The Economic Times News

The EU's carbon tax on metals, including steel and aluminium, comes into effect from Thursday, impacting India's exports. Indian exporters may need to cut prices by 15-22% to absorb the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) tax, which shifts from reporting to payment in 2026. Accurate emissions accounting and verification will be crucial for market access.

CapitaLand Investment Limited's CapitaLand India Data Centre Fund has secured S$150 million in its first close, acquiring a 20.2% stake in three AI-ready data centre projects from CapitaLand India Trust. The fund, targeting S$300 million, will invest in assets in Navi Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, bolstering India's rapidly growing data centre capacity.

Komkar village in Upper Siang district has formally backed the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project's feasibility study. This agreement marks a significant step for national water security and regional development. The project, declared of national importance, received over 95 percent consensus from village households. This collaboration emphasizes community involvement and informed consent.

In 2026, powerful outer planets shift signs, ushering in an era of rapid growth and bold new beginnings. This astrological alignment encourages action, courage, and starting anew with heightened awareness. The year demands smart choices and balance for each zodiac sign to navigate transformative changes and reshape their future decisively.

Schools in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam, are closed until January 6, 2026, due to extreme cold. Daytime temperatures in Guwahati are significantly below normal. The India Meteorological Department forecasts rain and fog. Normal academic activities will resume on January 7. Private schools are advised to make their own decisions.

Indian Oil Corporation has bought Colombian crude for the first time. This move diversifies India's oil sources away from Russia. Indian refiners are seeking new suppliers due to sanctions. Indian Oil Corporation secured two million barrels of Castilla crude. This purchase is for delivery in late February. The company has an option to buy more.

Puducherry's statehood aspirations persisted through 2025. The year saw a minister's resignation and a new cabinet member without portfolio. Heavy rains brought flood fears, though cyclone Ditwah caused less damage than expected. New political parties emerged, including Vijay's TVK and Jose Charles Martin's LJK, setting the stage for the 2026 polls.

South cinema fans have a busy week ahead with new releases on streaming platforms. From December 29 to January 4, viewers can explore mystery thrillers, romantic dramas, and action films. Titles like Eko, Mowgli, Ithiri Neram, and Love Beyond Wicket are premiering. Asmi and Innocent are also available. Read on to know when and where you can watch these movies online.

Nimesulide sale banned: The move follows recommendation by Indias top research body- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). In its earlier report to the drug regulatory body it had ecommended a total ban on all formulations of ninrsulide above 100 mg strength.

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has shared glimpses of her honeymoon in Lisbon, Portugal, with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru, following their December 1 wedding. The couple's low-key ceremony in Coimbatore was met with fan celebrations, while Raj's sister clarified family emotions amidst speculation about his past.

Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is in critical condition and has been placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old, a 2003 World Cup winner, fell ill on Boxing Day and is receiving intensive medical treatment. Support has poured in from the cricket community for the gifted batsman.

Delhi New Year 2026: Delhi is preparing for New Year's Eve 2026 with major celebrations planned. The Delhi Traffic Police has announced special traffic arrangements, diversions, and parking restrictions for Connaught Place and India Gate. Commuters are advised to use public transport and plan journeys in advance. Real-time updates will be available through official channels.

Residents immediately informed the fire department after noticing the incident. However, before fire tenders could reach the spot, the warehouse, along with three scooters and three motorcycles parked along the roadside, had already been reduced to ashes.

Warner Bros. Discovery is poised to reject Paramount's latest takeover bid, citing concerns over an unincreased financial offer and potential debt management issues. The board, awaiting a final determination, previously deemed Paramount's proposal inferior to a deal with Netflix. Paramount, controlled by Larry Ellison, has amended its offer twice, but Warner Bros. remains unmoved.

The Olectra Greentech-made nine-metre-long electric bus from the fleet of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking crashed into pedestrians near Bhandup (West) suburban railway station on Monday night, killing four people and injuring 10 others.

The strike damaged refinery equipment, one port berth and five homes - windows were broken in four apartment blocks and a private house - the Krasnodar operational headquarters said on the Telegram messaging app.

Gujarat weather today: Light rain is expected in parts of north Gujarat and Saurashtra on Wednesday due to a Western Disturbance, according to the IMD. Minimum temperatures in the city dipped slightly to 14.8C on Tuesday, remaining above the seasonal average. No major temperature changes are anticipated in the next 48 hours, followed by a slight drop and then a rise.

Rashmika Mandanna marks nine years in cinema on December 30. She looks back at her journey and thanks fans for their support. The actress had a successful 2025 with multiple film releases. She also took a break in Rome. Meanwhile, wedding rumours with Vijay Deverakonda continue to circulate, with reports suggesting a February 2026 ceremony. Read on!

Arshad Warsi overcame a difficult childhood as an orphan. He worked as a salesman and in a photo lab to survive. Dance became a turning point, leading to his entry into films. His role as Circuit in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. made him a star. Today, he is a successful actor with a significant net worth.

West Bengal is under a severe cold wave. Dense fog and falling temperatures are disrupting daily life. Air quality has worsened significantly. Kolkata recorded its coldest December morning. Sub-Himalayan districts are experiencing even lower temperatures. Light snowfall is possible in higher reaches. Fog is expected to persist, impacting travel by air, rail, and road.

Air China is set to acquire sixty Airbus A320NEO jets, valued at approximately $9.5 billion, and the deal is part of a larger agreement. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from 2028 and conclude by 2032. This move by Air China, along with other Chinese carriers, highlights a growing trend in the aviation market.

Robin Sharma, a celebrated author and leadership guru, encourages people to embrace growth. His famous quote, 'Dont live the same year 75 times and call it a life,' urges a departure from routine. Sharma's work, including 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,' inspires millions to seek new experiences and evolve.

The world's second-largest economy remains on track to meet its full-year growth target of around 5% for 2025, despite a trade war with the U.S., a prolonged property slump and generally weak domestic demand.

Malaika Arora recently advised young women against early marriage, drawing from her own experience. She emphasises the importance of personal growth, life experiences, and financial independence before tying the knot. While acknowledging the beautiful aspects of her past marriage, including motherhood, she is content with her current life and open to love. Read on to know more.

Delhi flight cancellations: Dense fog has severely impacted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Authorities have issued advisories warning passengers of potential delays and cancellations. Flights are operating under special low-visibility protocols. IndiGo has also issued a travel advisory. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses and plan journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

Gold prices are soaring in India, prompting a significant shift in consumer buying habits. Many are now opting for gold coins and bars instead of traditional jewellery. This trend is driven by high making charges and the desire to invest in gold as a safe haven. Demand for jewellery has fallen, while investment in gold products has increased.

Stranger Things is ending with a grand finale. Season 5's last episode is a movie-length event. It will premiere in India. This episode promises action and emotional goodbyes. The story will resolve Vecna's plans and Eleven's journey. Fans can expect a dramatic conclusion to the beloved series. Read on to know when and where you can watch in India.

The year 2025 saw trade wars, a Gaza truce and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Looking ahead, 2026 promises space missions, the Winter Olympics and an expanded football World Cup.

This new phase, expected to last up to 55 days, targets a tighter search zone of about 5,800 square miles -- far smaller than earlier efforts and pinpointed using updated satellite data, drift modeling and expert analysis.

Chinese New Year 2026: The 2026 Lunar New Year begins on February 17, marking the rare Year of the Fire Horse. It lasts 16 days and ends with the Lantern Festival on March 3, coinciding with a blood moon total lunar eclipse. The Fire Horse year brings dynamic energy, bold action, and rare astrological events. Family reunions, global celebrations, and celestial alignments make it a unique, highly anticipated festival worldwide. Zodiac enthusiasts should check animal signs and traditions, as lunar

Many Americans receive unwanted Christmas gifts each year. Over $10 billion in presents go unused annually. Items range from clothing and accessories to electronics and gift cards. Instead of letting them sit unused, gifts can be sold online, donated for tax benefits, or exchanged for cash. Learn how to reclaim value, declutter your home, and turn gifts into financial or charitable gain.

Even some of those who supported the rate cut acknowledged he decision was finely balanced or that they could have supported keeping the target range unchanged, given the different risks facing the U.S. economy, according to the minutes released on Tuesday.

Gen Z is leading global change, impacting governments, economies, and work culture. In India, their spending power is set to surge, fueling innovation. This generation's aspirations are crucial for India's AI-led future. Leaders across sectors share insights on their influence and the path ahead.

Budget 2026: Experts urged tax incentives for household savings and support for data centres, AI, and robotics. They called for diversifying services exports and using trade agreements for market access. Concerns about critical mineral access led to suggestions for a coordinated strategy. Fiscal consolidation was also discussed.

India's export success is concentrated in a few key districts and states. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh are leading merchandise exports. Jamnagar in Gujarat and Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu are top exporting districts. Uttar Pradesh is emerging as an electronics manufacturing hub. Location advantages and policy support are crucial for this growth.

India's electronics and semiconductor manufacturing growth is poised to be driven by GenZ. This digital-native generation brings technical fluency and an appetite for innovation, transforming the sector from assembly to invention. Industry leaders believe GenZ's comfort with advanced tools and their questioning nature will propel India to become a global hub for high-value manufacturing and chip design.

Bollywood is struggling to connect with Gen Z, who seek authentic, fresh storytelling over formulaic narratives. While this demographic enjoys diverse genres and theatrical experiences, mainstream Hindi cinema's current offerings often fail to resonate. Makers must adapt marketing and creative strategies to capture their attention.

Nestle India's new MD Manish Tiwary is prioritizing Gen Z's demand for quality and health-conscious products, a trend highlighted by his son. This demographic, aged 14-29, is significantly reshaping India's consumer landscape, driving spending and forcing brands across all sectors to adapt their strategies and offerings to remain relevant.

Gen Z is reshaping content, commerce, and creativity by demanding interactive, creator-led ecosystems and micro-payment models. Their preference for gaming, short-form storytelling, and blending of formats drives platforms to innovate. This generation actively participates, creates, and monetizes, transforming content into a dynamic social and commercial loop.

Gen Z embraces wellness through social activities like pickleball and dance workouts. Brands are set to sponsor these events in 2026. Physical wellness is now a social identity. Gen Z is also choosing low and no-alcohol drinks. This zero-proof trend will continue. Non-alcoholic cocktails are emerging for social settings.

Gen Z is redefining banking, prioritizing mobile apps and UPI for all financial needs over traditional branches. Banks are adapting, with a significant portion of new digital customers being Gen Z, who seek speed, simplicity, and seamless experiences. This digital-first mindset is also influencing insurance, with a demand for instant, controllable products.

Matcha has evolved from a Gen Z treat to a full-blown identity, appealing to their desire for calm, quiet energy, and aesthetic appeal. This trend is reshaping the F&B landscape, with brands like Starbucks and Got Tea adapting to cater to Gen Z's demand for personalized, visually engaging, and lifestyle-driven experiences.

India's Gen Z, shaped by economic growth and digital access, approaches environmental issues with a solution-oriented mindset. With parental economic security and a focus on capital markets, they prioritize sustainability, viewing environmental impacts as problems to solve. This generation sees climate and environment not just as concerns but as career opportunities, driving a surge in green job demand across India.

Young adults in their early 20s are increasingly seeking weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro for cosmetic reasons, despite not meeting medical criteria. Doctors report a rise in demand from Gen Z, with many practitioners prescribing these medications indiscriminately, even when diet and exercise would suffice.

Gen Z is embracing a new nightlife trend, opting for bhajan-led community gatherings and kirtan EDM over traditional clubbing. This sober social movement is gaining significant traction, with ticketed devotional nights selling out and searches for related terms skyrocketing. Organizers anticipate this spiritual-social format to become mainstream by 2026.

Gen Z is revolutionizing the art market by embracing it as a lifestyle, prioritizing flexibility, transparency, and ethical relevance. They are driving the rise of young contemporary artists and regional voices, often starting with accessible price points and fractional ownership. The art world is adapting by leveraging social media and offering more approachable collecting experiences to engage this demographic.

Fintech platforms are increasingly attracting new mutual fund investors, particularly Gen Z, who are registering a significant number of new Systematic Investment Plans. This younger demographic, preferring equity-oriented products and a do-it-yourself approach, is driving a structural shift in investment behavior and entering the market at an earlier age.

Gen Z is significantly influencing the travel industry, making up almost 40% of global travelers. This tech-savvy, eco-conscious generation prioritizes experiences, leading to innovations like bar check-ins and all-day breakfasts. They are driving demand for spontaneous, short-haul trips and immersive long-haul journeys, with a growing interest in spiritual travel.