The Economic Times

State Bank of India has channeled CSR funds towards critical initiatives in Kolar District, supporting an early intervention program for 200 children with developmental delays and providing 300 clubfoot braces for 150 affected children. This follows recent contributions to school upgrades, medical equipment, tree plantation, and an e-ambulance for the Indian Army.

Nicolaus Copernicus is remembered not only for proposing the heliocentric model that transformed humanitys understanding of the universe, but also for his intellectually humble approach to knowledge. His reflection about not being overly attached to his own opinions highlights a belief in open debate, criticism, and dialogue as essential to discovering truth.

Global energy markets are stable with ample supplies to meet demand. India has diversified its energy sources, now sourcing crude oil from 41 countries. This strategy allows market dynamics to guide decisions. The Oil Minister emphasised that both producers and consumers have a stake in a predictable market.

India will be the partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. Over 160 exhibitors from 25 states will showcase Indian agri-exports. This participation aims to boost India's processed foods, frozen products, and pulses trade. The event highlights region-specific agri-products and GI-tagged items. India's presence spans a large exhibition space, doubling last year's footprint.

The company has inaugurated its authorised service centre in Faridabad (Haryana). Through these service centres, the company said, it aims to ensure reliable access to genuine components, while reducing downtime and operating costs in a market poised for growth driven by infrastructure development and farm mechanisation.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is betting on humanoid robots as a major driver of the companys future growth. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, he said Teslas Optimus robots are already performing simple factory tasks, with more advanced capabilities expected by the end of 2026.

A tech professional, laid off unexpectedly, secured a new role with a 50% salary increase within a month. He focused on upskilling in in-demand technologies and treated job applications as a full-time endeavor. Despite rejections, consistent effort and learning from weaknesses led to a significant career advancement.

India's Axis Bank has paused plans to sell a stake in its consumer lending arm, Axis Finance. This decision follows the central bank's easing of proposed restrictions on overlapping business activities between banks and their subsidiaries. The move allows Axis Bank to re-evaluate its capital-raising needs for Axis Finance.

India saw a significant 73 percent jump in foreign investment in 2025, reaching USD 47 billion. This growth was fueled by strong investments in services and manufacturing sectors. Globally, foreign direct investment also increased substantially. India emerged as a top recipient for data centre investments, highlighting its growing appeal for global capital.

Floyd Vivino, widely known as Uncle Floyd, has died at 74, leaving behind a legacy as a comedian, musician, and television figure who became a fixture of New Jersey culture. His brother Jerry revealed the news on social media, citing, Rest in peace big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans. Popular for The Uncle Floyd Show, which broadcasted from 1974 to 2001, Vivino entertained viewers with music, comedy, and offbeat charm.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plans to review tariffs for domestic leased circuits (DLCs) for the first time in over a decade. DLCs are dedicated high-speed data lines used by banks, government offices, hospitals, data centres, and large companies for secure and reliable internet connections.

Delhi Metro will commence services at 3 am on January 26 to aid Republic Day attendees. Trains will run every 15 minutes until 6 am, after which regular services resume. Parking at metro stations will be open, but Namo Bharat stations on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor will have enhanced security and temporary parking closures.

Trump Greenland plan: US President Donald Trump has reportedly proposed a plan to gradually gain influence over Greenland, potentially offering residents up to $1 million each to support joining the United States. This proposal follows discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, outlining a framework for future cooperation and potential US military operations in the Arctic island.

Mandira Bedi, 53, has shared that consistent exercise is the only supplement she relies on to stay fit and healthy. In a recent interview, the actor said she is lifting heavier weights now than she did in her 30s and 40s, challenging common beliefs about ageing and physical decline. She described fitness as essential for managing midlife changes, especially for women, and emphasised that regular movement acts as prevention, support, and overall wellness.

The scheme extends an incentive of 6 per cent to 4 per cent on reducing basis on incremental sales for five years subsequent to the base year and one year of gestation period.

By 2030, South Indias real estate market is expected to diversify, with Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Coimbatore, Kochi, Trivandrum, and Visakhapatnam driving residential and commercial growth, while Bengaluru remains the regions institutional and innovation hub.

Delhi Police is enhancing Republic Day security with over 30,000 personnel and advanced technology. AI-enabled smart glasses with facial recognition will be used for instant identification. Multi-layered security checks and thousands of CCTV cameras are in place. Mock drills are underway with multiple agencies.

The Bombay High Court has provided interim relief to over a dozen insurance companies. A significant GST demand and associated penalties amounting to over Rs 10,000 crore have been temporarily stayed. This order offers immediate respite to companies like Aditya Birla Health Insurance and Oriental Insurance.

Citigroup layoffs 2026: Citigroup is preparing for more job cuts in March. These layoffs are expected to affect senior employees. This move is part of a larger plan to reduce costs and improve profits. The bank's workforce has already seen a reduction. Citigroup's stock performed well last year despite these changes. The company is focused on its turnaround strategy.

Himi Sharma's life transformed from emotional betrayal and severe financial hardship after her marriage collapsed. Abandoned by her husband for property, she raised her son alone, facing debt and familial rejection. Sharma's resilience led her to Canada, where she rebuilt her life, now owning a home valued at the same amount that caused her initial abandonment.

Mark Zuckerbergs quote: The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. highlights the significance of adaptability and bold decision-making. It indicates that avoiding risk may feel safe, but it often results in stagnation in a fast-changing world. The statement mirrors Zuckerbergs belief that growth arrives from experimentation and learning through failure.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced significant financial progress. Loans worth nearly Rs 50,000 crore have been rescheduled, resulting in savings of Rs 1,108 crore for the state. He urged banks to support MSMEs and weaker sections.

The IRS is launching the 2026 tax season with a major leadership reshuffle. Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano now leads a streamlined executive team. Filing officially begins Monday, January 26, for 164 million taxpayers. Under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act, seniors can claim a $6,000 deduction. Workers also benefit from zero taxes on tips and overtime. Use the new Schedule 1-A to claim these massive savings.

Bengaluru's tech professionals are rethinking their assumptions about gig workers after encountering ride-hailing drivers who own substantial property and hold stable jobs. These drivers revealed they choose to ride for enjoyment and personal freedom, not financial necessity. Their surprising backgrounds challenge stereotypes and highlight a unique city culture prioritizing personal satisfaction over conventional success.

An Indian man shared a shocking $6,354 hospital bill from New York for a knee injury treated with an X-ray and bandage. After insurance, he still owed $1,800. This incident highlights the extreme cost of US healthcare, prompting discussions about its affordability and comparison to India's more cost-effective system.

Nutritionist Deepsikha Jain explains how different dals benefit the body in unique ways. Split moong dal is gentler on digestion and ideal for those with sensitive stomachs, while whole moong dal helps reduce inflammation and supports hormonal balance, making it suitable for people with PCOS. Chickpeas are rich in fibre, potassium, and magnesium, promoting heart health and weight management. Masoor dal, with its high fibre content, improves insulin sensitivity, making it a good choice for people

Aphorism meaning: Short, wise sayings called aphorisms cut through today's noise. These bite-sized phrases offer deep meaning and stick with us. From ancient Greece to modern social media, aphorisms shape how we talk about life and truth. Famous thinkers like Socrates and Nietzsche used them. These sayings remain powerful tools for communication and guidance.

The Reserve Bank of India is injecting over 23 billion dollars into the banking system. This move aims to ease funding conditions. The central bank will use three key instruments. These include open market purchases of government bonds. A dollar-rupee buy/sell foreign exchange swap is also planned. Additionally, a variable rate repo auction will be conducted.

Taylor Swift and Blake Lively, once close companions, are reportedly facing tension disclosed in private texts and publicized legal filings. Swift acknowledged the change in communication felt like receiving a mass corporate email, while Lively admitted that she had been preoccupied and felt like a bad friend. Travis Kelce, Swifts fianc, urged her to be on guard about the friendship. Their last public presence together was a 2024 double-date dinner with Kelce and Ryan Reynolds.

European leaders are bracing for more confrontations with the United States. Following a dispute over Greenland, they are determined to stand firm. Europe is now focused on strengthening its own economic policies and security alliances. The goal is to reduce reliance on the US and build stronger partnerships with other nations.

India will be the partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai. Over 160 exhibitors from 25 states will showcase processed foods, frozen products, and pulses. This participation aims to boost India's agri-exports. The Indian Pavilion has doubled in size, reflecting growing global demand for Indian products. The event begins on January 26.

US President Donald Trump stole the show at the World Economic Forum in Davos, but he may have also made the annual gabfest of the global elite relevant again -- at least for a week. If the World Economic Forum is going to be useful, going forward, it has to regain that trust, Fink said.

Amazon layoffs: Amazon is initiating a major corporate restructuring this January 2026. The tech giant plans to cut approximately 16,000 additional white-collar roles. These terminations follow 14,000 layoffs from late 2025. Total job losses will reach nearly 30,000, the largest in company history. Affected departments include Amazon Web Services, Prime Video, and Retail. The Human Resources division, PXT, is also heavily impacted. CEO Andy Jassy aims to eliminate management layers and bureaucra

The World Bank has approved a significant USD 815 million finance package for Bhutan's 1,125 megawatt Dorjilung Hydropower Project. Tata Power holds a 40 percent share in this venture. This project will be Bhutan's largest public-private partnership hydropower initiative. It is set to generate over 4,500 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually.

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar ROXX STAR EDN in India, starting at Rs 16.85 lakh. This premium variant boasts bespoke black leatherette seats with suede, a piano-black grille, and alloy wheels. It retains the existing petrol and diesel powertrains, with all variants featuring a rear-wheel-drive setup.

Hitachi India is set to hire over 5,000 new employees in the next five years. This expansion focuses on energy, artificial intelligence, and resources. The Japanese conglomerate is capitalizing on India's infrastructure development and digital transformation. Hitachi India sees India as a key growth market, aiming for expansion in manufacturing and digital services.

India plans to build 100 GW of pumped storage hydroelectricity by 2035-36. This is crucial for meeting the nation's growing energy storage needs. The goal supports the expansion of non-fossil fuel power sources. Discussions also covered reforms in the power sector and nuclear energy development. The Central Electricity Authority released a roadmap for this ambitious target.

The Bombay High Court has put a hold on GST demands exceeding ten thousand crore rupees. These demands were made against thirteen insurance companies. The court's decision follows circulars from the CBIC that exclude co-insurance premiums and ceding commission from GST. Recovery of these disputed tax demands is now stayed. The case will be heard again on February 18.

Firekeepers Daughter by Angeline Boulley stands out as a modern classic of young adult literature, a gripping crime thriller that transcends genre with its emotional resonance, cultural richness and vividly drawn protagonist.

Legendary actor Dev Anand's memoir details a painful personal episode. His affection for Zeenat Aman was shaken after witnessing her closeness with Raj Kapoor. This encounter at a party altered his feelings forever. His planned romantic dinner with Zeenat lost its meaning. The incident led to a profound emotional collapse for Dev Anand.

Audi India Brand Director Balbir Singh Dhillon highlights key budget expectations for the luxury car sector. He emphasizes infrastructure development, particularly roads and charging facilities. Rationalisation of duties and a stable policy framework are also crucial. Steady foreign exchange conditions will further boost growth. The upcoming Union Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to reinforce India's economic momentum and consumer confidence.

The Delhi High Court has directed IndiGo to detail its compensation strategy for passengers affected by widespread flight cancellations. The court emphasized that mere refunds are insufficient. IndiGo is offering travel vouchers, but the court questioned why passengers must claim compensation. The airline must submit a detailed plan within two weeks. This follows significant disruptions impacting over three lakh passengers.

France's government has weathered two no-confidence votes in parliament. This follows a decision to push through budget income without a full parliamentary vote. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will use special constitutional powers again for the expenditure part. This move is expected to trigger more no-confidence motions.

India's precious metal refiners are urging the government to fix duty differences. These disparities put local companies at a disadvantage against imported refined bullion. Industry leaders want new trade pacts to exclude gold and silver. They believe this will boost domestic refining capacity and global standing. MMTC-PAMP is ready to assist with technical expertise.