The Economic Times News

Senator Ruben Gallego has introduced a resolution to stop any U.S. military action against Greenland. His move comes after President Donald Trump made strong statements about Greenlands strategic value. The issue has raised concerns in Congress and among NATO allies, including Denmark and Greenland, over security, alliances, and international law.

On the fifth anniversary of Jan 6, the White House released a webpage blaming Pence and praising Trump supporters. It disputes officer deaths, blames Capitol Police, and calls some rioters patriots. Pence praised the officers as heroes. Critics say the page rewrites history, ignoring violence and some deaths, keeping the memory of Jan 6 politically divided.

HMRC has sent over 300,000 small tax bills to workers and pensioners in 2023-24. Most are under 300. The rise is caused by frozen tax thresholds, which pull more pensioners into paying tax. Some experts say these bills are too small to collect. From 2027, retirees on only the state pension will not pay tiny amounts through simple assessments.

The meeting will be chaired by financial services secretary M Nagaraju, with representatives from the General Insurance Council, the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) and senior executives from insurers and hospital chains.

The Pitt Season 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch online details are now confirmed. HBO Max will stream the new season weekly from January 8, 2026. The story explains episode dates, global timings, cast returns, plot timeline, and viewing options.

Except for a few NBFCs with legacy licences, most NBFCs are barred from raising retail deposits. Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, and Mahindra Finance are among the few NBFCs that are permitted to accept retail deposits. The governor met the CEOs of NBFCs, housing finance companies, microfinance institutions, and industry representatives on Monday.

The Election Commission of India has told the Supreme Court it has the constitutional power and duty to revise electoral rolls. This includes ensuring no foreigners are included. The poll body is conducting a special intensive revision of rolls in various states. Petitioners had challenged this process. The court will resume hearing arguments on January 8.

Manchester United youth coach Darren Fletcher has been installed as interim for Wednesday's game against Burnley and may also put himself in contention if he impresses.

In a two-page letter sent to the Chief Secretary and the then Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty (now Chief Secretary) on December 31, the UPSC referred to the landmark Prakash Singh vs Union of India case. It also pointed out that an apex court order dated July 3, 2018, which says that the states must send DGP appointment proposals to the UPSC at least three months before the incumbent's retirement.

The BJP has criticized the DMK government's approach to Hindu religious customs. This follows a High Court ruling allowing a lamp lighting tradition at Thiruparankundram hill. The BJP alleges the DMK government is anti-Hindu and engages in appeasement politics. They view the government's appeal against the court decision as unfortunate and indicative of a negative mindset towards Hindu dharma.

The West Bengal Chief Minister had attacked the SIR, logical discrepancies, and plight of the elderly citizens, who are forced to visit the Hearing centres with oxygen or other medical equipment attached. Banerjee spoke about the SIR issue today as she was returning from Gangasagar, after monitoring the preparations.

Social Security benefits can stop entirely if you are convicted and imprisoned over 30 days. SSDI and SSI payments pause or end depending on confinement length. Short-term jail may not affect income, but 12-month sentences can terminate SSI. Dependents may still receive checks. Knowing rules, reporting changes, and contacting SSA can restore payments quickly.

The Madras High Court's Madurai bench has backed a decision permitting lamp lighting on Thirupparankundram hill. The court criticized the Tamil Nadu government's law and order fears as baseless. It clarified the land belongs to the temple, not the Waqf Board. The ruling allows temple representatives to light a ceremonial lamp annually.

The oral observation fell from a division bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi during the hearing of a plea filed by Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan, accused in the ?3,600 crore VVIP chopper scandal.

The microfinance sector is showing signs of a turnaround, with several small finance banks and NBFC-MFIs reporting increased business volumes and improved repayments. While some lenders are experiencing growth, others, particularly smaller ones, continue to face challenges. The overall market has contracted, with Bandhan Bank actively cleansing its balance sheet by selling non-performing loans.

As of March 2025, the DICGC insured 41.5% of total bank deposits by value, covering 100.12 lakh crore. The deposit insurance fund saw a 15.2% year-on-year increase, reaching 2.29 lakh crore. The RBI also approved a risk-based deposit insurance framework to enhance financial stability.

India's largest cigarette maker ITC is experiencing a slowdown in its food business. Market share has flattened or declined in biscuits, western snacks, and juices. The company is investing in new launches and acquisitions to boost its portfolio. This comes as cigarette taxes increase, impacting sales. ITC aims for a diversified FMCG presence.

Last year's vehicle sales experienced a remarkable recovery, posting a 7.7% increase, largely attributed to tax incentives that invigorated consumer interest. Sales of two-wheelers and three-wheelers saw a boost of 7.2% each. The passenger vehicle segment flourished, with retail sales climbing by 9.7%. Tractors soared with an impressive 11.5% growth, while commercial vehicle sales improved by 6.7%.

ASEGO Global Assistance has secured a significant minority stake from Xponentia Capital. The private equity firm invested approximately 175 crore for a 25-30% share. This funding will fuel ASEGO's expansion plans. The company aims for 350 crore revenue by FY26. ASEGO offers travel assistance and insurance solutions, protecting over three million travelers annually. They partner with various travel industry players.

Fast-moving consumer goods consumption is set for a 5% growth in early 2026. Strong economic indicators and rising demand are driving this positive outlook. Consumers are expected to shop more and opt for premium products as prices stabilize. Leading companies like Marico and Dabur are already seeing early signs of recovery.

The Labour and Employment Ministry is organizing five regional conferences across India. These meetings will focus on implementing new Labour Codes. States and other ministries will participate. The first conference is in Goa. The Labour Codes aim to improve health and social security for workers. This includes benefits for unorganized workers and gig/platform workers.

Trump acknowledged the historical pattern of incumbent parties losing seats in midterm elections and expressed concern about public dissatisfaction with his leadership and the economy. We will have a successful presidency. I will say that... But even if it's a successful presidency--and it's been nothing like what we're doing--we had a very good day, Trump said.

Young buyers are flocking to gold and silver coins. Small gold coins, even under a gram, are becoming popular. Silver coins are also seeing increased demand. This trend is boosting production. Despite higher prices, young investors see these metals as a valuable asset. Physical gold and silver offer easy accumulation and liquidation.

A 2,500 crore plan is approved for small hydropower projects. This initiative aims to double India's installed hydro power capacity to 10 gigawatts in the next decade. Developers of projects up to 25 MW will receive central financial assistance. This policy support will boost the renewable energy sector and create local benefits.

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) is poised to become the first railway 'Maharatna' as a proposal nears final approval. This elevation from Navratna status will grant IRFC's board greater autonomy and is expected to reduce borrowing and lending costs. The company has met the stringent financial criteria for Maharatna status, including significant net worth and recent business growth.

India's services sector saw a slowdown in December 2025, reaching an 11-month low. New business and output growth moderated. Companies also held back on hiring additional staff. Manufacturing activity also slackened. The overall composite index fell. Firms remain optimistic for 2026, but sentiment dipped due to market uncertainty and exchange rate concerns. Export orders strengthened.

Pakistan secured a major rare earths deal with US firms. Former physician to Donald Trump, Ronny Jackson, played a key role. He met Pakistani officials and discussed the deal. This occurred during Operation Sindoor. A $500 million deal was finalized in September. Jackson has been involved in Trump's mining interests. This highlights a new avenue for Pakistan's engagement in Washington.

An initial probe by the Competition Commission of India found 28 steel companies, including Tata Steel and JSW Steel, violated antitrust rules. These companies allegedly colluded over pricing between 2015 and 2023. Top executives were also held liable. The probe followed a court order. The CCI is yet to finalize its order. Companies have refuted the allegations.

Steve Smith's unbeaten century propelled Australia to a dominant 518/7 on Day 3 of the final Ashes Test against England. Smith's 129* put Australia in a strong position with a 134-run lead. He also became the second-highest Ashes run-scorer, surpassing Jack Hobbs.

The Trump administration's focus is shifting to Venezuela while U.S. suggestions of a Greenland takeover are causing tension with Europe, and Moscow shows no signs of budging from its demands in its nearly 4-year-old invasion. Before the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro, French President Emmanuel Macron had expressed optimism about the latest gathering of what has been dubbed the coalition of the willing. They have been exploring for months how to deter any future Russian aggressi

The Supreme Court has dismissed appeals by UV Asset Reconstruction Co and Electrosteel Castings Ltd (ECL), upholding a NCLAT ruling. The apex court stated that approving Electrosteel Steels Ltd's resolution plan did not extinguish all debt, allowing claims against ECL as a security provider. ECL was also ruled not to be a corporate guarantor for ESL's loan.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has received a hearing notice from the Election Commission due to spelling errors in his enumeration form, identified under the Logical Discrepancy category. The EC is issuing notices to 94 lakh individuals, with provisions for home verification for those aged 85 and above, ailing, or disabled.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lackadaisical and unserious approach to Delhi-NCR's air pollution crisis. The court directed the CAQM to urgently convene expert meetings, submit a comprehensive report, and formulate solutions for toll plazas, emphasizing the need to identify and publicize pollution's primary causes and attributions.

EAAA Alternatives has successfully raised over Rs 2,500 crore for its new multi-strategy real assets fund. This marks a significant milestone for India's alternative investment sector. The fund will invest in diverse real asset segments like energy and transport. It aims for predictable cash flows and steady returns. EAAA's real assets business manages substantial assets under management across multiple funds.

AMD CEO Lisa Su says artificial intelligence is not reducing hiring at the chipmaker but reshaping recruitment priorities. As AMD expands, the company is focusing on candidates who are comfortable working with AI and integrating it into daily operations. Su describes AI as a productivity booster rather than a job replacer, helping teams build more products. With nearly 28,000 employees, AMD continues to grow amid the global AI boom.

Pastor Jamal Bryant has defended his wife, Dr. Karri Turner Bryant, after her dress choice for a fundraising gala sparked online debate. Bryant stated the dress was flesh-colored, not see-through, and emphasized his personal approval. He highlighted that the focus should be on the event's success in raising funds for HBCUs, not on his wife's attire.

In the competitive landscape of telecommunications, Vodafone Idea is experiencing a notable drop in subscribers during the final quarter of 2025. This decline paves the way for rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, who are on track to welcome a surge of new users.

New Social Security payment rule takes effect in 2026: Social Security has entered a digital-only era in 2026. Following the September 30 deadline, the SSA transitioned 69 million beneficiaries to electronic payments. This move cuts $150 million in annual costs and slashes fraud risks. While most now use Direct Deposit, 268,000 seniors still qualify for paper check exemptions via Treasury waivers.

With smartphone sales on the decline, Xiaomi is making a bold pivot in India by reallocating resources and emphasizing value-driven strategies. The tech giant aims to enhance its revenue stream by broadening its non-mobile product portfolio, particularly in the realm of AI-integrated IoT devices. Executives are currently in India evaluating fresh product launches and customizing offerings to meet local demands.

India's battery energy storage capacity is set for a significant surge. A 10-fold jump to 5 GWh is expected in 2026, a leap from 507 MWh in 2025. This growth is driven by a large number of projects currently underway. The year 2026 will see awarded tenders from mid-2023 come online. This marks a crucial operational phase for the industry.

The Delhi High Court has asked Novo Nordisk to explain why its patent for the diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide should not be cancelled. Natco Pharma filed the petition. Novo Nordisk's patent expires in March. This has sparked patent disputes as other companies aim to produce their own versions of the drug.

America is aging fast. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older, and by 2034 older adults will outnumber children for the first time, according to the Census Bureau.

In a bold move, employees of JetLite have turned to the bankruptcy court, pushing for their outstanding dues to be recognized in the Jet Airways liquidation saga. Following Jet Airways' acquisition of Sahara Airlines in 2007 and the subsequent rebranding, around 100 workers are fighting back after their claims were dismissed during the insolvency process.

India is on the brink of achieving coal self-sufficiency, creating opportunities for selective coal exports while keeping domestic needs first. The nation is enhancing production capabilities, boosting quality, and streamlining supply chains. Upcoming reforms in the coal sector aim for consistency and standard practices.

India's aviation sector is experiencing a significant shift, with airlines and airports prioritizing non-ticket revenue. From luxury retail at Delhi's T3 to premium dining in Hyderabad, the focus is on enhancing passenger experience. Ancillary income, including seat upgrades and lounges, is now a major profit driver, transforming airports into vibrant consumer hubs and redefining the future of air travel.

Reliance is revitalizing legacy brands like Campa and BPL, leveraging nostalgia and aggressive pricing to boost its consumer ventures. The FMCG business has seen rapid growth, with ambitious plans for expansion and market share. While electronics present a tougher challenge against established global players, Reliance's deep pockets and retail muscle position it for a long-term play, particularly in underserved markets.

The Insolvency Bankruptcy Board of India has introduced new electronic forms for liquidation processes. These revised forms aim to simplify compliance for insolvency professionals and enhance the accuracy of regulatory submissions. The changes will streamline data requirements and utilize technology for auto-population. Four forms, LIQ-1 to LIQ-4, will cover the entire liquidation journey.