The Economic Times

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.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla asserts Gautam Gambhir leads the Indian cricket team effectively. He acknowledges mixed results, particularly in Test cricket, but highlights strong performances in ODIs and T20Is. Shukla dismisses social media negativity, emphasizing player popularity. India faces the T20 World Cup next, aiming to defend its title.

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.

The ICC has officially informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of their replacement by Scotland in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This decision follows Bangladesh's refusal to travel to India due to security concerns, a move the ICC deemed a violation of protocol. Scotland is expected to play their group matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.

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.

Delhi Police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for Republic Day 2026, announcing extensive road closures and diversions in central Delhi. Commuters are urged to plan travel in advance, utilize public transport, and adhere to traffic signage to ensure the smooth conduct of the parade and public safety.

The 2026 tax season introduces vital changes. IRS Free File is now open for those earning $89,000 or less. With Direct File discontinued, this remains the top free digital option. Eight private partners offer specialized software. New 2025 tax breaks on tips and overtime pay add complexity. Check eligibility at IRS.gov to avoid hidden fees. Early filers should monitor new IRS guidance. Secure your 2025 refund by filing electronically starting January 26.

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.

Word of the day: Few words feel as timely as ultracrepidarian. In an age where speed and confidence are often rewarded over nuance, the urge to speak with authority beyond ones knowledge is hard to resist.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen voices concern over West Bengal's voter list revision. He states the process is rushed and may hinder democratic participation before upcoming assembly elections. Sen highlights difficulties in submitting documents, particularly for rural citizens and the underprivileged. He urges the Election Commission and Supreme Court to ensure all adult citizens can qualify to vote.

Scotland will play in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The International Cricket Council removed Bangladesh from the tournament. This decision came after the Bangladesh Cricket Board failed to meet ICC demands. Scotland's consistent performance in recent events secured their spot. They are ranked 14th globally. Scotland will compete in Group C.

Yuki Bhambri and his partner Andre Goransson advanced to the third round of the Australian Open men's doubles on Saturday. They defeated Santiago Gonzalez and David Pel in a three-set match. Meanwhile, N. Sriram Balaji and his partner Neil Oberleitner were eliminated in their second-round encounter.

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.

Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh is the new Chief Executive Officer of Noida Authority. He replaces Lokesh M. This appointment follows a recent controversy and protests in Sector 150. Karunesh previously served as District Magistrate of Gorakhpur. He has held significant administrative roles in Ghaziabad, Hapur, and Balrampur. The change aims to address recent issues.

Quote of the Day resonates across generations because it captures a universal human tendency lingering on past misfortunes while failing to notice the everyday blessings around us.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen expressed deep concern over West Bengal's electoral roll revision process, citing undue haste and inadequate time for voters. He warned this could jeopardize democratic participation, particularly with upcoming assembly elections. Sen highlighted the challenges faced by rural citizens in providing documentation, fearing exclusion for the underprivileged and poor.

Uttar Pradesh celebrates its foundation day marking a significant transformation. The state has moved from being a 'BIMARU' state to a key growth engine for India. Improved law and order, transparent governance, and infrastructure development have driven this change. Uttar Pradesh is now India's second-largest economy with substantial investments and job creation.

Evening meals needn't be heavy to be filling. Explore seven scientifically-backed light dinner ideas combining protein, fiber, and complex carbs for sustained fullness without bloating or discomfort before sleep.

A Delhi court has granted custody parole to jailed MP Engineer Rashid. He will attend the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament. Rashid will be escorted by armed police personnel. This follows similar permissions for previous parliamentary sessions. He was arrested in 2019 in a terror-funding case. Rashid won the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

A speeding luxury car crashed into a guardrail on Kolkata's Red Road during Republic Day parade rehearsals, raising security concerns. The driver, who attempted to flee police signals, was detained. The vehicle lacked valid insurance and a PUC certificate, recalling a fatal 2016 incident in the same area.

Delhi Development Authority is set to build a large international sports complex in Narela. This project will include extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities. A hospital and hotel are also planned. The complex aims to host international competitions. Connectivity is a key consideration for the Narela location. Construction is expected to be completed within three years.

Cybercriminals are exploiting fear and urgency with fake traffic challan messages, leading victims to fraudulent payment pages. An elderly man lost over Rs 2.5 lakh after clicking a suspicious link, highlighting the dangers of this growing scam. Authorities urge vigilance and verification before making any payments.

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