The Economic Times

Speaking during a panel discussion on new age financing-mobilising capital for infrastructure creation and sustainable regional growth at ET House in Davos, Jharkhand's finance secretary Prashant Kumar said his state has started looking for new-age financing with blended finance and public-private partnerships to fund capital infrastructure.

Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away on Sunday at the age of 84. A key figure in Indian cricket administration, Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and led the Punjab Cricket Association for over three decades.

Miner Vedanta has embedded AI, automation, IoT, drones, digital twins, and predictive analytics into daily operations to drive measurable gains in safety, productivity, and resource efficiency. Tata Steel is leveraging AI to analyse workforce safety data, identifying critical safety insights including recurring root causes of incidents, flag high-risk zones, and monitor critical safety gaps.

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's energy system, causing widespread power outages and leaving over a million residents in Kyiv without electricity and heating amid sub-zero temperatures. The assault, which also affected other regions, occurred as U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine continued without compromise.

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu emerged among the top recipients of unsung hero Padma Awards announced ahead of Republic Day 2026, with six and five awardees respectively. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra received four awards each, while Jammu and Kashmir was conferred two. In total, 45 unsung Padma awardees were recognised across states and Union Territories.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the Election Commission is in the process of making public the list of unmapped and logical discrepancy voters after it was uploaded on the ECI website.

The Union home ministry announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri honours across fields such as arts, public affairs, science, sports, medicine and social work. Actor Dharmendra Singh Deol received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, along with former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan, classical violinist N Rajam, former Supreme Court judge KT Thomas and writer P Narayanan.

The Republic Day parade will showcase a wide range of new military hardware, including drones, loitering munitions, long-range weapons and a special tableau on Operation Sindoor. Many of these systems have been acquired recently under emergency procurement powers following hostilities with Pakistan.

The Tantrum Kings new board reflects his authority and whims, with members serving under his rule. Power, control, and loyalty dominate, while true checks, promotions, or independence are absent.

India's auto component sector anticipates accelerated technology transfers, joint ventures, and exports with the proposed EU free trade agreement. This pact is poised to boost electric vehicle and auto parts shipments, lower import costs, and integrate Indian suppliers deeper into European value chains, positioning India as a key partner.

India and the EU are seeking to advance their long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) by announcing the conclusion of negotiations for the pact and adopt a new joint strategic agenda to steer the partnership beyond the existing roadmap.

In a strategic move to revamp the National Pension System, India's PFRDA is assembling a dedicated committee aimed at reforming investment guidelines. This expert group will analyze and compare international practices alongside local market conditions. Its primary objectives include enhancing retirement portfolios, diversifying options, and strengthening risk management strategies.

S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq investors will look for a positive trading day in the U.S. Stock Market.

The maximum number of bravery medals, at 45, have been given to personnel deployed in the Jammu and Kashmir operations theatre, followed by 35 from Naxal violence-affected areas, and five who are posted in the northeast region.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has flagged serious lapses in the electoral hearing process at Basirhat, West Bengal, and directed the Chief Secretary to suspend Sumitra Pratim Pradhan, AERO and BDO of Basirhat-II, and initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS on the Axiom-4 mission, was awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his historic feat. Returning to India after his space odyssey, Shukla, once a shy boy inspired by Rakesh Sharma, now confidently shares his journey and experiences, inspiring many.

An employee resigned from their job due to the workload. He even decided to serve his notice period. However, the management reacted in an unprofessional manner and labeled him selfish.

Republic Day Parade 2026: A major highlight of the event will be the participation of the newly-raised 6th Bhairav Battalion, which will exemplify the Indian Army's transformation toward becoming a faster, more agile, and technology-driven combat force, it said.

A political storm has erupted in West Bengal after a BJP leader allegedly called Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a witch and advocated for her eheading. The TMC condemned the remarks, sharing a video and accusing the BJP of encouraging violence and misogyny, citing Prime Minister Modi's past comments.

Arsenal vs Manchester United: The iconic rivalry continues as Premier League's two of the most popular clubs are taking on each other on Sunday.

The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police concluded a six-day joint training exercise, 'Agni Pariksha,' in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative focused on enhancing inter-force combat synergy by familiarizing non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures and firing drills, fostering integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields.

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.