The Economic Times

Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly halted Russia's unauthorized use of its Starlink internet system, a move confirmed by Ukraine's defence minister. Kyiv, which relies heavily on Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations, is now developing a system to ensure only authorized terminals function within Ukraine, following concerns over Russian drone attacks utilizing the technology.

Budget 2026: India's latest budget prioritizes manufacturing and supply chain strength for Viksit Bharat. It boosts public spending and outlines fiscal responsibility. The plan supports electric mobility and energy transition with new incentives. Investments in infrastructure and rural development aim to drive economic progress. This budget sets a clear path for India's future growth and self-reliance.

Ukraine and Russia will meet for U.S.-backed talks in Abu Dhabi next week. President Zelenskyy confirmed the February 4-5 dates. Ukrainians face uncertainty as cold weather grips the nation and energy systems remain vulnerable. Fighting continues in the east, with recent drone strikes causing casualties. Ukraine seeks a dignified end to the war.

The government has also signalled higher duty-free allowances for Indians returning from overseas travel, potentially widening the benefit for frequent flyers and international shoppers. The move could drop the landed cost of everything from electronics to fashion that customers import privately, mostly because they are unavailable in India or would be launched later, industry executives said.

Budget 2026: The government has proposed an 8.9% increase in capital spending for the next fiscal, reaching Rs 12.2 lakh crore, with a focus on asset creation in tier 2 and 3 cities. This move aims to stimulate private investment and maintain economic growth, particularly in infrastructure development, with significant allocations to roads and railways.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Security Council deputy chairman, praised Donald Trump as an effective leader seeking peace, though Moscow has found no trace of U.S. nuclear submarines Trump claimed to have moved. Medvedev also stated that Russia expects to win the Ukraine war soon but emphasized the importance of preventing future conflicts.

In an era of economic transformation, the Union Budget puts a spotlight on job creation and skill enhancement, laying the groundwork for a robust manufacturing sector. By championing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cultivating new industries, this initiative is set to stimulate growth and establish formal employment pathways.

Government borrowing is increasingly financing capital expenditure, boosting economic growth potential as effective capital spending surpasses the fiscal deficit. Conservative tax revenue growth, alongside non-tax receipts and asset sales, provides a cushion. While revenue spending is managed, a slight increase in the budget size is observed, with a focus on easing the debt burden towards targets.

India's budget reveals shifts in foreign aid. Assistance to Bangladesh is halved. No funds are allocated for the Chabahar Port project in Iran. Overall aid from the Ministry of External Affairs sees a slight increase. Bhutan remains the top recipient. Nepal and Sri Lanka receive more aid. Other countries like Maldives and Myanmar see funding cuts.

In her latest address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a budget dedicated to long-term growth strategies. Highlights include significant investments in the electronics industry and the creation of rare earth corridors aimed at decreasing reliance on imports. Additionally, the budget outlines extensive support for MSMEs through a comprehensive framework.

Andhra Pradesh's demands were met in the recent budget. A tax holiday for data centers until 2047 was announced. The Purvodaya scheme received strengthening. A coconut promotion scheme was introduced. Tourism projects for Andhra Pradesh were also allocated. These developments benefit the state and its allies.

In a bold statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Union Budget as both groundbreaking and visionary. With a clear focus on uplifting women, youth, farmers, and the marginalized, this financial blueprint is set to propel India's economic growth and reinforce its stature on the world stage. The budget lays down a strategic path towards self-sufficiency while championing emerging industries.

India is launching a significant support plan for micro, small, and medium enterprises. This initiative will provide equity, liquidity, and professional help to boost businesses. Tax filing timelines are extended, easing compliance burdens. Professional bodies will create training and support tools. Simplified tax rules for manpower supply are also introduced.

The Union budget prioritizes long-term growth for poll-bound states. New projects include rare earth mineral corridors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. High-speed rail corridors will benefit Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Agriculture support targets coconut farmers in Kerala. Tourism development is a key focus with new circuits and destinations. Fisheries and women-led startups also receive attention.

With an eye on fiscal strength, the government is targeting a significant 80,000 crore through disinvestment and asset monetisation by the end of FY27. Major transactions like the sale of IDBI Bank and Life Insurance Corporation of India are expected to play pivotal roles in achieving this goal. This strategic move illustrates an ongoing commitment to monetising public assets.

Grammys 2026: Grammy Awards 2026 is being held on Sunday night. Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter are set to rock the stage.

A Russian drone strike on Dnipro killed 15 mineworkers, hours after peace talks were rescheduled. The attack, targeting energy sector workers, injured seven others. Meanwhile, Russian drones also hit a maternity hospital in Zaporizhzhia. Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. are now set for February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi.

Twitter down: There were more than 19,281 reports of issues with the social media platform 'X'.

India's U19 cricket team has reached the semi-finals of the U19 World Cup 2026. They defeated Pakistan by 58 runs in their final Super Six match. This victory placed India at the top of their group. India will now face Afghanistan in the semi-finals. The team displayed strong batting and bowling performances throughout the tournament.

The 16th Finance Commission's recommendations will increase central tax devolution to southern states in 2026-27, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu set to receive thousands of crores more. While some states acknowledge the increase, Karnataka's Chief Minister expressed disappointment, citing a reduced share of divisible taxes.

The Union Budget 2026-27 provides a substantial boost to India's skilling initiatives. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship receives a significant allocation of over Rs 9,800 crore. This funding aims to modernize Industrial Training Institutes and enhance youth employability. The budget focuses on strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline, creating new opportunities across various cities.

Anne Hathaway's career showcases remarkable versatility across genres, from blockbuster hits like The Dark Knight Rises to Oscar-winning drama in Les Misrables. Her recent role in The Idea of You continues this trend. Hathaway's quote, 'I think relationships are work, but love is a gift,' highlights the balance between effort and grace in life and love.

Iran has warned of regional conflict if the United States attacks. This comes amid heightened tensions and increased U.S. naval presence in the Middle East. Iran also designated European Union armies as terrorist groups. This move is a direct response to the EU's earlier decision to label Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

The Union Budget has significantly increased funding for anti-Naxalism efforts. Over Rs 3,600 crore is allocated for security and infrastructure in Left-Wing Extremism affected areas. This marks a substantial rise, reflecting a strong strategy to combat the issue. The government aims to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026. Funds will support security measures, infrastructure development, and civic outreach programs.

The Union Budget 2026-27 earmarks over Rs 1471 crore for upgrading forensic capabilities. Funds will boost safety of women initiatives, modernize Central Forensic Science Laboratories, and establish a National Forensic Data Centre. The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System receives Rs 550 crore for seamless data sharing. Criminology and Forensic Science sees a significant hike, supporting R&D and regional labs.

Union Budget 2026-27 allocated a three percent hike to Central Armed Police Forces, with the ITBP seeing over a 14 percent increase. The CRPF received Rs 38,517.93 crore, while the BSF's allocation remained largely unchanged. Building project funds for these forces saw a significant 43 percent jump.

The nearly 22 per cent hike in capital budget combined with the government's decision to scrap basic customs duty on components and parts for production of civilian and other aircraft is being seen by the industry as a major move.

While Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not make any big-ticket announcements for the poll-bound states in her Budget speech, there were proposals for high-speed rail links for Chennai, an ecologically-sustainable mountain trail at Podhigai Malai in the Western Ghats and a rare-earth minerals corridor in southern states.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called the 10 percent nominal GDP growth estimate for the financial year beginning April 1, 2026, realistic. This projection is based on current GDP base year and methodology. India's GDP is estimated at Rs 393 lakh crore. The government will soon revise base years for key economic indicators like GDP and CPI.

Heavy snow fell in North Carolina and neighboring states on Saturday, as authorities urged residents to stay off the roads and warned oceanfront structures were threatened by the storm. All of North and South Carolina, and portions of Georgia, eastern Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as southern Virginia were under a winter storm warning.

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, praised the Union Budget 2026-27. He described it as a bold plan for growth and inclusion. The budget emphasizes skilling, science, and research to boost India's capabilities. Investments in infrastructure and the digital economy are also key. Bharti Airtel Foundation will support education and talent development.

Australian Open 2026: Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion and a two-time Australian Open winner, was front row at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday duirng final showdown between Alcaraz and Djokovic.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has increased the tax collected at source on coal and lignite sales. The rate will now be 2%, up from 1%. This move is part of a larger plan to simplify tax collection. Coal remains vital for India's energy and industry. Production is expected to rise significantly.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the 2026-27 Budget as a future-ready Bharat initiative, designed to bolster exports and domestic manufacturing. The budget introduces significant benefits, including a tax holiday until 2047 for foreign companies using Indian data centers for global cloud services, aiming to position India as a key AI and digital infrastructure hub.

Jeffrey Epstein drafted notes to and about Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, suggesting that he engaged in extramarital sex, according to emails that the Justice Department released on Friday.

ISRO's ambitious space station and human spaceflight goals receive a significant boost. The Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 13,705.60 crore to the Department of Space. This funding supports crucial projects like the Gaganyaan mission and the Next Generation Launch Vehicle. The increased allocation signals strong government support for ISRO's future endeavors and private sector involvement.