The Economic Times

Budget 2026: The Economic Survey of India is scheduled to be presented on January 29th, followed by the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented on February 1st.

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi received moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning on Tuesday. The weather office IMD has issued a green alert for today, which means no warning for bad weather. The IMD has forecast light rainfall for Delhi and Gurugram on February 1. Noida will witness a generally cloudy sky with light rain on February 2, the IMD said.

Fed meeting outcome: The US central bank lowered rates in each of its last three policy meetings -- bringing them to a range between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent -- as officials fretted about the cooling jobs market.

Coco Gauff defended her racquet-smashing outburst after her Australian Open quarterfinal exit, stating it's not a bad thing to show emotion in high-pressure situations. The young American explained that expressing her frustration helps her process disappointment and avoid lashing out at her team. Gauff believes letting out her feelings is necessary to move forward after a shock defeat.

Dollar fall: Amid the backdrop of the dollar hitting a four-year low, President Trump touted the currency's impressive value, even as experts analysed the various elements contributing to the dollar's decline. While a weaker dollar may benefit US exporters by lowering prices overseas, Trump noted his intention for the dollar's value to find its natural balance.

Saint John police are investigating serious allegations at Loch Lomond Villa. At least twelve elderly residents are identified as victims. A suspect has been identified, but no charges are announced. Loch Lomond Villa has increased security and is reviewing its procedures. Families have been notified. Authorities are seeking information from the public.

Border 2 is a box office hit. The war drama starring Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan is nearing Rs 200 crore in India. The film saw a huge surge on Republic Day. Worldwide collections have touched Rs 250 crore. A third installment, Border 3, is also in development. Read on!

India-Arab FM meet: The focus of the meet will be on the Gaza Peace Board, Palestinian issue, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, bilateral trade, investment, energy security and counter-terrorism cooperation, ET has learnt.

Bangladesh polls: There are apprehensions that radicals will try to disrupt elections and deny the majority to BNP, pushing for a coalition government comprising Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). The JeI has been emboldened following the outreach by the US and the UK. The US has allegedly tried to guide JeI to navigate the complicated politics of Bangladesh to consolidate its position.

Chinese automaker BYD is exploring local assembly in India to meet high demand for its electric vehicles. The company is seeking regulatory approvals for more models due to import quotas. This move follows visits by BYD executives and aims to overcome import barriers. BYD's India sales surged last year, showing the market's potential and regulatory challenges.

Trump peace board: Much about the Board of Peace has so far been unclear, but a draft resolution would allow the chair, Trump, to nominate senior officials who will help administer Gaza, and assign responsibilities.

India auto exports: In South Africa, the number of vehicles shipped from China has surged 368% over the past four year, and from India 135%. Competition has been fiercest in the entry-level segment of the market, with lower-priced imports compressing margins for domestic producers.

India and the European Union have finalized a landmark free trade agreement. This pact will slash tariffs on over 99% of Indian exports, including apparel and chemicals. European cars, wines, and consumer goods will become more affordable in India. The deal is expected to double trade between the two entities within six years.

Winter Storm Weather Forecast: Another winter storm is brewing for the East Coast this weekend, January 31 and February 1. Weather models indicate a new system could bring snow, sleet, or rain. This comes after a recent storm dumped over 20 inches of snow and ice, causing widespread power outages. Forecasters warn of uncertainty regarding the storm's track and intensity.

A near-fatal incident has sparked concerns over AI chatbots. YouTuber Kristi shared how her best friend was repeatedly assured that a deadly poison hemlock plant was safe, even after providing multiple images. Kristi wrote, Chat GPT NEARLY k*lled my best friend by telling her that POISON HEMLOCK was CARROT its poison hemlock. Which there is NO antidote for and is EXTREMELY deadly.

Once the scheme is implemented, consumers will have to pay 2-10 over and above printed maximum retail price (MRP) on packs, bottles, pouches, cans and cartons based on new printed bar codes and, after consuming the products, take the empty packs and bottles to designated collection centres and get a refund of the extra amount they paid.

Marico and Tata Consumer Products reported strong quarterly results with significant revenue growth, driven by easing macro challenges and improved input costs. Both companies expressed optimism for continued consumption trends, supported by favorable economic indicators and potential government stimulus.

Graham Norton revealed he has signed numerous NDAs regarding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's upcoming wedding, stating he can say nothing about the nuptials. Swift had previously hinted at Norton's attendance during an interview on The Graham Norton Show, where she discussed Kelce's elaborate proposal.

Dabur India is set to appoint Herjit S Bhalla from The Hershey Company as its new India CEO. Bhalla will report to Mohit Malhotra, who is moving to a higher role. This leadership change occurs amid sector-wide transitions and challenging growth. Dabur anticipates favorable growth in upcoming quarters following recent tax reforms.

India's smartphone shipments are projected to decline 4% in 2026 to 145-147 million units, a worsening trend from last year's stagnation. Supply chain issues, higher component costs, and foreign exchange headwinds are driving up handset prices, impacting consumer demand. This situation will particularly challenge smaller brands, while larger manufacturers with greater purchasing power are better positioned to navigate the market.

The Champions League group stage reaches its thrilling conclusion. Thirty clubs still have a chance to advance to the knockout rounds. Several teams are fighting for automatic qualification to the last 16. Others are battling to secure playoff spots. Some clubs face elimination if they do not achieve desired results. The final night promises intense competition across Europe.

US health insurance stocks experienced a significant drop Tuesday. This followed a proposal for a minimal 0.09 percent increase in 2027 Medicare Advantage rates. Major companies like UnitedHealth and Humana saw substantial stock declines. The move has raised concerns about potential cost and benefit changes for millions of seniors and people with disabilities.

Elina Svitolina delivered a stunning performance, defeating Coco Gauff in just 59 minutes to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. Svitolina will now face Aryna Sabalenka, who also advanced with a dominant win. Gauff's tournament ended in disappointment with an error-filled display.

As part of the FTA, announced on Tuesday, India and the EU have agreed on a constructive framework to enable social security agreements in five years with all EU member states.

Modern hotels are stepping up their game on social media, tapping into the power of 'Insta Crews' to craft eye-catching content. By collaborating with influencers, theyre not just increasing their visibility but also revolutionizing guest experiences. This trend highlights how vital an engaging online presence has become in the competitive hospitality landscape.

India has blocked China's request at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a dispute panel concerning New Delhi's incentive schemes for auto, battery, and electric vehicles. Beijing claims these measures are trade-restrictive and discriminatory, but India maintains there's an inaccurate understanding of the facts. The two nations failed to resolve the dispute through bilateral consultations.

Union Budget 2026: Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare leaders are urging the government to prioritize enhanced R&D incentives, including tax credits and drug discovery support, in the upcoming Union budget. Industry executives believe this will accelerate growth and innovation, positioning India as a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector.

The proposed fundraise will be used to refinance a dollar bond backed by shares of Tata Sons, held through group entity Goswami Infratech, due to mature in April. The new transaction is expected to mirror the structure of the earlier deal, with Tata Sons shares continuing as collateral.

India and the EU are set to eliminate tariffs on pharmaceutical products, a move expected to significantly benefit India's pharma industry by reducing input costs and improving access to advanced medicines. Experts believe this will enhance trade and collaboration, strengthening India's position in the EU market.

After 18 years of negotiations, India and the EU have concluded their free trade agreement, marking India's largest FTA to date. This pact offers India preferential access to all 27 EU member states, arriving amidst global trade volatility and efforts to diversify away from China.

India's free trade agreement with the EU is poised to boost market access for services and digital trade, enhancing skilled worker mobility. Experts anticipate increased European investment in India's IT sector, fostering joint ventures and R&D in emerging technologies. The pact aims to facilitate seamless cross-border data flows, reducing regulatory friction for businesses.

Corporate entities are navigating a fresh mandate from the Reserve Bank of India, which has reclassified holding and strategic investment firms as Core Investment Companies. This new label comes with a wave of rigorous regulations that many corporations are eager to sidestep, arguing that their revenue streams stem from non-financial sectors rather than financial endeavors.

In a monumental development, India and the European Union have come to terms on a landmark Free Trade Agreement that promises to unlock a wealth of investment and foster innovation for businesses and entrepreneurs across both regions.

European chocolates and pasta will become significantly cheaper in India. The India-European Union free trade agreement, expected by early 2027, will reduce prices by at least 50%. This will make popular brands like Toblerone, Lindt, and Barilla more accessible. The deal aims to increase affordability and variety for Indian consumers.

Seven out of eight public sector banks that released quarterly results so far held on to or improved margins from the previous three months, helping them maintain profitability despite a challenging macro environment.

Estimates broadly peg the dividend to be around 3 lakh crore, compared with 2.7 lakh crore last year. RBI dividends have provided a significant boost to the government's non-tax revenues in recent years.

Ambassador David Perdue said the probe into Zhang Youxia, announced over the weekend, is a major development, citing the family connections the vice chair of China's apex military commission has with Xi. Chinese authorities said Zhang is being investigated for suspected serious discipline and law violations, without providing further details.

European wines and whiskies are set to become more affordable for Indian consumers. An India-European Union free trade agreement will reduce import tariffs significantly. This change is expected to bring an initial price drop of 7-10%. Consumers will gain access to premium international brands at better prices. This development will boost the premium alcohol sector and related industries.

Global Infrastructure Partners is selling its Indian renewable energy platform, Vena Energy India. Four companies are conducting due diligence for the 1.1 GW renewable energy platform. The platform is expected to be valued between 4,500-5,000 crore. Vena Energy India has operational renewable assets and more under construction. This sale is part of GIP's portfolio reshaping in India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the innovative contributions of DRDO in developing homegrown technologies. He noted the urgency for expediting the rollout of new weapon systems, as the pace of technological evolution necessitates swift governmental action.

Russia launched more than 50 drones at the Ukrainian city of Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated. He characterized the action as a rutal attack. The reported drone strikes come as Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are preparing for new talks scheduled for Sunday.

Parliament's budget session begins Wednesday. Opposition parties want debates on MGNREGA, electoral roll revisions, foreign policy, and the economy. The government rejects discussing MGNREGA's replacement. The focus will be on the President's address and the general budget. All-party meetings aim for smooth proceedings. A TDP ally seeks tax relief on unmanufactured tobacco.

The Doomsday Clock 2026 shows the world is closer to disaster than ever. Scientists warn that nuclear risks, climate crisis, AI dangers, and misinformation are pushing humanity toward global threats. The clock is a warning to governments and people to act fast and work together to reduce these risks before its too late.

Vodafone Idea has shared promising news by reporting a narrowed net loss for its fiscal third quarter. Enhanced subscriber diversity and increased revenue signal a pivotal moment for the company, aided by a reprieve on regulatory payments and effective fundraising efforts. The telco expresses optimism in fulfilling its commitments while simultaneously fortifying its network and elevating customer satisfaction.