The Economic Times

America has eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector. This follows reforms allowing American companies to re-enter the industry. Venezuela's acting president hailed the move as historic. The United States is now in charge of Venezuela's oil. Millions of barrels of oil will be sold at market price. This reform aims to revive Venezuela's economy and restore dignity.

Apple anticipates robust revenue growth for the March quarter. Strong iPhone demand in China and India fuels this optimism. However, memory chip shortages may impact production. The company also acquired an AI startup. Apple's performance in key markets shows resilience. Investors are watching closely as Apple navigates these dynamics.

Republicans in the House of Representatives are pushing for significant changes to America's voting laws. These proposals include requiring photo identification and proof of citizenship for voters. The legislation also seeks to ban universal mail-in voting and ranked-choice voting. These measures are intended to enhance election integrity and voter confidence.

Delhi weather today: Delhi, Noida and Gurugram will witness light rain and thunderstorms on February 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted in its latest weather bulletin. Delhi on Saturday might receive very light rain with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds towards night. On Friday, Noida might experience dense fog.

The Trump administration has eased sanctions on Venezuela. A new license allows US oil companies to export, sell, store, and refine Venezuelan crude. This move aims to revive Venezuela's oil sector. However, restrictions apply, including a ban on transactions with Chinese-tied entities. The US will control future sales and hold proceeds.

S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones today: US stocks closed mixed as disappointing Microsoft earnings and Federal Reserve news impacted markets. Tech stocks, particularly software, faced significant declines amid AI disruption fears. While the Dow Jones saw modest gains, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dipped. Investors now await Apple's results, with political uncertainty also adding to market jitters.

President Donald Trump will announce his choice for the next Federal Reserve Chair on Friday. This comes as speculation intensifies over who will lead the U.S. central bank. Trump has been vocal about his desire for lower interest rates. Several candidates are reportedly on a shortlist, with a focus on those who agree with the President's economic views.

Sandisk stock surged over 14% after reporting blockbuster fiscal second-quarter results, with adjusted earnings per share soaring 404% year-over-year to $6.20 on $3.03 billion in sales. The company's strong performance was driven by a 76% increase in data center sales, fueled by the AI boom. Sandisk also provided an optimistic third-quarter outlook, exceeding Wall Street expectations.

Great Falls earthquake: A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted near Great Falls, Montana, on January 29, 2026, at 12:41 p.m. local time. The shallow tremor, originating about 7.5 miles north-northeast of Malmstrom Air Force Base, caused light to weak shaking across nearby communities. While no injuries or damage were reported, the event highlights Montana's seismic activity, though rare.

Assam's Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia has written to the Chief Justice of India. He alleges misuse of electoral roll revision procedures. Saikia claims the special revision process is targeting the 'Miya' community. This action, he states, is a deliberate policy to intimidate and disenfranchise them. The leader asserts this undermines the constitutional right to vote.

Bitcoin price BTC USD today: Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies saw a significant drop on Thursday. Investor worries about Federal Reserve interest rates and regulatory developments fueled a market sell-off. This led to substantial liquidations in the crypto futures market. The crypto market's performance mirrored declines in tech stocks like Nasdaq and Microsoft.

India's Economic Survey proposes a regulatory shift. Regulations should focus on activities and risks, not just institutions. This will ensure fair competition among banks, NBFCs, fintechs, and market lenders. Better coordination between regulators is vital. The goal is to calibrate regulation to risk and contestability. This approach will foster innovation and systemic stability.

To propel India's infrastructure development, we must rethink public-private partnerships. According to the Economic Survey, it's time to transition from singular projects to a more cohesive market initiative. This strategy emphasizes innovative funding avenues such as user fees and municipal bonds. Additionally, it outlines a robust project framework and contingency strategies for intricate projects.

India's Economic Survey warns of a digital addiction crisis. It proposes age-based online access and school digital wellness programs. Measures include offline youth hubs and promoting simpler devices. The survey highlights risks for both children and adults, urging awareness and 'digital diets'. A new act bans real-money online gaming to combat severe financial and mental health impacts.

India should foster a culture where bureaucrats feel empowered to take bold risks. This mindset can spur innovation and facilitate rapid decision-making, free from the constraints of baseless accusations. Drawing inspiration from East Asian nations, which have successfully developed robust manufacturing industries through similar strategies, India must rethink its state mechanisms and adopt an entrepreneurial lens in policymaking.

India's rupee has weakened significantly despite robust economic growth and low inflation. This underperformance is linked to reduced foreign capital inflows and global geopolitical issues. The Economic Survey highlights that the rupee's stability depends on these capital flows. India needs to attract more investment and boost exports to manage its import costs effectively.

India Inc needs to enhance internal capabilities and diversify risks by reducing single-market dependence. Strategic M&A and partnership models are crucial for integrating into global value chains and navigating trade uncertainties. This approach will bolster resilience against external shocks and foster global competitiveness.

India's economy is set for robust growth. Projections show a medium-term expansion of around 6.5 percent. This could climb to 7-8 percent with continued reforms. Strong domestic demand and foreign exchange reserves bolster India's resilience. The nation remains a fast-growing major economy. Global risks are present, but India is positioned for stability.

Gold price prediction $8,500: Gold prices are experiencing a historic surge, nearing $5,600 per ounce. JPMorgan predicts a potential climb to $8,000-$8,500 if private investors shift from bonds. This rally is fueled by economic uncertainty, inflation fears, and geopolitical tensions, making gold an attractive safe-haven asset. Even stocks appear weaker against gold.

India faces a changing global order. The nation must balance growth and stability through reforms. Productivity enhancements are key for competitiveness and exports. Careful industrial policy and trade agreements are vital. The upcoming budget is an opportunity to signal India's readiness for these epochal times. This is a budget for action.

State government finances are facing challenges with rising deficits and increased borrowing. While capital expenditure is being supported by central government loans, a rise in unconditional cash transfers is impacting fiscal space. This trend could lead to higher sovereign borrowing costs. Prudent fiscal management by states is not being rewarded with lower borrowing rates.

Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee has set the dates for crucial debates. The Presidential Address will be discussed for 18 hours on February 2, 3, and 4, concluding with Prime Minister Modi's reply. The General Budget discussion is scheduled for February 5, 9, 10, and 11 in the Lok Sabha.

Footage of a British Airways flight losing a landing gear wheel moments following the departure from Las Vegas spread rapidly online. The aircraft, operating Flight BA274 to London, remained climbing despite sparks and safely reached Heathrow hours later. Authorities said the wheel detached during gear retraction and was later recovered from the runway. No injuries or property damage were reported.

The Economic Survey recommends an empowered center and task force to attract top multinationals and boost FDI, positioning India as an alternative production hub. A multi-pronged strategy is needed to strengthen the investment climate by addressing structural and cyclical factors, promoting India's stability, growth, and market size.

Following Ajit Pawar's funeral, Nationalist Congress Party leaders are advocating for Sunetra Pawar's inclusion in the state cabinet and her leadership in party affairs. This push occurs as the Sharad Pawar faction reiterates calls for a merger between the two factions. Senior leaders have met with Sunetra Pawar, fueling speculation about her future role.

India's Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor met with Iranian NSA Ali Larijani in Tehran. The discussions focused on safeguarding India's interests, particularly concerning the Chabahar Port, amidst escalating US military threats against Iran. This meeting underscores India's commitment to maintaining ties with Iran despite geopolitical complexities.

The risk of a U.S. government shutdown 2026 is rising as Senate talks stall before the Jan. 30 deadline. Democrats are opposing DHS and ICE funding after the Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota. Prediction markets show shutdown odds near 69 percent as lawmakers debate key spending bills.

Ajit Pawar's passing has ignited a political vacuum in Maharashtra, prompting speculation about an NCP merger and forcing leadership re-evaluations. His absence also impacts the Mahayuti government's stability, with questions arising about the deputy chief minister's successor and future power dynamics within the ruling coalition.

India is set to sign a major deal for new submarines by March end. This multi-billion dollar contract with Germany will bring advanced technology. Mazagaon Dockyards Limited will build six submarines in India. The deal aims to boost India's naval capabilities and create jobs. This will help address the navy's shortage of underwater platforms.

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.

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.

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.