The Economic Times

Fed meeting today: The US Federal Reserve has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%. Policymakers voted 10-2 to maintain the current rate. Strong economic growth and high inflation are cited as reasons for the decision. Future rate adjustments will depend on incoming economic data. The US Dollar saw support, while equity markets showed mixed movements.

Recent graduates with tech degrees are facing unexpected job market struggles, with one user detailing over 500 applications leading to only two interviews and a return to restaurant work. This experience resonates with many, highlighting a perceived collapse in job opportunities despite strong academic backgrounds and internships.

A sudden all-hands meeting worried employees after a Sunday night email from the CEO. The meeting later revealed the company was acquired, raising fears of job cuts. Workers noticed unclear messages from leadership and mixed signals on job safety. Many employees, especially new hires, are now seeking advice on what to do next.

Taylor Swift feels her privacy has been impacted. Private text messages between Swift and Blake Lively were released. This happened during Lively's legal dispute. Swift is reportedly trying to stay away from the drama. The messages were shared publicly without her consent. This situation has caused strain on their friendship. Other celebrities have also seen their texts revealed.

Shirley Raines, the beloved TikTok star known as Miss Shirley, has passed away at 58. Her non-profit, Beauty 2 the Streetz, announced her death. Raines dedicated her life to serving homeless communities in Los Angeles and Nevada. She provided hair, makeup, food, and clothing, empowering thousands with dignity and respect.

The Election Commission of India has appointed West Bengal's state home secretary and commissioner of police-Howrah as central observers. They will attend a briefing in New Delhi on February 5 and 6. Officers absent from this meeting face disciplinary action. Meanwhile, West Bengal is distributing hearing notices for voter list updates.

India and the European Union have concluded Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed concerns regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the automotive sector. The agreement aims to boost 'Make in India' initiatives and create mutual benefits. Discussions also covered services and product safety standards. The pact is expected to strengthen trade routes and foster economic growth.

Forty years after the Challenger disaster, NASA gets ready for its first crewed lunar mission since Apollo: Artemis II. Carrying four astronauts in the Orion capsule aboard the SLS rocket, the mission will evaluate spacecraft systems while confronting lingering hazards such as heat shield performance during reentry. Lessons from previous tragedies, which includes Columbia, guide safety decisions, highlighting crew protection and organizational accountability.

Hindustan Unilever is restructuring its marketing leadership, appointing new heads across segments to bolster brand building amidst intensifying competition. This strategic shift aims to sharpen brand focus, accelerate decision-making, and adapt to evolving consumer preferences in India's dynamic market.

Data analyst career struggle: A Reddit post detailing a data analyst's struggles with job retention has gone viral, sparking discussions about career misalignment and potential focus issues. Users suggested ADHD evaluations and alternative career paths like project management or logistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding data fundamentals and coping strategies.

When will Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores close down and will Amazon.com grocery delivery still work or stop? Amazon will shut 72 physical grocery stores by February 1. California stores will close later. Amazon Fresh online and grocery delivery from Amazon.com will continue without interruption.

Nicki Minaj is supporting Trump accounts, a new savings plan for children in the United States. The program helps kids build money early in life with help from the government, companies, and donors. A White House event is promoting the plan, and more famous people and businesses may join to support childrens future savings.

A new poll indicates former President Barack Obama leads Donald Trump by 11 points in a hypothetical 2028 matchup, though neither is constitutionally eligible to run. The survey found 34% support allowing three terms, while nearly 60% oppose it. Talk of Trump seeking a third term has circulated, with Trump 2028 merchandise already on sale.

The investment required for upcoming PSPs is estimated at around Rs 5.8 lakh crore, calculated at an average cost of Rs 6 crore per MW, CEA said in a report outlining the roadmap for PSPs till 2035-36 on Wednesday.

After losing a $140,000 Fortune 500 position in mid-2024, one professionals seven-month unemployment spiral resulted in lower-paying government work and a continuing battle to return to his former income level. Despite steady applications, he experiences repeated rejection and ghosting, sparking tension at home as his wife struggles to understand how unforgiving todays hiring landscape has become.

A family dispute over control of GreatWhite Global is nearing resolution as Mehul Shah emerges as the successful bidder to acquire his brother Hemang Shah's 50% stake. The National Company Law Tribunal has directed both parties to expedite the conclusion of the bidding process, with a hearing scheduled for March 6.

India and the European Union are pushing for an early operationalization of their free trade agreement. The deal, in the making for two decades, is expected to be in effect within a year. This agreement offers access to a massive EU market. India is actively engaging with EU stakeholders to expedite the process.

The Supreme Court has extended the tenure of a three-member committee, led by Justice Gita Mittal (retd), until July 2026. This committee is tasked with addressing humanitarian aspects of the ethnic violence in Manipur. The panel has already submitted 42 reports and will continue its work.

Wealth Quote of the Day by Lloyd S. Shapley: A player's true worth in any coalition is the average marginal contribution across all possible group combinations Lloyd S. Shapley, 2012 Nobel laureate, transformed economics with the Shapley value. His formula measures fair contribution in coalitions across industries. From finance to AI, his work drives modern markets. Collaboration, networks, and strategic value now follow his insights. Discover how his theories explain wealth, influence, and deci

Opposition leaders opted for a dignified and brief protest during the President's address instead of a boycott, fearing political repercussions. They registered their dissent when the President mentioned the new VB-G RAM G Act, which replaced MGNREGA, avoiding disruption of proceedings.

BJP president Nitin Nabin visited West Bengal and strongly criticized the Trinamool government. He alleged infiltration, corruption, and misrule. Nabin claimed the Trinamool government protects infiltrators and targets Hindus. He stated there is a deliberate attempt to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh. Nabin expressed concern over demographic changes and the alleged intention to merge West Bengal with Bangladesh.

Congress voices concerns over the India-EU free trade agreement. A major worry is the government's inability to exempt Indian aluminium and steel exports from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. This policy is expected to further reduce exports to the EU. Additionally, strict EU health and safety rules, along with intellectual property rights for pharmaceuticals, remain unresolved issues.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will meet the Chief Election Commissioner in Delhi regarding concerns over special intensive revision processes. This follows her public rally in Singur, where she criticized PM Modi for not initiating industrial projects and pledged to develop both agriculture and industry in the region, promising employment opportunities.

Canadian PM Mark Carney's upcoming India visit in March is poised to secure a significant 10-year uranium supply deal worth 2.8 billion Canadian dollars. The trip also aims to finalize agreements for long-term energy supplies, including crude oil, LPG, and LNG, as well as critical minerals, seeking to reset bilateral ties.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed BJP workers to file bulk Form-7 objections against 'Miyas' during the electoral roll revision, citing suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators. This move follows Congress's allegations of unsubstantiated Form-7 submissions and calls for electoral officer intervention.

President Droupadi Murmu urged Parliamentarians to unite on national interests like Viksit Bharat, security, and unity, emphasizing these transcend political differences. She highlighted the continuous journey towards a developed India by 2047, acknowledging the impact of government schemes and the nation's growing self-reliance, particularly in defence.

Rob Schneiders wife of 15 years, Patricia Schneider, has filed for divorce, officially concluding their long-standing marriage. The filing initiates in motion a confidential legal procedure which includes parental obligations and a sealed consent decree covering custody, finances, and property matters. The duo share two daughters, while Schneider is also father to singer Elle King from a previous marriage.

With the unfortunate passing of Ajit Pawar, the Nationalist Congress Party is at a crossroads. His widow, Sunetra Pawar, emerges as a strong contender for leadership. Meanwhile, the party grapples with ongoing merger discussions with the Sharad Pawar faction, as recent electoral setbacks underscore a pressing need for strategic recalibration.

Ajit Pawar, a dynamic force in Maharashtra politics, left an indelible mark as the deputy chief minister. He adeptly intertwined the economic landscape of Baramati with the NCP, fortifying the Pawar legacy. Known for his bold demeanor and quick temper, his clashes with party elders were frequent, as he ambitiously strove for leadership.

Who is Colleen Aubrey and what is Project Dawn? Amazon announced a second wave of 16,000 corporate job cuts. The layoffs, linked to Project Dawn, involve AWS, retail, and corporate teams. Employees will get internal reapplication opportunities, severance, and benefits. The cuts reflect efficiency and AI-driven restructuring.

Todd Monken: The Cleveland Browns have hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, bringing in the former Ravens offensive coordinator for his first NFL head coaching role. Monken previously served as the Browns' offensive coordinator in 2019 and is known for his successful offenses, including back-to-back national championships with Georgia and leading Baltimore's top-ranked unit.

Writers and filmmakers use verisimilitude to make stories feel real. Details like names, places, dialogue, and small actions help readers connect with the story. Even fantasy or imaginative works can include it. Realistic elements make characters, settings, and events believable. Verisimilitude helps readers feel involved and trust the story, making it more interesting and lifelike.

iQOO is set to launch its 15R smartphone in India by the fourth week of February, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The device will compete in the under Rs. 55,000 segment, boasting a 7,600mAh battery with 100W fast charging and up to 1TB storage.

February brings the Snow Moon on Sunday, February 1. This celestial event reaches peak illumination in the afternoon. Later in the month, on February 28, a planetary parade will feature Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter. Visibility in Tennessee may be limited due to cloudy skies. Other names for this moon include Bald Eagle Moon and Bear Moon.

Gold prices have reached new heights. This surge is driven by declining trust in the U.S. dollar and concerns about the Federal Reserve's autonomy. Investors are seeking gold as a safe haven. Analysts predict further price increases. This trend reflects a global shift towards a more defensive economic outlook.

Amazon will cut 16,000 corporate jobs as part of Project Dawn, its second round of mass layoffs since October. Internal Slack messages and an accidental email by Colleen Aubrey revealed details about affected employees in AWS, retail, and Prime Video teams, as well as severance and internal rehire options.

Morocco's Ambassador to India, H.E. Mohamed Maliki, shares profound insights in his book, What if Why Not? Beyond diplomatic accounts, it delves into the human texture of global relations, highlighting family, friendship, and the often-unseen sacrifices of spouses.

Single's Inferno Season 5 continues its dramatic run on Netflix with Part 2, releasing episodes 5 and 6 on January 27, 2026. Indian viewers can catch these episodes at 1:30 PM IST. The season, expected to have 10 episodes, is unfolding with new arrivals and intensifying relationships.

Word of the Day Monopsonistic describes markets where one or few buyers dominate sellers or workers. In the U.S., over 60% of workers face concentrated hiring markets. That limits job switching. Wages grow slower than productivity. Big employers, hospitals, and platforms set terms using data and scale.