The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
A suicide bombing at a wedding in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan district has killed seven people. The attack targeted members of a peace committee. The Pakistani Taliban has previously labeled such members as traitors. This incident highlights Pakistan's ongoing struggle with increasing militant violence. The Pakistani government has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, a charge Kabul denies.
Delhi's commuters face grave danger from unsecured construction sites, with uncovered pits and broken barricades posing a constant threat. A recent fatality in Noida underscores the alarming reality of poor safety compliance. Heaps of soil, waterlogged ditches, and inadequate signage are common, turning roads into hazards, especially at night and during rain.
This Republic Day parade showcases unique animal soldiers, including Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies. New weapon systems like the S-400 and Akash missile systems will be on display. A European Union contingent will march for the first time. Women officers will lead contingents and command tableaux. The event highlights India's military strength and indigenous capabilities.
Tired of the same old lentils and chickpeas? Discover seven underrated plant-based protein powerhouses that pack serious nutritional punch. From ancient grains to fermented legumes, these sources deliver muscle-building amino acids while keeping your meals interesting and sustainable.
A man was discovered deceased inside a Kitchener home following a reported stabbing on Friday, January 23, 2026. Waterloo Regional Police are investigating the incident as a homicide and have taken a man into custody. As the investigation continues, there will be an increased police presence in the Garden Path Place area.
Your gut's best friends are waiting on your plate. Discover seven everyday fibre-packed foods that transform digestion, boost energy, and keep your system running like clockwork.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut predicts a reunion of NCP factions. He states Ajit Pawar will rejoin the Maha Vikas Aghadi, citing family ties. Raut points to the joint contest on the 'clock' symbol in upcoming local elections as evidence of unity. He also suggests Eknath Shinde is unhappy with the BJP regarding the BMC mayor post.
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen expressed deep concern over West Bengal's electoral roll revision process, citing undue haste and inadequate time for voters. He warned this could jeopardize democratic participation, particularly with upcoming assembly elections. Sen highlighted the challenges faced by rural citizens in providing documentation, fearing exclusion for the underprivileged and poor.
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook Sindirgi in Balikesir province, western Turkiye early today. Turkiye's disaster management authority confirmed the tremor occurred at a depth of over 11 kilometers. Fortunately, no human or material losses have been recorded so far. Field survey operations are underway to assess the situation. This follows a similar earthquake last year.
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has fined the BJP Rs 19.7 lakh and filed a police case. This action follows the installation of illegal flex boards on footpaths for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. The boards caused public inconvenience. The Corporation secretary filed a complaint leading to a police case against the BJP district president.
Shakira, a Colombian star, has achieved global fame with her music and dance. She is a multi-award winner and has sold millions of albums. Beyond her music career, Shakira is dedicated to philanthropy. She founded the Barefoot Foundation to aid children in Colombia. Shakira also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro lineup is rumored to feature a new under-display area replacing the Dynamic Island and an advanced A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process. Leaks also suggest a potential split launch strategy, with Pro models arriving in September 2026 and standard models in early 2027. Advanced camera upgrades, including a mechanical iris, are also anticipated.
The Election Commission faces challenges in meeting a Supreme Court deadline to publish voter lists with discrepancies by Saturday. Booth Level Officers have not received the necessary software, making it difficult to process and display the data for approximately 1.26 crore voters. This logistical hurdle raises uncertainty about complying with the court's directive.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated he has always upheld party stances in Parliament. His sole principled disagreement was regarding Operation Sindhoor. Tharoor explained his views on the Pahalgam incident, advocating for a targeted response. He emphasized that national interests supersede political differences. Tharoor's comments come amid reports of party friction.
Iran faces its most severe crackdown since the 1979 revolution. Protests over currency collapse turned violent, leading to widespread damage and a rising death toll. Authorities have cut internet access, obscuring the full extent of the unrest. Human rights groups report unlawful killings and the threat of mass executions. The situation remains tense as the world watches.
An out-of-control bushfire in south-west Victoria has reached emergency level. Residents are ordered to take shelter as the blaze threatens homes and lives. Authorities state it is too late to leave safely. A wind change is expected, shifting the fire's direction. A total fire ban is in effect across multiple Victorian regions. This occurs as Victoria experiences a prolonged heatwave.
A US warship made a historic port call at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, docking near Chinese vessels. This marks the first US naval visit since China's renovations, which have raised strategic concerns for Washington in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia maintains the base is open to all international partners.
Arunachal Pradesh is becoming a major power hub and a key player in India's startup scene. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the state's progress at Startup Arunachal Day 2026. Initiatives like APIIP are supporting young entrepreneurs. The government is doubling seed funding and intake capacity for upcoming cohorts. Arunachal Pradesh aims to leverage its potential for national development.
Nabrangpur district in Odisha is now free of Naxal activity. This follows the surrender of nine Maoists, including seven women, in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. These individuals carried a bounty of Rs 47 lakh. Their operations spanned Nabrangpur and Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district. This development aligns with the Centre's goal to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism nationwide.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday accused Governor R N Ravi of undermining the dignity of his office by refusing to read out the customary address at the start of the Assembly session.
Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Manipur's Imphal East district. The recovery included rifles, a revolver, and a pistol. Ammunition, walkie-talkie sets, and camouflage attire were also found. In a separate operation, a militant was arrested in Tengnoupal district. A pistol and live rounds were recovered from the arrested individual.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for a second day due to heavy snowfall. Life in several areas has been paralyzed. Tourists are enjoying the snow while essential services like power and water are disrupted. Authorities are working to clear roads and restore supplies. Temperatures have dropped significantly.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Premalatha Vijayakanth confirmed ongoing alliance talks for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. She stated that the National Democratic Alliance has not finalized its coalition yet. Decisions will be made at the right time, ensuring a beneficial outcome for Tamil Nadu. The party remains open about its stance on potential alliances.
Indian tennis player N Sriram Balaji and his partner Neil Oberleitner were eliminated from the Australian Open men's doubles. They lost in the second round. Another Indian, Yuki Bhambri, had his second-round match suspended. This was due to the tournament's extreme heat policy. His match will resume later.
Republic Day 2026: 77th or 78th? Preparations for Republic Day 2026 are underway. India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026. The Constitution came into force in 1950. The counting includes the first celebration. Thirty tableaux will be showcased. EU leaders Antnio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests. The theme highlights 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Seventy-six years ago, 264 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the Constitution of India. This document is a charter for socio-economic transformation. The handwritten copies featured 22 illustrations by artists from Shantiniketan. The national symbol was designed by Dinanath Bhargava. The illustrated Constitution is described as a seminal art treatise. Members also took a group photograph that day.
Assam will establish a Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this during his visit to Davos. The state is also building a long-term partnership with the WEF. Discussions were held with PepsiCo regarding support for potato farmers and company expansion plans. A dedicated Skill University will also be inaugurated soon.
Russia launched attacks on Ukraine's major cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, on Saturday. One person died in Kyiv, with four others injured. Kharkiv reported 11 people injured. Drones and missiles hit residential areas, a dormitory, a hospital, and a maternity hospital. These strikes occurred during peace talks in the UAE.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Station Frazerganj successfully conducted an operation on January 22, 2026, leading to the apprehension of an Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Laxminarayan for smuggling betel nuts from Bangladesh to India, the Indian Coast Guard said in a press release.
Europe learned a vital lesson at Davos: defending sovereignty and territorial integrity collectively is crucial against aggressive great powers. The continent's unified stance, backed by economic countermeasures, forced a retreat from President Trump's demands regarding Greenland, reinforcing the importance of standing firm on core principles.
Diplomats from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are meeting in Abu Dhabi. They are discussing a plan to end the ongoing war. The fate of the Donbas region remains a major obstacle. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to find a political solution. President Trump believes a deal is possible.
Union Budget 2026 arrives amid escalating climate warnings, water stress, heatwaves, floods, and air pollution. The upcoming budget is likely to focus on executing climate action as an industrial strategy. Expect significant investments in green infrastructure and renewable energy. The budget aims to bridge gaps in adaptation finance and ensure effective implementation. This marks a crucial step towards a multi-trillion dollar green economy for India. Focus will be on water resilience and urban
Uddhav Thackeray declared Shiv Sena (UBT) cannot be destroyed. He stated it is an ideology and a symbol of the sons of the soil. This comes after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won a majority in the Maharashtra civic elections. The alliance secured 118 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. This marks a significant shift in power in Mumbai.
A landslide in Indonesia's West Java province has resulted in seven fatalities and 82 missing individuals. The disaster mitigation agency is intensifying search and rescue operations following reports of heavy rainfall. Indonesia's weather agency had previously issued warnings for extreme weather in the region.
A viral clip of a penguin heading inland towards mountains, dubbed the 'Nihilist Penguin,' has resonated online as a symbol of burnout and rebellion. While the internet interprets this as existential angst, scientists explain the behavior as likely disorientation, illness, or instinctual error, a rare but documented occurrence in penguins.
Ahead of the historic winter storm that would affect most of the United States over the weekend, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the administration is coordinating with state and local officials, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ready to respond.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary. Thakur, a former Bihar Chief Minister, dedicated his politics to uplifting the exploited and deprived. He is remembered for his simplicity and public service. Thakur was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024. His legacy continues to inspire.
Canada is facing a severe cold snap this weekend with wind chills plummeting to -50C in some regions. Frigid air from the north, driven by an atmospheric blocking pattern, has triggered widespread weather warnings. Expect dangerous conditions, including blowing snow and near-zero visibility, potentially impacting travel across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.
The White House is using social media and AI images to promote its Greenland ambitions. A recent post featured an AI image of Donald Trump with a penguin, sparking online reactions. This digital campaign aims to keep the issue of Greenland's strategic importance in public discussion. The administration's approach includes symbolic visuals and altered maps, even as formal diplomacy continues.
United States President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Canada's foreign policy. He linked Ottawa's decisions to increased economic ties with China. Trump also withdrew Canada's invitation to a high-profile diplomatic initiative. This has intensified diplomatic tensions between the two North American nations. The dispute involves trade, defense, and global governance.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2 release time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The episode streams on HBO Max on January 25, 2026. Viewers can check global release times, episode schedule, plot details, and streaming platforms in this explainer.
Greenland and Denmark have formed a united front to face down US President Donald Trump, momentarily setting aside the troubled history between them. In the last month of diplomatic back-and-forth, Greenland and Denmark have presented a united front, speaking with one voice.
Actor Kamaal R Khan arrested: Actor-producer Kamaal R Khan has been arrested in Mumbai. Police took him into custody following questioning related to a firing incident. The incident occurred in the Oshiwara area. He will be presented in court today. Authorities are expected to request his custody for further investigation into the matter.
Veronique Nichanian concludes her 37-year tenure as Hermes' men's designer with her final collection. Her departure marks the end of an era, with the 71-year-old credited for transforming the brand's menswear into a global success through understated luxury and comfort. The appointment of Grace Wales Bonner signals a new direction for the esteemed French house.
Plato, a pivotal ancient Greek thinker, profoundly shaped Western philosophy. A student of Socrates, Plato established the Academy, a pioneering institution. His ideas, including the Theory of Forms, explored justice and the ideal state. Plato's teachings influenced generations, impacting theology, science, and education across diverse cultures. His legacy continues to resonate.
Punjab Police have busted two terror modules ahead of Republic Day, arresting five operatives of the proscribed outfit BKI. Authorities seized a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and an RDX-based IED, thwarting an imminent attack. Investigations reveal foreign-based handlers orchestrated these disruptive activities.

17 C