The Economic Times

Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set for completion by April 30. The project's total cost is estimated at Rs 1,900 crore. Key construction firms Larsen & Toubro and Tata Consultancy will conclude their work by this date. All paperwork and payments will also be finalized.

New files from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have surfaced. These documents mention prominent individuals like Donald Trump, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson. The files contain allegations and communications, though none of the named figures are accused of wrongdoing. The Justice Department has stated some claims against Trump are false. The documents detail past interactions and alleged affairs.

A 28-year-old man, Jhabararam, has been remanded to four days of police custody in Jaipur for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI. He was arrested for transmitting sensitive Indian Army information and engaging in anti-national activities, reportedly lured by honey traps and monetary incentives.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 amidst global trade tensions and domestic economic complexities. Expectations are high for increased public spending to boost growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline. Industry bodies urge focus on infrastructure, innovation, and export support, balancing resilience with growth enablement.

Bonkers Corner founder Shubham Gupta, who overcame family bankruptcy, pitched his Rs 100 crore streetwear brand on Shark Tank India. Seeking Rs 1.5 crore for 0.5% equity, Gupta impressed sharks with his resilience and ambition. Namita Thapar ultimately sealed the deal, investing in Gupta's vision for future growth.

Sunetra Pawar is poised to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. She has been selected as the NCP Legislative Party Leader. This move follows the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar. Sunetra Pawar will take the oath today. She is known for her work in sustainable development and rural empowerment.

A Delhi court acquitted Faizan alias Aryan in a 2020 Delhi riots case. The court cited major inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence. The sole witness's testimony was deemed unreliable. Faizan was accused of arson at Arun Modern Public Senior Secondary School. The prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticizes the LDF government's budget. He claims it contains only unfulfilled promises from the past decade. Chandrasekhar alleges economic mismanagement and a Ponzi scheme economy. He highlights significant debt burdening the state's population. Several central government schemes have not been implemented in Kerala. Farmers and students are also reportedly neglected.

Budget 2026 Live: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 202627 on Sunday, February 1, at 11 am IST. The speech, expected to last 1-1.5 hours, will outline the government's fiscal strategy, including key announcements on taxation and spending. Watch live on Sansad TV, DD National, or online via their YouTube channels and indiabudget.gov.in.

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav alleged that previous government suppressed reports indicating animal fats in TTD ghee. He stated that samples sent to NDDB and CFTRI revealed adulteration, with a Special Investigation Team estimating the fraud at Rs 240 crore. The minister also claimed a TTD Chairman's aide received Rs 4 crore from dairy companies.

Alexander the Great, born in 356 BCE, was a legendary Macedonian king and military genius. He conquered vast territories, including the Persian Empire and Egypt. His campaigns extended to the Indian subcontinent. Alexander spread Greek culture and ideas throughout his empire. He died at the young age of 32 in 323 BCE. His legacy as a great empire-builder endures.

Australian Open Prize Money: The 2026 Australian Open boasts a record AUD $111.5 million prize pool, a nearly 16% increase from 2025. Singles champions will each receive AUD $4.15 million, with substantial prize money distributed across all rounds and doubles events. This year marks the largest prize money jump in the tournament's history.

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil revealed late NCP chief Ajit Pawar sought reunion with his uncle Sharad Pawar. Patil stated Ajit Pawar held multiple meetings and expressed a desire to overcome past differences. A formal merger announcement was planned for February 12. Ajit Pawar's untimely death stalled these reunion efforts.

A lectern is a practical stand for speakers. It holds notes and books, aiding comfort and organization during presentations. Originating from Latin for 'reading stand', it is a familiar sight at speeches, classrooms, conferences, and religious services. News reports often mention lecterns during political addresses and graduations. This simple object facilitates public speaking across various formal events.

In 1953, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru captained a parliamentary cricket team against Vice President S Radhakrishnan's XI in a two-day exhibition match. The game, played to raise funds for flood relief, saw political rivals unite on the field, raising nearly Rs 1 lakh and highlighting a tradition of parliamentarians supporting social causes through sport.

Prime Minister will visit Adampur airport, where he will unveil the new name of the Airport as 'Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur. He will also inaugurate the Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins will miss the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup due to a back injury. Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement for the global tournament. Cummins was part of the provisional squad with hopes of playing in the Super Eight stage. Australia is currently preparing for the World Cup with a T20 series in Pakistan.

An Alberta-based separatist group has met with US State Department officials to discuss independence, seeking a $500 billion line of credit. This outreach mirrors India's long-standing concerns about Khalistani separatism operating from Canada, raising diplomatic and political pressure on Ottawa.

Bushfires in New South Wales have caused smoke to blanket Sydney and surrounding regions, leading to poor air quality. Firefighters are working to contain a 432-hectare blaze near Medowie, which is now contained, while a 916-hectare fire near Nerong remains out of control. Smoke is expected to clear throughout the morning.

India's space agency ISRO is preparing for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. This is a vital step towards sending astronauts into space by 2027. Three uncrewed flights are planned before the human spaceflight. ISRO is rigorously testing all systems to ensure astronaut safety. Lessons from recent mission setbacks are being incorporated to enhance reliability.

Preity Zinta Birthday: Bollywood star Preity Zinta celebrates her 51st birthday. She inspires fans with her dedication to fitness and well-being. Zinta shares glimpses of her intense gym workouts with celebrity trainer Yasmin Karachiwala. Her routine includes strength and functional training exercises. This demonstrates that consistency and a positive mindset are key to health at any age.

India Budget 2026-27: Economists foresee Union Budget 2026 focusing on job creation, agriculture, and digital growth. Key sectors like defense, infrastructure, and rural development may receive significant investment. Experts also call for equitable distribution of capital, benefiting smaller industries and all states. Welfare schemes need better targeting to reach the truly needy. GST reforms and private sector engagement are also discussed.

Late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein proposed introducing a Russian woman to King Charles III's brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, newly released documents showed Friday. In a 2019 interview with the BBC, Andrew claimed he had cut ties with the sex offender after December 2010, but court documents revealed later showed he continued to communicate with him.

Surajkund Mela 2026 Dates: Faridabad's Surajkund Mela, now in its 39th edition, opens today, January 31, showcasing crafts and culture until February 15. Egypt is this year's partner nation, promising a vibrant spectacle with enhanced lighting and renovated grounds. Expect diverse arts, performances, and global cuisines at this annual cultural extravaganza.

Magha Purnima, a spiritually significant full moon day observed in early February 2026, marks the culmination of the holy month of Magha. Devotees observe fasting, take sacred baths in holy rivers, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and the Moon God. Charity and good deeds are strongly emphasised, as they are believed to multiply spiritual merit and bring divine blessings.

Two Indian wetlands, Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, are now Ramsar sites. This brings India's total to 98. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the local communities and conservationists. These sites are vital habitats for many bird and animal species. The government reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity protection and ecosystem preservation.

Co-ord sets dominate celebrity wardrobes for their effortless polish, easy styling, and versatility perfect for travel days, red carpets, brunches, and statement appearances.

TN TET Result 2025 PDF: The Teacher Recruitment Board (TRB) has released the TN TET 2025 results and final answer key, announcing a 5% cut-off mark reduction for reserved categories. This move offers relief to many candidates, with eligibility certificates available online from February 2.

Delhis air quality in January 2026 has slightly worsened compared to last year, with an average AQI of 307 versus 306 in January 2025, according to CREA. This makes January 2026 the second-best since 2022, which had an average AQI of 279.

Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trumps commerce secretary, planned a visit to Jeffrey Epsteins private island in December 2012, documents released by the Justice Department show. Lutnick, who has said he cut ties with Epstein years earlier, emailed Epstein asking if he and his family could join a Caribbean lunch gathering.

Three teenage girls from Quebec have been rescued from a Richmond Hill home. Police acted on intelligence suggesting they were victims of sexual exploitation. A Toronto man and a teenage boy have been arrested and face human-trafficking related charges. Investigators believe there may be more victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned member states that the United Nations faces an imminent financial collapse due to unpaid dues and rigid budget rules, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

S&P 500 Dow Nasdaq January performance: US stocks ended lower Friday, with tech shares under pressure. Investors reacted positively to President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, boosting the dollar and Treasury yields. Gold and silver prices crashed after a year-long rally, with silver experiencing its worst day on record. Despite volatility, major indexes finished January higher.

Kevin Warsh has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the next chair of the US Federal Reserve and faces an early test as he seeks to deliver on promises of major policy change. Warsh has pledged to shrink the Feds balance sheet and argued that artificial intelligencedriven productivity gains will keep inflation low, creating room for lower interest rates. After three rate cuts late last year, the Fed paused in January amid persistent inflation and a steady labour market, with markets not

The Euro zone economy showed surprising strength at the end of last year. Growth exceeded expectations, defying trade tensions. Countries like Spain and Germany performed well. Inflation is stable, aligning with the European Central Bank's target. This economic resilience offers a positive outlook for the region's financial stability.

Gold silver prices: Silver's dramatic surge has pushed the gold-to-silver ratio to multi-year lows, significantly outperforming gold. This shift is attributed to broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties, coupled with robust industrial demand for silver. Analysts suggest this trend could continue, though individual investment decisions require careful consideration of risk.

Why are US stocks falling down and who are biggest losers and gainers? US stocks closed lower as investors reacted to President Donald Trumps Federal Reserve nominee, inflation data, and a sharp fall in gold and silver prices, while select tech and consumer stocks limited losses.

Catherine OHara cause of death: Beloved actress Catherine OHara has passed away at 71. Emergency services responded to a medical situation at her Los Angeles residence early Friday. She was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead hours later. Her agency stated she died after a brief illness. OHara was celebrated for her iconic roles in Schitts Creek and Home Alone.

A job seeker's year-long quest for a Finance Analyst position ended successfully. He applied to 250 jobs and sent 550 cold emails. His strategy involved tailored applications and contacting multiple people at companies. Crucially, he used LinkedIn Premium for cold outreach. This approach led to interviews and ultimately, an offer. His journey highlights the power of persistence.

Why is gold price nosediving by over 12% and will it go below $4,724 or rise again? Gold prices fell after the U.S. dollar strengthened following Kevin Warshs Federal Reserve nomination. Reduced safe-haven demand triggered heavy selling. Citi expects some risks to fade in 2026, keeping gold volatile around key levels.

The US Justice Department has released new Epstein files under a transparency law. Millions of records were shared online. The data includes documents, videos, and images linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some details were removed to protect victims. The move aims to increase public trust and show what officials knew earlier.

Thought of the day by Maurice Setters shares a quote about silver lining and gold. The explainer covers the meaning of the thought of the day, details about Maurice Setters, and why the quote still matters today.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has blocked servers and promotional channels linked to the 'Wingo' app, identifying it as a 'telecom mule' platform. The app was allegedly used to send fraudulent SMS messages from users' phones without consent. Citizens are warned against downloading or using such applications.