The Economic Times

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.

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.

A partial government shutdown has begun. This is due to a disagreement over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers aim to pass funding legislation quickly. This will end the shutdown. Several federal agencies and programs will continue to operate. Nutrition assistance programs will be unaffected.

BJP Tamil Nadu election-in-charge Goyal said victory in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state for the BJP will not be difficult. There is no need for the BJP to woo actor Vijay in Tamil Nadu polls as superstars come and go with no impact on the elections, he added.

Public sector banks are urged to focus on champion sectors like electric mobility and advanced batteries to support national priorities. This strategic expansion, moving beyond balance sheet repair, aims to leverage a Rs 131 trillion capital expenditure pipeline in eight sunrise sectors, presenting a significant project finance opportunity.

Oxford's 2024 word of the year, 'brain rot,' describes the mental fog from excessive social media scrolling. Experts warn this habit can reduce grey matter, impacting memory, focus, and decision-making. Replacing mindless scrolling with real-world activities like exercise and social interaction can help restore cognitive function and prevent lasting effects.

India's trade pact with the European Union is set to significantly boost exports. The agreement, expected this year, will grant 99 percent of Indian goods duty-free access to Europe. This move is projected to double India's exports to the EU within five years. Businesses are encouraged to expand and capitalize on this opportunity.

A father's plea for a single day off to care for his critically ill infant son was met with a formal warning from his company's HR. Despite years of dedication and a stressful work environment, the employee faced disciplinary action, highlighting a stark lack of empathy.

Moltbook is a new AI-only social network where thousands of bots talk, argue, and share ideas without human control. The platform shows how advanced AI agents have become and why experts are paying attention. While many find it interesting and funny, others warn it could raise security risks and future concerns as AI systems grow more independent.

Jaishankar while delivering opening remarks at the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting said that impact of the developments in the Middle East are felt even in India.

The marriage tax penalty happens when married couples pay higher state income taxes filing jointly than they would as two single filers. Although federal law minimized this issue, several states still apply tax brackets and deductions that disadvantage married households. The penalty mainly impacts couples with similar incomes, sometimes costing thousands of dollars yearly depending on location.

U.S. Weather Forecast: Most of the snow will be confined to the Delmarva, New Jersey and southeast New England coasts, as well as eastern Long Island in New York. As the storm strengthens, high winds along the coast will create harsh conditions.

Rani Mukerjis crime thriller, Mardaani 3, released in theaters on January 30, 2026, and has received positive reviews for its gripping story and her powerful performance as Shivani Shivaji Roy. The film addresses serious social issues such as child abductions and the beggar mafia. Following its theatrical run, Mardaani 3 is expected to stream on Netflix, though the exact OTT release date has not been officially confirmed.

SBI Chairman CS Setty advocates for equal tax treatment for bank deposits and equity investments. He believes the equity market has matured, warranting an end to special tax benefits. This call comes as household savings shift towards equities, impacting bank deposit mobilization. Banks need new financing avenues for infrastructure projects amid this financialization trend.

The 2026 partial government shutdown started after Congress missed a spending deadline. Several major U.S. departments are affected, while lawmakers argue over immigration policy changes. The Senate passed a funding deal, but the House must still approve it. Until then, some government services remain limited and uncertain.

An IIT Guwahati alumnus, Amit Shekhar, went beyond typical mentorship to advocate for a mentee during a salary negotiation. He successfully argued for a significantly higher offer by highlighting the candidate's exceptional performance and rapid upskilling, securing a 25 lakh package instead of the initial 18 lakh. Shekhar stressed that active mentorship requires matching a mentee's commitment with strong advocacy.

Budget 2026: Government revenue for FY26 is projected to fall short by INR 1.4 trillion, primarily due to lower tax collections. However, increased non-tax revenue and controlled expenditure, especially a significant rise in capital spending, are expected to narrow the fiscal deficit to 4.3% of GDP. This indicates a prudent fiscal approach.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the death of Confident Group owner CJ Roy. Roy allegedly shot himself at his office while Income Tax officials were present. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara directed the police to investigate the matter. Roy, a real estate tycoon, was reportedly cooperating with authorities after returning from abroad.

Israel launched heavy airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, resulting in 26 deaths. Attacks targeted a Hamas police station and civilian areas sheltering displaced Palestinians. The strikes followed an incident where Israeli forces engaged gunmen emerging from a tunnel. Both sides are trading blame for truce violations. The Rafah border crossing is expected to reopen Sunday.

The death toll from a landslide on Indonesia's main island of Java a week ago rose to 53 on Saturday, a rescue official said, with 10 people still missing. They had recovered and identified 53 bodies by Saturday, said Ade Dian Permana, the head of the local search and rescue agency, up from a previous toll of 44.

Las Vegas buffets have shifted dramatically from their origins as cheap, quick meals designed to keep gamblers on the casino floor to high-priced dining attractions. Once anchored by $1 and $1.99 deals, many classic buffets closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened, as rising costs and changing dining trends took hold. In their place are food halls, celebrity chef restaurants, and luxury buffets charging up to $175, offering premium ingredients and elaborate experiences.

State Bank of India is launching a new initiative to fund eight key sunrise sectors. These sectors include renewable energy, electric mobility, and semiconductors. The bank aims to direct capital flow and strengthen risk assessment for these growing industries.

As Milan prepares to host several Winter Olympics events in February, the city is emerging as a prime base for travelers, especially with many tickets and hotel rooms still available despite peak-season pricing. Often overlooked in favor of the Italian Alps, Milan offers an exceptional hotel scene, ranging from historic palazzos and fashion-backed luxury properties to discreet insider addresses and well-priced high-end alternatives.

Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan has stated he is not keen to contest the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He wishes the party to decide his role. Muraleedharan plans to focus on party work in Thiruvananthapuram. He also commented on posters supporting his candidature and challenged the Education Minister's remarks. The UDF will field a new candidate to defeat rivals.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has expressed serious concern over the continued groundwater extraction by several cricket stadiums across the country to irrigate cricket grounds, despite earlier directions to shift to treated sewage water.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Budget 2026, focusing on customs reforms and fiscal consolidation. Key numbers to watch include the fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP, capital expenditure of 11.2 lakh crore, and a debt roadmap aiming to reduce debt-to-GDP. Tax revenue is estimated at 42.7 lakh crore, with GST projected at 11.78 lakh crore.

Bob Dylans quote on heroism reflects his long-held belief that true freedom comes with responsibility and moral awareness, a theme that runs through his music and writing. The summary also traces his journey from a folk musician influenced by social issues to a constantly evolving artist whose lyrics reshaped popular music and literature. His lasting impact is underscored by major global honours, including the Nobel Prize in Literature, which recognised his contribution to poetic expression thro

Steven Spielberg stands as a defining force in modern cinema, revered for his creative impact and unmatched commercial success. His films have reshaped storytelling and redefined box-office standards, earning him numerous accolades and recognition as the highest-earning director. Spielberg's career showcases a philosophy rooted in constant evolution, mirroring his adaptable filmmaking across diverse genres and themes.

Chris Pratt's remarkable journey from a restaurant server to a global movie icon is detailed. His box office success, driven by major franchises like Marvel and Jurassic World, highlights his status as a leading man.

SBI chairman C S Setty calls for equal tax treatment on returns from equity investments and bank deposits. He believes this will create a level playing field for financial savings. A banking official also requests an extension of the tax holiday for income earned in Gujarat's GIFT City. This move aims to boost activity in India's International Financial Services Centre.

Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set for completion by April 30. The project's total cost is estimated at Rs 1,900 crore. Key construction firms Larsen & Toubro and Tata Consultancy will conclude their work by this date. All paperwork and payments will also be finalized.

New files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have surfaced. These documents mention prominent individuals like Donald Trump, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson. The files contain allegations and communications, though none of the named figures are accused of wrongdoing. The Justice Department has stated some claims against Trump are false. The documents detail past interactions and alleged affairs.

A 28-year-old man, Jhabararam, has been remanded to four days of police custody in Jaipur for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. He was arrested for transmitting sensitive Indian Army information and engaging in anti-national activities, reportedly lured by honey traps and monetary incentives.

Salman Khan addressed online trolling over his look in the teaser of his upcoming war film Battle of Galwan during an appearance at an Indian Street Premier League event in Surat. Responding to claims that his on-screen expression appeared romantic, the actor clarified that the look was meant to reflect a commanding officer motivating his soldiers, not an emotional moment. He dismissed the criticism, saying such reactions are nothing new

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 amidst global trade tensions and domestic economic complexities. Expectations are high for increased public spending to boost growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline. Industry bodies urge focus on infrastructure, innovation, and export support, balancing resilience with growth enablement.

Bonkers Corner founder Shubham Gupta, who overcame family bankruptcy, pitched his Rs 100 crore streetwear brand on Shark Tank India. Seeking Rs 1.5 crore for 0.5% equity, Gupta impressed sharks with his resilience and ambition. Namita Thapar ultimately sealed the deal, investing in Gupta's vision for future growth.

Sunetra Pawar is poised to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. She has been selected as the NCP Legislative Party Leader. This move follows the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar will take the oath today. She is known for her work in sustainable development and rural empowerment.

A Delhi court acquitted Faizan alias Aryan in a 2020 Delhi riots case. The court cited major inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence. The sole witness's testimony was deemed unreliable. Faizan was accused of arson at Arun Modern Public Senior Secondary School. The prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.