The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Top executives at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2026 warn that Artificial Intelligence will cause significant job losses. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon stated AI's impact is unavoidable, leading to fewer jobs in the next five years. Deloitte CEO Joe Ucuzoglu acknowledged disruption but noted new jobs will emerge.
European Central Bank policymakers are patient on interest rates. Inflation remains near the two percent target. Projections show inflation staying close to this level. Wage growth supports domestic price increases. The bank is ready to act if needed. The next meeting is on February fifth.
Older Americans may qualify for a new $6,000 IRS tax deduction in 2026. The benefit targets seniors facing rising healthcare, grocery, and housing costs. Eligible taxpayers aged 65 and older could save up to $1,320. Income limits apply. The deduction phases out at higher earnings. Refunds may increase significantly. Filing rules matter. Details could change your tax outcome.
Taylor Sheridans quote of the day talks about how people are not perfect. It reflects his style of storytelling, where characters are real and flawed. Sheridan is a famous writer and creator of Yellowstone. His life experiences and ranch background shape his movies and TV shows, making them feel honest and relatable.
Donald Trump launched a 'Board of Peace' in Davos, drawing a controversial mix of leaders including strongmen like Javier Milei and Viktor Orban. Despite Trump's claims of ending wars, the event saw tepid applause and few European attendees. Many influential leaders avoided the gathering, fearing backlash and disagreeing with its premise.
Quote of the Day: Albert Camus, shaped by hardship, believed meaning is created through present action, attention, and honesty, not postponed future happiness. His enduring quote emphasizes that true generosity to the future lies in fully engaging with and ethically living the present moment, a philosophy that continues to resonate.
Thought of the Day: In an age marked by anxiety about the future, the Thought of the Day by Paulo Coelho reflects that certainty is not the ultimate goal. Understanding comes from courage to step forward without knowing exactly where the path will lead.
Lokesh, who met Reddy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, felicitated the chief minister with a Mangalagiri shawl and presented him with a memento.
Greenland's strategic Arctic location places it at the heart of potential nuclear war flight paths, a key reason behind President Trump's push for U.S. ownership. He cites this as vital for his Golden Dome missile defense system, though experts question the necessity of acquisition given existing defense agreements and evolving technology.
Trump tariffs Supreme Court ruling: Investors are watching a Supreme Court case on presidential tariff powers. The decision could clarify presidential authority, impacting company profits and retirement savings. While immediate tariff changes are unlikely, market uncertainty may rise. Any refunds for collected tariffs also remain a question. Long-term investors should maintain focus on their goals.
Beyoncs quote, I dont like to gamble, but if theres one thing Im willing to bet on, its myself, conveys the significance of self-confidence and trusting your own capabilities. As a globally recognized singer, performer, and businesswoman, Beyonc exemplifies determination and resilience. The quote urges people to prioritize self-belief, take control of their ambitions, and embrace challenges without depending on others validation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed frustration during a function in Siwan. He questioned why women were leaving while he was detailing government initiatives for them. The Chief Minister launched projects worth over Rs 200 crore in the district as part of his 'Samriddhi Yatra'.
Delhi-NCR sees a welcome improvement in air quality, leading to the revocation of GRAP-3 restrictions. While GRAP-1 and GRAP-2 measures remain in effect, authorities are hopeful these steps will prevent a decline in air quality during the Diwali period.
Netflix Movie of the Day: Elizabeth Smart was returned to her family nine months after she was kidnapped from her bedroom in June 2002.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended rules to curb toll evasion and prepare for barrier-free tolling. Vehicles with unpaid toll dues will now face restrictions on sale, transfer, and fitness certificate renewal, requiring clearance of all outstanding charges before these processes can proceed.
President Trump is demanding a 10% cap on credit card interest rates to slash record debt. Current APRs exceed 21%, costing Americans billions. Trump set a January 20, 2026, deadline for banks to comply voluntarily, but most lenders refused. Now, he is urging Congress to pass a one-year federal law. While this horseshoe alliance with progressives could save consumers $100 billion, banks warn it may force millions of card cancellations.
The Legally Blonde prequel turns the clock back on one of Hollywoods most recognisable characters, tracing Elle Woods life well before her Harvard Law days.
Tata Group will invest eleven billion dollars to build an Innovation City near Navi Mumbai International Airport. This project includes a data center. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the plan. International investors are showing strong interest. The initiative aims to make Mumbai a global innovation hub. Development is expected to begin in six to eight months.
President Trump declared the end of American leadership in the post-WWII liberal democratic order at Davos, asserting the US would no longer subsidize allies and vowing to continue his trade war. He also flip-flopped on using tariffs for Greenland. Meanwhile, China's Xi Jinping was presented as a champion of globalization, contrasting with Trump's America First approach.
In its report, jointly prepared with the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the Aayog has called for additional incentives to manufacturers under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells to promote the uptake of recycled materials saying advancing the circular economy framework for E-waste and Lithium-ion Battery scrap is a national priority.
President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace at Davos on January 22, 2026. This new group will oversee post-war Gaza and global conflicts. Trump serves as the lifelong Chairman. Over 20 nations joined, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. Membership costs $1 billion for a permanent seat. The board aims to raise $53 billion for reconstruction. It acts as a private alternative to the United Nations.
Weather forecast snow storm warning: Nineteen states include Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.
Michelle Obama firmly stated her opposition to her husband, Barack Obama, running for a third term, even if laws were changed. She believes two terms are sufficient, emphasizing the need for new visions and energy to address the country's evolving challenges. Obama highlighted the importance of fresh perspectives from younger generations.
Skills Accelerator is a multistakeholder platform aimed at identifying, scaling, and accelerating innovative solutions and publicprivate partnerships to address critical skills gaps in the workforce by promoting lifelong learning, industry-aligned training, and large-scale reskilling. Currently active skill accelerator countries include Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria and Qatar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the NDA's election campaign in Tamil Nadu on January 23. The event in Madurathakam will see leaders from allied parties present. Efforts are underway to bring more allies into the fold. A large public meeting is anticipated, marking a significant start to the campaign to unseat the DMK.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot dramatically exited a legislative session after reading only a few lines of the government-prepared address, which reportedly criticized central policies. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the act as an insult, vowing to explore legal action. This follows similar gubernatorial walkouts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, highlighting escalating political tensions.
Simonize meaning: Simonize, a word born from a car wax brand, means to polish to a high shine. This term is now used for more than just cars. It can describe making speeches or essays gleam. The word's journey shows how language evolves. It offers a vivid way to describe polishing both physical items and abstract concepts.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with EU ambassadors. He stressed stronger India-EU ties will de-risk the global economy. Cooperation on supply chains and security partnerships will stabilize the world order. Upcoming visits by European leaders for Republic Day were noted. Spain's Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI was also launched.
Delhi-NCR breathes easier as GRAP 3 restrictions were lifted Thursday, thanks to a significant improvement in air quality. The Air Quality Index dropped to 332, prompting the Commission on Air Quality Management to relax curbs. Forecasters predict the AQI will likely stay in the moderate to poor range, offering continued relief.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu revealed that investment pledges totaling Rs 2.5 lakh crore from the 2025 World Economic Forum have been realised. He shared this at the 2026 WEF in Davos. Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh's progress in green energy, technology, and AI.
Madonna was reportedly appalled after encountering her ex-husband Sean Penn recently, according to Rob Shuters Naughty But Nice Substack. The pop star was astonished by Penns gray hair and natural aging, which insiders stated compelled her to confront a reality she prefers to keep tightly controlled. The actor looks his age, and seeing him without filters,cosmetic procedures, or Hollywood tricks was a shock to Madonnas system.
SAEL Industries has commissioned a 1 gigawatt solar plant in Gujarat. This project will supply power to support the state's energy needs. The plant uses over 15 lakh solar modules, many assembled in-house. SAEL Industries is a renewable energy company with significant solar assets across India. The company is also preparing for an initial public offering.
Following Donald Trump's optimistic statement about a good trade deal with India, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed encouragement, highlighting India's significant role in global trade. Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a fantastic man and a friend, underscoring his respect for the Indian leader.
Indus Towers, India's leading telecom tower firm, is establishing a wholly owned subsidiary in GIFT City, Gujarat. This new entity will function as an investment holding company for its overseas operations and manage treasury functions, leveraging the IFSC framework's tax benefits and financial ease. The move aims to support group entities and is expected to be completed after regulatory approvals.
Rimi Sen, former Bollywood actress and now a real estate entrepreneur in Dubai, praised her Dhoom co-star John Abraham for his strategic approach to acting. She highlighted how he recognized his early limitations, chose roles that suited him, and gradually honed his skills, eventually expanding into production and business. Rimi used his journey as an example of how self-awareness and smart choices can lead to long-term success.
Gold loan NBFCs are set for significant growth. Assets under management are projected to reach over Rs 4 lakh crore by March 2027. This surge is driven by rising gold prices and a shift towards secured credit. NBFCs are expanding their reach to meet borrower demand. Regulatory changes are also expected to support this expansion.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea to stop Prasar Bharati from referring to the BCCI's cricket team as 'Team India'. The court termed the plea frivolous. Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul M Pancholi upheld the Delhi High Court's earlier order. The bench questioned the petitioner's argument, stating the team represents India.
India is becoming a major center for electronics production. Global companies are shifting manufacturing from China to India and Vietnam. This move is driven by economic reasons and the need for stable supply chains. The pandemic highlighted the importance of having diverse manufacturing locations. India's growing electronics sector offers significant opportunities for investment and job creation.
Seven individuals have been arrested following the collapse of a new water tank in Surat, Gujarat. The incident injured three laborers. Gujarat's Chief Minister has ordered stringent action against all responsible contractors and officials. The opposition has criticized the state government, alleging widespread corruption in awarding contracts and compromising construction quality.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has released the tentative exam dates for NEET-PG and NEET-MDS 2026. NEET-MDS is scheduled for May 2, 2026, with an internship completion deadline of May 31, 2026. NEET-PG will be held on August 30, 2026, requiring internship completion by September 30, 2026. Both exams will be computer-based.
Google has launched free, full-length SAT practice tests inside the Gemini app, making high-quality test prep accessible to all. Developed in partnership with The Princeton Review, the tests mirror the real digital SAT in format, difficulty, and timing. Available globally at no cost, this initiative aims to democratize college readiness and reduce reliance on expensive coaching.

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