The Economic Times

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. Jaishankar called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and cautioned against fueling terrorist infrastructure near India. He also voiced concern over unfair criticism of India's stance on the Ukraine conflict. Sikorski agreed on the unfairness of selective targeting.

In December, India's oilmeal exports plummeted by 40 percent, largely attributed to a drastic decline in soyabean meal shipments. Other oilmeals, such as rapeseed and castorseed meals, also saw diminished export levels. Conversely, the exports of rice bran extraction experienced a remarkable upswing. Over the April-December timeframe, total oilmeal exports faced a 6 percent drop.

HSBC's corporate and investment banking head anticipates the bank's market value could surpass 300 billion, projecting a significant share price advance. Following a year of restructuring, the bank is now focused on growth, integrating AI to boost productivity and embracing tokenized trading and quantum computing for future market changes.

Iran's foreign minister will not attend the Davos summit. Organizers stated it would not be right given the recent deadly crackdown on protesters. Demonstrations sparked by economic hardship turned into widespread protests. Security forces cracked down on the rallies. Human rights groups report thousands of deaths. The World Economic Forum confirmed the minister's absence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace aimed at resolving conflicts globally and oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza, the Kremlin said Monday. President Putin also received an invitation to join this Board of Peace, spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, including AFP. Russia was seeking to clarify all the nuances of the offer with Washington, he said, without adding if the Kremlin chief as inclined to join.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Madhya Pradesh government to decide within two weeks on prosecuting minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. Shah made objectionable remarks against Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. The Special Investigation Team has completed its probe. The state government must now grant sanction for further proceedings.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang advocates for engineers to delegate routine coding to AI assistants like Cursor, aiming for them to focus solely on groundbreaking problem-solving. He believes AI should handle tasks, freeing humans for innovation, drawing parallels to how AI enhanced, rather than replaced, radiologists by allowing them to focus on patient outcomes.

Folk singer Neha Singh Rathore's statement regarding her comments on the Pahalgam terror attack was postponed due to the investigating officer's absence. The Supreme Court granted her interim protection from arrest, directing her to cooperate with the probe. Rathore faces charges for alleged communal incitement and threatening national unity.

Bengaluru city corporation elections are scheduled after May 25. These polls, along with Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections, will use ballot papers. This decision follows a recommendation by the Karnataka government. The Supreme Court has directed local body polls to be held by June 30. The Greater Bengaluru Authority will oversee these elections.

The global economy is demonstrating unexpected resilience, projected to grow at 3.3% this year, unchanged from 2025, according to the IMF. This strength is partly attributed to a surge in AI investment across North America and Asia, helping to offset trade disruptions. The US economy is forecast to expand by 2.4% this year, an upgrade from previous predictions.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi called on India's youth to be the driving force for a developed India by 2047. He highlighted their significant population share and urged them to embrace self-discipline and teamwork. The Admiral stressed that collective effort and unity are crucial for national progress.

A memorial will be built for the Bhopal gas tragedy victims on the site of the Union Carbide factory that was cleaned of hazardous waste recently. The memorial will be built on the lines of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, which serve as reminders ofthe 1945 atomic bombings. The total cost of the project would be over Rs 1,200 crore.

Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has voiced strong criticism regarding the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise in West Bengal. He described the process as sheer harassment and lacking clarity. Bose stated that while the revision is important, its current execution is improper and causes inconvenience to common people.

An American psychologist, Lorwen C Nagle, shares profound insights from her transformative journey in India. Her experiences dismantled Western perspectives, offering eight lessons that rewired her outlook. She learned control is an illusion, time is a relationship, and happiness is internal. Pain can be sacred, sacred spaces alter consciousness, and boundaries dissolve.

The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to hold its key policy rates steady. This decision comes as inflation shows a moderate increase. Despite this, the economic outlook remains positive with strong growth projections. Experts foresee a stable monetary policy environment for the upcoming period. This approach balances economic expansion with price stability.

K Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana's former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, is in talks with election strategist Prashant Kishor about launching her own political party. Rumors suggest that their conversations have delved into the current political climate in Telangana and other critical issues.

A soldier has died after being injured in a gunfight with terrorists in Kishtwar district. Security forces are continuing a massive search operation for terrorists believed to be hiding in the upper reaches. The operation, named Trashi-I, was launched on Sunday and has faced challenging terrain. This encounter is the third in the Jammu region this year.

As Budget 2026 discussions ramp up, Indian businesses are gearing up for transformative shifts in customs duties. They are advocating for a seamless framework akin to GST, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and expedite dispute resolution. Their requests include a consolidated clearance window, expedited timelines for Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, and a more efficient customs investigation protocol.

IMF India growth outlook has been revised upward for 2025 by 0.7 pp to 7.3 percent. This is due to better corporate earnings and strong economic momentum. IMF said global economy is also showing resilience. AI investment is a key driver. Global growth is projected to hold steady. Inflation is expected to decline. However, the risks include AI sector valuations and geopolitical tensions.

Trump Greenland tariffs: Trump has threatened new tariffs on those that are opposing his bid to grab Greenland. The proposed levies could begin in February, impacting goods from countries like Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain and Norway. European Union ambassadors are preparing retaliatory measures.

Mangilal, one of the beggars of Madhya Pradesh's Indore, owns multiple properties, three-rented auto rickshaws, a car with a driver and also runs a part-time money-lending business. The Indore Beggar Eradication Campaign led to the discovery of Mangilal, who collected substantial daily earnings and was picked up from Sarafa Bazaar in Indore. Mangilal is also a beneficiary of a one-BHK house as part of a combined initiative by the state government and the Red Cross.

The Delhi High Court has denied former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's request to suspend his 10-year sentence in the Unnao custodial death case. Sengar, in custody since April 2018, is serving time for the death of the Unnao rape victim's father.

India has received an invitation from the United States to join the Board of Peace. This international body aims to manage Gaza's post-war transition and reconstruction. The US initiative, proposed by President Donald Trump, seeks global cooperation for stability in the region. India is currently reviewing the proposal, considering its long-standing policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski , saying the meeting came at a time when the world was witnessing significant global churn, and urging that Poland should display zero tolerance for terrorism and not help fuel terrorist infrastructure in India's neighbourhood.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. This is a historic first for any Assam Chief Minister. He will engage in discussions on global economic issues. The Chief Minister is showcasing Assam's strengths to attract international investment. This participation aims to boost Assam's growth journey and global presence.

A Delhi High Court judge has recused himself from a case involving Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. The case concerns charges of conspiracy and corruption in the Chinese Visa scam. This is the second judge to step aside. The trial court had framed charges against Chidambaram and others. The matter will now be heard by another bench.

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy for questioning in a money-laundering case. This case is linked to a Rs 3,500-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh. Ex-MP Vijayasai Reddy has also been summoned. The investigation focuses on the liquor policy implemented between 2019 and 2024.

Actor Vijay appeared at the CBI headquarters for a second round of questioning. The inquiry is related to the Karur stampede case. This incident occurred on September 27, 2025. The stampede resulted in 41 deaths and over 60 injuries. The CBI took over the investigation following a Supreme Court order. Vijay was previously questioned for over six hours.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah welcomed displaced Kashmiri Pandits back to the Valley, emphasizing their rightful place. However, he expressed doubt about their permanent return, citing their established lives and children's education and employment elsewhere. Abdullah noted that many Pandits already reside peacefully in Kashmir.

An NRI professional with a PhD and 12 years of experience is considering a return to Bengaluru, India, with a 90 lakh per annum offer. He seeks advice on whether the salary is sufficient for his family's financial plans and career impact, sparking a debate among netizens about cost of living and compensation.

Donald Trump has linked his pursuit of Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. He threatened tariffs on European nations if control of the island is not granted. European Union leaders are meeting to discuss potential retaliation against these threats.

Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, has said he will divorce his wife, Aparna Yadav in an explosive Instagram post. He posted a photo of Aparna and called her selfish and claimed she ruined his family ties. Aparna Yadav, who was initially with the SP, joined BJP in 2022.

The government has allowed limited exports of wheat flour and related products, permitting shipments of up to 5 lakh tonnes, marking a partial easing of the ban imposed in 2022. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade said exports will remain prohibited beyond this quota and will require prior authorisation.

Tennis legend Margaret Court, an 11-time Australian Open champion, achieved a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a feat matched only by Novak Djokovic. Her powerful game and dedication redefined women's tennis. Court's quote highlights her commitment to preserving her identity amidst fierce competition, showcasing a balance of strength and personal values.

India's economy is projected to grow by 7.3 per cent in FY 2025. This robust expansion will boost household incomes and drive demand for insurance. The insurance sector anticipates sustained premium growth due to economic strength, digitisation, and planned reforms. Increased risk awareness and easier product access are also contributing factors.

Australian stocks declined on Monday, January 19, 2026, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid US President Trump's tariff threats against European nations. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.33%, with A2 Milk and Life360 Inc. leading the losses. Gold miners, however, surged to a record high as bullion prices climbed due to escalating tariff-related risks.

Global value chains face structural volatility, shifting business strategies towards resilience as a growth driver. A new WEF report highlights that nearly three in four leaders now prioritize resilience, moving away from pure efficiency. Companies and countries must build foresight and ecosystem coordination to thrive in a fragmented global economy.

Apple has regained its top position in China. iPhone shipments saw a significant 28% surge during the holiday quarter. This growth occurred despite a global shortage of essential memory chips. Other companies like Huawei and Xiaomi experienced declines. Overall smartphone shipments in China saw a slight decrease. Apple's premium devices remained resilient to the chip crunch.

Kashmir experiences a slight relief from the intense cold. Minimum temperatures across the valley have risen by a few degrees. Srinagar recorded a higher low compared to the previous night. Other areas like Sonamarg, Shopian, Pulwama, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara also saw temperature increases. This comes as the region is in the midst of 'Chilla-i-Kalan'.

Lieutenant Governors of five Union territories now hold new powers. They can authorize officers to search any premises and seize records. This action targets misleading advertisements claiming magical cures for diseases like cancer and diabetes. The move aims to curb deceptive health claims.

Delegates have arrived in Davos for the World Economic Forum. The town is alive with activity, with pavilions setting up and early conversations beginning. Artificial intelligence is a dominant theme this year, with a focus on practical applications and global coordination. Security is in place, and the stage is set for a week of intense dialogue and networking.

Noted industrialist Anand Mahindra shared an interesting brain challenge that asked readers to read 900 words per minute. Anand Mahindra, known for sharing insightful and exciting videos on social media, said this exercise helped him brush up his speed reading skills. Netizens thanked Anand Mahindra and agreed that focus is really important to improve clarity.

Mumbai entrepreneur Prashant Desai lost 30 crore in a failed business. This financial setback severely impacted his health. Stress and lack of sleep caused weight gain despite exercise. Desai took seven years to recover his money. Regaining his health is a longer journey. He urges founders to prioritize wellbeing, sleep more, eat clean, and manage stress.

A master's student has earned approximately $39,000 (Rs 35 lakh) in two years by teaching adults and children how to ride bicycles. Leveraging his sports education background, he offers a success-guarantee package, with most adults mastering the skill in just two sessions.

Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1, with jobs expected to be a central focus. India currently has a demographic advantage, with more working-age people than dependents, but translating this into steady employment is critical for the nations economic and global ambitions.