The Economic Times

China has received an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join his new global initiative. The 'Board of Peace' aims to resolve conflicts, starting with Gaza. Beijing has not yet decided whether to accept the offer. Governments worldwide are reacting cautiously to the proposal. China-U.S. relations have seen stability despite fluctuations.

President Donald Trump will speak about making housing affordable from Davos, Switzerland. This event brings together global leaders and billionaires. Critics suggest Trump prioritizes the wealthy over everyday Americans. His administration's policies and his own associations highlight a focus on investors and large corporations. This approach contrasts with his populist campaign promises.

Noida techie death: After 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehta died after his SUV fell into a deep pit, it has been revealed that the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation department in 2015 had proposed a head regulator to divert the water into the Hindon. Despite multiple communication and delays, the project was never taken up, and ultimately the water in the pit kept accumulating for years, leading to Noida techie' death. The UP government has suspended the Noida Authority CEO over the alleged negligence and also fo

India's manufacturing sector shows sustained growth and optimism, with 91% reporting higher or same production levels in Q3 FY 2025-26. Domestic demand is also strong, with 86% anticipating increased orders. Despite capacity utilization near 75%, global and operational challenges are noted, though export expectations remain positive.

India is set to become a top investment hub in 2026. Global CEOs are eyeing India for cross-border investments, placing it second only to the USA. This reflects strong confidence in India's economic future. Indian CEOs are also optimistic about growth, driven by domestic factors and public investment. Technology and cybersecurity are key focus areas for businesses.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is bullish on India and Andhra Pradesh's growth. He aims to develop Amaravati into the world's best city. Naidu highlighted India's demographic advantage and strong leadership. He invited global partners to invest in Andhra Pradesh's development. India is poised for significant growth and offers opportunities in various sectors.

A US bid to acquire Greenland for Arctic security has sparked a transatlantic row. France has sarcastically rebuffed President Trump's ambition, warning of damage to EU-US economic ties. The dispute escalates amid rising trade tensions and potential EU retaliation using its 'trade bazooka' against US tariffs.

The National Testing Agency will conduct the JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 from January 21 to 24. Candidates must carry admit cards, photos, and ID. Arrive early for biometric verification and formalities. Bring geometry boxes and pencils. Watercolours are not allowed. Submit admit cards after the exam to ensure answer sheet evaluation. Follow all guidelines for a smooth examination process.

India's democratic institutions offer a rare competitive edge in a volatile global economy. As geopolitical risks reshape trade, regulatory certainty and predictable processes are paramount for attracting investment. Reforms in customs, export controls, and stakeholder consultation are crucial for building a trustworthy, rules-based economic ecosystem, shielding currency risks from becoming investment hesitations.

The iQOO 15R is set to launch in India shortly. Teaser images reveal a dual rear camera and a distinctive checkered pattern. The smartphone will run OriginOS. Reports suggest it may be a rebranded iQOO Z11 Turbo, potentially featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The device is expected to offer advanced features and robust build quality.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with UAE Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The UAE minister agreed to establish a food cluster in Andhra Pradesh. He also assured that 40 companies will invest in the state. Discussions covered strengthening financial partnerships and investment opportunities. UAE companies are set to develop logistics parks and port terminals.

World Economic Forum President Borge Brende expressed optimism about the global economy's resilience, despite geopolitical fragmentation. He emphasized dialogue as a necessity for finding common ground among leaders, acknowledging the shift in the world order and the need for humility and ambition to foster cooperation.

The Supreme Court will now hear a crucial case. It will decide if the Enforcement Directorate can approach High Courts with writ petitions. This is based on its status as a juristic person. The Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments have challenged a Kerala High Court order. The High Court had allowed the ED's right to file such petitions.

Nitin Nabin has become the Bharatiya Janata Party's youngest national president, signalling both a significant generational shift and a strategic focus on organisational strength. His elevation could be the first part of a plan to blood a new brood of leaders, some commentators have said.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering his customary address, citing inaccuracies in the government-prepared text. Chief Minister M K Stalin condemned the Governor's action as a violation of tradition, later piloting a resolution deeming the English version read. Stalin accused the Governor of deliberately insulting the House.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nitin Nabin on becoming the new BJP President, emphasizing the party's organizational strength. Modi referred to Nabin as his 'boss' in party matters and lauded the contributions of past presidents in the BJP's rise from its early days to national dominance.

Amid the ongoing AI boom, Microsoft has released a list of 40 job roles that remain most exposed to generative Artificial Intelligence and these include writers, teachers, editors, journalists and more. On the other hand, job roles of operators remain at the low exposure. Microsoft said high applicability doesnt automatically mean those jobs will necessarily be replaced by AI.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was stopped from taking a holy dip in Prayagraj, leading to a protest. The Mela administration has issued a notice questioning his use of the Shankaracharya title, citing a pending Supreme Court appeal. Saraswati's team claims he was already consecrated and alleges police mistreatment of his supporters.

HBSE Class 10th 12th Date sheet 2026: The Haryana Board of Secondary Education is set to release the HBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets for the 2026 examinations soon on bseh.org.in. Exams are anticipated between late February and early April 2026, with admit cards expected in February. Over 4.5 lakh students are anticipated to appear.

Australian shares saw a dip on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed down. ARB CORPORATION LIMITED and LYNAS RARE EARTHS LIMITED were among the biggest losers, Bellevue Gold gained big. Utilities and Information Technology sectors performed well. The market remains below its 52-week high. Investors are watching global trade developments.

Experiential travel firm WanderOn, targeting Gen Z and millennials, has secured Rs 54 crore in Series A funding. The bootstrapped company, already exceeding Rs 100 crore in business, plans to use the capital to expand its destination offerings, enhance adventure and wellness travel, and invest in technology.

China's population is shrinking for the first time since 1949. This marks a significant shift from its historical reliance on a large population for strength. The government is now actively encouraging citizens to have more children. This comes after decades of the one-child policy, which had unintended consequences. New initiatives aim to make childbirth virtually free to reverse the trend.

Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, said while green data centres are going to be very prominent soon, the next few years would witness those centres being built in the space to tackle infrastructure, mainly power, constraints.

Nitin Nabin becomes the Bharatiya Janata Party's new national president. At 45, he is the youngest leader to head the party. Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders were present for his swearing-in. This appointment comes as the BJP prepares for upcoming state elections. Nabin's rise signifies a new era for the party's leadership.

India has begun exporting its advanced guided Pinaka rocket systems to Armenia, marking a significant milestone for the nation's burgeoning defence industry. This move underscores India's transition from a defence importer to a prominent global exporter, with defence exports reaching a record Rs 24,000 crore. The Pinaka system boasts enhanced precision strike capabilities.

The Indian Army's Eastern Command has approached West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose regarding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's accusation that a senior army officer at Fort William was working for the BJP. Army generals met the Governor, submitting a communication objecting to the claims, prompting Bose to inform central authorities.

The Delhi High Court has denied Alkem Laboratories interim protection in a trademark dispute. Prevego Healthcare & Research can continue selling its multivitamin product under the brand name Multivein AZ. Alkem Laboratories had claimed infringement of its A to Z and A to Z-NS trademarks. The court noted differences in fonts, color schemes, and trade dress.

A surfer narrowly escaped serious injury in a shark attack at Point Plomer, NSW, marking the fourth incident in under three days. This surge in activity, including serious bites in Sydney, has prompted beach closures and heightened warnings. Experts cite murky waters and increased prey concentration as potential causes for this unusual shark behavior along the coast.

India and the United Arab Emirates have signed significant agreements. These pacts focus on defence production, space cooperation, and investment. A key deal involves the Dholera Special Investment Region in Gujarat. Both nations aim to enhance their strategic defence partnership. Bilateral trade is targeted to exceed USD 200 billion by 2032. Civil nuclear cooperation is also set to expand.

India is preparing a significant financial package to bolster its footwear industry. This initiative aims to strengthen the entire production chain, from raw materials to finished goods. The move comes as the sector faces challenges from US tariffs and seeks to enhance domestic production and exports.

Novak Djokovic playfully joked about Carlos Alcaraz paying him a percentage of his winnings after the young Spaniard adopted a serve technique similar to his own. Djokovic comfortably advanced to the second round of the Australian Open with his 100th win at the tournament, while Alcaraz expressed flattery at the comparison but denied intentional imitation.

In a horrific act, a doctor in Gurugram ran his Black Scorpio over a Swiggy delivery partner multiple times in Sector-93, police said. The doctor was angry as the agent used to frequently park his motorcycle in a narrow lane near his residence, causing him difficulty. Police have now arrested the doctor on charges of attempt of murder.

The United Nations acknowledges the US-led Board of Peace for Gaza. A UN spokesperson stated the organization has coexisted with various global bodies. The UN will observe the new initiative to determine its relationship. US President Donald Trump announced the Board of Peace as part of a plan for Gaza's redevelopment and to end conflict.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed a top official overseeing the machine-building industry. The leader cited unnecessary confusion and economic losses at a key industrial complex. This move appears aimed at strengthening discipline among senior officials. It comes ahead of a major ruling party congress. The congress will set new economic and state objectives for the nation.

A record number of tourists flocked to Japan last year, officials said Tuesday, despite a steep fall in Chinese visitors in December as a diplomatic row between Beijing and Tokyo rumbled on. Each Chinese tourist spent on average 22 percent more than other visitors last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

Humanitarian efforts to fight diseases such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis in some of the world's poorest nations have been massively disrupted since Donald Trump froze US humanitarian aid immediately after being sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2025.

An escort vehicle from Bollywood star Akshay Kumar's security entourage was involved in a road accident in Mumbai's Juhu area on Monday evening. A speeding Mercedes car hit an autorickshaw, causing it to ram into the actor's security vehicle. The autorickshaw driver sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized, with police registering a case against the Mercedes driver.

Thousands of federal workers in Canada face potential job cuts. Many have received notices warning of layoffs. This comes as the government aims to shrink the public service. Departments like Health Canada are making changes. Unions report significant numbers of members affected. The full impact on programs and services remains unclear.

Priyanka Chopra's mother, Madhu Chopra, also shared the hidden sacrifices behind her daughter's rapid rise. While Priyanka achieved early success in films, her younger brother Siddharth bore the brunt of their parents' absence. Madhu Chopra admits Siddharth was 'collateral damage' as she travelled extensively with Priyanka.

Tata Sons defence division is actively pursuing overseas contracts, supplying military hardware to African and European nations as India pushes to expand its arms exports. In September, Tata opened its first overseas defence factory near Casablanca to produce 150 armoured vehicles for Morocco, marking a strategic entry into Africa.

What happened to Kai Trump arm or wrist and was Donald Trump booed at College Football Playoff National Championship game became a topic after Kai appeared with a sling. Kai later confirmed wrist surgery. Trumps appearance during the anthem triggered debate over crowd reaction.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a three-member SIT probe into the death of a software engineer in Noida. The techie's car plunged into a water-filled pit at a construction site amid dense fog. The SIT, headed by the ADG Meerut Zone, will investigate the circumstances and submit its report within five days.

Tamil Nadu cylinder burst: One dead and at least 18 injured after a helium cylinder exploded during the Thenpennai River Festival in Manalurpettai in the Kallakurichi district, as per District Collector of Tiruvannamalai, K Tharpagaraj.

Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu highlighted declining birth rates in China and India, noting Tamil Nadu's steeper fall. He moved to rural India to be near families raising children, considering it a life blessing. Reactions debated the implications of low birth rates, with some emphasizing productivity and community over numbers.