The Economic Times

The 2026 partial government shutdown started after Congress missed a spending deadline. Several major U.S. departments are affected, while lawmakers argue over immigration policy changes. The Senate passed a funding deal, but the House must still approve it. Until then, some government services remain limited and uncertain.

Budget 2026: Government revenue for FY26 is projected to fall short by INR 1.4 trillion, primarily due to lower tax collections. However, increased non-tax revenue and controlled expenditure, especially a significant rise in capital spending, are expected to narrow the fiscal deficit to 4.3% of GDP. This indicates a prudent fiscal approach.

A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the death of Confident Group owner CJ Roy. Roy allegedly shot himself at his office while Income Tax officials were present. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara directed the police to investigate the matter. Roy, a real estate tycoon, was reportedly cooperating with authorities after returning from abroad.

Israel launched heavy airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, resulting in 26 deaths. Attacks targeted a Hamas police station and civilian areas sheltering displaced Palestinians. The strikes followed an incident where Israeli forces engaged gunmen emerging from a tunnel. Both sides are trading blame for truce violations. The Rafah border crossing is expected to reopen Sunday.

The death toll from a landslide on Indonesia's main island of Java a week ago rose to 53 on Saturday, a rescue official said, with 10 people still missing. They had recovered and identified 53 bodies by Saturday, said Ade Dian Permana, the head of the local search and rescue agency, up from a previous toll of 44.

Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan has stated he is not keen to contest the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He wishes the party to decide his role. Muraleedharan plans to focus on party work in Thiruvananthapuram. He also commented on posters supporting his candidature and challenged the Education Minister's remarks. The UDF will field a new candidate to defeat rivals.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has expressed serious concern over the continued groundwater extraction by several cricket stadiums across the country to irrigate cricket grounds, despite earlier directions to shift to treated sewage water.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Budget 2026, focusing on customs reforms and fiscal consolidation. Key numbers to watch include the fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP, capital expenditure of 11.2 lakh crore, and a debt roadmap aiming to reduce debt-to-GDP. Tax revenue is estimated at 42.7 lakh crore, with GST projected at 11.78 lakh crore.

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.