The Economic Times

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met EU ambassadors to discuss global economic derisking ahead of the India-EU summit. The summit will see the conclusion of FTA negotiations, aiming to strengthen ties for resilient supply chains, public goods provision, and global stability through enhanced trade and security partnerships.

The Congress party alleged that the recently enacted G RAM G scheme was part of the Centre's design to deny workers right-based MGNREGA and by ending it, the government has attacked the poor and weaker sections of rural India, and this is being opposed across the country

Fresh tension grips Manipur after a man was found dead following his kidnapping. Suspected United Kuki National Army militants abducted the 38-year-old and his wife. A video shows the victim being shot. The incident has reignited ethnic divides.

LinkedIn AI report: LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman argues that US companies are missing the biggest AI productivity gains by focusing on chief AI officers and pilot teams. True transformation, he states, comes from automating everyday work and fostering open employee learning, not secret experimentation. Companies integrating AI into daily tasks will see compounding gains over time.

Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to sue The New York Times. This action follows the publication of an opinion poll by the newspaper. The poll indicated a decline in voter support for the Republican figure. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the poll results will be part of his ongoing legal action against the publication.

With an impressive 16 nominations, Sinners has emerged as the dominant force this awards season. The film's success stems from its bold storytelling, technical mastery, and emotionally resonant performances, reflecting a clear and confident directorial vision. This widespread recognition across major and technical categories signals a strong alignment with the Academy's evolving taste for complex narratives.

Paramount is extending its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is also preparing for a proxy fight. Warner's board favors a deal with Netflix. Paramount argues its offer is better for shareholders. The battle for Warner is complex, with different assets being targeted. The outcome could face significant regulatory review. Both Warner and Netflix shares saw minor dips.

Donald Trump's policies are reshaping global dynamics. The United States now views Europe as a rival, potentially weakening transatlantic ties. This shift creates opportunities for China to expand its influence. America is exhibiting tendencies towards resource imperialism, a strategy ill-suited for the 21st century. These developments signal a fundamental turning point in world power structures.

U.S. stocks surged as small caps took the lead. The Russell 2000 jumped 1.25% to 2,731.77, hitting a fresh record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite also advanced. Dow climbed 435.64 points, or 0.89%, to 49,512.87. The S&P 500 advanced 0.70% to 6,924.01, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.03%, finishing at 23,463.04.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized European allies for a slow, fragmented response to Russia's ongoing aggression, urging the continent to become a global force. He lamented that a year after his previous warning, Europe's defense posture remains unchanged, leaving Ukraine vulnerable. Zelenskyy's remarks followed a meeting with U.S. President Trump, who is pushing for a peace settlement.

EU leaders are set to discuss reducing reliance on the U.S. following President Trump's unpredictable actions and threats of tariffs. Concerns persist over his approach, prompting a need for a long-term strategy to navigate the transatlantic relationship and enhance European independence.

Greenland's leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen has stated the territory wants peaceful talks with the United States. He stressed Greenland wishes to stay with Denmark for now. Nielsen declared that respecting Greenland's sovereignty is a red line. He added that only Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark can make agreements concerning them.

India's Election Commission is offering international poll bodies help with technology and training. They want to share their ECINET platform and expertise. This collaboration aims to strengthen democracy globally. Many countries showed interest in adopting India's election management solutions.

Elon Musk believes artificial intelligence will soon be smarter than all humans combined. This advancement will reshape jobs and life's purpose. Musk also noted energy shortages could limit AI growth. He suggested space could become the cheapest location for AI systems. Tesla's humanoid robots and self-driving technology are also progressing rapidly.

A Reddit user shared a job rejection email that was surprisingly kind. The message acknowledged the applicant's creativity despite not meeting experience requirements. This thoughtful approach made the applicant feel seen during a tough job search. The post highlights how empathy in rejections can leave a positive, lasting impression on candidates navigating the challenging job market.

A young product manager shared her layoff story on Reddit, explaining how job loss broke her confidence but did not break her spirit. After months of rejection and stress, she received the right guidance and support. Her journey reminds people that layoffs are painful, but they do not define the future or decide success forever.

Courts globally are penalising lawyers for submitting fake legal citations generated by AI, emphasizing that AI errors do not excuse professionals from accountability. Judges are holding legal practitioners responsible for accuracy, even for unintentional mistakes, with sanctions ranging from fines to public reprimands. This strict enforcement of existing duties highlights that human oversight remains crucial in legal practice.

A massive structural shift is hitting the 2026 job market. Amazon, Intel, and Microsoft have joined 17 other giants to cut over 165,000 roles. This is not a simple recession. Companies are trading human payroll for AI infrastructure. Intel is slashing 15% of its staff to save billions. Amazon is removing middle management layers. Microsoft is funding data centers through layoffs. This reset signals a permanent, tech-driven workforce evolution.

Karnataka is rapidly expanding into new-age sectors like data centres, AI, and green energy, building on its decades-long success in traditional industries. Senior minister MB Patil highlighted the state's strong ecosystem, its leadership in machine tools and aerospace, and its growing prominence as India's startup capital.

Following recent transatlantic turmoil, European officials are exploring economic leverage against the U.S. They are considering actions like selling U.S. bonds and targeting the services trade, though the effectiveness of these threats remains a key question due to EU decision-making complexities.

GE stock price today: GE Aerospace shares dipped despite strong Q4 results and upbeat 2026 guidance. While profit and revenue surged, investors worry about a growth slowdown. The company anticipates continued earnings and cash flow expansion, driven by robust demand in air travel and its services segment, though growth rates are projected to moderate.

Odisha has implemented a comprehensive ban on all tobacco and nicotine products, including chewable and non-chewable varieties, regardless of flavoring or additives. This stringent measure aims to address severe public health concerns, particularly the high rate of smokeless tobacco consumption in the state, which is linked to various cancers and oral health issues.

Delroy Lindo, a celebrated actor, is making his directorial debut with a feature film set in Jamaica, marking a milestone in his nearly five-decade career. The story, which Lindo has been associated with since 2015 and officially acquired in 2021, examines concepts of power, spirituality, and community healing. Set in the scenic Blue Mountains, the movie combines magical realism with emotional narrative.

Karnataka is attracting significant investments as RPSG Group plans a Rs 10,500 crore outlay in renewable energy. Several other major companies, including InoxGFL, Ramky Group, Tech Mahindra, and Lenovo, are also exploring substantial investments and partnerships across various sectors like wind energy, waste management, IT, and manufacturing.

Reliance Industries has consolidated 16 wholly owned subsidiaries into its clean-energy arm, Reliance New Energy Limited. This strategic move streamlines its growing businesses in hydrogen, energy storage, and power electronics. The amalgamation, effective January 21, 2026, aims to integrate diverse operations under a unified structure.

America's economy showed stronger growth than first reported for the July to September period. Corporate profits also saw an upward revision. This expansion was driven by increased exports and business investment. Consumer spending remained a key factor. However, a K-shaped recovery is noted, with higher-income households and large corporations benefiting more.

Election Commission has stood its ground regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, presenting its case to the Supreme Court. The commission emphasized that the process is both just and well-founded, urging the court to dismiss any opposition from NGOs and political entities.

IRA contribution rules decide who gets tax benefits and who does not. Traditional IRAs may lower your tax bill, but Roth IRAs do not. Income, filing status, and workplace plans matter. Knowing these rules helps people save smarter, reduce taxes, and plan better for retirement without surprises later.

Kevin OLeary crypto strategy: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary is pivoting from token investments to infrastructure, acquiring 26,000 acres for AI and crypto operations. He plans to lease land and power for bitcoin mining and data centers, likening his strategy to real estate development. O'Leary remains bullish only on Bitcoin and Ethereum, dismissing other cryptocurrencies.

Artificial intelligence is changing how people start businesses and approach careers. Job insecurity and new AI tools are pushing individuals towards entrepreneurship. Platforms show a significant rise in people identifying as founders. Governments are working to make risk-taking more survivable.

Trade ministers and WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met in Davos to strategize for the upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon. Discussions centered on global trade policy challenges, potential compromises on key negotiating topics like Investment Facilitation, and WTO reform priorities. Switzerland emphasized its commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system amidst global tensions.

US stock market rallied for a second straight day as investor confidence improved. The Dow Jones rose 245 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq neared record highs. Investors cheered the withdrawal of threatened 10% tariffs on European allies. Markets now pivot to the crucial PCE inflation index release. This data remains the Federal Reserves favorite gauge for determining future interest rate cuts.

Billionaire Elon Musk will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. This marks a significant change for Musk, who has previously criticized the event. He will join a panel discussion with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink. Musk's participation comes amid his involvement in global debates concerning SpaceX's satellite internet and his AI chatbot Grok.

US President Donald Trump temporarily suspended threats to seize Greenland, ruling out military action and tariffs after facing internal division and strong European opposition. While retreating from overt aggression, Trump's desire for influence over Greenland's minerals and strategic installations persists, signaling ongoing diplomatic complexities.

Mumpsimus describes the stubborn adherence to a proven error, often due to habit or pride, even when presented with clear evidence to the contrary. This medieval term, originating from a priest's mispronunciation, remains relevant today, highlighting the dangers of entrenched thinking in various aspects of life and encouraging intellectual humility.

New 401(k) plans may soon offer alternative investments like private equity and crypto. These options could bring more choice, but also higher fees, lower flexibility, and more risk. Experts say changes will be slow and mostly inside target-date funds. Savers should carefully check costs, risks, and whether these investments truly fit their long-term retirement goals.

President Donald Trump met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos. Trump conveyed to President Vladimir Putin that the war must end. A US delegation will meet Putin soon. Trump previously stated he was close to a deal to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized the need to save lives and end the conflict.

Oscars nominations 2026: 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' are grabbing headlines at Academy Awards 2026 which will be held on March 15.

Russia will provide one billion dollars from its frozen assets for Gaza's reconstruction. President Vladimir Putin announced this commitment during talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. The funds will be channeled through a US-initiated peace council. Putin emphasized that a sovereign Palestinian state is crucial for lasting peace in West Asia. Abbas expressed gratitude for Russia's long-standing support for Palestine.

Lawrence Jones, co-host of Fox & Friends, the morning show on Fox News, recently went off the air, making audiences concerned. Jones, who joined the network in 2018 and became a permanent co-host in 2023, shared an update on his X account. Popular for his reporting on Lawrence Jones Cross Country and co-hosting events such as Charlie Kirks memorial service, Jones is a well-recognized personality on the program.

The Indian Air Force has voiced its displeasure regarding entry fees collected for an air show in Nashik. The IAF stated it does not charge for such events, which aim to inspire youth. Local officials clarified the fees were for amenities and crowd control, with funds going to soldiers' welfare.