The Economic Times

India's foreign exchange reserves reached $723.8 billion by January 30, 2026, a significant increase supported by RBI's forex swaps and rising gold holdings. This robust reserve position provides ample cover for imports and external debt, bolstering the Indian Rupee's stability despite corporate dollar demands.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said future monetary policy decisions will be guided by inflation data from a revised statistical series while announcing the policy rate decision on Friday. He said, In two days, we will have a new series for both GDP and inflation.

RBI Inflation 2026-27: The Reserve Bank of Indias Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Friday raised its inflation forecast for FY27, signaling a shift from the central banks earlier disinflation expectations. CPI inflation has been revised slightly upward, with Q1 and Q2 projections now at 4% and 4.2%, respectively.

RBI GDP Growth 2026: India's central bank has boosted its economic growth forecast for 2025-26 to 7.4 percent. This signals strong confidence in domestic demand. The Reserve Bank of India expects economic activity to remain robust. This is supported by steady consumption and investment. Services exports also provide a buffer against global slowdowns. Government measures are expected to sustain economic momentum.

A Reddit user shared a frustrating recruitment experience after completing four interview stages, only to receive a rejection. Despite positive feedback and reaching the CEO, the candidate was informed another applicant with slightly more experience was chosen. This story resonated with many, highlighting the emotional toll of lengthy and ultimately unsuccessful hiring processes.

The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on Friday, in line with expectations, after recent government spending measures and a US-India trade deal improved the outlook for economic growth. The central bank has cut rates by 125 basis points since February last year and had indicated scope for further easing if inflation stays low.

RBI Monetary Policy Meeting 2026-27 Key Takeaways: RBI MPC will announce its latest policy decision on Friday. This decision will influence loan EMIs, savings returns, and market sentiment. Economists widely expect the repo rate to remain unchanged. The committee's outlook on GDP growth and inflation will also be closely watched by borrowers, investors, and businesses.

A quiet shift is unfolding in software development as AI builds apps and compilers. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu warns programmers to consider alternative livelihoods. Anish Moonka built a functional app without writing code, highlighting AI's growing capabilities. This rapid progress raises questions about future jobs and human contribution in an AI-driven world.

In Rajasthan's Sriganganagar, police have arrested four people: a newlywed wife, his lover, who worked as a waiter, and his two accomplices, who killed the woman's husband in January. Anju and Ashish got married just three months back, and she planned her husband's murder with her lover, Sanjay, who worked as a waiter. They tried to pass the case as 'hit and run case'.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Model Town, Jalandhar. The police have started a probe into the killing.

Delhi hotels are experiencing sharp price increases. A major AI summit and the ongoing wedding season are driving demand. Luxury and upper upscale hotels are nearly sold out. This surge follows a slower period in December and January. Hoteliers anticipate full occupancy for key dates. The situation highlights a gap between room availability and event needs in the capital.

Valentine Week Special: Anand Mahindra, a prominent Indian business leader, met his wife Anuradha in Indore during his Harvard studies. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1985. Anuradha Mahindra carved her own path as a journalist and publisher. Their enduring partnership is a testament to personal commitment alongside professional ambition. The couple has two daughters.

Rose Day 2026 Date: Rose Day 2026 arrives on February 7, initiating Valentine's Week. This tradition celebrates expressing love, friendship, and admiration through the gift of roses. The focus is on simple gestures and genuine emotions. Readers can find guidance on rose colours, outfit ideas, and thoughtful surprise suggestions to make the occasion memorable.

The Chandigarh bench of the National Company Law Tribunal has admitted Gurgaon-based real estate developer Vatika Ltd into the corporate insolvency resolution process after a default of about Rs 274 crore on dues to non-convertible debenture holders.

Ruby Bhatia, a 1990s television icon, now offers life coaching for a modest fee. After significant home renovation expenses and the pandemic, she sought a remote work opportunity. Discovering her natural talent for mentoring, she now guides individuals globally. She is also open to selective offline anchoring at industry rates.

Opposition members protested in the Rajya Sabha after the Lok Sabha Speaker allegedly prevented Rahul Gandhi from speaking. The debate escalated with accusations of ave child and onded labor, and references to lynching incidents, leading to an Opposition walkout.

RBI MPC meeting time: The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will announce its latest policy decision on February 6, 2026. This decision will impact loan EMIs, savings returns, and market sentiment. Analysts expect the repo rate to remain unchanged. The RBI Governor will address the media, providing insights into inflation and growth. This announcement is crucial for borrowers, investors, and businesses.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 timing: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address students today at 10 am as part of his annual flagship programme, Pariksha Pe Charcha. You can watch today's episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha on Doordarshan, SonyLiv, Zee5 and Prime Video. It will also be streamed on digital platforms such as the PMO, Ministry of Education (MoE), Doordarshan and MyGov.in

The Lok Sabha will debate the Union Budget for 2026-27 on Friday. The session includes Question Hour and the laying of papers by Union Ministers. Later, Private Members' Business will feature numerous Bills on diverse topics. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, criticizing the Congress party. The Budget session continues until April 2.

RBI MPC Meeting at a Glance: The Reserve Bank of India is likely to hold the repo rate steady this Friday. Global uncertainties, rising government bond yields, and a volatile Indian rupee are key factors. Trade deals with the EU and US offer a boost to India's export outlook. However, global economic stress and commodity prices remain concerns.

RBI MPC Meet Highlights: All eyes are on the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee announcement on Friday. Experts predict the central bank will maintain the repo rate. This cautious approach stems from global uncertainties and domestic economic pressures. Trade deals offer some relief to India's exports, but currency volatility and mixed inflation signals keep policymakers watchful. The decision is expected on Friday.

Uttar Pradesh weather update: The weather in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to remain dry and strong winds at the speed of 15 to 25 kmph are expected during the daytime. Noida, Ghaziabad will also see strong winds today. In Lucknow, fog is likely during morning hours and clear skies are expected.

Industry Season 4 Episode 5 early release time, schedule and how to watch are confirmed for US and UK viewers. The episode titled Eyes Without a Face follows SternTao's financial struggles and Sweetpeas risky investigation in Africa. Here is the full release schedule, viewing details, and episode synopsis.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein following the circulation of documents linking him to a purported 2017 Beijing event. Kashyap stated he has never visited Beijing and is unfamiliar with the alleged email, calling the narrative fabricated. Social media reactions varied, with some users questioning the focus on unverified invitations.

Over the past year, President Donald Trump implemented record-high tariffs on U.S. imports, averaging around 17%, the highest since 1932, aiming to boost American industry and reduce the trade deficit. The tariffs generated significant government revenueabout $287 billion in 2025but most of the cost was borne by U.S. businesses and consumers, rather than foreign firms.

Quote of the Day: Pop star Ariana Grande's words encourage self-acceptance and loving one's flaws. Her journey from Nickelodeon to global stardom highlights this message. Grande's career has seen significant challenges and artistic growth. Her music reflects vulnerability and personal transformation. This powerful reminder offers permission to be oneself without apology, valuing existence over constant striving.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense scrutiny over his 2024 decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington despite Mandelsons ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released documents revealed Mandelson maintained a closer relationship with Epstein than previously disclosed, including sharing sensitive information and receiving payments.

Indian rice export prices rose to a near one-month high this week, supported by modest demand and a rebound in the rupee, while prices in Thailand and Vietnam remained steady. Indias 5% broken parboiled rice reached $353$359 per ton, up from last week, and white rice was at $351$356 per ton. The rupees 1% appreciation reduced exporters dollar returns.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 4 early release time, schedule and how to watch details are confirmed. Episode 4 will stream early due to the Super Bowl. Viewers can check global release times, full episode schedule, recap of Episode 3, cast list, and streaming platforms worldwide.

Thailand is heading into a snap general election on Sunday, called by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to avoid a no-confidence vote. The vote takes place amid slow economic growth, nationalist tensions, corruption allegations, and a border dispute with Cambodia.

The United States announced $6 million in additional humanitarian aid for Cuba, focused on food and basic supplies for eastern regions hit by Hurricane Melissa, as relations between the two countries grow more tense.

Oil prices fell for a second day and were set for their first weekly decline in weeks, as fears of Middle East supply disruptions eased and investors focused on U.S.Iran nuclear talks in Oman. Brent crude slipped to about $67 a barrel and U.S. WTI to around $62.8, both down more than 3% from late-January highs.

Word of the Day: Rendezvous means a planned meeting at a set time and place. This French word entered English centuries ago. It adds a sense of purpose to gatherings. From secret meetings to professional appointments, rendezvous covers various scenarios. It can be used for two people or larger groups. The word fits both formal and informal settings.

Donald Trump gave his full endorsement to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Japans national election, saying she deserves complete and total support and confirming he will host her at the White House on March 19.

Why are S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq down today and who are US stock market big crash losers and gainers? Falling tech stocks, weak job reports, and a bitcoin plunge pushed Wall Street lower. Qualcomm, Alphabet, and Estee Lauder led losses, while McKesson and Broadcom gained.

Shares of Japanese pharmaceutical companies fell sharply in early Tokyo trading after the launch of TrumpRx, a U.S. website offering discounted prescription drugs. Sumitomo Pharma dropped 4.5%, Chugai Pharmaceutical fell 3.1%, and Takeda Pharmaceutical slid 1.5%.

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Namchi, Sikkim at 3:11 am on Friday, at a shallow depth of 5 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. Residents reported feeling tremors and seeing objects move, though no damage was reported.

Indian solar equipment exports to the US are set for a significant boost. Tariffs are falling, making Indian solar modules and cells more competitive. Companies are now planning to export higher-value items like battery storage systems and inverters. This move is expected to drive capacity expansion and create new opportunities in the growing US market.

A close reading of the budget documents shows that a person can slip away by proactively paying a significantly lower amount on unexplained domestic income - earnings whose 'sources' a taxpayer cannot spell out.

The United States will reduce tariffs on goods from India. The tariffs will drop to 18% from the current 50%. This change will happen after a joint statement is signed virtually, marking the first part of a broader trade agreement. Washington plans to issue an executive order to put the lower tariffs into effect a day or two after the joint statement is finalized. Indian tariff reductions (will happen) only after a legal agreement, stated commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

Switzerland's Rado luxury watch company sees its price advantage from a new trade deal with India largely cancelled out. The rupee's depreciation against the Swiss franc has reduced the expected benefits. The India-European Free Trade Association deal, starting in October 2025, aims to lower import tariffs on Swiss watches. However, currency fluctuations are impacting the final cost for Indian consumers.

A Japanese town near Mount Fuji has cancelled its iconic cherry blossom festival due to overtourism. Badly behaved visitors caused traffic, litter, and trespassing, leading residents to declare a crisis. Authorities cited the need to protect the living environment and dignity of citizens after a decade of the popular event.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Finale Episode 10 release time, schedule, spoilers and how to watch details are now confirmed. The final episode airs on Starz on February 6, 2026. The story focuses on arena fights, power shifts, and outcomes for Ashur, Caesar, and the House of Ashur.

Quote of the day by John Locke: His philosophy, rooted in empiricism, posits that all knowledge stems from experience. His seminal work, 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,' emphasizes that our understanding is built upon sensory encounters, shaping our perception of the world. Locke's enduring influence extends to modern thought, impacting liberalism, education, and human rights.