The Economic Times

Security forces are investigating bomb threats targeting Dera Sachkhand Ballan and two schools in Jalandhar. The threats were received on Saturday, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the Dera for Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Police have initiated checks and are verifying the emails. This follows similar hoax threats in other cities.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has criticized the ruling BJP. He accused the party of looking for opportunities even during a period of mourning following the death of NCP chief Ajit Pawar. Raut stated that this is not the time to discuss the matter.

Kerala's Class 10 syllabus will be reduced by 25 percent starting next academic year. This decision follows student feedback on heavy workloads. The curriculum committee has approved the change. The content of textbooks will remain the same. The announcement was made by Education Minister V Sivankutty.

The Supreme Court has ruled that doctors who administer unproven treatments, such as stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder, may be held liable for professional misconduct and medical negligence. The court criticised the Centre for its inaction in curbing such practices and stressed the urgent need for clear regulations to protect patients from risky and unverified therapies.

A lectern is a practical stand for speakers. It holds notes and books, aiding comfort and organization during presentations. Originating from Latin for 'reading stand', it is a familiar sight at speeches, classrooms, conferences, and religious services. News reports often mention lecterns during political addresses and graduations. This simple object facilitates public speaking across various formal events.

Carlos Alcaraz is on the cusp of becoming the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam, a feat that would surpass Rafael Nadal. The driven 22-year-old, inspired by Roger Federer, faces Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, aiming to etch his name further in tennis history.

In 1953, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru captained a parliamentary cricket team against Vice President S Radhakrishnan's XI in a two-day exhibition match. The game, played to raise funds for flood relief, saw political rivals unite on the field, raising nearly Rs 1 lakh and highlighting a tradition of parliamentarians supporting social causes through sport.

Prime Minister will visit Adampur airport, where he will unveil the new name of the Airport as 'Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, Adampur. He will also inaugurate the Terminal Building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, Punjab.

In February 2026, Hindus will observe two significant Ekadashi fasts: Vijaya Ekadashi on February 13th, dedicated to overcoming obstacles, and Amalaki Ekadashi on February 27th, honoring the sacred Amla tree. Both days are devoted to Lord Vishnu, offering spiritual cleansing and blessings.

India's sugar production has seen a significant jump of 18.35 percent. As of January 31 of the 2025-26 season, output reached 19.50 million tonnes. This increase is driven by higher production in key states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. More sugar mills are operational this season. ISMA projects a substantial overall rise in sugar production for the entire season.

Pramit Jhaveri will step down as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust on February 11, 2026, after his current term concludes. He informed Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata of his decision in a letter dated January 31, stating he does not wish to be considered for reappointment.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to clash in the Australian Open 2026 final, with both players having secured hard-fought semi-final victories. Djokovic, 38, aims for an record-extending 11th Melbourne crown and his 25th major title, while 22-year-old Alcaraz seeks to become the youngest to achieve a career Grand Slam sweep.

An Alberta-based separatist group has met with US State Department officials to discuss independence, seeking a $500 billion line of credit. This outreach mirrors India's long-standing concerns about Khalistani separatism operating from Canada, raising diplomatic and political pressure on Ottawa.

Bushfires in New South Wales have caused smoke to blanket Sydney and surrounding regions, leading to poor air quality. Firefighters are working to contain a 432-hectare blaze near Medowie, which is now contained, while a 916-hectare fire near Nerong remains out of control. Smoke is expected to clear throughout the morning.

India's space agency ISRO is preparing for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. This is a vital step towards sending astronauts into space by 2027. Three uncrewed flights are planned before the human spaceflight. ISRO is rigorously testing all systems to ensure astronaut safety. Lessons from recent mission setbacks are being incorporated to enhance reliability.

Preity Zinta Birthday: Bollywood star Preity Zinta celebrates her 51st birthday. She inspires fans with her dedication to fitness and well-being. Zinta shares glimpses of her intense gym workouts with celebrity trainer Yasmin Karachiwala. Her routine includes strength and functional training exercises. This demonstrates that consistency and a positive mindset are key to health at any age.

Late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein proposed introducing a Russian woman to King Charles III's brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, newly released documents showed Friday. In a 2019 interview with the BBC, Andrew claimed he had cut ties with the sex offender after December 2010, but court documents revealed later showed he continued to communicate with him.

The upcoming Union Budget should prioritize strengthening National Company Law Tribunals. More benches are needed to boost efficiency in insolvency cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Recent amendments aim for a cooperative resolution approach, involving existing management initially.

Ravidas Jayanti 2026 Date: Preparations are underway for Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2026. The revered saint's birth anniversary will be celebrated on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This occasion marks the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas. Devotees will gather in Varanasi and across India to honor his teachings on equality, compassion, and devotion. The event highlights his enduring message of social harmony and justice.

Surajkund Mela 2026 Dates: Faridabad's Surajkund Mela, now in its 39th edition, opens today, January 31, showcasing crafts and culture until February 15. Egypt is this year's partner nation, promising a vibrant spectacle with enhanced lighting and renovated grounds. Expect diverse arts, performances, and global cuisines at this annual cultural extravaganza.

Magha Purnima, a spiritually significant full moon day observed in early February 2026, marks the culmination of the holy month of Magha. Devotees observe fasting, take sacred baths in holy rivers, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and the Moon God. Charity and good deeds are strongly emphasised, as they are believed to multiply spiritual merit and bring divine blessings.

Two Indian wetlands, Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, are now Ramsar sites. This brings India's total to 98. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the local communities and conservationists. These sites are vital habitats for many bird and animal species. The government reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity protection and ecosystem preservation.

The Congress party has raised concerns regarding the upcoming Union Budget. They question if Budget figures will need early revisions. This is because new GDP and Consumer Price Index series are scheduled for release shortly after the Budget presentation. The party believes this indicates poor policy-making coordination. The Finance Minister will present the Budget on February 1.

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee warns that India's political polarization is eroding transparency, making the country a mystery to global investors despite robust growth. He emphasizes that media freedom and credible data are crucial for attracting stable foreign investment, cautioning against policy unpredictability and internal divisions.

Bill Gates Epstein files: Newly released documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein include an unverified email alleging personal matters involving Bill Gates. Gates has strongly denied these claims, calling them absurd and completely false. The documents, part of a larger release by the DOJ, contain no independent evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Thane Economic Offences Wing has arrested a couple and their associate. They are accused of defrauding over 11,000 investors, including 1,500 police personnel, of more than Rs 500 crore. The accused ran an investment company promising high monthly returns.

A US government shutdown began Saturday as Congress failed to pass a 2026 budget. Disruption is expected to be brief, with the House poised to approve a Senate deal early next week. Negotiations faltered over Democratic anger regarding protester deaths, impacting Department of Homeland Security funding. Most federal operations are affected, but a short lapse is anticipated.

Sharad Pawar stated he learned of Sunetra Pawar's potential swearing-in as deputy chief minister through media reports. He indicated that other Nationalist Congress Party leaders might have made this decision. Pawar also mentioned his late nephew Ajit Pawar's wish to unite both factions of the party.

Melbourne is set for a thrilling Australian Open 2026 women's singles final as World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faces Elena Rybakina. Both players are in dominant form, having not dropped a set. This rematch of the 2023 final promises a power-packed contest, with Sabalenka seeking another Grand Slam title and Rybakina aiming for revenge.

Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the 'Most Proactive State' for its significant progress in air connectivity under the UDAN scheme. Passenger traffic has seen a substantial rise, indicating increased accessibility to air travel. Domestic and international travel have both grown, boosting tourism and business. Air cargo volumes have also surged, strengthening logistics.

Sudan's Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim is in Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' meeting, underscoring Sudan's post-war reconstruction needs.

Bangladesh is heading for a crucial election and referendum. The Awami League is barred from contesting, leaving the BNP as a frontrunner. Many voters are undecided. The interim government promotes a reform charter. Observers raise concerns about competition and stability.

Does Australia have the Nipah virus? Authorities in Australia are closely monitoring a Nipah virus outbreak in India, which has caused at least two deaths. While the virus has never been detected in Australia, health authorities are vigilant. Indonesia has increased airport screenings as a precaution, though no changes to Australian protocols are advised at this time.

Co-ord sets dominate celebrity wardrobes for their effortless polish, easy styling, and versatility perfect for travel days, red carpets, brunches, and statement appearances.

Confident Group founder: Bengaluru real estate tycoon CJ Roy, founder of Confident Group, died by suicide at his residence during an ongoing income tax raid at his office. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and luxury car collection, including a Bugatti Veyron, Roy's death has sent shockwaves through business and social circles. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

CJ Roy's Net Worth: Chiriankandath Joseph Roy, known as CJ Roy, transformed early property dealings into a Rs 8,400 crore real estate empire. His bold bets on overlooked land, like Sarjapur Road, fueled his success. Roy also diversified into film production and hospitality, building a debt-free global group.

The Economic Survey advocates for a national input cost reduction strategy to address the inverted duty structure, proposing a three-tier Swadeshi framework. This approach aims to lower input costs, boost advanced manufacturing, and integrate India into global value chains by focusing on strategic urgency, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Preity Zinta continues to defy age with her radiant glow, toned physique, and infectious energy. Her secret? Pilates, discipline, and a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness over quick fixes. Here's how she stays timelessly fit.

Canada is bracing for a severe winter blast this weekend, with five provinces set to experience snow, freezing temperatures, and heavy rain. Environment Canada has issued multiple warnings as hazardous travel conditions and record-low wind chills are anticipated across the country, from the East Coast to the Prairies, while British Columbia faces persistent heavy rainfall.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has proposed increasing the project value cap for ministerial approval to Rs 50 crore, aiming to expedite high-value project clearances. Projects between Rs 50 crore and Rs 150 crore will need finance minister approval, while those above Rs 150 crore require the CM's nod.

TN TET Result 2025 PDF: The Teacher Recruitment Board (TRB) has released the TN TET 2025 results and final answer key, announcing a 5% cut-off mark reduction for reserved categories. This move offers relief to many candidates, with eligibility certificates available online from February 2.

Western allies are increasingly engaging China as U.S.-China tensions continue, signaling a shift in global diplomacy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a trade deal lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and boosting Canadian farm exports. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Beijing to restore ties, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo are also engaging China in trade, climate, and strategic talks.

The Justice Department has released over 3 million pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including emails, photos, and videos, revealing his communications with wealthy and powerful figures before his 2019 death. Over 600,000 documents are now public, though millions remain withheld.