The Economic Times

Economic Survey 2026: India is making significant strides in infrastructure development, blending public investment with the dynamism of the private sector. This holistic approach is enhancing operational efficiency and connectivity across the nation. We can observe remarkable innovations in transportationbe it roads, railways, or aviationas well as advancements in digital frameworks.

India's annual economic survey recommends reducing the cost of capital by diversifying financing beyond banks and lowering taxes on debt instruments. The survey suggests reforms to strengthen long-term capital markets, including credit enhancement facilities and revised investment guidelines for long-term funds. It also advocates for a shift to activity-based regulation to prevent regulatory arbitrage.

India's economic future hinges on disciplined Swadeshi, moving beyond naive globalisation. The nation must build strategic indispensability by strengthening state capacity. This involves fostering durable productive capabilities and reducing external vulnerabilities. Focus shifts to effective governance and execution for long-term economic strength and global integration.

Over 2.22 crore individuals secured jobs through 18,000 job fairs nationwide in the past year. The government highlights growing employment and a declining unemployment rate of 3.2 percent. The National Career Service Portal connects job seekers with employers, facilitating career services and skill development opportunities for millions.

Economic Survey: The TRIPS shift had challenged the very foundation of India's competitive advantage, reverse engineering and cost-efficient process innovation. However, the manner in which the sector responded offers a compelling template for industries currently confronting Trump's tariffs, the survey noted.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and tech billionaire, has admitted that work cannot be enjoyable all the time, adding that even afe=ter stepping down as CEO, he is busy with meetings all day long. The tech titan revealed that one must work really hard if they are interested in starting a company. If you get half your job to be fun, you're crushing it, he said at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit.

PlayStation Plus February 2026 monthly games feature Undisputed, Subnautica: Below Zero, Ultros, and Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. Available for all subscribers from February 3, these titles join a landscape of rumors regarding a PS6 delay to 2029 and a leaked February State of Play showcase.

Parliament's Budget Session is set for a busy agenda. Discussions will cover the President's Address and the Union Budget. Opposition parties have raised important issues for debate. The Economic Survey has been presented, paving the way for the Budget. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's growth and the new Free Trade Agreement. The session will conclude in April.

From rich reds to royal greens, these heavy ethnic suits prove how traditional silhouettes can still feel powerful, modern, and unforgettable.

India faces a complex global landscape. The Economic Survey 2025-26 advises a dual approach, balancing long-term goals with immediate needs. Building resilience and innovation are key. Policy credibility and discipline are now strategic assets. India must prioritize domestic growth and shock absorption. Generating foreign exchange is crucial to manage rising imports. Despite global challenges, India's strong fundamentals offer buffers.

During the presentation of the 2026-27 budget, Kerala's Finance Minister K N Balagopal emphasized the vital role of unity among Keralites for the state's advancement. As part of his vision, he launched a significant project focusing on documenting the state's diverse religious and cultural heritage.

Economic Survey 2026: India is focusing its Artificial Intelligence strategy on solving everyday problems. This plan prioritises economic and social impact over prestige. It aims to leverage India's strengths for scalable, cost-effective solutions. The focus is on task-specific systems and workforce development for an AI-driven economy.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 argues that public behavior is driven by contextual design and institutional trust, not culture. Systems with clear design, predictable enforcement, and reliable service foster cooperation, as seen in metro systems, leading to orderly conduct by making rule-following the rational choice.

India's agriculture sector is vital for national development. While growth is evident, challenges like climate change and productivity gaps persist. Reforms in fertilizers, research, irrigation, and crop diversification are essential. Strengthening farmer groups and digital platforms will boost transparency and access. Expanding high-growth areas like horticulture and dairy will drive inclusive economic development and job creation.

Economic Survey: The proposed shift from input subsidy to income support aims to correct a three-decade-old imbalance in fertiliser use that is degrading soil quality and undermining crop yields, the document, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, stated.

A Special Investigation Team in Telangana has summoned K Chandrasekhar Rao for questioning. The probe concerns allegations of illegal phone tapping during the previous BRS government. K Chandrasekhar Rao, the former Chief Minister, received the notice. This follows earlier questioning of his son and other party leaders. The case involves surveillance of various prominent individuals.

Red auroras Hanle Ladak: Auroral activity was recorded by the all-sky camera at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, on the nights of January 19 and 20. This is the sixth instance during the current solar cycle when intense red-coloured auroras have been captured at the site and the rare blood-red night sky in Ladakh's Hanle has left the internet stunned.

India's Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the 'Orange Economy,' emphasizing live entertainment and concerts as significant growth drivers. The report identifies the concert economy's potential to boost urban services, tourism, and employment, while also noting existing bottlenecks like venue shortages and regulatory hurdles that need addressing for India to scale up this sector.

Kerala's Finance Minister K N Balagopal unveiled a budget for 2026-27. It promises a Rs 14,500 crore boost for pensioners and community programs. The budget also announces the 12th Pay Revision Commission and hikes for ASHA and Anganwadi workers. New schemes for women's health and autorickshaw workers are included. Pending DA and DR arrears will be cleared.

India's government is set to achieve its fiscal deficit goal of 4.4 percent of GDP this financial year. This achievement follows a period of fiscal consolidation and increased public investment. The nation has seen three sovereign rating upgrades. Markets have responded positively to the government's commitment to fiscal discipline. This positive trend is expected to continue.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Tharoor stated all is good and he is on the same page with the leadership. The meeting followed reports of Tharoor being upset with the party. He clarified that the chief ministerial face for Kerala polls was not discussed. Tharoor expressed satisfaction with the constructive discussion.

Germany holds a vast gold reserve in a New York vault. With gold prices at record highs, selling a portion could generate big money. This move could help reduce national debt and fund crucial infrastructure and rearmament projects. While politically sensitive, the economic advantages of liquidating some of this valuable asset are compelling.

India's development strategy now prioritizes climate action. Adaptation is key to building resilient growth. The nation aims for developed status by 2047, requiring sustainable growth. Raising climate ambition, especially in reducing emissions, needs financial and technological support. Developed nations' slow progress highlights India's need to focus on adaptation to protect development gains.

India's digital growth brings a new concern. The Economic Survey 2026 highlights digital addiction's toll on young minds and productivity. Excessive smartphone, social media, and gaming use leads to anxiety, depression, and reduced focus. The survey calls for digital wellness education and healthier habits to ensure mental well-being and long-term productivity for the nation.

A devastating fire near Kolkata has claimed 21 lives, with 28 people still missing. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in the affected Anandapur area. This measure comes ahead of a planned visit by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders. The blaze destroyed godowns and a momo company manufacturing unit. DNA mapping will begin to identify the victims.

The Lok Sabha adjourned, with the Economic Survey for 2025-26 tabled. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1. This marks her ninth consecutive budget. The survey reviews the economy's past performance and guides future policy.

The Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26. This annual review precedes the Union Budget for 2026-27, which the Finance Minister will present on Sunday. The survey document, including a statistical appendix, was presented in both English and Hindi. The adjournment followed the tabling of the crucial economic report.

The CBI is conducting searches across Kolkata. This is part of a probe into a massive bank fraud totaling around Rs 1,000 crore. The investigation focuses on a Kolkata-based finance company and its promoters. Funds were allegedly siphoned off between 2014 and 2020. The company is accused of defaulting on loans from a public sector bank and others.

A 24-year-old SWAT commando Kajal Chaudhary was assaulted by her husband with a dumbbell at their house in Delhi's Mohan Garden. Five days later, Kajal died of severe injuries and police arrested her husband, a clerk with the Ministry of Defence, on the same day of the incident. Ankur started beating Kajal when she was talking with her brother on the phone.

Jennifer Wingets glam gowns redefine red-carpet elegance, blending sculpted silhouettes, fluid drapes, and modern sensuality into a wardrobe that consistently turns heads.

Economic Survey 2026: India's tax administration is shifting towards a data-driven, behavioral approach, utilizing udges to enhance compliance and reduce litigation. The NUDGE framework, focusing on timely information and gentle prompts, has successfully encouraged voluntary corrections, leading to significant increases in declared assets, income, and tax collections.

Realme P4 Power 5G has launched in India with a world-first 10,001mAh Titan Battery, 144Hz 1.5K AMOLED display, and Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset. Priced effectively from 23,999, it offers 80W fast charging, IP69 durability, and a unique transparent design. Sale begins February 5th on Flipkart and Realme.com.

New UGC regulations: In a stern obversation, the SC said it hoped that India was not going to have segregated schools. Is India becoming a regressive society, the bench asked.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was laid to rest with full state honours in Baramati. His sons performed the final rituals. Prominent leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, attended the funeral. Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday. Investigations into the accident are underway.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed displeasure over members constantly talking during Question Hour. He stated that such behavior disrupts proceedings and is against the dignity of the House. Members wishing for extended discussions were advised to step outside the chamber. Birla warned that he would name those disturbing the proceedings. He specifically asked K. C.

Economic Survey 2026: India's exports show resilience against increasing US tariffs. Structural reforms and policy measures have boosted growth. Foreign exchange reserves provide a strong buffer. Diversified trade agreements with the UK, Oman, New Zealand, and the EU support export momentum. The undervalued rupee cushions tariff impacts and controls inflation. India's trade strategy is adapting to global shifts.

India's future cities will be designed to save time and boost creativity. The Economic Survey 2025-26 outlines a plan for urban India. Cities will become economic engines, housing millions and contributing significantly to GDP. The focus will be on productivity and quality of life. Neighbourhoods will be planned for short travel distances, reducing daily stress and improving efficiency.

ED said it has detected fraudulent diversion of public money by various Reliance Anil Ambani group companies including Reliance Communications (RCom), RHFL, RCFL, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RIL) and Reliance Power Ltd (RPL).

The Economic Survey 2026 said the rupee underperformed in 2025 and is trading below levels suggested by Indias economic fundamentals. It noted that a weaker rupee does not hurt for now, as it helps soften the impact of higher US tariffs on Indian exports and poses no immediate inflation risk from costlier crude imports.

A former NATO commander considers a world without American leadership in the alliance. Europe's collective defence budget is substantial. European nations possess a strong industrial base and are rapidly advancing in military production. So, Europe won't look too bad without NATO.

Vaa Vaathiyaar OTT release date: : Karthis action-comedy film is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, making a swift digital debut just 14 days after its Pongal release. Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, this MGR-themed cop drama features Krithi Shetty and Sathyaraj. Stream it now in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix, focusing on Benedict Bridgertons Cinderella-esque romance with the mysterious Sophie Baek. Discover the global release schedule, India timings, and how to watch Benedict and Sophies journey at the masquerade ball in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu as the social season returns.

Sunny Deols casual looks reflect confidence, comfort, and timeless masculinity, perfect inspiration for men who prefer practical style with a strong, effortless edge.

Some characters don't just entertain, they stay with us long after the credits roll. From small-town heroes to complex anti-heroes, these OTT icons became unforgettable parts of our streaming journey forever.

Latest OTT releases this week (Jan 26-Feb 1) are headlined by Ranveer Singhs 1000-crore blockbuster Dhurandhar on Netflix and the global return of Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1. From Nivin Paulys Sarvam Maya to Karthis Vaa Vaathiyaar, here is your definitive guide to new movies on OTT this week.

A chilling poster has surfaced in Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. It warns the Garo community to leave their land by 2027. The poster, allegedly from ISIS, has triggered a swift police investigation. Authorities are treating the threat seriously, aiming to maintain peace and communal harmony. Additional security has been deployed in sensitive areas.

Indias Economic Survey projects growth of 6.87.2% in FY27, highlighting resilience despite global uncertainty. The economy is expected to expand 7.4% in FY26, beating RBI estimates, supported by investment, manufacturing and rate cuts, with GDP crossing $4 trillion. India is now the worlds fourth-largest economy.