicate balance between China and the United States. He is accompanied by business and cultural leaders. The UK is seeing a surge in Chinese electric vehicle imports.

Silver prices are up nearly 53% in January 2026, recently hitting a historic $118 peak. This white metal rally is a structural repricing. A five-year supply deficit and exploding demand for AI data centers, EVs, and solar energy are driving the surge. While technically overbought, analysts target $150 as silver outshines gold. However, sharp volatility raises questions about near-term overheating and investment timing.

The vibrant city of Lahore is set to become the battleground for an important T20 series between Pakistan and Australia, crucial for both teams as they refine their strategies ahead of the World Cup. Pakistan's inclusion in the tournament hangs in the balance, with a decision on their status expected to arrive imminently.

A January 2024 post by late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, where he praised the smooth landings of female pilots, has gone viral following his death in a Baramati plane crash. The post has sparked emotional reactions online, especially as reports suggest the flight crew included both a male and a female pilot. The coincidence has added a layer of somber irony to the state's mourning.

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister's Farmer Accident Welfare Scheme has provided over 1 lakh farmers with financial aid since 2019, offering up to 5 lakh for accidental death or disability. The scheme, now being fully digitized for enhanced transparency and ease of access, extends support to landless farmers and agricultural laborers, bolstering rural economies and providing a crucial social security net.

La Rinconada, Peru, is the world's highest permanent settlement, where 50,000 people live at 5,000 meters above sea level to mine gold. Lacking basic infrastructure like sewage and running water, the community operates on the informal cachorreo labor system. Despite extreme health risks and oxygen deprivation, the town continues to grow as a makeshift center of survival and economic desperation.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a 'Janata Darshan' at Gorakhnath temple, directed officials to immediately free land from encroachers and take strict legal action against the land mafia. He assured around 150 people that no injustice would be tolerated and pledged government support for medical treatments, directing prompt fund transfers to hospitals.

Karisma Kapoor proves once again that when it comes to ethnic suits, timeless silhouettes, rich colors, and graceful styling never go out of fashion they only get better with age.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. His funeral will be held with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend. The state government declared a public holiday and a three-day mourning period. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife and two sons.

India's government has launched a new Aadhaar App. This digital identity application strengthens Aadhaar-based services. It offers secure storage of Aadhaar digitally. Users can manage multiple profiles and use biometric locks. Instant identity verification is possible through QR codes. Address and mobile number updates are also streamlined. The app enhances privacy and user control over personal information.

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati departed the Magh Mela in Prayagraj with deep regret. He had been protesting since January 18, alleging he was denied a holy dip at the Sangam. The seer expressed profound distress at leaving without bathing. An incident on Mauni Amavasya led to a standoff with authorities over access to the ghats.

Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the BJP. He accused the party of disrespecting Sanatan traditions. This happened after Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati left the Magh Mela. The seer departed without taking a holy dip at the Sangam. Yadav stated the BJP's arrogance caused this. He believes hurting saints leads to downfall. The incident has caused distress among the Sanatan community.

Australian cricket fans will miss the upcoming Pakistan vs Australia T20I series. No local broadcasters have secured the rights. Matches start late at night, and star players are resting for the T20 World Cup. This makes the series commercially unviable for networks. The lack of coverage impacts preparation for both teams and reduces interest in a historic rivalry.

India Budget: EY suggests the upcoming Budget should boost capital expenditure, focusing on advanced tech like AI, space, and robotics, alongside defense. While personal tax reforms may be limited, the report anticipates the fiscal deficit target will be met. Continued fiscal consolidation is advised to encourage private investment, with a call to increase public infrastructure in emerging technology sectors.

Wedding rumors surrounding actors Karan Wahi and Jennifer Winget have been officially debunked by Wahi himself. He dismissed the speculation as 'fake news' in a recent statement, clarifying that there are no marriage plans between the two. The duo, who first starred together in 'Dil Mil Gaye', recently reunited for the web series 'Raisinghani vs Raisinghani'.

Nipah virus outbreak: Nipah virus, a rare but deadly zoonotic disease, is highly infectious and fatal and there is no treatment or cure. Dr. Deep Das, a neurologist, has explained that nipah virus can impact human brains and can cause inflammation. The Nipah virus causes extreme brain inflammation which results in brain swelling that develops into encephalitis, he explained.

India's Union Budgets have historically focused on preserving existing R&D. This approach has built strong institutions but limits the creation of frontier technologies. A shift towards creation, supported by long-term funding and mission-mode initiatives, is crucial. This strategic redirection will move India from technological dependence to intellectual sovereignty, fostering innovation and future growth.

India Inc. seeks budget 2026 focus on infrastructure, manufacturing value addition, green energy, and MSME credit. These priorities aim to boost economic fundamentals amid global uncertainties. Improved logistics, domestic manufacturing, accelerated green transition, and enhanced MSME credit access are crucial for sustained growth and investment-led expansion.

Anand Mahindra shared his late father's advice, 'Make haste slowly,' which he now sees reflected in India's approach to global trade. This philosophy emphasizes thoughtful, steady progress over rushed decisions, aligning with India's measured negotiations for long-term gains in its free trade agreement with the EU.

The Delhi High Court has asked the CBI for its response to a petition filed by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. He is challenging corruption and conspiracy charges against him in the alleged Chinese visa scam. The court did not halt trial proceedings. The case involves allegations of a bribe of Rs 50 lakh. Karti Chidambaram denies any wrongdoing or conspiracy.

Ajit Pawar funeral: Maharashtra is in a three-day state of mourning following the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a Baramati plane crash. A public holiday has been declared for Wednesday, and a state funeral is being planned in Baramati. CM Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde are currently coordinating with the Pawar family, including Sunetra and Parth Pawar, to finalize the last rites.

As per the statement of intent, signed between the Aayog and NIIT Foundation, the two sides will roll-out targeted interventions across select Aspirational Blocks to achieve 100% coverage in digital literacy, financial inclusion and employability

Iran unrest: The U.S. deployed additional military assets in the Gulf following nationwide protests in Iran which led to the country's bloodiest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Nipah virus: India's health ministry has clarified that there are two cases of confirmed Nipah virus in West Bengal amid reports that five people were infected in the state. The remarks come at a time when many South Asian airports such as Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia have ramped up screeings of virus. Nipah virus is associated with a high death rate, with fatality levels reported between 40 and 75 per cent depending on the outbreak.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the stand of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a plea challenging its decision to keep the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations in abeyance, despite their direct link to passenger safety. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that once safety regulations are framed, they are required to be enforced unless they suffer from legal infirmities or are successfully

A private jet carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others crash-landed near Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft veered off the runway and burst into flames. All aboard were killed instantly. Authorities are investigating the cause, with weather and technical error being examined. There is no evidence of sabotage.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mourned the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. Shinde described Pawar as an elder brother and a dedicated leader. He announced an investigation into the accident. Pawar's demise is a significant loss for the state. Shinde highlighted Pawar's administrative skills and his contributions to government initiatives.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has died in a plane crash. The incident occurred in Pune district. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed shock and grief. He announced a government holiday and three days of state mourning. Pawar was a respected leader known for his administrative skills and dedication to Maharashtra's progress.

A mothers gift of a smartphone intended for vlogging ended in heartbreak when cousins Viksit (19) and Piyush (13) perished in a Chamba blizzard while aiming to filming reels. Their loyal pitbull, Jonu, remained gaunt and bone-chilled as he guarded their bodies for four days in sub-zero temperatures until an IAF rescue team reached the summit on Monday.

In January 2025, Birla had said that the Trump Factor could disproportionately influence 2025 as it held the potential to reshape global dynamics. He had said that the year would be the one when an unorthodox, unpredictable and an uncertain world will be embraced.

Ajit Pawar death: Along with the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, a young pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak also lost her life in the tragic mishap. Shambhavi Pathak completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School and later enrolled herself at New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Mumbai.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. The chartered plane crashed while flying from Mumbai to Baramati. Five people, including the crew, were on board. Ajit Pawar was headed to Baramati for a public rally. Political leaders expressed grief over his sudden demise. His death is expected to change Maharashtra's political landscape.

Ajit Pawar death: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash in Pune's Baramati district. Pawar won his first election from Baramati in 1991 and has held the seat since then. Unfortunately, Ajit Pawar's plane crashed in his hometurf Baramati this morning, marking the end of his journey.

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open semifinals after Lorenzo Musetti retired injured while leading by two sets. Djokovic, trailing in the third set, benefited from Musetti's withdrawal due to a thigh injury, securing his 103rd tournament win and surpassing Roger Federer's record. With the win, Djokovic kept his hopes alive to match Margaret Courts tally of 25 major titles.