The Economic Times

Sandisk stock surged over 14% after reporting blockbuster fiscal second-quarter results, with adjusted earnings per share soaring 404% year-over-year to $6.20 on $3.03 billion in sales. The company's strong performance was driven by a 76% increase in data center sales, fueled by the AI boom. Sandisk also provided an optimistic third-quarter outlook, exceeding Wall Street expectations.

AAPL Apple stock price today: Apple's first-quarter earnings soared past expectations, driven by record iPhone sales and a significant rebound in China. The tech giant reported robust revenue and profit, with its services division also performing strongly. Despite some segment challenges, Apple's strategic AI investments and strong market performance in key regions are bolstering investor confidence.

Liftoff Mobile IPO: Liftoff Mobile is preparing for its public debut, aiming for a valuation up to $5.17 billion. The mobile app marketing firm plans to raise as much as $762 million. This move signals a revival in the US IPO market after a slowdown. Liftoff, backed by Blackstone, will list on Nasdaq under the ticker LFTO.

Great Falls earthquake: A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted near Great Falls, Montana, on January 29, 2026, at 12:41 p.m. local time. The shallow tremor, originating about 7.5 miles north-northeast of Malmstrom Air Force Base, caused light to weak shaking across nearby communities. While no injuries or damage were reported, the event highlights Montana's seismic activity, though rare.

Police arrested a shopkeeper in Dehradun for assaulting two Kashmiri brothers. The incident occurred during an argument over goods. One brother sustained a head injury. Both are stable. The brothers were visiting their father for the holidays. A case has been registered and further investigation is ongoing.

With the economy operating close to capacity, the survey notes that structural reforms will be required to lift the investment rate and further improve total factor productivity to achieve faster growth. It projects real GDP growth for FY27 in the range of 6.8-7.2%, while the Union Budget may assume nominal GDP growth of 9.8-10.2%.

The Economic Survey recommends amending the definition of a 'government company' to allow the government to reduce its stake to 26% in listed state-run firms. This move could facilitate further monetization of holdings in blue-chip companies like ONGC and SBI, enabling them to operate as professionally managed entities with dispersed ownership.

India should prioritize a bottom-up, sector-specific AI approach over chasing frontier-scale models due to capital and infrastructure constraints, the Economic Survey 2025-26 stated. The survey highlighted entry barriers in AI development and the need to balance data center expansion with resource competition, while also emphasizing AI adoption for manufacturing competitiveness.

The survey also stresses that while policy reforms are essential, process reforms are equally critical, underscoring the need to ease regulatory hurdles and improve the ease of doing business. This assumes greater importance at a time when there is an urgent need to attract both domestic and foreign investment. Global turbulence has heightened risks to capital flows, which could have severe repercussions for the economy. Enhancing India's investment attractiveness is, therefore, imperative.

Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, is facing backlash for allegedly liking a Bleacher Report post highlighting the Kelce brothers' generosity. Netizens accuse her of seeking attention, especially as Kelce contemplates his NFL future. This incident adds to Nicole's history of social media controversy since her breakup with the NFL star.

Assam's Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia has written to the Chief Justice of India. He alleges misuse of electoral roll revision procedures. Saikia claims the special revision process is targeting the 'Miya' community. This action, he states, is a deliberate policy to intimidate and disenfranchise them. The leader asserts this undermines the constitutional right to vote.

Bitcoin price BTC USD today: Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies saw a significant drop on Thursday. Investor worries about Federal Reserve interest rates and regulatory developments fueled a market sell-off. This led to substantial liquidations in the crypto futures market. The crypto market's performance mirrored declines in tech stocks like Nasdaq and Microsoft.

The challenges facing India's agriculture sector are significant, encompassing issues like fragmented land ownership and vulnerabilities to climate change. To combat these obstacles, the Economic Survey suggests innovative approaches such as adopting climate-smart farming practices and enhancing market connectivity for farmers. There's a crucial need for the private sector to step up in areas like food manufacturing and distribution.

India's economy is poised for growth with proposed reforms. Opening heritage sites for concerts and easing artist visas will boost the concert economy. MSMEs will get better credit access. E-way bills will be simplified for smoother logistics. Dietary reforms are crucial for public health. Industrial clusters will be modernized. Commodity prices are expected to rise.

State governments' cash transfer schemes are straining finances and impacting growth. These popular programs are costing 1.7 lakh crore this fiscal year. Fiscal indiscipline by states could increase borrowing costs for the nation. The Economic Survey urges states to prioritize capital and human capital investment over open-ended cash support. This trend raises concerns about fiscal sustainability and future growth prospects.

As global unpredictability increases with nationalistic policies on the rise, India stands at a crossroads. To secure its future, the nation must fortify its economic autonomy and bolster manufacturing capabilities. In an era where supply chains and technology are reevaluated for the sake of national security, India should pivot towards self-sufficient tech innovation and enhanced energy infrastructure.

India faces a growing threat to productivity. The Economic Survey highlights the rapid rise of ultra-processed foods and increasing obesity. These unhealthy diets are linked to serious non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. The survey suggests exploring marketing bans on these foods. This issue affects all age groups across the nation.

Trump's comments at a cabinet meeting came after months of his escalating pressure on the independent central bank, with the president again slamming Powell as a moron for not slashing rates more quickly earlier in the day. Powell's term at the helm of the Fed ends in May, and Trump has been due to unveil his replacement ahead of this deadline.

India's export scene is on the rise! With promising trade negotiations underway with the United States and fresh partnerships forming around the globe, the outlook is remarkably optimistic. Even in the face of rising global protectionism, India's trade figures have outperformed projections. This acceleration is powered by significant structural reforms and strategic policy initiatives.

India's civil aviation and ports sectors are poised for substantial growth by FY31, fueled by increasing demand and infrastructure investments. The Economic Survey highlights India's low airport density compared to global benchmarks, indicating significant expansion potential. Ports are also scaling up, with PPP and captive operators expected to manage 80% of cargo by 2030.

India can boost domestic manufacturing in key sectors like oils, pulses, and pharmaceuticals. Other areas like battery cells and solar wafers need a gradual approach. The nation should focus on 'intelligent indigenisation' to build resilience and integrate globally. This strategy aims to strengthen manufacturing and lower costs. The focus is on strategic urgency, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness for long-term competitiveness.

Some senators in both parties have signalled support for a short-term stopgap for Homeland Security funding to allow more time to negotiate possible limits on immigration enforcement operations, after two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis were killed this month by federal agents.

India's Economic Survey proposes a regulatory shift. Regulations should focus on activities and risks, not just institutions. This will ensure fair competition among banks, NBFCs, fintechs, and market lenders. Better coordination between regulators is vital. The goal is to calibrate regulation to risk and contestability. This approach will foster innovation and systemic stability.

To propel India's infrastructure development, we must rethink public-private partnerships. According to the Economic Survey, it's time to transition from singular projects to a more cohesive market initiative. This strategy emphasizes innovative funding avenues such as user fees and municipal bonds. Additionally, it outlines a robust project framework and contingency strategies for intricate projects.

India's Economic Survey warns of a digital addiction crisis. It proposes age-based online access and school digital wellness programs. Measures include offline youth hubs and promoting simpler devices. The survey highlights risks for both children and adults, urging awareness and 'digital diets'. A new act bans real-money online gaming to combat severe financial and mental health impacts.

India should foster a culture where bureaucrats feel empowered to take bold risks. This mindset can spur innovation and facilitate rapid decision-making, free from the constraints of baseless accusations. Drawing inspiration from East Asian nations, which have successfully developed robust manufacturing industries through similar strategies, India must rethink its state mechanisms and adopt an entrepreneurial lens in policymaking.

India's rupee has weakened significantly despite robust economic growth and low inflation. This underperformance is linked to reduced foreign capital inflows and global geopolitical issues. The Economic Survey highlights that the rupee's stability depends on these capital flows. India needs to attract more investment and boost exports to manage its import costs effectively.

India Inc needs to enhance internal capabilities and diversify risks by reducing single-market dependence. Strategic M&A and partnership models are crucial for integrating into global value chains and navigating trade uncertainties. This approach will bolster resilience against external shocks and foster global competitiveness.

India's economy is set for robust growth. Projections show a medium-term expansion of around 6.5 percent. This could climb to 7-8 percent with continued reforms. Strong domestic demand and foreign exchange reserves bolster India's resilience. The nation remains a fast-growing major economy. Global risks are present, but India is positioned for stability.

Gold price prediction $8,500: Gold prices are experiencing a historic surge, nearing $5,600 per ounce. JPMorgan predicts a potential climb to $8,000-$8,500 if private investors shift from bonds. This rally is fueled by economic uncertainty, inflation fears, and geopolitical tensions, making gold an attractive safe-haven asset. Even stocks appear weaker against gold.

India faces a changing global order. The nation must balance growth and stability through reforms. Productivity enhancements are key for competitiveness and exports. Careful industrial policy and trade agreements are vital. The upcoming budget is an opportunity to signal India's readiness for these epochal times. This is a budget for action.

State government finances are facing challenges with rising deficits and increased borrowing. While capital expenditure is being supported by central government loans, a rise in unconditional cash transfers is impacting fiscal space. This trend could lead to higher sovereign borrowing costs. Prudent fiscal management by states is not being rewarded with lower borrowing rates.

Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee has set the dates for crucial debates. The Presidential Address will be discussed for 18 hours on February 2, 3, and 4, concluding with Prime Minister Modi's reply. The General Budget discussion is scheduled for February 5, 9, 10, and 11 in the Lok Sabha.

Footage of a British Airways flight losing a landing gear wheel moments following the departure from Las Vegas spread rapidly online. The aircraft, operating Flight BA274 to London, remained climbing despite sparks and safely reached Heathrow hours later. Authorities said the wheel detached during gear retraction and was later recovered from the runway. No injuries or property damage were reported.

The Economic Survey recommends an empowered center and task force to attract top multinationals and boost FDI, positioning India as an alternative production hub. A multi-pronged strategy is needed to strengthen the investment climate by addressing structural and cyclical factors, promoting India's stability, growth, and market size.

India's economic growth potential has increased to 7 percent. This rise is attributed to ongoing reforms that are strengthening the nation's productive capacity. Further improvements in manufacturing and exports could boost growth even higher. The economy is set for steady growth amidst global challenges. Reforms in investment, infrastructure, and business ease are driving this positive outlook.

Following Ajit Pawar's funeral, Nationalist Congress Party leaders are advocating for Sunetra Pawar's inclusion in the state cabinet and her leadership in party affairs. This push occurs as the Sharad Pawar faction reiterates calls for a merger between the two factions. Senior leaders have met with Sunetra Pawar, fueling speculation about her future role.

India has secured crucial advantages from the European Union regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. These include MFN-like status, a technical dialogue for clarity, and potential for Indian verifiers. Assurances on carbon pricing policy recognition and a flexible agreement framework are also in place. These measures aim to facilitate Indian industry's access to the European market.

India's Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor met with Iranian NSA Ali Larijani in Tehran. The discussions focused on safeguarding India's interests, particularly concerning the Chabahar Port, amidst escalating US military threats against Iran. This meeting underscores India's commitment to maintaining ties with Iran despite geopolitical complexities.

The CBI-led SIT has filed its final charge sheet in the Tirupati laddoo case. The opposition YSRCP alleges Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan have hurt Hindu religious sentiments. They claim the charge sheet does not mention animal fat adulteration. The SIT investigation followed allegations of adulterated ghee being used in laddoos.

Ajit Pawar was laid to rest with full state honours in Baramati. Thousands mourned the NCP leader following his death in a plane crash. Union ministers and chief ministers paid their respects. His sons performed the last rites. The funeral saw a large gathering of supporters. Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader, died along with four others in the aircraft accident.

The risk of a U.S. government shutdown 2026 is rising as Senate talks stall before the Jan. 30 deadline. Democrats are opposing DHS and ICE funding after the Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota. Prediction markets show shutdown odds near 69 percent as lawmakers debate key spending bills.

The Congress party has accused BJP workers of misusing Form-7s to remove eligible voters from electoral lists. This alleged centralized system targets backward and marginalized sections. The Congress demands an urgent probe by the Election Commission to halt these illegal deletions and ensure fair electoral rolls across several states and Union Territories.