The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union Cabinet has approved the Union Budget 2026-27, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present it in the Lok Sabha. This marks Sitharaman's ninth Budget and the third for the current NDA government, presented amidst global economic uncertainties. The Budget will be delivered in a paperless format, continuing the trend initiated in previous years.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday arrived in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, which will be presented today by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Budget 2026 Speech PDF: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026, carrying the documents on a digital tablet inside a bahi-khata pouch, continuing the paperless format. Selected students will witness the presentation live and will also interact with Ministry of Finance officials, giving them valuable exposure to governance and policy-making.

Ram Charan twins baby news: Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela are now parents to three as they welcomed twin baby boy and a girl. Last year, Upsana, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, found herself at the centre of a heated national debate after advising women students at IIT Hyderabad to freeze eggs to prioritise their careers and plan motherhood on their own terms. Upasana is the granddaughter of Prathap C Reddy, founder of Apollo Hospitals, and many accused her of promoting IVF and fe

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 3 release time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The new episode titled The Squire streams on HBO Max and partner platforms worldwide. Here is the full release time, streaming platforms, episode list, and season update.

SynopsisJujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 20 sees an aged, god-tier Yuji Itadori battle the extraterrestrial Simurians in 2086 Tokyo. As Yuka and Tsurugi Okkotsu face abduction threats, Yuji unleashes Black Flash on command to stop Dabura. Experience the ultimate shonen evolution in this high-stakes sequel.

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao faces questioning by the Telangana SIT today. The inquiry concerns alleged phone tapping during the previous BRS government. Rao will appear at his Hyderabad residence. The BRS has called for peaceful protests against the action. The case involves widespread unauthorized phone surveillance. Rao has raised legal objections regarding the questioning venue.

Senior YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu was arrested in Guntur after allegedly making disparaging remarks about Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The arrest followed high drama and protests. The YSRCP accused the ruling party of a murder attempt on Rambabu and alleged a breakdown of law and order in Andhra Pradesh. They sought intervention from central authorities.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu today. She will present her ninth Union Budget. The budget aims to sustain growth and maintain fiscal discipline. Reforms are expected to buffer the economy from global trade frictions. The budget faces global uncertainties and domestic pressures to boost consumption and job creation.

Budget 2026 Key Takeaways: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 today, outlining the government's economic direction for the fiscal year. Key announcements included significant changes to the income tax structure, with no tax up to Rs 12 lakh income in the new regime. The budget also focused on spurring agricultural growth, boosting manufacturing, and supporting MSMEs.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced major development plans for Dibang Valley district. A feasibility study will assess an Advanced Landing Ground at Anini. Projects include a community hall, a new road and a PWD office. A research center for medicinal plants will be established. Solar streetlights will be installed in Anini township.

Tariff: Trump last week said he would impose a 100% tariffs on Canada if it follows through on a trade deal with China.

A Sydney man has been charged with multiple offences, including stalking and procuring a child for prostitution, after allegedly impersonating a Disney casting agent. He is accused of offering fake film and TV roles in exchange for sexual favours to young actors. The accused, Gerard Vamadevan, was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Weather Today: Delhi is under a yellow alert for Sunday with forecasts of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds due to a western disturbance. Minimum temperatures dipped on Saturday, and while cloud cover may raise night temperatures on Sunday, they are expected to fall again by Thursday. Air quality has worsened to 'very poor'.

Unidentified individuals fired four rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai residence in Juhu early Sunday. Police and crime branch teams are investigating the incident, which led to intensified security and a forensic team collecting evidence. No injuries were reported.

Venezuela: Less than a month after the United States ousted leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3, his former vice president Delcy Rodriguez has gone further than expected by critics toward restoring the rule of law, as sought by Washington.

The final global treaty restricting nuclear weapon deployment, New START, is set to expire on Thursday, leaving the US and Russia without limitations. Despite Russian President Putin's suggestion for a one-year extension, President Trump has remained largely silent, reportedly seeking to involve China in future arms control talks.

NASA is conducting a practice countdown for its new moon rocket. This test is crucial for the upcoming lunar flyby mission. Four astronauts will be the first to travel to the moon since 1972. The mission will see them orbit the moon and return to Earth. The earliest launch date is now February 8.

A vast release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein's investigations has revealed interactions between the financier and numerous powerful men, including Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson. Many individuals have denied close ties or involvement in Epstein's alleged crimes, though some maintained friendships even after his notoriety as a predator.

A Reddit post shared about a new employee being put on a Performance Improvement Plan after just two weeks has sparked discussions about workplace norms. The employee fell seriously ill early, missed days, then got a short, vague PIP without proper metrics. Recruited by a former colleague, they felt blindsided after declining another offer.

Many people on Reddit say plumbing is one of the best jobs for young people. It gives steady income, job security, and chances to start your own business. Plumbing cannot be replaced by computers and is needed everywhere. This makes it a future-safe and reliable career compared to stressful office jobs in tech or finance.

A Reddit worker says he is underpaid despite long hours and heavy work. He claims his boss earns much more but refuses a raise. The worker compares his pay to the bosss childs school fees, making people angry online. The post spreads fast as users discuss low salaries, work pressure, and fairness at jobs.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had seen eports of an email message from the so-called Epstein files that contained a eference to the Prime Minister and his visit to Israel. Beyond the fact of the prime minister's official visit to Israel in July 2017, the rest of the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt, Jaiswal said.

Sharad Pawar expressed unawareness of Sunetra Pawar's proposed Deputy CM swearing-in, signaling a rift within the family. He acknowledged stalled merger talks between NCP factions, hinting that senior leaders influenced Sunetra Pawar's decision, potentially derailing reunification efforts.

With Assembly elections imminent, the BJP is strategically identifying constituencies in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming polls. The party is seeking a larger seat share, focusing on areas like Coimbatore and Kanyakumari where it has strengthened its base and performed well in recent elections.

The Bihar government has transferred the investigation into a NEET aspirant's death to the CBI. This decision follows public outcry and criticism from the opposition. The 18-year-old student was found unconscious and later died. Initial reports suggested suicide, but a post-mortem raised concerns about assault. The state government's move is seen by some as an admission of failure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar on Sant Ravidas Jayanti, a significant move ahead of Punjab Assembly elections. This outreach targets the influential Ravidassia community, with the Dera impacting votes in numerous constituencies. The visit follows the Dera chief's Padma Shri award, while other parties also intensify their outreach efforts.

India and Arab Foreign Ministers reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, vowing to strengthen joint efforts against all its forms and manifestations. They condemned cross-border terrorism and the misuse of technology by terrorist groups, expressing support for each other in confronting these threats. Both sides committed to decisive action against globally proscribed terrorists and their financiers.

Before Budget Day became a televised and social-media spectacle, Union Budget speeches were sober, number-heavy statements addressed to Parliament, not markets. Shantanu Nandan Sharma revisits pre-1991 Budgets to show how finance ministers blended hard fiscal choices with philosophy, geopolitics and dry humour. From war-time taxes to witty asides in the House, these speeches reveal the Budget as a human document, not just an economic one.

The Melania documentary released in 2026 has sparked major debate online. Critics gave it very poor ratings, while audience scores remained extremely high. Amazons expensive purchase and marketing plan added to the attention. The big difference between reviews has made people question how the film is being received and why opinions are so divided.

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar pledged to uphold her late husband Ajit Pawar's legacy, emphasizing his teachings on duty and commitment to the people. She expressed deep emotion accepting the responsibility, drawing inspiration from historical figures and the support of Maharashtra's citizens. Pawar aims to realize his vision for a just and developed state.

Nudiustertian is a rare and forgotten word that appears in old English writing. It has Latin roots and was first recorded centuries ago. The word is no longer used in daily speech, but writers and language lovers still mention it for interest and style. It highlights how English has changed over time and how some words slowly disappear.

The Baloch Liberation Army has launched a major offensive across Balochistan. Attacks targeted military and administrative sites in 14 cities. The group claims to have neutralized 84 Pakistani personnel and taken 18 captive. Several government properties were destroyed. The operation, named Herof Phase II, is ongoing and aims to disrupt enemy operations. BLA fighters have consolidated positions in key areas.

Equipped with advanced guidance and control systems, BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.

Jim Morrison was a famous rock singer, poet, and the lead singer of The Doors. He was known for deep thoughts, strong lyrics, and a bold stage image. His ideas about fear and freedom still inspire people today. Even after his early death, his music, words, and legacy remain important in rock history.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced he will file over 100 cases against writer Harsh Mander. This comes after Mander filed a complaint against Sarma for alleged hate speech targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims. Sarma also accused Mander of damaging the NRC process in Assam. He stated he has sufficient material to pursue these cases against Mander.

CJ Roy, the Confident Group founder, built a significant business empire. His ventures spanned real estate, hospitality, and more across India, the UAE, and the US. Roy was also the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic. His group completed over 150 projects. Roy was known for his luxury lifestyle and substantial wealth.

Many Americans are facing surprise tax bills in 2025 because they underestimated taxable income. New tax rules, side hustles, and online earnings are changing how much people owe. Some income has no tax taken out early, leading to shock bills later. Experts warn better planning is needed to avoid penalties and unexpected IRS notices.

Rumors linking Kendall Jenner and NFL quarterback Joe Burrow made the headlines after a viral image and Jenners Super Bowl Fanatics Sportsbook ad sparked online speculation. Fans took her jokes about dating basketball players and betting on football as clues toward a fresh romance. The buzz elevated following her tiger-print Tonight Show dress, believed by some to reference the Bengals.

A partial government shutdown has begun. This is due to a disagreement over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers aim to pass funding legislation quickly. This will end the shutdown. Several federal agencies and programs will continue to operate. Nutrition assistance programs will be unaffected.

BJP Tamil Nadu election-in-charge Goyal said victory in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state for the BJP will not be difficult. There is no need for the BJP to woo actor Vijay in Tamil Nadu polls as superstars come and go with no impact on the elections, he added.

Oxford's 2024 word of the year, 'brain rot,' describes the mental fog from excessive social media scrolling. Experts warn this habit can reduce grey matter, impacting memory, focus, and decision-making. Replacing mindless scrolling with real-world activities like exercise and social interaction can help restore cognitive function and prevent lasting effects.

India's trade pact with the European Union is set to significantly boost exports. The agreement, expected this year, will grant 99 percent of Indian goods duty-free access to Europe. This move is projected to double India's exports to the EU within five years. Businesses are encouraged to expand and capitalize on this opportunity.

Moltbook is a new AI-only social network where thousands of bots talk, argue, and share ideas without human control. The platform shows how advanced AI agents have become and why experts are paying attention. While many find it interesting and funny, others warn it could raise security risks and future concerns as AI systems grow more independent.

Jaishankar while delivering opening remarks at the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting said that impact of the developments in the Middle East are felt even in India.

The marriage tax penalty happens when married couples pay higher state income taxes filing jointly than they would as two single filers. Although federal law minimized this issue, several states still apply tax brackets and deductions that disadvantage married households. The penalty mainly impacts couples with similar incomes, sometimes costing thousands of dollars yearly depending on location.

U.S. Weather Forecast: Most of the snow will be confined to the Delmarva, New Jersey and southeast New England coasts, as well as eastern Long Island in New York. As the storm strengthens, high winds along the coast will create harsh conditions.

The 2026 partial government shutdown started after Congress missed a spending deadline. Several major U.S. departments are affected, while lawmakers argue over immigration policy changes. The Senate passed a funding deal, but the House must still approve it. Until then, some government services remain limited and uncertain.