The Economic Times

China's most senior general, Zhang Youxia, a close ally of President Xi Jinping, is under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law. This high-profile purge occurs as Beijing modernizes its military and projects greater power, with analysts watching for its impact on China's military posture.

Estimated quarterly taxes IRS payment deadlines explained: The 2026 IRS tax season is now active. Freelancers and gig workers must pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties. Key deadlines include April 15, June 15, and September 15. The final 2026 payment is due January 15, 2027. Underpayment interest remains high at 7% per year. Use Form 1040-ES to calculate your debt. Electronic payments via IRS Direct Pay are free. Stay compliant to protect your earnings.

Ancient Greek philosopher Parmenides, living in the late 6th and early 5th century BCE, fundamentally questioned existence. He asserted that what is, is; what is not, is not, arguing that being is real, whole, and unchanging. This led him to conclude that change, motion, and multiplicity are mere illusions, with true knowledge attainable only through reason.

Child tax credit refund: The federal child tax credit offers eligible families up to $2,200 per child under 17 in 2025, with a refundable portion of up to $1,700. This credit helps offset child-rearing costs and is separate from other tax benefits. Several states also provide their own child tax credits, offering additional financial relief.

A tech professional claims a revised resume format secured him 30 interview calls. He detailed his work experience with core responsibilities, emphasizing industry terms and impact. Aligning the resume with job descriptions is crucial. While ATS rankings benefit from keyword matching, caution is advised. This approach offers a potential strategy for job seekers navigating a competitive market.

An investigation at a major U.S. bank reveals a toxic do less culture. Management reportedly pressured a top fraud investigator to ignore suspicious activity to protect team stats. This internal conflict exposes a dangerous shift: prioritizing quotas over federal Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. By suppressing high detection rates, banks risk massive regulatory fines. Such systemic negligence undermines consumer security and reveals a hidden crisis in modern financial oversight.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Canada. He stated that if Canada enters into a trade agreement with China, all Canadian goods will face a 100% tariff upon entering the United States. Trump believes such a deal would be detrimental to Canada's economy and way of life.

A major winter storm has caused over 9,000 flight cancellations across the U.S., impacting roughly 140 million people. Widespread heavy snow and catastrophic ice are forecast from Texas to New England, with dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills expected to persist. Millions are facing potential power outages as utility companies prepare for the severe weather.

An entrepreneur rejected a Gen Z job candidate for asking basic company details despite receiving them beforehand. She cited a lack of preparation and ownership as reasons, sparking debate about the generation's work ethic. The incident highlights the continued importance of thorough research for job seekers.

Senior Congress leader and Thiruvanthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has once again stirred controversy after missing a key strategy meeting of the party to discuss the upcoming Kerala assembly polls, indicating his displeasure over the party's functioning.

The Armed Forces Tribunal has awarded a special family pension to the widow of Wing Commander Durlabh Bhattacharya. He tragically drowned while saving children from a lake during a family picnic. The tribunal overturned a previous finding that his death was not linked to military service.

IRS tax filing rules 2026: Tax season is approaching, and many Americans wonder if they must file a federal tax return for 2025 or 2026. The IRS mandates filing if gross income exceeds specific thresholds based on filing status and age. Self-employment income of $400 or more also triggers a filing requirement. Even if below thresholds, filing can secure refunds and credits.

Eminent human rights lawyer Imran Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, were each sentenced to 17 years in prison for controversial social media posts. The couple was arrested en route to court and later boycotted proceedings, alleging torture. Their arrests have sparked condemnation and warnings of a lawyers' movement.

Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup hinges on a final decision from the government, according to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He stated the matter will be presented to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif upon his return, emphasizing the government's directive will be binding. Naqvi also criticized the ICC's handling of Bangladesh's situation, alleging unfair treatment and selective decision-making.

Retirees in 2026 are combatting inflation through geographic arbitrage. Indiana leads the nation for affordability, covering 90.9% of expenses for mortgage holders. Delaware offers the best value for debt-free homeowners, where average $2,171 benefits exceed basic costs by 9%. For renters, Alabama and Kansas provide critical relief. Strategic relocation, combined with delaying benefits until age 70, can secure an annual $23,760 income boost, ensuring long-term financial dignity.

A family dispute in Lawrenceville, Georgia, tragically resulted in four deaths, including an Indian national, after a late-night shooting. A 12-year-old child's bravery in calling 911 saved other children present from further harm. Police have identified Vijay Kumar as the alleged shooter, facing multiple murder charges.

Smartphone ban in schools: Michigan is poised to ban smartphone use for students in grades K-12 during instructional time, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This bipartisan bill aims to reduce classroom distractions while allowing basic flip phones for safety. Exceptions for emergencies and medical needs are included, with potential state funding leverage for enforcement.

West Bengal shows strong control over revenue spending in the current fiscal year. This is a positive sign compared to other states. However, the state's capital expenditure has declined significantly. This trend has continued from the previous fiscal year. The report highlights this mixed fiscal performance.

Delhi faces a severe water crisis as treatment plants operate below capacity due to high ammonia levels in the Yamuna. Thousands of households are experiencing prolonged dry taps, with fears the disruption could extend into next month. Residents are relying on expensive water cans and express frustration over the lack of permanent solutions.

Stray dog killings are on the rise in Telangana. In Jagtial district, approximately 300 canines were allegedly poisoned. This incident follows similar reports in other districts, with animal rights groups claiming a total of 900 dogs killed. Investigations are underway, with police registering cases against elected representatives and village officials.

India prepares for its 77th Republic Day parade. This grand event will highlight military might and cultural richness. In contrast, the first Republic Day in 1950 saw humble celebrations. These focused on welfare for displaced families and children. Early events were decentralized and budget-conscious. Today's parade represents a significant evolution in scale and purpose.

Firozabad is building a new glass museum. This project aims to boost the city's famous glass and bangle industry. Officials expect it to attract global tourists. The museum will showcase the history of glass products. It will also feature modern attractions like AR-VR zones.

The Delhi civic body will launch 'MCD Shri' schools, mirroring central and state initiatives, to identify and nurture meritorious students. In the initial phase, two schools per zone will admit outstanding students, preparing them for higher studies. The initiative also emphasizes academic excellence, sports, co-curricular activities, and essential facilities for students.

Delhi Police have arrested a 45-year-old woman for using forged diplomatic registration plates on her SUV. She was apprehended in Vasant Vihar while driving through sensitive areas. The vehicle was found with fake plates resembling those used by foreign missions. The woman claimed to be an embassy representative but could not provide valid documents.

The US is urging Bolivia to expel suspected Iranian spies and label the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist groups. This diplomatic push aims to counter Iran's influence in Latin America, building on recent actions in Ecuador and Argentina. Bolivia's new centrist government, seeking to mend ties with Washington, is now a key focus.

Afghanistan is reeling from severe weather. Snow and heavy rain have claimed 61 lives over the past three days. The disaster management authority reported 110 injuries and extensive damage to homes. Hundreds of families are affected. A key highway remains closed, and aid is being provided to stranded travelers. Authorities urge caution on snowy roads.

Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches us to focus on our own actions and thoughts while accepting external circumstances beyond our control. Founded by Zeno of Citium and later developed by thinkers such as Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, it emphasises virtue, emotional understanding, and resilience. Even today, Stoicism offers timeless guidance for navigating lifes uncertainties and finding inner peace.

Noida Authority has a new CEO, Krishna Karunesh, appointed after the tragic death of a techie in a construction pit. Yuvraj Mehta's demise in an unmarked pit, amidst dense fog, has ignited resident protests and calls for accountability. This incident highlights critical issues in urban planning and road safety, prompting a national discussion on construction zone hazards.

Russia launched a major missile strike on Ukraine's cities Kyiv and Kharkiv. This happened while peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US were taking place in Abu Dhabi. The attack targeted energy infrastructure, causing power outages for many. Ukraine's president had urged Russia to show readiness to end the war. Russia insists on Ukraine yielding its eastern Donbas region.

Union Budget 2026: Parliament's Budget Session commences January 28 with President Draupadi Murmu's address. A crucial all-party meeting is scheduled for January 27. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1, a Sunday. The session will run until April 2, with a break from February 13 to March 9.

India located over 70 fugitives abroad in 2024-25, the highest in a decade, while 203 foreign fugitives were detected in India. The nation also saw 27 fugitives return from abroad. The CBI, acting as India's Interpol nodal point, issued various notices and processed thousands of citizenship renunciation applications.

Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the engine of a developed India by 2047. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the state's transformation from a 'BIMARU' state to a 'breakthrough state'. He asserted that by the nation's 100th Independence anniversary, Uttar Pradesh will be fully developed. This progress is attributed to the combined efforts of the central and state governments.

A Faridabad father allegedly beat his four-year-old daughter to death for not writing numbers correctly. Krishna Jaiswal was arrested after his wife filed a complaint. The child, Vanshika, was reportedly struck with a rolling pin and slammed on the floor. Her seven-year-old brother revealed the truth to their mother.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday allowed Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid to attend the upcoming parliament budget session in custody. Baramulla MP sought an interim bail or custody parole to attend the Parliament Session scheduled to commence from January 28 till April 2.

A 70-foot steel bridge, weighing over 10 tonnes and built four decades ago in Chhattisgarh's Korba city, was stolen overnight. Police have identified 15 individuals involved in the theft, with five arrested so far. The accused confessed to dismantling the bridge using gas cutters to sell the iron as scrap.

A suicide bombing at a wedding in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan district has killed seven people. The attack targeted members of a peace committee. The Pakistani Taliban has previously labeled such members as traitors. This incident highlights Pakistan's ongoing struggle with increasing militant violence. The Pakistani government has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants, a charge Kabul denies.

Delhi's commuters face grave danger from unsecured construction sites, with uncovered pits and broken barricades posing a constant threat. A recent fatality in Noida underscores the alarming reality of poor safety compliance. Heaps of soil, waterlogged ditches, and inadequate signage are common, turning roads into hazards, especially at night and during rain.

This Republic Day parade showcases unique animal soldiers, including Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies. New weapon systems like the S-400 and Akash missile systems will be on display. A European Union contingent will march for the first time. Women officers will lead contingents and command tableaux. The event highlights India's military strength and indigenous capabilities.

Tired of the same old lentils and chickpeas? Discover seven underrated plant-based protein powerhouses that pack serious nutritional punch. From ancient grains to fermented legumes, these sources deliver muscle-building amino acids while keeping your meals interesting and sustainable.

A man was discovered deceased inside a Kitchener home following a reported stabbing on Friday, January 23, 2026. Waterloo Regional Police are investigating the incident as a homicide and have taken a man into custody. As the investigation continues, there will be an increased police presence in the Garden Path Place area.

Your gut's best friends are waiting on your plate. Discover seven everyday fibre-packed foods that transform digestion, boost energy, and keep your system running like clockwork.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut predicts a reunion of NCP factions. He states Ajit Pawar will rejoin the Maha Vikas Aghadi, citing family ties. Raut points to the joint contest on the 'clock' symbol in upcoming local elections as evidence of unity. He also suggests Eknath Shinde is unhappy with the BJP regarding the BMC mayor post.