The Economic Times

Indias free trade agreement with the European Union offers relief to exporters hit by steep US tariffs and supports Prime Minister Narendra Modis push to make India a global manufacturing hub. The deal, described by both sides as the mother of all deals, will see the EU eliminate or reduce tariffs on 99.5% of imports from India.

This Union Budget presents a crucial opportunity to bolster rural livelihoods by supporting crop diversification towards nutrition-rich, climate-resilient crops like millets and pulses. Strengthening local institutions like FPOs and SHGs, alongside expanding non-farm enterprises, can create stable, dignified work and enhance income resilience for rural households.

Apple is focusing on its most premium iPhones for 2026, including a foldable model. Standard iPhones will launch in 2027. This strategy aims to optimise resources amid rising component costs and supply chain stress. Despite challenges, Apple sees strong demand, especially in India and China.

Budget 2026 could mark a turning point for Indias agriculture policy as the sector sits at the centre of unresolved IndiaUS trade tensions. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlining that farmer interests are non-negotiable, attention is on whether the budget signals a policy reset or sticks to incremental support.

Contrary to popular belief, resting a painful knee can worsen stiffness and muscle atrophy. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar explains that movement is crucial for joint health, aiding cartilage nutrition and muscle support. He advises low-impact exercises and strength training, emphasizing that thoughtful activity, like walking, strengthens and lubricates the knees, preventing long-term issues.

Singer Arijit Singh is stepping away from playback singing. Filmmaker Anurag Basu sees this as a natural progression. Singh has expressed a desire to explore filmmaking behind the scenes. He has been contemplating this shift for a considerable period. Singh feels restless and seeks new musical paths. He wants to make space for emerging talent.

Ericsson is building stronger supply chains globally to counter geopolitical risks and component shortages. India is a key focus for manufacturing and exports, benefiting from a growing component ecosystem. The nation is a leading 5G market with rapidly increasing data usage. AI-driven services are transforming network demands, creating new opportunities for Ericsson.

This trend, already established in cities like New York, presents economic advantages for developers but faces local opposition.

Hong Kong's housing market is showing signs of a robust comeback, with home prices experiencing their first annual increase in four years.

Myanmar's military-backed party has secured a decisive victory in the general election. The Union and Solidarity Party dominated legislative chambers. This outcome follows a tightly controlled process amidst civil war and repression. The military government asserts the polls were free and fair. A new government is set to take over in April.

Virat Kohli's Instagram account briefly vanished today, causing widespread fan concern. The popular cricketer's profile returned within hours, bringing relief and celebration. Kohli is a top global influencer, earning significantly per post. His digital presence underscores his immense brand value beyond the cricket field.

Rani Mukerji returns as DCP Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 3. Early audience reactions praise her commanding performance. The film tackles child trafficking with a serious tone. The film was slated to hit the screens today (January 30). Read on to know more about it!

London's prime property market faces a significant downturn, with top brokers like Savills predicting back-to-back annual price declines for the first time since the financial crisis.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held discussions with an eight-member Japanese delegation. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan's Yamanashi prefecture. Key areas of collaboration included clean energy, green hydrogen, innovation, and industrial development. Both sides expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership. Discussions also touched upon cultural ties and Buddhist heritage tourism.

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo shares a simple mental exercise to manage stress. The 30-30-30 technique helps people gain perspective by looking back 30 days, 30 months, and forward 30 years. This approach shifts focus from immediate worries to long-term significance. It aids in making better decisions and fostering calmer thinking by reducing the overwhelming nature of current challenges.

V Srinivasan, husband of Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha, passed away early Friday. He was 67. Srinivasan collapsed at his home and was rushed to a hospital where he could not be revived. A former central government employee, he was a constant support throughout Usha's career. The couple have a son, Ujjwal.

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt first introduced actor Vinod Khanna to spiritual guru Osho. Bhatt later distanced himself from Osho, facing a warning from Khanna. Khanna remained devoted, moving to Osho's commune. Upon returning to India, Khanna was found broken by Bhatt. Though Khanna acted again, his former stardom was not regained.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met a Japanese delegation from Yamanashi prefecture. Discussions focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Japan. Cooperation in clean energy, particularly green hydrogen, was a key area. The meeting also explored innovation, capacity building, and sustainable industrial development. Both sides expressed interest in deepening ties through cultural exchange and tourism.

Forget flashy logos and maximalist bling; 2026 is the year Bollywood embraced quiet luxury. From Sonam Kapoor to Gen-Z stars, India's elite are choosing understated elegance, timeless pieces, and wealth that whispers, not screams.

When Virat Kohli spoke about eating simple, repetitive meals, it wasnt about restriction, it was about discipline, performance, and understanding how food fuels the body.

Gold and silver prices are soaring to unprecedented levels, signaling deep global economic unease. This surge, driven by central bank buying and geopolitical uncertainty, suggests a growing distrust in traditional financial systems. Silver's rise also points to significant investment in future technologies, indicating a world bracing for both instability and transformation.

Speaking at the Hudson Institute, which promotes American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future, he emphasised that while the initial ucleus focused on manufacturing hubs such as Japan and South Korea, expanding into India is essential to secure the broader supply chain, including critical minerals and AI infrastructure.

Ajit Pawar was reportedly very keen on merging the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party. A close associate revealed that Pawar had confirmed the merger process was complete and imminent. This development was expected to occur within days. The alliance between the factions had already been successful in recent polls.

Scarlett Johansson, a top Hollywood actor, prioritizes difficult projects and enjoyable company. Her approach values meaningful challenges over ease. She focuses her energy on work that fosters growth. Personal time is reserved for people who bring happiness and stability. This perspective suggests a fulfilling life comes from purposeful actions and cherished relationships.

Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple Inc., transformed personal technology. His creations like the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad changed how people use devices. Jobs also led Pixar Animation Studios, producing hit films. His intense leadership and pursuit of perfection built influential companies. His legacy continues to inspire innovators and business leaders worldwide.

Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd and Deendayal Port Authority have signed an MoU to establish a 150 TPD e-Methanol plant at Kandla Port, Gujarat. This Rs 1,200 crore project aims to boost India's clean energy and green shipping transition, creating 3,500 jobs and positioning Kandla as a key green fuel supply point.

Is Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan losing his permanent vision? Imran Khan's party PTI, has claimed that the founder's health is in a severe condition, adding that he is suffering from a serious eye condition that could lead to permanent loss of vision if not treated on time. Meanwhile, Pak minister said Imran Khan underwent an eye surger,y and he is in good condition. The PTI has also alleged that Imran Khan was secretly transferred to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

Rising costs are a concern for many. CA Nitin Kaushik argues that cutting expenses offers limited gains. He explains that increasing income, through skill development or new roles, provides a greater financial uplift. Kaushik emphasizes that boosting earnings is the key to staying ahead of inflation and preserving purchasing power. This approach offers a more impactful financial strategy for individuals.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company had a terrific quarter in India for OctoberDecember 2025, setting revenue records across iPhone, Mac, iPad, and services. Sales in India grew at a strong double-digit pace, with Apple opening its fifth store and planning another in Mumbai.

Alberta separatists are gaining momentum following the 2025 Liberal election victory, fueled by frustrations over federal environmental policies and perceived unfair taxation. While Premier Danielle Smith opposes separation, her government has allowed a petition for a potential independence referendum, with 28% of Albertans reportedly favoring leaving Canada.

Dozens of students fell ill after eating mid-day meals in Sangareddy, Telangana and Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. In Sangareddy, 22 students were hospitalized with stomach pain after consuming sambar and rice. Meanwhile, over 33 students in Coimbatore experienced vomiting and severe stomach pain. Authorities are investigating both incidents, raising concerns about food safety in government schools.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China, highlighting the UK's substantial contributions. He met with top Chinese leaders, securing agreements including visa-free travel for Britons. China also agreed to reduce tariffs on British whisky. These developments aim to boost UK economic growth, with major companies like AstraZeneca announcing significant investments in China. The visit signifies a move towards closer ties.

Archana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi navigated early relationship challenges, including age differences, financial instability, and Parmeet's business collapse. Archana's unwavering support during his lowest point, coupled with his eventual career shift to acting, solidified their bond. Their story highlights resilience and commitment overcoming external doubts and personal setbacks.

America has eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector. This follows reforms allowing American companies to re-enter the industry. Venezuela's acting president hailed the move as historic. The United States is now in charge of Venezuela's oil. Millions of barrels of oil will be sold at market price. This reform aims to revive Venezuela's economy and restore dignity.

Vijay Sethupathi's silent black comedy, Gandhi Talks, has generated major online buzz since its release. The film's approach, relying on visuals and performances over dialogue, has been widely praised. Audiences are commending the experimental storytelling, strong performances from Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, and AR Rahman's impactful score. Read on!

Apple anticipates robust revenue growth for the March quarter. Strong iPhone demand in China and India fuels this optimism. However, memory chip shortages may impact production. The company also acquired an AI startup. Apple's performance in key markets shows resilience. Investors are watching closely as Apple navigates these dynamics.

Republicans in the House of Representatives are pushing for significant changes to America's voting laws. These proposals include requiring photo identification and proof of citizenship for voters. The legislation also seeks to ban universal mail-in voting and ranked-choice voting. These measures are intended to enhance election integrity and voter confidence.

Delhi weather today: Delhi, Noida and Gurugram will witness light rain and thunderstorms on February 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted in its latest weather bulletin. Delhi on Saturday might receive very light rain with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds towards night. On Friday, Noida might experience dense fog.

The Trump administration has eased sanctions on Venezuela. A new license allows US oil companies to export, sell, store, and refine Venezuelan crude. This move aims to revive Venezuela's oil sector. However, restrictions apply, including a ban on transactions with Chinese-tied entities. The US will control future sales and hold proceeds.

India's economy is set for strong growth, exceeding expectations. The Economic Survey highlights rising productivity as a key driver. However, concerns remain about private investment and the impact of freebie culture. Global uncertainties loom, but India is seen as well-positioned due to its domestic market and reserves. The nation must balance growth with resilience.

S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones today: US stocks closed mixed as disappointing Microsoft earnings and Federal Reserve news impacted markets. Tech stocks, particularly software, faced significant declines amid AI disruption fears. While the Dow Jones saw modest gains, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dipped. Investors now await Apple's results, with political uncertainty also adding to market jitters.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says India is the fastest-growing major market globally, offers huge opportunity, and will need large amounts of capital to sustain its growth. He praised Prime Minister Modis consistent reform agenda, including Make in India, but urged regulators and bureaucracy to make doing business easier, especially around operational and data rules. His guidance to Bank of Americas new India CEO is clear: improve profitability, use capital efficiently, and manage risk pru

President Donald Trump will announce his choice for the next Federal Reserve Chair on Friday. This comes as speculation intensifies over who will lead the U.S. central bank. Trump has been vocal about his desire for lower interest rates. Several candidates are reportedly on a shortlist, with a focus on those who agree with the President's economic views.

Sandisk stock surged over 14% after reporting blockbuster fiscal second-quarter results, with adjusted earnings per share soaring 404% year-over-year to $6.20 on $3.03 billion in sales. The company's strong performance was driven by a 76% increase in data center sales, fueled by the AI boom. Sandisk also provided an optimistic third-quarter outlook, exceeding Wall Street expectations.

Great Falls earthquake: A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted near Great Falls, Montana, on January 29, 2026, at 12:41 p.m. local time. The shallow tremor, originating about 7.5 miles north-northeast of Malmstrom Air Force Base, caused light to weak shaking across nearby communities. While no injuries or damage were reported, the event highlights Montana's seismic activity, though rare.