The Times of India

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump's pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence. - External pressure - The Fed meets eight times a year to consider interest rate levels, and Michael Pearce of Oxford Economics said the dilemma it faces has eased.

A new wave of Indian entrepreneurs, dubbed BARBIE founders, are returning from abroad to build successful startups. These individuals, who pursued undergraduate degrees overseas, are outperforming IIT and BITS alumni in creating unicorns. Their global exposure and often family business leverage contribute to their success, particularly in consumer-focused ventures.

Young Indian writers are redefining memoirs, moving beyond traditional life stories of achievement. Millennials and GenZs are sharing their experiences of growing up queer, disabled, or navigating political violence and personal challenges, finding hope and connection in these mid-journey narratives.

'Border 2' has opened strongly, earning Rs 30 crore on its first day, with early Saturday collections reaching Rs 7.1 crore. Despite facing challenges like heavy rainfall and delayed print distribution in some areas, the film ranks among the top openers of the past year.

The author recounts a lifetime of casual body policing and hin shaming despite cultural ideals of thinness. She details the constant, often well-intentioned but hurtful, comments and assumptions about her naturally thin physique, highlighting the double standard in body commentary.

After 12 years away, an astronaut returns to India, surrounded by the echoes of her father's stories and the warmth of family bonds. This is her inaugural trip to Kerala, a land her father called enchanting.

Preeti Unhale, 51, has become India's longest-living heart transplant survivor, marking 25 years with a donor heart on January 23, 2026. Facing a critical condition in 2000, she underwent the life-saving procedure at AIIMS, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adherence to lifelong medical discipline.

A 70-year-old man, Babu Lohar, pedalled his rickshaw van 300km to Cuttack with his ailing wife for medical treatment, refusing help. After two months, he is now making the arduous journey back home, showcasing immense devotion and highlighting the struggles of the poor in accessing healthcare and transport.

India voted against a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning Iran's protest crackdown, extending a fact-finding mission. This move, aligning with China and Pakistan, signals India's commitment to non-interference and its strategic interests, particularly concerning the Chabahar port. Iran's envoy lauded India's 'principled and firm support' against what he termed an 'unjust' resolution.

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan voiced strong dissent over the collegium's decision to transfer Justice Atul Sreedharan, citing executive influence. He argued that such transfers, especially when prompted by the central government, compromise judicial independence and the integrity of the collegium system. Justice Bhuyan emphasized the judiciary's reliance on public faith.

Ahead of Republic Day, the government has approved honorary commissioned ranks for 2,241 Junior Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army. This honour, recognizing decades of selfless service and leadership, includes 437 elevated to honorary captain and 1,804 to honorary lieutenant.

Cuba seeks to bolster economic ties with India across various sectors including agro-industry, biotech, healthcare, IT, renewable energy, sports, and tourism. The nation, a pioneer in biopharma, is also transitioning to renewable energy, presenting collaboration opportunities. Cuba offers land use for businesses and electronic visas, alongside significant tourism infrastructure.

India's maritime sector is poised for a massive Rs 80 lakh crore investment, aiming to reclaim nautical supremacy and create over 1.5 crore jobs. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Vizhinjam port's transformation into a global transshipment hub, underscoring unprecedented progress in the sector under PM Modi's leadership.

A draft National Electricity Policy proposes automatic annual electricity bill hikes if state regulators miss tariff order deadlines. This move aims to prevent utility financial strain but consumer advocates argue it undermines statutory duties and due process, potentially leading to unchecked increases.

The Trump administration, through the FHFA, has significantly raised portfolio caps for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, allowing them to buy substantially more mortgage bonds. This move aims to lower home loan rates but has reignited concerns about financial risk and policy overreach, reversing post-crisis reforms.

In a vibrant display at the Republic Day parade, the Union Home Ministry will unveil a captivating tableau that symbolizes the transformation of India's justice system. Say goodbye to outdated colonial laws; the spotlight will be on the innovative Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakhsya Adhiniyam.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the success of Bihar's special intensive revision process, leading to zero appeals and record 67% turnout. He emphasized the Election Commission's dynamic approach to ensuring electoral integrity and accessibility, while urging youth to combat misinformation and announcing a new youth-centric program.

Singapore is set to invest over Sg$1 billion in artificial intelligence research until 2030. This significant funding will establish world-class AI research centers. The initiative aims to build capabilities for industrial AI applications and develop talent through global partnerships. Singapore seeks to strengthen its technological edge and global competitiveness.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, during her address at DPS's vibrant sports day, celebrated the integral role of sports in nurturing essential life skills in students. She inspired them to strive for balance between academic excellence and athletic participation, emphasizing how their dedication can resonate positively within their families and society.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) launched a sharp attack on the DMK government and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin alleging that law and order has been reduced to a laughing stock, in the state following a country-made bomb attack on a police vehicle on the TrichyChennai highway.

US President Donald Trump delivered a pointed ultimatum to Canada, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods should Prime Minister Mark Carney pursue partnerships with China. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, said Trump on Truth Social.

The court, while considering the submissions reiterated that only when all four ingredients are established can a death be termed as dowry death under Section 304-B of the IPC. It emphasized that the prosecution must strictly prove the essential ingredients to attract the provision.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in New Delhi for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening India-EU ties. The trip precedes summit talks where a free trade agreement, a defense partnership, and a mobility framework for professionals are expected to be finalized. The visit underscores the deepening engagement between the two major democracies.

Indian parenting has transformed. Gone are the days of strict rules and fear. Today, parents prioritize dialogue and understanding. Children are more expressive and seek emotional support. This shift creates a new dynamic in homes. Parents navigate technology and independence. The focus is on building relationships through communication and empathy. This evolution shapes childhood and adulthood.

Amazon is planning to cut approximately 14,000 corporate jobs starting next week, marking the second major layoff wave since October and bringing total reductions to 30,000 roles. CEO Andy Jassy clarified the cuts aren't driven by AI or financial concerns but by excessive bureaucracy and organizational layers. The layoffs will affect employees across AWS, retail, Prime Video, and human resources divisions, representing nearly 10% of Amazon's corporate workforce.

The National Stock Exchange has launched an investor awareness pavilion at the International Kolkata Book Fair, aiming to boost financial literacy. This initiative features interactive tools and workshops to educate the public about securities markets.

Scotland replaces Bangladesh in the Men's T20 World Cup 2026 due to Bangladesh's travel commitment issues. Meanwhile, Air India cancelled New York flights amid a US winter storm. The US hinted at removing tariffs on Indian oil imports from Russia, while Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine during peace talks.

Heads of universities and colleges are no longer just administrators; they are now the first line of accountability in preventing and responding to discrimination. New structures, new reporting mechanisms, and strict timelines are written into the rulebook, backed by the threat of serious penalties for non-compliance. Yet, as has often been the case with regulations aimed at correcting long-standing social inequities, the real questions lie beneath the stated intent.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen voiced concerns over West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, saying the exercise is eing done in a hurry, further calling it an unjust to voters and a threat to democratic participation. He highlighted personal challenges with documentation and warned that the underprivileged and minority communities are most at risk of exclusion.

Congress MP Imran Masood stated Shashi Tharoor is ot a big part of the party, intensifying the rift. Tharoor skipped a crucial Kerala poll meeting for a literature festival, defending his stance on Operation Sindoor and stating concerns should be raised internally.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified his stance on party lines. He stated his only public disagreement was on Operation Sindoor and India's counterterrorism position. Tharoor emphasized national interest above political differences. His remarks follow reports of internal party friction and his absence from a key meeting. He recalled past events and leaders' views on national security.

Air India has cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark on January 25 and 26 due to a severe winter storm forecast. The airline cited safety concerns for passengers and crew as the storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions to the US East Coast.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin sharply criticized governor RN Ravi in the state assembly, accusing him of undermining constitutional conventions by refusing to read his customary address. Stalin highlighted the Dravidian model government's achievements and dismissed law and order concerns.

EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi for her first official visit, aiming to strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. The visit precedes the 16th India-EU Summit and coincides with advanced negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, highlighting deepening cooperation in security, defense, and trade.

India's capital markets regulator, Sebi, has greenlit IPO plans for twelve companies, including Infra.Market's parent, Hella Infra Market, and luxury fashion platform Pernia's Pop-Up Shop. These firms, which filed draft papers between June and October, received Sebi's nod between January 19-23, paving the way for their public offerings.

India's precious metal refiners are urging the government to address duty disparities that disadvantage local operations compared to imported refined bullion. MMTC-PAMP highlights a mismatch in import duties, particularly through the SEPA route, impacting domestic refiners' competitiveness. The industry seeks policy support, including input-related benefits and wider duty differentials, to bolster India's refining capacity and global standing.