Times of India

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has warned that the current excitement around artificial intelligence is creating an 'industrial bubble,' with significant investor funding flowing into companies regardless of strong fundamentals. Despite this caution, Bezos affirmed that AI is a real and transformative technology that will ultimately benefit society, drawing parallels to the 1990s biotech bubble.

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in Manhattan for his first US court appearance on narcotrafficking and weapons charges. He was seen in a prison jumpsuit, escorted by DEA agents, with his wife also in custody. The charges allege Maduro led a criminal network for over 25 years, facilitating cocaine shipments into the US.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's appointment as chairperson of the Assam election screening committee fuels leadership debate, with the BJP alleging internal conflict between her and Rahul Gandhi. The Congress dismisses these claims, asserting her experience and organizational capabilities. This move, amidst whispers of her potential elevation, comes as the party seeks to regain ground in Assam.

Iran's judiciary chief vows no leniency for "rioters" despite acknowledging public protest rights amid ongoing economic demonstrations. Protests, fueled by currency devaluation and inflation, have spread across provinces, with authorities distinguishing between protesters and those causing violence. The unrest occurs amidst significant economic pressure and international attention.

SpaceX kicked off 2026 with a successful launch of Italy's COSMO SkyMed Second Generation satellite from California. This radar observation satellite, designed for both civilian and military use, highlights Italy's ongoing space program and SpaceX's reliable service. The mission, despite minor delays, underscores SpaceX's commitment to international partnerships and its role as a dependable launch provider.

Star batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn from Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways, a decision confirmed by Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh. Kohli had previously met the BCCI mandate by playing two games, scoring impressively. His absence means he won't face pacer Himanshu Sangwan before joining the India squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.

The home of US Vice President JD Vance in Cincinnati faced an attack in early hours of Monday. Several windows were smashed at his residence. The Secret Service and local police responded swiftly. A person has been taken into custody following the incident. Authorities are investigating the matter. Vance's office stated security concerns influence his and the President's co-location.

Veteran investor Mark Mobius sees strong future growth for India. He expects double-digit returns, around 12-15 percent. Mobius has invested almost 30 percent of his portfolio in India. He believes India's economic reforms and easing investment bottlenecks will drive this growth. He also notes India's potential to outperform China due to favorable market dynamics and supply chain shifts.

US President Donald Trump has revived and expanded the Monroe Doctrine, now dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine," to assert American dominance across the Western Hemisphere. This aggressive approach has led to military action in Venezuela, threats against Cuba and Colombia, and ambitions for Greenland, signaling a significant shift in US foreign policy.

Himachal Pradesh, a popular adventure spot, has seen a rise in paragliding accidents. These incidents have tragically resulted in the deaths of both local and foreign tourists. Factors like pilot error, equipment failure, and poor weather conditions contribute to these crashes. Authorities are implementing new safety measures to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of adventure enthusiasts.

No deaths or injuries were reported in the incident, according to preliminary information shared by an official of the Maharatna company. Deep Industries Ltd, a Production Enhancement Contractor (PEC) of ONGC, had secured a Rs 1,402-crore contract in 2024 for production enhancement operations at ONGC’s Rajahmundry Asset in Andhra Pradesh, according to reports.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed zero enthusiasm for leading a public company, despite acknowledging an IPO is likely necessary for capital and growth. While he finds public market participation in value creation appealing, he anticipates the process will be 'annoying.' The AI giant, valued at potentially $1 trillion, is reportedly preparing for a 2026 or 2027 listing.

Former Proteas star AB de Villiers believes Mohammed Siraj's T20 World Cup snub stems from team balance, not form. He highlighted India's preference for all-rounders like Harshit Rana and a spin-heavy strategy, seeing Siraj as unlucky but crucial for future ODI plans. De Villiers feels India's bowling depth covers all bases for championship success.

Umar Khalid, denied bail by the Supreme Court in the 2020 Delhi riots case, stated prison is now his life. While he expressed happiness for co-accused granted bail, the court found a prima facie case against him under UAPA. The Supreme Court also noted that trial delays don't automatically override UAPA safeguards.

The Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case, citing a prima facie case under UAPA. The court found they played a "formative role" in the conspiracy. However, five other accused were granted bail with strict conditions. Khalid and Imam can seek bail again after one year.

After years of AI hype, 2026 brings a reality check. Companies need to prove their billion-dollar bets are worth it. Data centres are spreading globally, straining power grids. AI agents are moving from pilots to production. Robots are getting smarter. New hardware forms are arriving. Meanwhile, tech billionaires keep getting richer. The gap between hype and deployment is shrinking fast, and 2026 could turn out to be a real pivoting year.