The Economic Times

Gaza's vital Rafah crossing with Egypt will reopen this Sunday for limited movement of people, ending a nearly two-year closure. This move, a significant step in a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire plan, allows Palestinians to enter and exit the territory. Both Israel and Egypt will screen individuals, with EU agents supervising.

India is set to finalize a free trade agreement with Chile soon, promising enhanced access to crucial minerals like lithium and copper for domestic industries. This pact builds on an existing trade deal and aims to broaden economic cooperation. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's recent trade successes with developed nations, contrasting them with past agreements.

President Trump has nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, a move following his criticism of current Chair Jerome Powell. Warsh, known for his 'inflation hawk' stance and past opposition to quantitative easing, previously served under President George W. Bush and was instrumental in the Fed's 2008 crisis response.

Eurozone growth surpassed expectations, reaching 1.5% last year, marking a second consecutive year of acceleration despite trade tensions with the US. This uptick builds on previous modest expansions, with Germany, Spain, and Italy showing stronger performance, while France experienced a slowdown. Analysts anticipate a more upbeat outlook for 2026, though structural concerns remain.

BTC crash today: Why Bitcoin crashes today on Jan. 30. Bitcoin crashed to $81,000 on January 30, 2026. This sharp 6% drop triggered $1.68 billion in total liquidations. Long positions suffered 93% of these forced closures. Institutional fatigue grew as spot ETFs saw $818 million in daily outflows. Political uncertainty regarding the next Fed Chair sparked a broader risk-off move. Bitcoin now tests the $80,000 floor. Analysts warn a slide to $75,000 is possible if selling persists.

Infosys Foundation: Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Kala Dhwani 2026 includes experiences from five regions of India represented by Assam, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with Karnataka as the host state, Infosys said in a statement.

Americans are urged to skip work, school, and shopping on January 30 for a National Shutdown Day. This action protests the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's aggressive tactics and recent fatal shootings. Organizers are calling for a general strike and protests in all 50 states. Businesses are closing, and events are planned to disrupt normal operations and demand change.

A Malaysian minister suggested workplace stress, social influence, and insufficient religious practice can lead individuals to ecome involved in the LGBT community. These remarks were made in a written parliamentary reply, sparking online ridicule. Authorities also reported 135 cases linked to LGBT activities between 2022 and 2025.

India's goods and services exports have shown positive growth up to January 21, despite global economic uncertainties, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Merchandise exports saw a 1.87% increase in December, contributing to a 2.44% rise in April-December. The ministry anticipates exports to surpass USD 850 billion by 2025-26.

SL vs ENG Live Streaming: Sri Lanka and England commence their T20I series in Pallekele on January 30, a crucial warm-up for the T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka aims to rebound from their ODI series loss, leveraging spin-friendly conditions and a strong bowling attack. The Pallekele pitch is expected to favor pace early before slowing for spinners.

Social Security payments rose in 2026, but many retirees still struggle with daily expenses. The average monthly benefit is limited, making extra income important. Simple options like part-time work or using your home to earn money can help. Learning smart retirement income ideas can reduce stress and improve financial comfort without major risk.

Gold price prediction, Jan. 30: Gold could hit $10,000 an ounce by April, AI predicts. On Jan. 30, 2026, gold trades near $5,139.60, holding firm after a volatile week. AI models now project a massive surge to $10,000 by April. This anti-fiat rally stems from record central bank buying and a weakening U.S. dollar. Silver reacts sharply at $102.14, while Platinum holds at $2,345.70. Copper tracks global demand at $6.08. Investors are exiting paper assets for physical safety.

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. Warsh, a former Fed governor, is set to replace Jerome Powell. This appointment signals a potential shift in the central bank's policies. Trump has openly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates. Warsh's nomination requires Senate approval.

Why is silver price going down by 14.1% and will it drop below $99.77 or rise again? Silver prices dropped after hitting record highs. Profit-taking, dollar strength, and changes in U.S. monetary expectations pushed prices lower. Other precious metals also declined, though monthly gains remain strong.

Realme has introduced two new smartphones, the Realme 16 5G and Realme 16 Pro 5G, in Vietnam. Both devices boast a substantial 7,000mAh battery. The Pro model features a higher refresh rate display and a 200MP camera. Pricing and availability for other markets, including India, are yet to be announced.

A wealthy young man defied his mother's objections to social status and proposed to his sandwich seller girlfriend of two years. He reminded his mother of their family's humble beginnings, declaring, Keep your society. My love comes first. The public proposal has sparked widespread discussion on love, class, and character.

President Trump is set to name Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve chief. Warsh, a former Fed official, has shifted his views to support Trump's push for interest rate cuts. This move comes amid Trump's ongoing criticism of current Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Warsh's appointment requires Senate confirmation and faces potential scrutiny.

Kolkata police have arrested two senior officials from a momo manufacturing unit following a devastating fire that engulfed the premises and two godowns. The arrests of the unit's manager and deputy manager come days after the owner of a linked decorator company was taken into custody.

Europe's crisis fund, the European Stability Mechanism, may now lend billions for defense. This move aims to bolster military strength amid geopolitical turmoil. Countries could access funds for defense spending without strict economic conditions. This repurposes a fund initially created during the euro zone debt crisis. The initiative could particularly benefit smaller nations bordering Russia.

Quote of the day by Gina Carey resonates because it reflects a lived philosophy rather than a motivational abstraction. Her career demonstrates how confidence, adaptability and persistence can coexist with creativity and generosity.

The Supreme Court has refused to alter the bail conditions set by the Madras High Court for YouTuber Savukku Shankar. Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed Shankar's plea, noting his repeated appearances before the court.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on Sunday. This marks a historic achievement, making her the longest-serving finance minister in India's continuous history. She has guided the economy through significant challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged this milestone. This event will be recorded in India's parliamentary history.

In a tragic incident, a couple and their three children allegedly consumed poison at their house in Greater Noida's Ecotech 3 area. While the couple could not be saved, the children are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Delhi. Preliminary investigations suggest the couple may have consumed poison due to domestic issues.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's China visit brings visa and whisky deals. Other Western leaders also visit Beijing, seeking trade benefits amid US pressure. These trips reveal China's economic strength and Western nations' limited options. Beijing uses these visits to project itself as a reliable global partner. China's export growth poses risks to Western industries.

BJP leader CR Kesavan strongly criticized former Vice President Hamid Ansari's statement that Mahmud Ghazni was an Indian, not a foreign invader. Kesavan questioned Congress and Rahul Gandhi's stance on this view. He accused the Congress of downplaying Ghazni's brutal raids on Hindu temples and people.

Authorities have disrupted the Wingo app's operations. Command-and-control servers were geo-blocked. Four Telegram channels and over 50 YouTube videos promoting the app were also blocked. The app is a 'telecom mule as a service' platform. It sends fraudulent SMS messages from users' phones without their knowledge.

Word of the Day: Psithurism reflects that not all meaningful experiences are loud or urgent. Some exist only if we pause long enough to notice them. As a Word of the Day, it enriches vocabulary not by complexity alone, but by sensitivity.

The Supreme Court has mandated free biodegradable sanitary pads for all girl students in private and government schools. The court also ordered separate toilets for boys and girls in every school. Disabled-friendly toilets will be a requirement for all educational institutions. Failure by private schools to comply will lead to de-recognition. Governments will be held accountable for ensuring these facilities.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is open to a ceasefire if Russia stops attacking energy infrastructure. The United States has proposed a de-escalation opportunity, though no formal truce is in place. Russia continues its attacks, with no comment on an energy ceasefire. Temperatures in Kyiv are forecast to plummet, making energy security critical.

Ajit Pawar was actively planning a merger of the Nationalist Congress Party factions. A close aide revealed Pawar confided this plan just days before his death. Another leader echoed this sentiment, stating Pawar's wish must be respected. Both factions had allied in recent civic polls, indicating Pawar's vision for unity. Steps will be taken to fulfill his final wish.

Sharda Khedkar and Amol Goge of the BJP have been elected as the new mayor and deputy mayor of the Akola Municipal Corporation. The election saw Khedkar secure 45 votes against her opponent's 32. The Akola Shehar Sudhar Aghadi, a coalition of parties including the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP factions, supported Khedkar's victory.

TS TET 2026 Response Sheet Download: The Telangana Department of School Education has released the provisional TS TET 2026 answer key on tgtet.aptonline.in. Candidates can raise objections to the key until February 1, 5 pm. The exam was conducted from January 3 to January 20, with Paper I for Classes 1-5 and Paper II for Classes 6-8.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has lauded Rahul Gandhi. He described Gandhi as a sincere leader and a strong voice against communalism. Tharoor stated that Gandhi speaks against hatred and divisiveness. This comes after Tharoor met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. He had previously expressed grievances regarding his treatment in Kerala.

US President Donald Trump has voiced strong concerns regarding Britain's engagement with China. He described the dealings as very dangerous for the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump also extended his warning to Canada, suggesting it is doing poorly and China is not the solution.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police in Odisha has been ordered to change his bright red hair back to its natural color. Photographs of the officer in uniform with the striking hair shade circulated widely online. The police headquarters issued a formal warning emphasizing discipline and public decorum.

A 12-year-old boy was discovered deceased in Shastri Park, Delhi. The child sustained severe injuries indicating a brutal assault. Police have named the mother's live-in partner as the primary suspect in this tragic incident. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the scene. The boy's father had passed away previously. A murder case has been registered.

Myanmar's military-backed party has secured a decisive victory in the general election. The Union and Solidarity Party dominated legislative chambers. This outcome follows a tightly controlled process amidst civil war and repression. The military government asserts the polls were free and fair. A new government is set to take over in April.

Virat Kohli's Instagram account briefly vanished today, causing widespread fan concern. The popular cricketer's profile returned within hours, bringing relief and celebration. Kohli is a top global influencer, earning significantly per post. His digital presence underscores his immense brand value beyond the cricket field.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held discussions with an eight-member Japanese delegation. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan's Yamanashi prefecture. Key areas of collaboration included clean energy, green hydrogen, innovation, and industrial development. Both sides expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership. Discussions also touched upon cultural ties and Buddhist heritage tourism.

V Srinivasan, husband of Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha, passed away early Friday. He was 67. Srinivasan collapsed at his home and was rushed to a hospital where he could not be revived. A former central government employee, he was a constant support throughout Usha's career. The couple have a son, Ujjwal.