The Economic Times

Young travelers, particularly Gen Z, are prioritizing exclusive and authentic experiences over traditional vacations, viewing travel as a form of self-development.

Young travelers, particularly Gen Z, are prioritizing exclusive and authentic experiences over traditional vacations, viewing travel as a form of self-development.

Union Budget 2026 Indian Railways Budget: As the Union Budget 2026 nears, the debate on privatising Indian Railways intensifies. While private capital can boost efficiency in areas like station redevelopment and rolling stock, core network control and safety must remain public. The Budget should focus on strategic PPPs for asset creation and services, not system control, to fund crucial rail modernisation.

Nivin Pauly's latest, Baby Girl, has opened to a positive reception, with early viewers praising its engaging first half and impressive interval. The thriller, directed by Arun Varma and penned by Bobby and Sanjay, is noted for its building tension and Nivin Pauly's compelling performance. Read on to know more about it!

Indian Oil Corp has secured 7 million barrels of oil for March loading, diversifying away from Russian supplies. The refiner is boosting imports from Brazil's Petrobras, Abu Dhabi, and Angola to replace Russian crude, signaling a strategic shift in its procurement strategy.

America's control over Venezuela's oil exports diverts crude shipments previously used to repay China. Venezuela owes China billions, with estimates varying widely. China continued receiving payments even after Venezuela's default through oil-backed loans. The U.S. now controls oil sale proceeds, making future debt servicing to China uncertain. Other creditors pursue Venezuela's assets.

Indias upcoming Union Budget has drawn attention as gold prices continue to surge, making policy decisions on import duties sensitive for consumers. Gold posted its strongest global performance in decades in 2025, driven by safe-haven demand, US rate cuts and a weaker dollar.

As the United States tightens its hold on Venezuela's oil shipments, a ripple effect is emerging across geopolitical lines. The alteration of oil exports destined for China's debt obligations presents a possible flashpoint between the US and China.

Congress has labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India's greatest distorian. The party alleges attempts to distort the history of the national anthem and disrespect Rabindranath Tagore. They also claim the Prime Minister is dismantling Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. These accusations surfaced during a parliamentary discussion on Vande Mataram and on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary.

Donald Trump has sued JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and his bank for $5 billion, alleging they illegally debanked Trump's businesses due to his politics. Despite the lawsuit, JPMorgan's stock rose, and Dimon received a raise. This action highlights Trump's ongoing disputes with financial firms and his complex, often combative, relationship with Dimon.

Greenland's strategic importance to the United States began in World War II. The Cold War saw extensive US military development on the island. Now, President Trump seeks to acquire Greenland. This echoes past US military ambitions. Denmark has historically maintained sovereignty. Current geopolitical shifts are renewing interest in the Arctic island.

The central government has approved significant wage and pension revisions. This benefits over 46,000 employees and 23,000 pensioners across PSU General Insurance companies, NABARD, and RBI. Wage revisions for PSU General Insurance companies are effective from August 1, 2022. NABARD's payment revision starts November 1, 2022. RBI and NABARD retirees will see pension enhancements from November 1, 2022.

DLF Ltd's sales bookings declined 16 percent to Rs 16,176 crore in the first nine months of this fiscal year. This decrease was due to reduced new home supply. The company remains confident in achieving its annual sales target of Rs 20,000-22,000 crore. DLF reported a 14 percent increase in net profit for the December quarter.

Lord's Mark Industries Limited is taking significant strides in enhancing road safety by rolling out solar highway lighting in Vijayawada at 104 identified accident hotspots. This innovative project utilizes data-driven strategies to effectively tackle issues of glare and driver reaction, aiming to play a vital role in reducing road mishaps.

Narayan T Poojari's journey from a financially struggling village to Mumbai's bustling streets began with just Rs 35 and immense determination. He overcame early hardships through relentless work and a commitment to education, eventually building Shiv Sagar into a beloved restaurant chain. His success is rooted in unwavering values and a deep connection with his customers.

Today's word of the day 'Astrolabe' refers to an ancient astronomical instrument that once helped people navigate both time and space. An astrolabe is a small, handheld instrument once used to observe the sky and calculate the position of stars, planets, and the sun. Long before GPS or even the sextant, it helped astronomers, sailors, and scholars understand where they wereand what lay above them.

Sun Pharma has gained the green light from the DCGI for its much-anticipated generic version of semaglutide injection, targeting chronic weight management under the name Noveltreat. With Novo Nordisk's patent expiration on the horizon, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in accessible healthcare.

Vishal Jethwa's journey from a small Gujarati school to acting began with a passion for extracurriculars and a strong family foundation. Despite early tragedy and financial hardship, his dedication to acting classes and auditions led to significant roles, including a pivotal performance in Mardaani 2 and a challenging role in Homebound. Read on!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched significant development projects and new train services in Kerala, bolstering infrastructure and financial inclusion. He inaugurated a modern post office and disbursed PM SVANidhi loans, alongside flagging off four new trains to enhance regional connectivity.

Popular actor Ranjini Menon recounted how a life-altering stroke and near-death experience recently changed her life. She said that she initially dismissed the subtle signs, leading to a medical emergency before a public event. She said that the days in the ICU taught her profound lessons on health, humility, and the true value of life.

Essar Group committed Rs 25,000 crore to Uttar Pradesh for power, energy, logistics, and data centers, marking a significant investment at the WEF 2026. The state also secured an MoU with SA Technologies for a Rs 200 crore Global Capability Centre and a non-financial pact with NTPC Green Energy for renewable projects.

IndiGo has launched non-stop flights to Athens from Mumbai and Delhi using its new A321 XLR aircraft, becoming the sole Indian airline offering direct connectivity between India and Greece. These thrice-weekly services aim to strengthen cultural and economic ties and tap into rising demand from Indian travelers for leisure, MICE, and wedding tourism.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif urged the PCB to boycott the T20 World Cup in solidarity with Bangladesh, which is threatening to withdraw over security concerns. Latif believes Pakistan's absence would significantly impact the tournament and presents a crucial opportunity to challenge the existing cricket power structure.

America has officially exited the World Health Organization. This move triggers a significant budget crisis for the WHO, leading to staff reductions. The US stated its decision reflects management failures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country plans to work directly with other nations on global health matters. This departure impacts disease surveillance and response efforts worldwide.

TTD Ratha Saptami 2026: Tirumala is preparing for the Ratha Saptami festival on January 25, 2026, expecting over two lakh devotees. To manage the anticipated crowds, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has cancelled all arjitha sevas, special darshans, and slotted Sarva Darshan tokens from January 24 to 26. Extensive arrangements are being made for devotee safety and comfort, including security, traffic management, and food distribution.

Reports from activist groups indicate that the Iranian government's suppression of protests has resulted in more than 5,000 deaths. This alarming rise in casualties coincides with the country's most extended internet blackout, as tensions escalate with the approach of a US aircraft carrier fleet towards the Middle East. In response, Iran dismisses the figures, calling the protesters 'rioters'.

Bomb Threat in Noida School: Shiv Nadar School in Noida was evacuated and closed Friday following a bomb threat email, prompting a security alert ahead of Republic Day. Similar threats were received by schools in Ahmedabad, leading to heightened security citywide. Authorities are investigating the origin of the emails while assuring parents.

Srinagar Flights Cancelled List: Srinagar experienced heavy rain and snowfall on Friday. This caused significant disruptions to road and air transportation. Several flights to and from Srinagar Airport were cancelled. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway also faced closure. IndiGo issued advisories for passengers regarding potential delays and rebooking options.

Border 2, a much-awaited film, has released in theatres. Early box office indicators show a strong opening day performance. The film registered major advance bookings, surpassing previous releases. Trade analysts are watching closely to see if it can achieve one of the year's top opening collections. The movie is set against the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Read on!

Rimi Sen reflects on the success of 'Dhoom' and John Abraham's career strategy. She highlights how Abraham's self-awareness of his early acting limitations led him to choose roles that leveraged his strengths, paving the way for his eventual growth and diversification into production and business.

Swan Defence And Heavy Industries secured a significant $227 million contract for six chemical tankers from European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS. This landmark deal marks India's largest single commercial shipbuilding order and the first & largest chemical tanker order for an Indian shipyard. The 18,000 DWT IMO Type II tankers will be built at their Pipavav, Gujarat facility.

Victoria is preparing for a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. This heat is increasing the risk of bushfires across the state. Meanwhile, Queensland is monitoring a tropical low developing in the Gulf of Carpentaria. This system could potentially intensify into a cyclone, raising concerns for flood-affected areas in north Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Prayagraj witnessed a massive gathering on Basant Panchami. More than one crore devotees performed holy dips in the Ganga and Sangam during the ongoing Magh Mela. The festival holds special significance, marking the confluence of sacred rivers and the onset of spring. Extensive arrangements were made for the pilgrims, including sanitation, security, and accommodation.

India's Oscar hopes for the 98th Academy Awards concluded as Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound' did not advance beyond the nomination shortlist. Despite a strong festival run, the film faced stiff competition from international contenders. The final five nominees for International Feature Film were announced, highlighting diverse global cinema.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met over twenty business leaders in Davos. He discussed Assam's unique investment opportunities across various sectors. These discussions aimed to foster growth for enterprises. The Chief Minister highlighted Assam's rapid development and attractive policies. He also mentioned the state's talented workforce. These engagements are expected to yield positive results in the near future.

Conservative voices are intensifying attacks on progressive white women. Figures like Erick Erickson and Vincent Oshana are criticizing them harshly. This trend coincides with a broader right-wing push against modern feminism and a renewed emphasis on traditional masculinity. Some even question women's right to vote. This rhetoric targets women voters and challenges their social value.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim their rewards by visiting the official Garena redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 8 new release time, updated schedule and how to watch details the delayed Starz release, global streaming times, reasons for the gap week, episode schedule updates, and where viewers can stream episodes across regions.

Today's Weather Alert: Northern India is set for a spell of active winter weather. A strong western disturbance will bring widespread rainfall, snowfall, thunderstorms, and fog across north and northwest India. The western Himalayas will see heavy rain and snow. Plains will experience intense thunderstorms and hailstorms. Dense fog is expected to return after the active weather passes.

Malayalam actor-anchor Ranjini Menon experienced a major heart attack and stroke on November 18, 2024, which significantly impacted her health and led to a period of recovery. The incident, which began with subtle symptoms like facial drooping and speech difficulties, forced a profound re-evaluation of her life and priorities.

AMFI has chosen Concept Communications for its creative advertising work. This follows a lengthy pitch process. The agency will refresh the popular Mutual Funds Sahi Hai campaign. The goal is to boost mutual fund investment across India. Concept Communications aims to make mutual funds more accessible. This is especially for young investors in new and underserved areas.

Sun Pharma has received DCGI approval to launch Noveltreat, a generic semaglutide injection for chronic weight management in India. This GLP-1 receptor agonist will be available after patent expiry, offering a crucial treatment option for India's growing obesity and diabetes burden. The approval follows successful Indian clinical trials.

Frieren Season 2 Episode 2 release time, what to expect and how to watch details the next chapter of the anime. The episode introduces the Hero of the South, recalls Frierens past, and sets up a new mission. Streaming details and global release times are explained.

Basant Panchmi Wishes 2026: Basant Panchami marks fresh beginnings across India, with a focus on learning and knowledge. Celebrated on the fifth day of Magha, the festival emphasizes the color yellow, symbolizing energy and prosperity. It's a time for Saraswati Puja, seeking blessings for wisdom and creativity, and for initiating new studies or life journeys.

Himachal Pradesh snowfall: Heavy rain and snowfall has been predicted for Himachal Pradesh today by the IMD. Manali may freeze at 0 degrees today with the weather office predicting rainfall and snowfall for the day. An orange alert has been sounded for Kullu, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti with forecast of heavy snowfall along with rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Shimla might see heavy rain along with hail, cold day, thunderstorms and lightning today.

Ukraine peace talks: Ukraine is enduring its harshest winter of the war as Russia mounts heavy missile and drone strikes on its energy infrastructure. With temperatures way below freezing, hundreds of thousands of people in Kyiv and other cities have suffered long power cuts and been left without heating.