The Economic Times

Budget 2026: The Economic Survey of India is scheduled to be presented on January 29th, followed by the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented on February 1st.

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi received moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning on Tuesday. The weather office IMD has issued a green alert for today, which means no warning for bad weather. The IMD has forecast light rainfall for Delhi and Gurugram on February 1. Noida will witness a generally cloudy sky with light rain on February 2, the IMD said.

Fed meeting outcome: The US central bank lowered rates in each of its last three policy meetings -- bringing them to a range between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent -- as officials fretted about the cooling jobs market.

Coco Gauff defended her racquet-smashing outburst after her Australian Open quarterfinal exit, stating it's not a bad thing to show emotion in high-pressure situations. The young American explained that expressing her frustration helps her process disappointment and avoid lashing out at her team. Gauff believes letting out her feelings is necessary to move forward after a shock defeat.

Dollar fall: Amid the backdrop of the dollar hitting a four-year low, President Trump touted the currency's impressive value, even as experts analysed the various elements contributing to the dollar's decline. While a weaker dollar may benefit US exporters by lowering prices overseas, Trump noted his intention for the dollar's value to find its natural balance.

Saint John police are investigating serious allegations at Loch Lomond Villa. At least twelve elderly residents are identified as victims. A suspect has been identified, but no charges are announced. Loch Lomond Villa has increased security and is reviewing its procedures. Families have been notified. Authorities are seeking information from the public.

India-Arab FM meet: The focus of the meet will be on the Gaza Peace Board, Palestinian issue, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, bilateral trade, investment, energy security and counter-terrorism cooperation, ET has learnt.

Bangladesh polls: There are apprehensions that radicals will try to disrupt elections and deny the majority to BNP, pushing for a coalition government comprising Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). The JeI has been emboldened following the outreach by the US and the UK. The US has allegedly tried to guide JeI to navigate the complicated politics of Bangladesh to consolidate its position.

Trump peace board: Much about the Board of Peace has so far been unclear, but a draft resolution would allow the chair, Trump, to nominate senior officials who will help administer Gaza, and assign responsibilities.

India and the European Union have finalized a landmark free trade agreement. This pact will slash tariffs on over 99% of Indian exports, including apparel and chemicals. European cars, wines, and consumer goods will become more affordable in India. The deal is expected to double trade between the two entities within six years.

Winter Storm Weather Forecast: Another winter storm is brewing for the East Coast this weekend, January 31 and February 1. Weather models indicate a new system could bring snow, sleet, or rain. This comes after a recent storm dumped over 20 inches of snow and ice, causing widespread power outages. Forecasters warn of uncertainty regarding the storm's track and intensity.

A near-fatal incident has sparked concerns over AI chatbots. YouTuber Kristi shared how her best friend was repeatedly assured that a deadly poison hemlock plant was safe, even after providing multiple images. Kristi wrote, Chat GPT NEARLY k*lled my best friend by telling her that POISON HEMLOCK was CARROT its poison hemlock. Which there is NO antidote for and is EXTREMELY deadly.

Graham Norton revealed he has signed numerous NDAs regarding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's upcoming wedding, stating he can say nothing about the nuptials. Swift had previously hinted at Norton's attendance during an interview on The Graham Norton Show, where she discussed Kelce's elaborate proposal.

The Champions League group stage reaches its thrilling conclusion. Thirty clubs still have a chance to advance to the knockout rounds. Several teams are fighting for automatic qualification to the last 16. Others are battling to secure playoff spots. Some clubs face elimination if they do not achieve desired results. The final night promises intense competition across Europe.

US health insurance stocks experienced a significant drop Tuesday. This followed a proposal for a minimal 0.09 percent increase in 2027 Medicare Advantage rates. Major companies like UnitedHealth and Humana saw substantial stock declines. The move has raised concerns about potential cost and benefit changes for millions of seniors and people with disabilities.

Elina Svitolina delivered a stunning performance, defeating Coco Gauff in just 59 minutes to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. Svitolina will now face Aryna Sabalenka, who also advanced with a dominant win. Gauff's tournament ended in disappointment with an error-filled display.

As part of the FTA, announced on Tuesday, India and the EU have agreed on a constructive framework to enable social security agreements in five years with all EU member states.

India has blocked China's request at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a dispute panel concerning New Delhi's incentive schemes for auto, battery, and electric vehicles. Beijing claims these measures are trade-restrictive and discriminatory, but India maintains there's an inaccurate understanding of the facts. The two nations failed to resolve the dispute through bilateral consultations.

After 18 years of negotiations, India and the EU have concluded their free trade agreement, marking India's largest FTA to date. This pact offers India preferential access to all 27 EU member states, arriving amidst global trade volatility and efforts to diversify away from China.

India's free trade agreement with the EU is poised to boost market access for services and digital trade, enhancing skilled worker mobility. Experts anticipate increased European investment in India's IT sector, fostering joint ventures and R&D in emerging technologies. The pact aims to facilitate seamless cross-border data flows, reducing regulatory friction for businesses.

Corporate entities are navigating a fresh mandate from the Reserve Bank of India, which has reclassified holding and strategic investment firms as Core Investment Companies. This new label comes with a wave of rigorous regulations that many corporations are eager to sidestep, arguing that their revenue streams stem from non-financial sectors rather than financial endeavors.

In a monumental development, India and the European Union have come to terms on a landmark Free Trade Agreement that promises to unlock a wealth of investment and foster innovation for businesses and entrepreneurs across both regions.

Estimates broadly peg the dividend to be around 3 lakh crore, compared with 2.7 lakh crore last year. RBI dividends have provided a significant boost to the government's non-tax revenues in recent years.

Ambassador David Perdue said the probe into Zhang Youxia, announced over the weekend, is a major development, citing the family connections the vice chair of China's apex military commission has with Xi. Chinese authorities said Zhang is being investigated for suspected serious discipline and law violations, without providing further details.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the innovative contributions of DRDO in developing homegrown technologies. He noted the urgency for expediting the rollout of new weapon systems, as the pace of technological evolution necessitates swift governmental action.

Russia launched more than 50 drones at the Ukrainian city of Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated. He characterized the action as a rutal attack. The reported drone strikes come as Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are preparing for new talks scheduled for Sunday.

Parliament's budget session begins Wednesday. Opposition parties want debates on MGNREGA, electoral roll revisions, foreign policy, and the economy. The government rejects discussing MGNREGA's replacement. The focus will be on the President's address and the general budget. All-party meetings aim for smooth proceedings. A TDP ally seeks tax relief on unmanufactured tobacco.

The Doomsday Clock 2026 shows the world is closer to disaster than ever. Scientists warn that nuclear risks, climate crisis, AI dangers, and misinformation are pushing humanity toward global threats. The clock is a warning to governments and people to act fast and work together to reduce these risks before its too late.

Pyongyang has substantially increased its missile testing in recent years, according to analysts. These tests are reportedly aimed at improving precision strike capabilities. They also serve to challenge Washington and Seoul. Furthermore, analysts suggest North Korea is testing weapons before exporting them to Russia, a key ally.

With the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon, Uttar Pradesh politics is heating up like never before. The BJP is rolling out its playbook early, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National President Nitin Nabin making key visits to stir the pot. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party is galvanizing support through strategic meetings.

In a significant development, India and the European Union have forged a strategic security and defense alliance. This agreement is set to enhance collaboration in maritime operations and the dynamic Indo-Pacific region. Notably, it paves the way for Indian defense manufacturers to tap into the European market.

Calling for stricter punishment and measures against acid attackers, the CJI verbally observed that unless the action is so painful for the accused, it will not work. The bench suggested that immovable assets of such offenders can be attached and auctioned by the prosecuting agencies to compensate victims of acid attacks.

Quote of the day by Alfred Marshall: One of the founding economist, noted prices and money's value are not fixed. This idea remains relevant today. Understanding fluctuating purchasing power explains rising costs and budget challenges. Marshall's work shaped modern economics, focusing on supply, demand, and market dynamics. His insights continue to guide economic thought and policy.

India and the European Union have taken significant strides to enhance their strategic alliance. The new agreements will facilitate greater collaboration in technology, innovation, security, and defense sectors. A pivotal arrangement focuses on improving mobility for Indian citizens, while both parties aim to strengthen their trade and investment connections.

The Bombay High Court has thrown out petitions filed by ex-Religare leader Rashmi Saluja that contested the FIRs brought by the Mumbai Police and the ED. The court discovered substantial evidence implicating Saluja in financial misdeeds, including purported unlawful profits of 179.54 crore from Esop distributions and a staggering 192 crore diversion.

Despite the promise of a transformative 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to accelerate urban development, progress remains stagnant a year post-announcement. Initially earmarked with 10,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, the fund now sits in limbo awaiting crucial Cabinet approval for its operational framework.

In a captivating demonstration in Kurukshetra, Rahul Gandhi displayed his martial arts prowess before the Congress district presidents. He articulated how maneuvers such as dodging and rolling can be strategically employed to counter political adversaries. Drawing an inspiring connection to Lord Shiva, he underscored the importance of concentration and bravery.

In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of the UK's choice to transfer the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, a move that could potentially strain relations with India, which staunchly endorses Mauritius' claim.

Amazon is shutting down its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh grocery stores, shifting focus to same-day grocery delivery and expanding its Whole Foods Market presence. The company will offer its cashierless technology to third parties. This move aims to refine its physical retail strategy, leveraging stronger brand affinity with Whole Foods for future growth.

In his remarks at a press statement delivered at the Hyderabad House here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU leader said he was also an overseas Indian citizen, as he pulled out his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card from his suit's pocket and showed it to the gathering.

UPS plans to cut thousands of jobs as it reduces Amazon deliveries and reshapes its business. The company is closing buildings, using more machines, and offering voluntary exits to some workers. Leaders say these steps will save money and improve long-term growth. Job changes will happen slowly through 2026.

India has secured duty concessions for agricultural exports like processed foods, tea, coffee, and spices under a new EU free trade agreement. This move aims to boost competitiveness and capture higher value in European markets. Strategic safeguards are in place for sensitive domestic sectors, while the pact also benefits marine products and traditional medicine services.