The Economic Times

Boeing stock: Boeing ended the year with 737 MAX production of 42 airplanes per month and is in the process of raising the 787 rate to eight a month.

West Bengal has reported only two Nipah Virus Disease cases since December. The Union health ministry confirmed this, refuting speculative media reports. All 196 contacts of the confirmed cases have been traced, monitored, and tested. They have all tested negative and remain asymptomatic. Enhanced surveillance and testing ensured timely containment. The situation is under constant monitoring.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and information exchange regarding Central Counterparties (CCPs). This new agreement replaces a previous one from 2017 and aims to facilitate international clearing activities while ensuring the European Union's financial stability.

India and the European Union have reached a historic milestone by concluding their free trade agreement negotiations. This significant pact is expected to catalyze a rise in Indian exports and attract international investment. Thanks to the agreement, more than 99 percent of Indian goods will enjoy preferential access to the EU market.

India's trade deal with the EU is a credit positive, according to Moody's, boosting manufacturing, foreign investment, and exports of labor-intensive goods. While lower EU import tariffs could ease costs, European carmakers will see enhanced market access, intensifying competition for domestic players. Overall gains depend on improved business friendliness and streamlined regulations.

Kim Kardashians quote, At the end of the day, life is about being happy being who you are, and I feel like we are so blessed to have the support system and the best family to really just support each other no matter what we're going through. states about happiness and family emphasizes values that resonate far beyond celebrity culture. It reminds us that success and visibility mean little without emotional support.

Word of the Day: Quintessence signifies the purest essence of something. This word describes the most perfect example of an idea or quality. It reminds us that meaning lies in what remains after removing the unnecessary. Understanding quintessence helps us recognize authenticity and value quality over quantity. It is used to describe characters, works, or people who perfectly embody a theme or quality.

Millions of US parents may get up to $1,000 for their children under a new Trump Accounts program. The money is not automatic and requires opening a government-backed account during tax filing. Extra funds are possible for some families due to a major private donation. Parents must act early to qualify.

Gulf coast of the United States: The extreme temperatures and prolonged cold will bring risks of hypothermia and frostbite, forecasters warned. Some modest warming is expected later in the week, they said, though hazardous wind chills are likely to persist through Friday.

A viral story claims medieval European women poisoned husbands daily, giving an antidote at night. Historians say this practice never happened. Medieval Europe lacked the science for such precise poisoning. Similar tales appear in later folklore and popular culture, not medieval records. The story is a modern myth, not historical fact.

Amazon layoffs affected employees severance package details are drawing attention as Amazon plans to cut up to 16,000 roles. The explainer covers who is impacted, why jobs are cut, what severance support employees may receive, and how investors view the move.

The IRS officially opened 2026 tax filing on January 26. Experts predict a 30% refund surge due to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. New federal breaks for seniors, families, and hourly workers are now active. Average payouts may exceed $4,000 this year. Use the Wheres My Refund? tool on IRS.gov to track your status. File electronically with direct deposit for the fastest processing.

Assam's Chief Minister announced a major electoral roll revision targeting the 'Miya' community. He expects to remove five lakh names. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised serious concerns about the ongoing revision process. They allege illegal interference and irregularities in the deletion of genuine voters. The political climate in Assam remains charged over electoral integrity.

Australian Open 2026 live streaming: Novak Djokovic eyes a record 25th Grand Slam title.

The 2026 IRS tax season is officially active. Most electronic filers receive federal refunds within 21 days. However, PATH Act credits delay payments until mid-February to prevent fraud. Use the Wheres My Refund? tool for daily updates. Ensure your filing status and refund amount match your records exactly. Direct deposit remains the fastest delivery method. Avoid manual review by e-filing accurately. Stay informed as the IRS processes millions of returns this month.

Quote of the Day: Walt Whitman, a renowned American poet, championed independent thinking. His words urge readers to question what they are told and trust their inner voice. Whitman's life, from humble beginnings to his influential work 'Leaves of Grass', highlights his commitment to intellectual freedom. His enduring message resonates today, encouraging personal authenticity and critical examination of beliefs.

Krushna Abhishek, a popular comedian, owns a lavish 3BHK Mumbai apartment, initially bought to store his and wife Kashmera Shah's designer clothes and footwear. He also possesses a luxurious house in California, featuring a landscaped lawn and private pool. His social media showcases an opulent lifestyle, with his net worth estimated at Rs 40 crore.

A new India-EU free trade agreement extends beyond traditional trade, establishing a defence and security framework. This partnership allows India to leverage its growing defence industry, while Europe seeks to diversify suppliers and rebuild stockpiles, creating a mutually beneficial strategic realignment.

The bombardment knocked out lighting and heating to Ukrainians in freezing temperatures, but it also sent a signal, according to Kyiv, of Russia's true intention: to fight on.

As the January 30, 2026, deadline nears, a partial U.S. government shutdown threatens vital services. Social Security and Medicare remain protected as mandatory spending, but administrative support will freeze. Student loan payments stay due, while FAFSA processing faces 90% staffing cuts. Market volatility looms with a potential 0.1% weekly GDP loss. Federal workers face unpaid furloughs, complicating an already fragile economy amid rising global geopolitical tensions.

The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences' decision. This decision allows counselling for SC, ST, and OBC students who scored minus 40 in NEET-PG 2025. The court noted similar petitions were dismissed elsewhere. The petitioner argued the reduced cut-off undermined merit and public health.

Gold prices are reaching new peaks, exceeding $5,000 per ounce. This surge makes gold an attractive asset for investors seeking stability. Consumers can now find affordable gold options, with small bars available for purchase. Retailers like Walmart and APMEX offer gold bars, including one-gram PAMP Suisse bars priced under $230.

A shocking murder unfolded on Ananthnagar Road. Prashanth M, 33, was killed by his friend Roshan Hegde, 36. Hegde deliberately crashed his SUV twice, causing fatal injuries to Prashanth who was clinging to the car. The incident was initially mistaken for an accident. Dashcam footage revealed the brutal act. The motive stemmed from a drunken argument following a cricket match.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Operation Sindoor for showcasing India's indigenous defence strength. He urged faster technology adoption, emphasizing 'survival of the fastest'. Singh called for reducing research-to-deployment time and encouraged DRDO to take risks in new sectors. He highlighted the growth in defence exports and the goal of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

China and Russia are set to boost strategic coordination. Defence Minister Dong Jun conveyed this to his Russian counterpart during a video call. The move comes as Ukraine and Russia negotiators met to discuss peace. China maintains a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict. Western nations accuse Beijing of aiding Russia's war effort.

US stock market today: US stocks enter a high-stakes week as futures edge higher. Gold smashed records, hitting $5,111 per ounce on massive safe-haven demand. President Trumps 100% tariff threat against Canada over China trade ties has rattled global markets. Meanwhile, USA Rare Earth (USAR) shares soared after securing $1.6 billion in federal funding. Investors now await the Federal Reserves Wednesday rate decision and major tech earnings for market direction.

Confucius thought of the day on life: Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher, taught that personal character, not achievement, builds a meaningful life. His ideas emphasize self-control, respect, and responsibility for societal harmony. Leading by example, not authority, influences others. Integrity and consistency matter more than status. Confucius's wisdom, rooted in daily actions, continues to guide individuals toward lasting respect and moral clarity.

The EU-India FTA, concluded on January 27, 2026, will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of EU exports, saving 4 billion annually. The deal benefits all 27 EU member states through sector-specific advantages. Germany, France, Italy lead in automotive and machinery; Spain, Italy, Greece gain in olive oil and wine; Belgium, Netherlands in processed foods; and Austria, Finland, Denmark in high-tech equipment. Tariff cuts begin in early 2027, with full benefits rolling out over 510 years.

A simple video from Kerala's Kannur railway station, showcasing spotless platforms and litter-free tracks, has gone viral on social media. The clip, devoid of any dramatic elements, highlights the power of cleanliness and collective responsibility. It has garnered widespread praise, with many hoping other stations will emulate this standard.

Maharashtra's ITIs will implement PM SETU for skill development, while Himachal Pradesh braces for heavy snowfall. A Supreme Court plea challenges UGC's caste discrimination definition. Internationally, India and the EU finalized a landmark free trade deal, boosting Renault's investment. Sports news sees Bangladesh out of the T20 WC, impacting media accreditation, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar receives the Padma Shri.

Rahul Gandhi criticizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged plan to dismantle MGNREGA. Gandhi claims this move seeks to remove workers' wage negotiation rights and diminish panchayat authority. He asserts the government aims to concentrate power, reverting the country to an era of centralized rule.

Curated by nutritionist Heena Trivedi, these salads focus on gut health, hormones, glow, and sustainable energy proving salads can truly nourish, not starve, your body.

The EU-India Free Trade Agreement, concluded on January 27, 2026, marks a historic milestone after two decades of negotiations. It will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports and 97% of Indian goods, creating a market of 2 billion people. Key benefits include sharp tariff cuts on cars (to 10% over 5 years), wine (to 2030%), olive oil, processed foods, and full removal on medical equipment, machinery, chemicals, and aircraft parts. The deal excludes sensitive sectors like dairy

Fatima Sana Sheikh's saree selections combine timeless craftsmanship with a modern edge, vibrant colors, rich fabrics, and refined styling that elevate contemporary Indian ethnic fashion.

Congress leaders plan to speak with Shashi Tharoor. His absence from a Kerala election meeting sparked speculation. Tharoor cited prior commitments and issues with party leadership. The party wants to ensure unity for upcoming state polls. Tharoor's influence is noted. Some within the party have concerns about his stances. This development affects the Kerala Congress unit.

The Maharashtra Cabinet Infrastructure Committee, chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the 22,862 crore Metro Line 8 (Gold Line). The 35-km corridor will link Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports in just 30 minutes. Other approvals include the Nashik Ring Road for Kumbh Mela and Gadchiroli mineral highways.

India-EU trade deal cars list: European luxury cars are set to become more affordable in India following a new Free Trade Agreement. Import duties on EU-made cars will be phased down to 10% by 2030, with an initial sharp cut to 40% in 2026. This liberalization, applicable to cars above $15,000, promises significant price reductions for premium and performance models.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assures the public that new University Grants Commission regulations will be implemented fairly. These rules, updated on January 13, aim to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher education. Despite assurances, protests and political opposition have emerged, with some students and community members expressing concerns about potential discrimination.

France has banned social media for children under 15. The law also prohibits mobile phones in high schools. This measure aims to protect young minds from algorithmic influence and harmful content. Scientists and the public overwhelmingly support this move. The ban is set to take effect next September. Other European nations are considering similar steps to safeguard minors online.

India's vocational training system is getting a major AI upgrade. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is partnering with Microsoft to bring AI education to 200,000 students. This initiative will cover over 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes and National Skill Training Institutes.

Bobby Deols renewed style journey blends rugged masculinity with refined tailoring, proving confidence, age, and reinvention can redefine modern menswear effortlessly.

The Indian Army is now monitoring all flying objects within 35 kilometers of India's borders and up to three kilometers in altitude. This measure aims to counter enemy drone intrusions. New air command and control centers are being established. The Army is also increasing its drone fleet significantly. This enhanced surveillance follows recent cross-border drone activity.

India and the European Union have signed a historic free trade agreement. This deal will significantly boost European exports to India. Tariffs on many European goods will be reduced or eliminated. This includes cars, machinery, and agricultural products. The agreement also opens up India's services sector.

A senior IPS officer addressed madrassa students on Republic Day. He encouraged them to read the Bhagavad Gita alongside the Quran. The officer also emphasized environmental conservation, scientific temper, and tolerance. He highlighted the importance of upholding India's integrity and unity. This initiative follows his previous directive for police recruits to recite religious texts for a righteous life.

Quote of the day by Maya Angelou stands as a concise expression of the principles she lived by, grace without submission and strength without malice. More than a line of wisdom, it reflects a philosophy shaped by survival, creativity and moral courage.