The Economic Times

In his remarks at a press statement delivered at the Hyderabad House here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU leader said he was also an overseas Indian citizen, as he pulled out his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card from his suit's pocket and showed it to the gathering.

UPS plans to cut thousands of jobs as it reduces Amazon deliveries and reshapes its business. The company is closing buildings, using more machines, and offering voluntary exits to some workers. Leaders say these steps will save money and improve long-term growth. Job changes will happen slowly through 2026.

India has secured duty concessions for agricultural exports like processed foods, tea, coffee, and spices under a new EU free trade agreement. This move aims to boost competitiveness and capture higher value in European markets. Strategic safeguards are in place for sensitive domestic sectors, while the pact also benefits marine products and traditional medicine services.

Arijit Singh 1st Wife: National Award and Padma Shri winner Arijit Singh announced his retirement from Bollywood playback singing on January 27, 2026. While stepping away from film songs, he will continue with live shows, concerts, tours, and independent music releases, ensuring his musical journey continues beyond the silver screen.

India and the EU have finalized a landmark Free Trade Agreement, poised to boost economic ties significantly. This pact will grant over 90% of Indian goods duty-free access to the EU, while the bloc gains concessions on 93% of its goods in India.

A statewide Odisha bandh has been called for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by the Navnirman Krushak Sangathan to protest alleged paddy procurement mismanagement. The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has lent its political support to the protest. While essential services are expected to remain operational, public transport and daily life are likely to be disrupted.

A foreign brokerage anticipates the Reserve Bank of India will cut the repo rate by 0.25% on February 6, marking the final reduction in the current easing cycle. This move is expected to be accompanied by substantial liquidity injections to support rate cut transmission amidst growth uncertainties and benign inflation.

The agreement was concluded at the India-EU summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

India's electronics sector is set for significant growth. A new trade deal grants Indian manufacturers easier access to the European Union's large electronics market. This agreement is expected to boost India's electronics exports to $50 billion by 2031. Indian companies will also benefit from cheaper access to advanced European machinery for producing complex electronics and semiconductors.

Dave Matthews Band Tour 2026: Dave Matthews Band has revealed an expansive 2026 summer tour that stretches from May through early September, starting with three Texas dates and concluding with a Labor Day weekend residency at Washingtons Gorge Amphitheatre. The itinerary includes comebacks to significant venues such as New Yorks Forest Hills Stadium, debut performances at newly opened amphitheaters, and multiple two-night stands across the country.

The U.S. dollar hit four-year lows in January 2026. This slide stems from a politicized Fed and coordinated intervention to boost the yen. Investors fear rising debt and trade wars. Consequently, capital is fleeing to hard assets. Gold recently breached $5,000 per ounce. Silver also hit a record $115. Meanwhile, the Chinese yuan strengthened to 6.95.

India and the European Union have reached a free trade agreement. This pact will offer more choices to consumers in both regions. It will also strengthen India's position in global automotive supply chains. Industry leaders believe this agreement will bring significant economic benefits and attract further investment. The deal is expected to boost exports and foster growth across various sectors.

United Parcel Service is set to embark on a significant restructuring journey, with intentions to cut 30,000 jobs and close down 24 facilities by the year 2026. This initiative is designed to steer the company towards more lucrative delivery options and to pivot away from its reliance on Amazon.

India has blocked China's request for a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute panel concerning India's incentive schemes for auto, battery, and electric vehicles. Beijing alleged these schemes violate global trade rules by discriminating against Chinese goods. Consultations between the two nations failed to resolve the dispute.

Arijit Singh has announced he is stepping away from new playback singing assignments to focus on personal growth and creative exploration. While completing existing commitments, he assures fans he is not quitting music, aiming to create and learn independently outside the commercial Bollywood system.

US Federal Reserve interest rate cut prediction: Lower rates stimulate the economy and jobs market while higher levels help dampen inflation -- which remains above the Fed's two-percent target.

Nincompoop is a very old English word that has been used since the 17th century. It appeared in early dictionaries, plays, and slang speech. Language experts still debate its true origin. Over time, the word stayed popular in English and is now commonly heard in casual and humorous conversations.

U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly fell in January to its lowest point since May 2014, dropping to 84.5. This decline was driven by heightened consumer anxiety regarding elevated prices, inflation, and a sluggish labor market, according to a Conference Board survey.

Homoeopathy practitioner Dr Sayajirao Gaikwad took to X to debunk several common myths about curd, clarifying that it does not cause colds, is not harmful when eaten at night, and can even support weight management and digestion. He emphasised that fresh, plain curd, when consumed in moderation, is beneficial for gut health, improves nutrient absorption, and can be safely included in the diet of diabetics when unsweetened.

UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle hailed India as the mother of all democracies, urging neighbours to reflect on its democratic values. He lauded India's vast electoral process during a Republic Day reception in London, highlighting robust India-UK ties driven by trade and cultural exchange. The event celebrated India's constitution and the strengthening bilateral partnership.

Al Roker is celebrating 30 years on NBCs Today show, but retirement is not part of his immediate plans. Speaking ahead of the occasion, he mentioned that he still loves his work and feels energized by the job. While admitting that no one stays on morning television forever, Roker highlighted, Today is bigger than any single personality. He also mirrored his unexpected career path and meaningful interviews.

Jennifer Anistons quote about happiness highlights her belief in personal choice and emotional strength. The Friends star has faced failures, fame, and personal challenges throughout her career. Her journey from struggling actress to global icon makes her message relatable and inspiring for people looking for positivity, growth, and motivation in everyday life.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the party's parliamentary strategy group held at the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi where the Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, were also present.

US stock market today: Dow slips as UnitedHealth rout offsets tech rally. S&P 500, Nasdaq hold near records. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 334.77 points to 49,077.63 on Tuesday, weighed down by a 15% plunge in UnitedHealth (UNH). While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose on tech optimism and a landmark India-EU trade deal, health insurers crumbled. The sell-off followed a federal proposal for nearly flat 2027 Medicare Advantage payment hikes. Investors pivoted from healthcare to AI-driven tec

India and the European Union have reached a historic milestone by concluding their free trade agreement negotiations. This significant pact is expected to catalyze a rise in Indian exports and attract international investment. Thanks to the agreement, more than 99 percent of Indian goods will enjoy preferential access to the EU market.

India's trade deal with the EU is a credit positive, according to Moody's, boosting manufacturing, foreign investment, and exports of labor-intensive goods. While lower EU import tariffs could ease costs, European carmakers will see enhanced market access, intensifying competition for domestic players. Overall gains depend on improved business friendliness and streamlined regulations.

India is expanding its social security agreements with European Union nations. Pacts are already in place with 14 EU countries. India hopes to finalize agreements with the remaining 13 within the next five years. These agreements prevent double contributions for Indian professionals working in the EU. This is a significant development for Indian businesses and skilled workers operating abroad.

Kim Kardashians quote, At the end of the day, life is about being happy being who you are, and I feel like we are so blessed to have the support system and the best family to really just support each other no matter what we're going through. states about happiness and family emphasizes values that resonate far beyond celebrity culture. It reminds us that success and visibility mean little without emotional support.

Word of the Day: Quintessence signifies the purest essence of something. This word describes the most perfect example of an idea or quality. It reminds us that meaning lies in what remains after removing the unnecessary. Understanding quintessence helps us recognize authenticity and value quality over quantity. It is used to describe characters, works, or people who perfectly embody a theme or quality.

Millions of US parents may get up to $1,000 for their children under a new Trump Accounts program. The money is not automatic and requires opening a government-backed account during tax filing. Extra funds are possible for some families due to a major private donation. Parents must act early to qualify.

Gulf coast of the United States: The extreme temperatures and prolonged cold will bring risks of hypothermia and frostbite, forecasters warned. Some modest warming is expected later in the week, they said, though hazardous wind chills are likely to persist through Friday.

A viral story claims medieval European women poisoned husbands daily, giving an antidote at night. Historians say this practice never happened. Medieval Europe lacked the science for such precise poisoning. Similar tales appear in later folklore and popular culture, not medieval records. The story is a modern myth, not historical fact.

Amazon layoffs affected employees severance package details are drawing attention as Amazon plans to cut up to 16,000 roles. The explainer covers who is impacted, why jobs are cut, what severance support employees may receive, and how investors view the move.

The IRS officially opened 2026 tax filing on January 26. Experts predict a 30% refund surge due to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. New federal breaks for seniors, families, and hourly workers are now active. Average payouts may exceed $4,000 this year. Use the Wheres My Refund? tool on IRS.gov to track your status. File electronically with direct deposit for the fastest processing.

Assam's Chief Minister announced a major electoral roll revision targeting the 'Miya' community. He expects to remove five lakh names. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised serious concerns about the ongoing revision process. They allege illegal interference and irregularities in the deletion of genuine voters. The political climate in Assam remains charged over electoral integrity.

Quote of the Day: Walt Whitman, a renowned American poet, championed independent thinking. His words urge readers to question what they are told and trust their inner voice. Whitman's life, from humble beginnings to his influential work 'Leaves of Grass', highlights his commitment to intellectual freedom. His enduring message resonates today, encouraging personal authenticity and critical examination of beliefs.

India and the European Union have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement. This deal supports India's shift to export-focused manufacturing. It aims to significantly increase electronics exports, reaching nearly 50 billion US dollars by 2031. The agreement also promotes job creation and innovation. This partnership leverages India's manufacturing scale and Europe's technological expertise for long-term industrial growth.

Budget 2026: India is making significant strides in infrastructure development. The PM Gati Shakti program has successfully reduced logistics costs, boosting competitiveness. Future efforts will focus on expanding highways, ports, and railways, encouraging private participation. Developing smart cities and leveraging digital public infrastructure will further drive economic growth and help India achieve its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.