The Economic Times

Tej Pratap Yadav, who floated his own outfit, Janshakti Janata Dal, after being expelled from the RJD, was responding to queries about the decision taken at the party's national executive.

The government has extended deadlines for mandatory quality norms on aluminium cans used for alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and food processing, easing fears of shortages ahead of the peak summer season. Industry executives said the move will help balance rising demand and limited supply, as domestic can capacity remains more than 20% short.

The PFRDA has formed a 9-member committee, SAARG, to modernize the NPS investment framework. Headed by Narayan Ramachandran, the panel will review existing guidelines, benchmark them globally, and recommend enhancements for long-term wealth creation, diversification, and risk management. The committee has nine months to submit its report.

European leaders have shifted from appeasing Donald Trump to defying him, particularly after his demand to ake over Greenland. This unified stance, marked by sharp warnings and a refusal to be lackmailed, signals a new era of direct confrontation with the US president's disregard for international law and alliances.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items using redeem codes released regularly. These 12-character alphanumeric codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once. Players should visit reward.ff.garena.com to log in and enter the codes promptly to claim their rewards before they expire.

Delhi Police personnel are set to receive prestigious medals for gallantry, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions this Republic Day. The awards recognize acts of bravery, including confronting terrorists and gangsters, and highlight exemplary service in areas like forensic contributions and women's safety initiatives.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved Gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel. This includes the highest peacetime award, the Ashok Chakra, for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. He made history by visiting the International Space Station. Other awards include Kirti Chakras and Shaurya Chakras. Many brave soldiers are being honored for their courage and sacrifice.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, isolated spells of heavy rainfall and snowfall are very likely on January 27, particularly in the high-altitude districts of Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

Rishabh Sharmas kurta collection blends classical artistry with bold styling. From regal velvets to contemporary drapes, his wardrobe proves tradition can be powerful, expressive, and undeniably statement-making.

Governors in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu may alter their Republic Day speeches. This follows recent assembly incidents where governors refused to read government-drafted speeches. The opposition-ruled states are now awaiting the governors' actions on Monday. The national flag will be hoisted as usual. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between state governments and their respective governors.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated HD Kumaraswamy will not become Chief Minister again. He believes the BJP would prevent it if their alliance wins. Kumaraswamy, however, expressed confidence, recalling a past prediction by Siddaramaiah that proved incorrect. He mentioned public support for his return as CM.

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26th, honoring the nation's sovereign, democratic journey and the values of its Constitution. The occasion is marked by a collection of messages, wishes, and statuses to share the patriotic spirit and renew commitments to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

President Donald Trump has approved federal emergency disaster declarations in South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.

France detained the Indian captain of the oil tanker Grinch on Sunday for failing to fly a flag. The vessel, suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet, was seized by the French navy in the Mediterranean. The rest of the Indian crew remains on board the guarded tanker.

Addressing the state-level Voters' Day programme in Nashik, the top poll officer said there are plans to ensure that voters will receive an identity card within 15 days after their registration is approved.

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region witnesses a historic Republic Day as 41 villages freed from Maoist influence hoist the Tricolour for the first time. This marks a significant victory against 'Red Terror,' ushering in an era of peace and development, with security camps facilitating governance and welfare schemes.

The Indian government has announced the Padma Awards for 2026. These are the nation's highest civilian honours. The list includes Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri recipients. The awards recognise distinguished contributions across various fields. President of India will confer these honours at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The list features 131 awardees in total.

TikTok Down: American TikTok users can continue using the same app, according to TikTok. But exactly what American users will see on their TikTok feeds once the changeover happens remains unclear.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated justice is a living institution. He emphasized balancing continuity with change. Law must not resist transformation or embrace novelty without thought. Legal systems are inherited from centuries of struggle. Justice must remain faithful in a changing world. Technology can assist but not replace human judgment. Innovation must serve justice, not master it.

Poet Allen Ginsberg, a Beat Generation icon, championed authenticity and one of his quotes urges embracing one's true self, including passions and unconventional thoughts. The thought by Allen Ginsberg reminds us that being yourselffully and unapologeticallyis not madness, but a form of truth. The thought asks us to follow our inner moonlight and not to hide the madness.

Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism, emphasized that true wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of one's knowledge. His philosophy encourages harmony with the natural flow of existence, advocating humility and curiosity over arrogance. This ancient teaching remains relevant today, urging us to embrace learning by admitting what we don't know.

A viral video showing the Vande Bharat Express traversing the snow-covered Banihal Valley and Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir has left netizens awestruck and they have compared it with Switzerland. The video was shared on X by Sajjad Shaheen, MLA from Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir and it has gone viral online.

Quote of the day by Sylvia Plath: Sylvia Plath's words offer timeless wisdom. Her quote The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt remains a powerful reminder. It encourages overcoming internal uncertainty to unlock potential. In today's world, this message is vital for students, professionals, and creatives. Trusting oneself and embracing creativity are key to resilience and authentic living. Plath's insights continue to resonate across generations.

Following public outcry, the Koraput Collector has withdrawn an order that prohibited the sale of non-vegetarian food items on Republic Day. The initial directive, issued on January 23rd, was reportedly based on a suggestion from a preparatory committee. The revocation came swiftly after widespread criticism.

Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been spotted with Bigg Boss 13 fame Shefali Bagga, sparking fresh speculation online. This sighting comes amid ongoing chatter about Chahal and RJ Mahvash, who recently unfollowed each other on Instagram, reigniting dating rumors that first surfaced after Chahal's divorce.

Britain is set to launch a new national police force this week. This new body, called the 'British FBI', will handle major crimes like terrorism and fraud. It aims to support local police forces by taking on complex cases. The move is expected to improve efficiency and attract top talent. Plans will be presented to Parliament soon.

Wall Street mogul Jamie Dimon spoke about how JPMorgan Chase will hire employees in the near future due to the impact of AI. He said that he has plans to employ fewer employees in the next five years while speaking at Davos. The JPMorgan Chase CEO gave the example of truckers in the US, saying 2 million truckers can't be laid off tomorrow as the process can be phased in over time.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal's decision to name Tejashwi Yadav as its working president. The BJP stated this appointment rewards dynastic politics and the party's past rule. They highlighted Yadav's legal charges and the RJD's recent election defeat. The party described the RJD as a family-run business built on corruption and crime.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the Election Commissions celebration of National Voters Day, calling it a tragic farce. She accused the poll panel of acting on behalf of the BJP, bulldozing the opposition and weakening Indian democracy.

Pakistani teachers and private schools condemn the government's education strategy. They highlight declining student numbers and reduced school infrastructure. Concerns are raised about the lack of new teacher recruitment and frequent policy changes. Private schools face taxes and high rents, impacting affordability.

A devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Shopping Plaza has claimed 72 lives. Rescue operations continue as 12 people remain missing. The blaze, which started in the basement, spread rapidly through the complex. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and the reasons for the high casualty count.

Veteran journalist and acclaimed author Mark Tully, known for his extensive chronicling of India, passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi on Sunday. He was 90 years old. Tully, who served as the BBC's chief of bureau in New Delhi for 22 years, was also a celebrated author and presenter.

An Interpol Red Corner notice is expected for Dr Muzaffar Rather. He is accused of providing crucial support and funding from Afghanistan for the recent blast near Delhi's Red Fort. Rather, a paediatrician, is a proclaimed offender. Investigators have traced his activities to Afghanistan. He allegedly facilitated communication and funding for the attack.

French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for an accelerated legal process to ban social media for children under 15, aiming for implementation by September. This move follows concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health and exposure to harmful content.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has responded to a BJP minister's demand to rename KEM Hospital. Raut suggested the minister should also remove 'Trump' from his real estate project. This comes after the minister called for removing the British colonial link from the hospital's name. Raut pointed out that the US President has imposed tariffs on India.

Bengaluru-based Sensibull founder Abid Hassan has urged young people to prioritise upskilling over investing in gold and silver amid rising prices. He recounted his personal experience of selling a gold medal to fund coaching, emphasising that skills provide greater long-term value than tangible assets. His perspective highlights the opportunity cost of focusing on precious metals rather than personal development.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi states that air pollution significantly impacts the health and economy of India. He emphasizes that children and the elderly suffer the most. Gandhi calls for public awareness and encourages citizens to share their experiences with him. He believes raising voices is the first step towards addressing this crisis.

Republic day 2026 AI Stickers: Do you want to create and share Republic day 2026 AI Stickers on WhatsApp? You can create custom designs featuring the tricolour or national symbols using simple text prompts using the Meta AI features. This feature makes sending festive and meaningful greetings effortless. Users can also explore ready-made sticker packs or use third-party apps for unique creations.

India honors 45 unsung heroes with the Padma Shri award this Republic Day. These individuals include a former bus conductor who built the world's largest free library, a pediatrician who established Asia's first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old rare musical instrument player. Their remarkable contributions across various fields are recognized for empowering communities and saving lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the UAE's decision to observe 2026 as the 'Year of the Family'. He drew parallels to India's strong family traditions. Modi highlighted a Gujarat village's community kitchen as an example of fostering togetherness. The UAE's initiative aims to enhance harmony and community spirit among its citizens.

Mellifluous remains relevant because it bridges emotion and expression. It highlights how delivery can influence perception, often as much as content itself.

A shocking incident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, saw a woman arrested for allegedly injecting her ex-lover's wife, a doctor, with HIV. The accused, reportedly driven by jealousy, conspired with three others, staging an accident to administer the virus. Police said the woman stored the samples in her refrigerator, and the accused staged the road attack to carry out the plan.