The Economic Times

On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil the Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. As the economy navigates a wave of external pressures, we can expect a focus on robust domestic strategies to sustain impressive growth. Controlling fiscal deficits will remain pivotal, and all eyes will be on the critical figures presented.

Miner Vedanta has embedded AI, automation, IoT, drones, digital twins, and predictive analytics into daily operations to drive measurable gains in safety, productivity, and resource efficiency. Tata Steel is leveraging AI to analyse workforce safety data, identifying critical safety insights including recurring root causes of incidents, flag high-risk zones, and monitor critical safety gaps.

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's energy system, causing widespread power outages and leaving over a million residents in Kyiv without electricity and heating amid sub-zero temperatures. The assault, which also affected other regions, occurred as U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine continued without compromise.

India and the European Union are on the verge of sealing a landmark free trade agreement, with both parties displaying a positive outlook on its potential benefits. This pivotal deal, culminating nearly two decades of discussions, promises to strengthen economic connections and reduce expenses for businesses and consumers alike.

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu emerged among the top recipients of unsung hero Padma Awards announced ahead of Republic Day 2026, with six and five awardees respectively. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra received four awards each, while Jammu and Kashmir was conferred two. In total, 45 unsung Padma awardees were recognised across states and Union Territories.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the Election Commission is in the process of making public the list of unmapped and logical discrepancy voters after it was uploaded on the ECI website.

The Union home ministry announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours across fields such as arts, public affairs, science, sports, medicine and social work. Actor Dharmendra Singh Deol received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, along with former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan, classical violinist N Rajam, former Supreme Court judge KT Thomas and writer P Narayanan.

S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq investors will look for a positive trading day in the U.S. Stock Market.

The maximum number of bravery medals, at 45, have been given to personnel deployed in the Jammu and Kashmir operations theatre, followed by 35 from Naxal violence-affected areas, and five who are posted in the northeast region.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has flagged serious lapses in the electoral hearing process at Basirhat, West Bengal, and directed the Chief Secretary to suspend Sumitra Pratim Pradhan, AERO and BDO of Basirhat-II, and initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS on the Axiom-4 mission, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his historic feat. Returning to India after his space odyssey, Shukla, once a shy boy inspired by Rakesh Sharma, now confidently shares his journey and experiences, inspiring many.

The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police concluded a six-day joint training exercise, 'Agni Pariksha,' in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative focused on enhancing inter-force combat synergy by familiarizing non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures and firing drills, fostering integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit reward.ff.garena.com to log in and enter the codes promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.

Delhi Police personnel are set to receive prestigious medals for gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions this Republic Day. The awards recognize acts of bravery, including confronting terrorists and gangsters, and highlight exemplary service in areas like forensic contributions and women's safety initiatives.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved Gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel. This includes the highest peacetime award, the Ashok Chakra, for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He made history by visiting the International Space Station. Other awards include Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras. Many brave soldiers are being honored for their courage and sacrifice.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, isolated spells of heavy rainfall and snowfall are very likely on January 27, particularly in the high-altitude districts of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

Rishabh Sharmas kurta collection blends classical artistry with bold styling. From regal velvets to contemporary drapes, his wardrobe proves tradition can be powerful, expressive, and undeniably statement-making.

Governors in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu may alter their Republic Day speeches. This follows recent assembly incidents where governors refused to read government-drafted speeches. The opposition-ruled states are now awaiting the governors' actions on Monday. The national flag will be hoisted as usual. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between state governments and their respective governors.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated HD Kumaraswamy will not become Chief Minister again. He believes the BJP would prevent it if their alliance wins. Kumaraswamy, however, expressed confidence, recalling a past prediction by Siddaramaiah that proved incorrect. He mentioned public support for his return as CM.

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26th, honoring the nation's sovereign, democratic journey and the values of its Constitution. The occasion is marked by a collection of messages, wishes, and statuses to share the patriotic spirit and renew commitments to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

President Donald Trump has approved federal emergency disaster declarations in South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.

Addressing the state-level Voters' Day programme in Nashik, the top poll officer said there are plans to ensure that voters will receive an identity card within 15 days after their registration is approved.

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region witnesses a historic Republic Day as 41 villages freed from Maoist influence hoist the Tricolour for the first time. This marks a significant victory against 'Red Terror,' ushering in an era of peace and development, with security camps facilitating governance and welfare schemes.

The Indian government has announced the Padma Awards for 2026. These are the nation's highest civilian honours. The list includes Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri recipients. The awards recognise distinguished contributions across various fields. President of India will confer these honours at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The list features 131 awardees in total.

Welcoming EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, Piyush Goyal said, pleased to agree that sustained and constructive engagement between us and our teams over the past year has brought us closer to a fruitful outcome.

Union Budget: Indias urban population is set to rise sharply, with cities already contributing about 60% of GDP. The focus has shifted from whether urbanisation will shape growth to how it is guided, especially beyond major metros, making the Union Budget a key policy signal.

Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism, emphasized that true wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one's knowledge. His philosophy encourages harmony with the natural flow of existence, advocating humility and curiosity over arrogance. This ancient teaching remains relevant today, urging us to embrace learning by admitting what we don't know.

A viral video showing the Vande Bharat Express traversing the snow-covered Banihal Valley and Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir has left netizens awestruck and they have compared it with Switzerland. The video was shared on X by Sajjad Shaheen, MLA from Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir and it has gone viral online.

Quote of the day by Sylvia Plath: Sylvia Plath's words offer timeless wisdom. Her quote The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt remains a powerful reminder. It encourages overcoming internal uncertainty to unlock potential. In today's world, this message is vital for students, professionals, and creatives. Trusting oneself and embracing creativity are key to resilience and authentic living. Plath's insights continue to resonate across generations.

Following public outcry, the Koraput Collector has withdrawn an order that prohibited the sale of non-vegetarian food items on Republic Day. The initial directive, issued on January 23rd, was reportedly based on a suggestion from a preparatory committee. The revocation came swiftly after widespread criticism.

Wall Street mogul Jamie Dimon spoke about how JPMorgan Chase will hire employees in the near future due to the impact of AI. He said that he has plans to employ fewer employees in the next five years while speaking at Davos. The JPMorgan Chase CEO gave the example of truckers in the US, saying 2 million truckers can't be laid off tomorrow as the process can be phased in over time.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal's decision to name Tejashwi Yadav as its working president. The BJP stated this appointment rewards dynastic politics and the party's past rule. They highlighted Yadav's legal charges and the RJD's recent election defeat. The party described the RJD as a family-run business built on corruption and crime.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the Election Commissions celebration of National Voters Day, calling it a tragic farce. She accused the poll panel of acting on behalf of the BJP, bulldozing the opposition and weakening Indian democracy.

Pakistani teachers and private schools condemn the government's education strategy. They highlight declining student numbers and reduced school infrastructure. Concerns are raised about the lack of new teacher recruitment and frequent policy changes. Private schools face taxes and high rents, impacting affordability.

A devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Shopping Plaza has claimed 72 lives. Rescue operations continue as 12 people remain missing. The blaze, which started in the basement, spread rapidly through the complex. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and the reasons for the high casualty count.

Veteran journalist and acclaimed author Mark Tully, known for his extensive chronicling of India, passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi on Sunday. He was 90 years old. Tully, who served as the BBC's chief of bureau in New Delhi for 22 years, was also a celebrated author and presenter.

An Interpol Red Corner notice is expected for Dr Muzaffar Rather. He is accused of providing crucial support and funding from Afghanistan for the recent blast near Delhi's Red Fort. Rather, a paediatrician, is a proclaimed offender. Investigators have traced his activities to Afghanistan. He allegedly facilitated communication and funding for the attack.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi states that air pollution significantly impacts the health and economy of India. He emphasizes that children and the elderly suffer the most. Gandhi calls for public awareness and encourages citizens to share their experiences with him. He believes raising voices is the first step towards addressing this crisis.

Republic day 2026 AI Stickers: Do you want to create and share Republic day 2026 AI Stickers on WhatsApp? You can create custom designs featuring the tricolour or national symbols using simple text prompts using the Meta AI features. This feature makes sending festive and meaningful greetings effortless. Users can also explore ready-made sticker packs or use third-party apps for unique creations.

India honors 45 unsung heroes with the Padma Shri award this Republic Day. These individuals include a former bus conductor who built the world's largest free library, a pediatrician who established Asia's first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old rare musical instrument player. Their remarkable contributions across various fields are recognized for empowering communities and saving lives.

India's Union Budget 2026 aims to boost data centre capacity with incentives like subsidised land and tax holidays. However, the article questions if sustainability can match this rapid growth, highlighting the sector's high power and water consumption. Experts urge targeted incentives for green technologies and renewable energy to ensure environmentally responsible expansion.