The Economic Times

A near-fatal incident has sparked concerns over AI chatbots. YouTuber Kristi shared how her best friend was repeatedly assured that a deadly poison hemlock plant was safe, even after providing multiple images. Kristi wrote, Chat GPT NEARLY k*lled my best friend by telling her that POISON HEMLOCK was CARROT its poison hemlock. Which there is NO antidote for and is EXTREMELY deadly.

Graham Norton revealed he has signed numerous NDAs regarding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's upcoming wedding, stating he can say nothing about the nuptials. Swift had previously hinted at Norton's attendance during an interview on The Graham Norton Show, where she discussed Kelce's elaborate proposal.

The Champions League group stage reaches its thrilling conclusion. Thirty clubs still have a chance to advance to the knockout rounds. Several teams are fighting for automatic qualification to the last 16. Others are battling to secure playoff spots. Some clubs face elimination if they do not achieve desired results. The final night promises intense competition across Europe.

US health insurance stocks experienced a significant drop Tuesday. This followed a proposal for a minimal 0.09 percent increase in 2027 Medicare Advantage rates. Major companies like UnitedHealth and Humana saw substantial stock declines. The move has raised concerns about potential cost and benefit changes for millions of seniors and people with disabilities.

Elina Svitolina delivered a stunning performance, defeating Coco Gauff in just 59 minutes to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. Svitolina will now face Aryna Sabalenka, who also advanced with a dominant win. Gauff's tournament ended in disappointment with an error-filled display.

As part of the FTA, announced on Tuesday, India and the EU have agreed on a constructive framework to enable social security agreements in five years with all EU member states.

India has blocked China's request at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a dispute panel concerning New Delhi's incentive schemes for auto, battery, and electric vehicles. Beijing claims these measures are trade-restrictive and discriminatory, but India maintains there's an inaccurate understanding of the facts. The two nations failed to resolve the dispute through bilateral consultations.

After 18 years of negotiations, India and the EU have concluded their free trade agreement, marking India's largest FTA to date. This pact offers India preferential access to all 27 EU member states, arriving amidst global trade volatility and efforts to diversify away from China.

India's free trade agreement with the EU is poised to boost market access for services and digital trade, enhancing skilled worker mobility. Experts anticipate increased European investment in India's IT sector, fostering joint ventures and R&D in emerging technologies. The pact aims to facilitate seamless cross-border data flows, reducing regulatory friction for businesses.

Corporate entities are navigating a fresh mandate from the Reserve Bank of India, which has reclassified holding and strategic investment firms as Core Investment Companies. This new label comes with a wave of rigorous regulations that many corporations are eager to sidestep, arguing that their revenue streams stem from non-financial sectors rather than financial endeavors.

In a monumental development, India and the European Union have come to terms on a landmark Free Trade Agreement that promises to unlock a wealth of investment and foster innovation for businesses and entrepreneurs across both regions.

Estimates broadly peg the dividend to be around 3 lakh crore, compared with 2.7 lakh crore last year. RBI dividends have provided a significant boost to the government's non-tax revenues in recent years.

Ambassador David Perdue said the probe into Zhang Youxia, announced over the weekend, is a major development, citing the family connections the vice chair of China's apex military commission has with Xi. Chinese authorities said Zhang is being investigated for suspected serious discipline and law violations, without providing further details.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the innovative contributions of DRDO in developing homegrown technologies. He noted the urgency for expediting the rollout of new weapon systems, as the pace of technological evolution necessitates swift governmental action.

Russia launched more than 50 drones at the Ukrainian city of Odesa, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated. He characterized the action as a rutal attack. The reported drone strikes come as Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are preparing for new talks scheduled for Sunday.

Parliament's budget session begins Wednesday. Opposition parties want debates on MGNREGA, electoral roll revisions, foreign policy, and the economy. The government rejects discussing MGNREGA's replacement. The focus will be on the President's address and the general budget. All-party meetings aim for smooth proceedings. A TDP ally seeks tax relief on unmanufactured tobacco.

The Doomsday Clock 2026 shows the world is closer to disaster than ever. Scientists warn that nuclear risks, climate crisis, AI dangers, and misinformation are pushing humanity toward global threats. The clock is a warning to governments and people to act fast and work together to reduce these risks before its too late.

Pyongyang has substantially increased its missile testing in recent years, according to analysts. These tests are reportedly aimed at improving precision strike capabilities. They also serve to challenge Washington and Seoul. Furthermore, analysts suggest North Korea is testing weapons before exporting them to Russia, a key ally.

With the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon, Uttar Pradesh politics is heating up like never before. The BJP is rolling out its playbook early, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National President Nitin Nabin making key visits to stir the pot. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party is galvanizing support through strategic meetings.

In a significant development, India and the European Union have forged a strategic security and defense alliance. This agreement is set to enhance collaboration in maritime operations and the dynamic Indo-Pacific region. Notably, it paves the way for Indian defense manufacturers to tap into the European market.

Calling for stricter punishment and measures against acid attackers, the CJI verbally observed that unless the action is so painful for the accused, it will not work. The bench suggested that immovable assets of such offenders can be attached and auctioned by the prosecuting agencies to compensate victims of acid attacks.

Quote of the day by Alfred Marshall: One of the founding economist, noted prices and money's value are not fixed. This idea remains relevant today. Understanding fluctuating purchasing power explains rising costs and budget challenges. Marshall's work shaped modern economics, focusing on supply, demand, and market dynamics. His insights continue to guide economic thought and policy.

India and the European Union have taken significant strides to enhance their strategic alliance. The new agreements will facilitate greater collaboration in technology, innovation, security, and defense sectors. A pivotal arrangement focuses on improving mobility for Indian citizens, while both parties aim to strengthen their trade and investment connections.

The Bombay High Court has thrown out petitions filed by ex-Religare leader Rashmi Saluja that contested the FIRs brought by the Mumbai Police and the ED. The court discovered substantial evidence implicating Saluja in financial misdeeds, including purported unlawful profits of 179.54 crore from Esop distributions and a staggering 192 crore diversion.

Despite the promise of a transformative 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to accelerate urban development, progress remains stagnant a year post-announcement. Initially earmarked with 10,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, the fund now sits in limbo awaiting crucial Cabinet approval for its operational framework.

In a captivating demonstration in Kurukshetra, Rahul Gandhi displayed his martial arts prowess before the Congress district presidents. He articulated how maneuvers such as dodging and rolling can be strategically employed to counter political adversaries. Drawing an inspiring connection to Lord Shiva, he underscored the importance of concentration and bravery.

In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of the UK's choice to transfer the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, a move that could potentially strain relations with India, which staunchly endorses Mauritius' claim.

Amazon is shutting down its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh grocery stores, shifting focus to same-day grocery delivery and expanding its Whole Foods Market presence. The company will offer its cashierless technology to third parties. This move aims to refine its physical retail strategy, leveraging stronger brand affinity with Whole Foods for future growth.

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.