The Economic Times

India has secured crucial advantages from the European Union regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. These include MFN-like status, a technical dialogue for clarity, and potential for Indian verifiers. Assurances on carbon pricing policy recognition and a flexible agreement framework are also in place. These measures aim to facilitate Indian industry's access to the European market.

India is opening its nuclear power sector to private companies. This historic reform aims to boost nuclear energy capacity by 2047. It will provide clean, carbon-free baseload power. These steps align energy transition with energy security and reduce imports. This enhances India's strategic autonomy. Coal will still play a role in the near term.

In a pivotal decision, the Supreme Court has turned down a request to implement a minimum wage for domestic workers. The court clarified that it lacks the authority to compel the government to revise existing labor laws. This ruling comes amid fears that mandating wage standards could trigger a torrent of lawsuits against households.

White House border czar Tom Homan visited Minnesota after deadly shootings and protests against ICE. He said federal agents will continue operations in Minneapolis. Homan stressed law enforcement safety, admitted changes are needed, and urged cooperation between police agencies. He also asked protesters to raise concerns with Congress instead of targeting ICE actions.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has halted the implementation of new University Grants Commission guidelines designed to combat caste discrimination. The judges raised alarms over the possible societal rifts these rules could create, citing their ambiguous nature. They underscored the requirement for a thorough expert assessment to prevent misuse of the regulations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit West Bengal this Friday and Saturday, following BJP national president Nitin Nabin's recent trip. Shah will meet with the BJP core committee and party workers to discuss poll preparedness and is expected to address a public rally in Barrackpore, a key industrial area with a significant Hindi-speaking voter base.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya alleged that infiltrators are using the state as a transit point, threatening India's internal security and altering the demography. He cited the porous India-Bangladesh border and called for joint operations between state police and BSF to identify and remove illegal immigrants, accusing the TMC of facilitating this for electoral gains.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Ambassador Sergio Gor, expressing confidence in strengthening India-US ties. Discussions covered defense, trade, and critical minerals, ahead of Jaishankar's upcoming US visit for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial.

The Department of Telecom is reviewing Amazon Kuiper's satellite communication service applications. Requests from Tata Group firm Nelco and Hiranandani Group company Yotta Network have been denied. Other companies like OneWeb India, Jio Satellite, and Starlink have received unified licenses. Satellite services aim to connect remote and underserved areas across India.

Vedanta Ltd is challenging a court decision regarding a 2011 arbitration award. The award declared a shareholders' agreement with the government void. This agreement concerned the transfer of shares in Bharat Aluminium Company, Balco. The government opposes Vedanta's appeal, citing significant financial stakes and a delay in filing. The case is set for a hearing on February 13.

A threatening poster, purportedly from ISIS-K, targeting the indigenous Garo community has surfaced in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, sparking serious concern from the BJP and prompting a high-level police investigation. The incident, occurring shortly after the killing of an activist, has heightened security alert and led to calls for a central-level probe into the alleged attempt to incite communal violence.

Weather Today: Delhi-NCR can expect unsettled weather from January 30 to February 2, with cloudy skies, light rain, and thunderstorms. Residents should prepare for foggy mornings, gusty winds up to 40 kmph, and potential disruptions. The forecast indicates a refreshing, albeit cool, period with intermittent showers.

Oracle shares fell over 50% from last years high as investors worry about AI spending and links to OpenAI. Rising costs for AI data centers, bond issues, and uncertainty around tech deals have added pressure. The drop is part of a wider fall in software stocks, with new AI tools from competitors increasing investor caution.

Madonnas quote, To be brave is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return, serves as the emotional core of this reflection on courage and vulnerability. It delves into how she redefines bravery not as dominance or fearlessness, but as the readiness to open ones heart despite uncertainty. Drawing from universal experiences of love and connection, it emphasizes why unconditional love feels both risky and powerful.

Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in treating pancreatic cancer in mice. A triple combination therapy led to the complete disappearance of tumors without major side effects. This development offers hope for future human clinical trials. The research, led by Mariano Barbacid, combines an existing lung cancer drug with a protein degrader.

India and the European Union have concluded a free trade agreement, set to be implemented this year. Under the pact, EU banks will be allowed to open 15 branches in India over four years. The agreement also includes provisions for 100% FDI in insurance and 74% in banking services, alongside safeguards for domestic industries and intellectual property rights.

Wings India 2026 awards celebrated aviation excellence. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport won Best Aerodrome of the Year. Air India was recognized for domestic connectivity. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport led in the over 25 million passengers category. Other airports and service providers also received accolades. The event highlights India's growing aviation sector.

US stock market crash biggest losers and winners list shows sharp moves as investors react to Big Tech earnings, AI spending plans, and the Federal Reserve rate decision. Microsoft and software stocks fell, while Meta, Caterpillar, and defense stocks gained.

India's Economic Survey 2025-26 reveals women face workplace hurdles like limited mobility and rigid schedules. It calls for flexible work, equal pay, and safety measures to boost female employment. Women spend more time on unpaid caregiving, impacting their paid work participation. Recent years show a rise in women joining the workforce and a drop in unemployment.

Producer Shailendra Singh has revisited the 2003 Vivek Oberoi press conference controversy, sharing that Salman Khan was extremely angry in its immediate aftermath but chose restraint over retaliation. He said Salman was advised to stay silent and handle the situation calmly, a decision that, in his view, shaped how events unfolded in the years that followed and coincided with a downturn in Vivek Oberois mainstream Bollywood career.

A Reddit post has gone viral after a job candidate claimed he was rejected following six interview rounds and an unpaid skills assessment for asking a question about work-life balance. The candidate said the two-month hiring process ended abruptly after the final interview, with the company citing a lack of cultural fit. The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with users calling out excessive interview rounds, unpaid hiring tasks, and the growing stigma around asking about work expect

India is set to expand its Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) with nearly 2,900 km of potential corridors identified to boost economic growth. The Delhi-Meerut line has already shown significant employment and accessibility gains. The initiative also prioritizes women's employment and integrates Transit-Oriented Development for sustainable urban growth, reducing emissions.

Nintendos upcoming Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches its first non-binary Mii option, along with same-sex relationship choices. Introduced during the January 29, 2026 Nintendo Direct, the game enables players to select male, female, or non-binary genders, adjust voice pitch, and define dating preferences. Miis live on a customizable island, interacting, making friendships, and involving in romantic scenarios with agency over their decisions.

The deadline to apply for CUET UG 2026 is January 30, with the exam scheduled from May 11 to May 31. Candidates can make corrections to applications from February 2 to 4. There is no age limit, and the exam will be conducted in 13 Indian languages.

A significant milestone for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has been achieved with the completion of a 100-meter steel bridge in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This 13th steel bridge in the state was ingeniously designed to span over an underground metro tunnel, ensuring no load transfer.

Dow Inc. plans major layoffs as it focuses on AI, automation, and cost savings. The chemical company will cut thousands of jobs and spend millions on severance. The move comes during a weak U.S. job market, with many large companies reducing staff, slowing hiring, and shifting money toward artificial intelligence while consumer confidence remains low.

India's Economic Survey 2025-26 projects robust growth of 6.8-7.2% amid global fragmentation, highlighting medium-term priorities like manufacturing and skill development. Experts view this as a strategic advantage, with potential GDP growth revised to 7% driven by capital expenditure and reforms. The survey emphasizes attracting global capital through faster execution and regulatory certainty.

BTC USD crash today: Why is crypto down today? Bitcoin price slips as Fed holds rates and geopolitics heat up. Bitcoin slid sharply as data turned risk-off. BTC dropped over 5% to $84,623, breaking below the 50-day and 100-day EMAs. Market cap fell 1.7% to $3.06 trillion. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $19.6 million outflows. RSI slipped under 50, confirming weakening momentum. Loss of $86,000 support risks a move toward $83,000$80,400.

The Senate returns today, January 29, 2026, facing a potential government shutdown on January 31. Democrats are opposing Department of Homeland Security funding, demanding reforms to ICE and Border Patrol following the death of Alex Pretti. A Senate vote is planned for 10:30 a.m. ET, but Democratic support is crucial to avert a shutdown.

Maharashtra's Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, initially set for February 5, have been postponed to February 7 due to a three-day mourning period for Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Vote counting will now occur on February 9. The Supreme Court had granted an extension for these polls, which will see 731 ZP seats and 1,462 Panchayat Samiti seats contested.

Union Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu declared at Wings India 2026 that India is now designing, building, and leading global aviation, not just flying aircraft. He highlighted the nation's rapid growth and commitment to becoming an integrated aviation ecosystem. Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister also pledged to make the state a leading aero-engine and MRO hub by 2047.

True growth often happens quietly, without external recognition, much like a seed developing underground. This steady, unobserved effort builds emotional strength, confidence, and maturity. The article emphasizes that consistent, small steps are more powerful than loud achievements, reminding us that quiet progress builds the strongest foundations.

Shah Rukh Khan was recently spotted at Mumbai airport, where a video of him calmly following a CISF officials request to remove his sunglasses went viral on social media. Fans praised the actor for his respectful and law-abiding behaviour, while also appreciating the security officer for carrying out his duty professionally.

India is opening its nuclear energy sector to private companies. This move is set to significantly boost nuclear power capacity by 2047. The country aims to provide reliable, zero-carbon baseload electricity. This reform aligns energy security with import reduction. Clean energy is central to India's vision for a developed nation.

IRS tax filing season began on Monday, and agency leaders, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano, have said they expect a smooth season. Still, other IRS watchdogs have outlined major concerns at the start of the 2026 tax season.

America's trade deficit saw a significant jump in November. Imports increased substantially, while exports experienced a decline. This widening gap contrasts with a previous dip that President Donald Trump had highlighted. Government data reveals the trade gap surged by 94.6 percent. Goods imports rose, particularly consumer products and capital goods. Exports of goods dropped, including nonmonetary gold.

David Schwimmer is a famous American actor and director, best known for his role as Ross Geller in Friends. He has also acted in movies, TV shows, and stage plays, and worked as a director. He is active in theatre and film, showing talent in acting, directing, and performing in both stage and screen projects.

Quote of the Day: Oprah Winfrey's profound quote, 'The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate,' underscores the power of gratitude as a daily practice. Her journey from humble beginnings to media mogul highlights resilience and self-belief. This philosophy, rooted in lived experience, encourages actively acknowledging life's value to foster greater fulfillment and joy.

A Reddit workplace story went viral after an employee said their boss demanded they respond to an emergency despite being off duty and drinking. The post explained a Halloween call, a supervisors reassurance, and subsequent criticism behind the employees back. When the issue reached a performance review, Human Resources intervened and disciplined the manager instead.

India's economic growth forecast is strong, driven by domestic demand and government reforms. However, the finalization of a Free Trade Agreement with the United States is a key factor that could impact this growth. Currency depreciation also presents a challenge, potentially offsetting trade benefits. Self-reliance in critical sectors like semiconductors and defense is highlighted as important for India's future.

Nalwa Aero has partnered with Global Vectra Helicorp, Pawan Hans, and Himalayan Heli Services to launch electric air taxi services, with fares as low as Rs 200 per passenger on select routes. The collaboration aims to deploy eVTOL aircraft for pilgrimage travel, air ambulance, urban/intercity transport, and offshore logistics, targeting operational readiness by 2028.

Commercial vehicle sales in India are set to surpass FY19 peaks this fiscal year. Strong demand, boosted by GST rate cuts and government infrastructure initiatives, drives this growth. Consumption and infrastructure projects are expected to continue supporting demand next year. However, fuel prices and regulatory changes may impact long-term industry expansion.