13 C The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced major development plans for Dibang Valley district. A feasibility study will assess an Advanced Landing Ground at Anini. Projects include a community hall, a new road and a PWD office. A research center for medicinal plants will be established. Solar streetlights will be installed in Anini township.
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares the Union Budget for FY2026-27, a core team of senior bureaucrats is shaping its fiscal strategy. Anuradha Thakur, Arvind Shrivastava, Vumlunmang Vualnam, M Nagaraju, Arunish Chawla, K Moses Chalai, and V Anantha Nageswaran are key figures. Their work involves taxation, expenditure, disinvestment, and financial sector policy.
Tariff: Trump last week said he would impose a 100% tariffs on Canada if it follows through on a trade deal with China.
Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget today, February 1, 2026. Taxpayers, businesses, and markets await announcements for FY27. Expectations are high for tax relief, spending priorities, and growth measures. The budget follows last year's focus on middle-class tax relief, capital spending, manufacturing, and jobs.
A Bengaluru CA's first hire quit within three months due to a lack of clarity and shifting goals, highlighting the critical need for structure in early-stage startups. Realizing enthusiasm isn't enough, she implemented detailed role descriptions, measurable goals, and regular check-ins for her next recruit, leading to significantly improved retention and performance.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that India is likely to source its oil from Venezuela rather than Iran, as Washington continues to push its partners to cut ties with Tehran.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices have increased by 49 from February 1, impacting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. The 19-kg cylinder now costs 1,740.50 in Delhi. Domestic LPG cylinder prices remain unchanged, offering relief to households.
A Sydney man has been charged with multiple offences, including stalking and procuring a child for prostitution, after allegedly impersonating a Disney casting agent. He is accused of offering fake film and TV roles in exchange for sexual favours to young actors. The accused, Gerard Vamadevan, was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court next week.
Weather Today: Delhi is under a yellow alert for Sunday with forecasts of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds due to a western disturbance. Minimum temperatures dipped on Saturday, and while cloud cover may raise night temperatures on Sunday, they are expected to fall again by Thursday. Air quality has worsened to 'very poor'.
Tollywood star Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela have welcomed twins, a baby boy and a baby girl. The joyous news was confirmed by megastar Chiranjeevi, who expressed immense gratitude as a proud grandfather. Both babies and Upasana are reported to be healthy, marking a significant new chapter for the family.
Unidentified individuals fired four rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai residence in Juhu early Sunday. Police and crime branch teams are investigating the incident, which led to intensified security and a forensic team collecting evidence. No injuries were reported.
Venezuela: Less than a month after the United States ousted leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, his former vice president Delcy Rodriguez has gone further than expected by critics toward restoring the rule of law, as sought by Washington.
The final global treaty restricting nuclear weapon deployment, New START, is set to expire on Thursday, leaving the US and Russia without limitations. Despite Russian President Putin's suggestion for a one-year extension, President Trump has remained largely silent, reportedly seeking to involve China in future arms control talks.
NASA is conducting a practice countdown for its new moon rocket. This test is crucial for the upcoming lunar flyby mission. Four astronauts will be the first to travel to the moon since 1972. The mission will see them orbit the moon and return to Earth. The earliest launch date is now February 8.
A vast release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations has revealed interactions between the financier and numerous powerful men, including Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson. Many individuals have denied close ties or involvement in Epstein's alleged crimes, though some maintained friendships even after his notoriety as a predator.
CA Abhishek Walia argues that an excessive pursuit of stability early in a career can hinder long-term growth. This over-emphasis on safety can lead to skill stagnation, reduced options, and a fear of necessary risks, ultimately resulting in a plateaued career. He suggests that some early-career instability can actually foster faster learning and adaptability, building valuable momentum.
Starting financial investments early in your 20s is crucial for wealth creation. A small sum invested at 25 can grow significantly by age 60 due to compounding. Delaying investments until 40 requires a much larger initial amount to achieve similar results. Income growth later cannot compensate for lost compounding time.
Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey stressed the need for professional conscience over mere technical compliance in the financial sector. Corporate failures occur even with existing rules, highlighting a lack of courage. Pandey noted the growing IPOs signal trust in Indian markets. He emphasized that ethical judgment, not just regulations, guides financial governance. Chartered accountants must act as custodians of trust.
Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make parliamentary history with her ninth consecutive Budget presentation. This year's Budget acts as a bridge, focusing on smoother implementation of tax laws and addressing business friction points rather than major announcements.
A Reddit post shared about a new employee being put on a Performance Improvement Plan after just two weeks has sparked discussions about workplace norms. The employee fell seriously ill early, missed days, then got a short, vague PIP without proper metrics. Recruited by a former colleague, they felt blindsided after declining another offer.
Many people on Reddit say plumbing is one of the best jobs for young people. It gives steady income, job security, and chances to start your own business. Plumbing cannot be replaced by computers and is needed everywhere. This makes it a future-safe and reliable career compared to stressful office jobs in tech or finance.
A Reddit worker says he is underpaid despite long hours and heavy work. He claims his boss earns much more but refuses a raise. The worker compares his pay to the bosss childs school fees, making people angry online. The post spreads fast as users discuss low salaries, work pressure, and fairness at jobs.
Asked about the strategic priorities in the US, he added: Not only the US, but we have interest in selling innovative medicines globally... for emerging markets we are looking at tuck-ins or smaller acquisitions which we can look at integrating with our existing business to get scale in the emerging markets. Shanghvi added.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had seen eports of an email message from the so-called Epstein files that contained a eference to the Prime Minister and his visit to Israel. Beyond the fact of the prime minister's official visit to Israel in July 2017, the rest of the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt, Jaiswal said.
Sharad Pawar expressed unawareness of Sunetra Pawar's proposed Deputy CM swearing-in, signaling a rift within the family. He acknowledged stalled merger talks between NCP factions, hinting that senior leaders influenced Sunetra Pawar's decision, potentially derailing reunification efforts.
With Assembly elections imminent, the BJP is strategically identifying constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming polls. The party is seeking a larger seat share, focusing on areas like Coimbatore and Kanyakumari where it has strengthened its base and performed well in recent elections.
The Bihar government has transferred the investigation into a NEET aspirant's death to the CBI. This decision follows public outcry and criticism from the opposition. The 18-year-old student was found unconscious and later died. Initial reports suggested suicide, but a post-mortem raised concerns about assault. The state government's move is seen by some as an admission of failure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar on Sant Ravidas Jayanti, a significant move ahead of Punjab Assembly elections. This outreach targets the influential Ravidassia community, with the Dera impacting votes in numerous constituencies. The visit follows the Dera chief's Padma Shri award, while other parties also intensify their outreach efforts.
India and Arab Foreign Ministers reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, vowing to strengthen joint efforts against all its forms and manifestations. They condemned cross-border terrorism and the misuse of technology by terrorist groups, expressing support for each other in confronting these threats. Both sides committed to decisive action against globally proscribed terrorists and their financiers.
Before Budget Day became a televised and social-media spectacle, Union Budget speeches were sober, number-heavy statements addressed to Parliament, not markets. Shantanu Nandan Sharma revisits pre-1991 Budgets to show how finance ministers blended hard fiscal choices with philosophy, geopolitics and dry humour. From war-time taxes to witty asides in the House, these speeches reveal the Budget as a human document, not just an economic one.
From Srinagar floods to global heatwaves, climate volatility is disrupting travel seasons worldwide, forcing travellers and tour operators to rethink the best time to visit and prioritise flexibility, local insights and sustainable planning.
People are choosing fitness vacations over traditional holidays. These trips offer structured workouts and new experiences. From martial arts to strength training, these getaways help individuals build healthy habits. The trend is growing, with more people seeking purposeful travel. Destinations are evolving to meet this demand for active wellness.
The Melania documentary released in 2026 has sparked major debate online. Critics gave it very poor ratings, while audience scores remained extremely high. Amazons expensive purchase and marketing plan added to the attention. The big difference between reviews has made people question how the film is being received and why opinions are so divided.
Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar pledged to uphold her late husband Ajit Pawar's legacy, emphasizing his teachings on duty and commitment to the people. She expressed deep emotion accepting the responsibility, drawing inspiration from historical figures and the support of Maharashtra's citizens. Pawar aims to realize his vision for a just and developed state.
Anurag Kashyaps neo-noir crime thriller Kennedy, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and toured multiple international film festivals, is finally set for an Indian release through OTT. Starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, the film skipped a theatrical run despite receiving certification clearance. Kennedy will stream exclusively on ZEE5 from February 20, 2026, bringing the long-awaited film to home audiences after its extended global festival journey.
Nudiustertian is a rare and forgotten word that appears in old English writing. It has Latin roots and was first recorded centuries ago. The word is no longer used in daily speech, but writers and language lovers still mention it for interest and style. It highlights how English has changed over time and how some words slowly disappear.
Thylane Blondeau rose to global fame as a child after being widely labelled the most beautiful girl in the world, a title that followed her throughout her early modelling career. Discovered at a very young age, she quickly became a familiar face in high-fashion campaigns and major magazines, while also facing intense public attention and controversy over growing up in the spotlight. As she got older, Blondeau publicly distanced herself from the label, explaining in interviews that she never iden
The Baloch Liberation Army has launched a major offensive across Balochistan. Attacks targeted military and administrative sites in 14 cities. The group claims to have neutralized 84 Pakistani personnel and taken 18 captive. Several government properties were destroyed. The operation, named Herof Phase II, is ongoing and aims to disrupt enemy operations. BLA fighters have consolidated positions in key areas.
Equipped with advanced guidance and control systems, BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.
Jim Morrison was a famous rock singer, poet, and the lead singer of The Doors. He was known for deep thoughts, strong lyrics, and a bold stage image. His ideas about fear and freedom still inspire people today. Even after his early death, his music, words, and legacy remain important in rock history.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced he will file over 100 cases against writer Harsh Mander. This comes after Mander filed a complaint against Sarma for alleged hate speech targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims. Sarma also accused Mander of damaging the NRC process in Assam. He stated he has sufficient material to pursue these cases against Mander.
CAG K Sanjay Murthy highlighted that combining human expertise with advanced technologies can boost auditing efficiency and transparency in the new economy. He stressed the importance of public accountability, driven by trust, competence, and integrity, especially with evolving digital governance. The CAG's AI Strategy Framework aims to enhance audit precision while ensuring fairness and explainability.
India and the US are making significant progress on a bilateral trade agreement, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressing optimism for a swift conclusion and good news soon. Both nations are committed to finalizing the pact, with discussions also covering critical minerals and defense. Recent high-level meetings indicate a renewed push to seal the deal.
SBI launched 'Chakra', a center of excellence to finance sunrise sectors like data centers and renewable energy, estimating a Rs 22 lakh crore debt requirement over five years. The initiative, joined by public and Japanese lenders, aims to enhance coordination and risk assessment for strategic expansion beyond balance sheet strengthening.
An employees Reddit post has gone viral after they claimed their employer refused to accept their resignation unless they agreed to work for two months without pay. The employee said they quit due to delayed salaries and poor work culture and argued that two months of unpaid wages should count as salary in lieu of notice, as mentioned in their contract. The employer allegedly disagreed, insisting on what they called an unpaid notice period and raising concerns about withholding an experience let
CJ Roy, the Confident Group founder, built a significant business empire. His ventures spanned real estate, hospitality, and more across India, the UAE, and the US. Roy was also the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic. His group completed over 150 projects. Roy was known for his luxury lifestyle and substantial wealth.
Many Americans are facing surprise tax bills in 2025 because they underestimated taxable income. New tax rules, side hustles, and online earnings are changing how much people owe. Some income has no tax taken out early, leading to shock bills later. Experts warn better planning is needed to avoid penalties and unexpected IRS notices.
Rumors linking Kendall Jenner and NFL quarterback Joe Burrow made the headlines after a viral image and Jenners Super Bowl Fanatics Sportsbook ad sparked online speculation. Fans took her jokes about dating basketball players and betting on football as clues toward a fresh romance. The buzz elevated following her tiger-print Tonight Show dress, believed by some to reference the Bengals.