The Economic Times

The Central Administrative Tribunal has directed the West Bengal government to resubmit names for the Director General of Police selection by January 23. The UPSC will convene a meeting by January 28 to prepare the panel. This comes as the current acting DGP, Rajeev Kumar, retires on January 31.

The government is set to recognize language learning as a key component of the Skill India Mission. This initiative aims to boost overseas job prospects for young talent and facilitate worker mobility, particularly for destinations like Japan, Germany, and Russia.

Army, CRPF and RAF remain deployed in Assams Kokrajhar district for a second day after a mob attack linked to suspected cattle theft left two people dead and four injured.

The Supreme Court has taken a decisive stance against air pollution, mandating that the Delhi government and NCR authorities devise thorough action plans targeting long-term solutions. The Commission for Air Quality Management has outlined key initiatives such as retiring high-emission vehicles, tightening vehicle inspections, and pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently detained under the NSA in Jodhpur jail, has sought a thermometer to carry out experiments on eco-responsive architecture aimed at improving jail barracks, according to his wife Gitanjali J Angmo.

Social Security monthly benefit increase: Americans born in 1960 or later face a critical decision regarding Social Security. Starting in 2026, the full retirement age becomes 67. Claiming early at 62 permanently reduces monthly benefits by about 30%. Delaying benefits until age 70 can significantly boost income for life. This choice impacts long-term financial security.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has refused to deliver his address at the state assembly's joint sitting. He objects to specific paragraphs in the government-prepared speech concerning MGNREGA and fund devolution. Minister HK Patil met the Governor, but no resolution was reached.

The All India Congress Committee will hold a convention on Thursday. Workers and activists linked to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act will attend. The party is protesting the Centre's move to replace MGNREGA with the G RAM G employment scheme. Leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are expected to be present.

The Supreme Court is forming an expert committee to study the Aravalli hills definition and mining issues. Farmers have opposed new mining leases. Lawyers are suggesting names for the committee. The court wants to stop illegal mining. Mountain ranges cannot have a strict definition, one lawyer argued. The government assured no illegal mining will occur.

Congress has raised concerns with the Chief Electoral Officer in Assam. The party alleges thousands of Form 7 applications for voter deletion were submitted in bulk. These forms reportedly lack proper details and verification. Congress seeks urgent intervention and a compiled list of all submitted forms.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is promoting young leaders across its organization. New age limits are being set for national and state youth wing chiefs. This move aligns with the new party president Nitin Nabin's age profile. The party is also preparing for upcoming state elections. Focus will be on communication, cadre strength, and government coordination.

The BBC has announced a significant deal with YouTube. This partnership will bring British storytelling and news to a wider audience. New content will be produced specifically for YouTube's younger viewers. This move aims to connect the BBC with audiences in new ways. The collaboration will also focus on investing in new programming and supporting emerging British creators.

A Reddit post about an employee fired after a paycheck overpayment has sparked anger online. The worker says they did not notice the extra pay while on vacation and offered to return it. The company accused them of dishonesty and fired them. Many people believe the firing was unfair and extreme.

Maharashtra politics sees a new alliance. Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has joined hands with Raj Thackeray's MNS in Kalyan Dombivli. This move aims to isolate the BJP. The Shiv Sena and BJP had enough numbers to control the civic body. However, the Sena seeks MNS support to reduce BJP's influence.

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia is a popular long word that humorously refers to the fear of long words. Famous more for irony than clinical use, it is often circulated in educational and cultural situations. The word combines elements indicating size, complexity, and fear, largely exaggerating its meaning. Its popularity is in its contradiction, as the word itself can intimidate readers.

Kraft Heinz KHC stock: Kraft Heinz shares fell sharply after Berkshire Hathaway indicated it might sell its large stake. Warren Buffett's firm helped create Kraft Heinz. New CEO Greg Abel's leadership may bring changes. Investors are watching to see if this signals a shift in Berkshire's strategy. A sale could be a significant move for the company.

India is set to implement the SHANTI Act and its accompanying rulebook for nuclear energy within three months, aiming to transform the sector by opening it to private and non-government entities. Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted growing international interest, including from the US, and emphasized cautious implementation to balance expanded participation with essential safeguards.

Russia and China are traditionally strong supporters of the United Nations, and both are veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council.

Israel launched fresh strikes on what it said were Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon after raids earlier Wednesday killed two people, the latest violence despite a year-old ceasefire with the militant group. The November 2024 truce sought to end more than a year of hostilities, but Israel accuses Hezbollah of rearming, while the militant group has rejected calls to surrender its weapons. burs-str/lg/jfx

Team India secured a commanding 48-run victory over New Zealand in the first T20I. India posted a formidable 238 runs, powered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive 84 and Rinku Singh's unbeaten 44. New Zealand fought back with Glenn Phillips' 78, but ultimately fell short, reaching 190/7. India takes a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Calls are growing to use the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office. This constitutional provision allows for the transfer of presidential authority to the vice president. Concerns have risen over Trump's aggressive stance on acquiring Greenland. The amendment, ratified after John F Kennedy's assassination, has never been used to remove a president.

Trump at Davos 2026: President Trump shook Davos 2026 with a bold, transactional vision. He demanded Greenlands ownership, calling it essential American territory. He ruled out military force but threatened massive tariffs on hesitant allies. Trump slammed green energy scams while touting record U.S. economic growth. He claimed inflation is defeated and global peace is near. It was a defiant, America First ultimatum that left world leaders stunned and markets on edge.

As per the survey, 78% of respondents expect India's growth to remain in the 6.5-7% band in FY27, reflecting optimism arising out of the current growth momentum, which the majority of CXOs described as strong to stable, while 21% expect it to be between 6% and 6.5%, and only 1% of the respondents foresee it in the 7-7.5% range.

Independent directors at India's top companies saw significant pay increases last fiscal year. Larger corporations led this trend, offering more compensation for greater responsibilities and time. This rise reflects a willingness to reward demanding roles.

Autopay lets you pay bills automatically using credit or debit cards. Credit cards give rewards, improve credit, and help if bills come before payday, but can cause interest and late fees. Debit cards are safer, show real money, and avoid debt, but may offer fewer rewards. Choosing the right card saves money, avoids fees, and keeps payments simple.

Nagaland now requires birth certificates for school admissions and government jobs. This new rule applies to all official services. The Nagaland Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2024, are now in effect. Birth certificates will serve as the only proof of identity for various purposes. Citizens must ensure timely registration of births.

The 2026 Oscar nominations will be announced, broadcast, and livestreamed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. EST / 5:30 a.m. PST. ABC will broadcast the nominations on Good Morning America, while audiences can also stream on Hulu, Disney+, ABC News Live, Oscar.com, Oscar.org, and the Academys social media pages. Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman will present nominees across 24 categories, which also includes the new Best Casting award.

Donald Trump confused Greenland with Iceland during an incoherent speech at the World Economic Forum, reiterating his desire to acquire the Danish territory. He likened the potential annexation to European colonial history and threatened unstoppable force, despite existing treaties granting U.S. military access. His fixation has strained relations with European allies.

Meanwhile, the ECI simultaneously released a detailed guideline and directed the West Bengal CEOs office to display the names of persons with Logical Discrepancies and unmapped by January 24, as per the SC order.

President Trumps primary Air Force One jet turned back over the Atlantic on January 20, 2026, due to a minor electrical failure. The aging Boeing VC-25A safely returned to Maryland after lights flickered mid-flight. Trump quickly switched to a backup C-32A, landing in Zurich for the Davos summit.

Kyiv faces severe power and heating outages affecting thousands of buildings as Russia continues its bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Amidst freezing temperatures, President Zelenskyy is focused on restoring services, while international efforts for peace talks, including a planned meeting with President Trump, are underway.

A devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Shopping Plaza has claimed 61 lives. Thirty bodies were discovered in a single shop on the mezzanine floor. The blaze, which started in the basement, raged for 36 hours. Officials fear the toll may exceed 100. Investigations reveal poor fire safety measures.

Donald Trump stated he is 'reasonably close' to a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it a 'bloodbath' and urging Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy to settle it. He also discussed his past relationship with China's Xi Jinping and the strategic importance of Greenland for national security.

INTC stock today: Intel shares are soaring as investors believe CEO Lip-Bu Tan's turnaround strategy is working. Strong demand for server chips and strategic investments from Nvidia and SoftBank are boosting confidence. Despite past challenges, the company's data center growth and new product lines signal a potential resurgence, with a key earnings report on the horizon.

India achieved a record 44th 200-plus score in T20 internationals. They posted 238/7 against New Zealand. Opener Abhishek Sharma scored a rapid 84. He also became the fastest to 5000 T20 runs by balls faced. Rinku Singh contributed an unbeaten 44. This performance sets a strong tone for the series.

A builder faces judicial custody following the death of a software engineer in Greater Noida. A Special Investigation Team is investigating the Noida Authority for alleged negligence. The engineer's car fell into a water-filled pit near a construction site.

In a wide-ranging speech at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Switzerland, Trump touched on everything from his aim to acquire Greenland to his plans for Venezuela and the next chairman of the Federal Reserve.

The renewed scheme offers free treatment coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year, an increase from the earlier cap of Rs 3 lakh, Balagopal said in a statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron wore sunglasses indoors at the World Economic Forum due to a medical issue, a subconjunctival hemorrhage in his right eye. This condition, though harmless and temporary, sparked speculation and comparisons to fashion statements and political messaging, with some viewing it as a tough stance against global instability.

Ashton Kutcher has addressed persistent rumors about his and wife Mila Kunis's hygiene. Kutcher stated he showers regularly, especially after workouts. The couple previously joked about not bathing children daily, sparking widespread discussion. They later humorously reenacted the misunderstanding in a TikTok video. Kutcher confirmed his personal showering routine, dispelling the viral notion.