The Economic Times

Lulu Group International is significantly boosting its sourcing from India. The retail giant aims to raise India's share in its imports to 35% within two years. This strategic move targets improved supply chain certainty and better management of price fluctuations.

India's largest drugmaker, Sun Pharma, is considering a major acquisition. The company is evaluating the purchase of US-based Organon, a specialist in women's health. This potential deal is valued at around $10 billion. A successful acquisition would be a significant move for Sun Pharma, strengthening its presence in the US market.

Landman Season 2 Finale Ending Explained breaks down how Tommy loses M-Tex, starts CTT Oil Exploration and Cattle, saves Cooper from charges, and faces Gallino again. The ending explains the coyote moment, Camis future, and how the finale sets up Landman Season 3.

Both projects will be taken up under the cluster redevelopment framework under Regulation 33(9) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), which the state government has been actively promoting to accelerate large-scale urban renewal and infrastructure development.

The International Renewable Energy Agency is gearing up to unveil a comprehensive strategy aimed at phasing out fossil fuels globally. This strategic plan will be shared with the COP31 leadership from Australia and Turkey.

The US operation in Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro mark a shift from argument-first diplomacy to enforcement-first statecraft. The choreography of international law now trails the action rather than framing it. The message is blunt: power needn't wait for permission.

Davos is buzzing as India takes center stage, presenting itself as a beacon for investors looking for assurance in a tumultuous global economy. Spearheaded by influential CEOs and key ministers, the Indian delegation is set to drive home the message of the nations resilience and growth prospects.

India's ancient Aravalli mountain range faces severe land degradation due to encroachments, deforestation, and illegal mining, impacting its ecological functions. A new study proposes an integrated approach, treating the ecosystem and its inhabitants as a unit, to restore the landscape through targeted interventions and community collaboration.

ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank have been instructed by a regulator to make significant one-time provisions. ICICI Bank must set aside an additional Rs 1,283 crore, while HDFC Bank is required to allocate Rs 500 crore. The regulator has also urged both banks to identify and address shortcomings in their loan portfolios. These adjustments are necessary to ensure compliance with Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda is working on a solution for the pharmaceutical industry. Drug regulator and department of pharmaceuticals are tasked with finding relief from strict Schedule M compliance. Pharma lobby groups are seeking an extension for implementation.

Reliance Industries' quick commerce and fast-moving consumer goods businesses are now generating profits. The company's efficient sourcing and focus on high-margin products like food and beverages are key drivers. Reliance's quick commerce operations are expanding rapidly, aiming to become India's second-largest player. The FMCG business has also achieved profitability. This growth is contributing positively to Reliance Retail's overall performance.

ET NOW is set to broadcast a week-long special show, 'Davos Diaries,' nightly at 9 pm, featuring exclusive interviews with global leaders and offering daily insights into discussions shaping the economic agenda and their impact on India.

India's total property exposure is now estimated at $26-29 trillion, according to a global reinsurer. A significant portion of this exposure is located in areas prone to natural disasters. These regions are characterized by a high concentration of economic assets that coincide with risks such as floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.

Indian power distribution companies have turned profitable in FY25, reporting a net profit of over 2,700 crore. This marks a significant recovery from previous years of substantial losses. Improved financial controls, better billing, and reduced technical losses contributed to this positive outcome. Outstanding dues to generating companies have also seen a dramatic reduction.

Himachal Pradesh is planning two new satellite townships, one near Chandigarh and another near Kangra, to create economic hubs with high-rise residential and retail spaces. The government aims to develop these on the pattern of Gurugram and Noida, utilizing a land-pooling model for private developers. These projects are expected to boost the state's economy.

India is transitioning from diesel-powered locomotives, emphasizing the adoption of battery-operated and alternative fuel trains for shorter and medium-distance journeys. Following the substantial electrification of the railway network, the national transport authority is set to phase out the remaining diesel engines. Initial changes will be seen in yard operations, shunting, and last-mile freight tasks.

India will conduct a nationwide survey on urban slums in 2027. This survey will gather detailed information on living conditions in these settlements. It will assess the number of slums and households, and access to basic facilities like electricity, drainage, and water.

The National Highway Builders Federation has urged the finance ministry to clarify its order ending arbitration for highway projects. The federation warns this change discourages investment and increases project costs. It suggests the new dispute resolution framework could make projects unbankable. This impacts ongoing projects and future infrastructure development. The federation is also flagging concerns with bankers and financial lenders.

Microfinance loan portfolios have been declining since April 2024, according to industry leaders. This trend began after reaching a high of Rs 3.43 lakh crore. The decrease is attributed to loan repayments exceeding new loan disbursements across the sector.

Indian business confidence is surging. The CII Business Confidence Index hit a five-quarter high. Strong domestic demand and a robust reform agenda are fueling optimism. Businesses expect growth to strengthen. Investment and hiring intentions remain robust. India is poised to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Weather Today: Two Western Disturbances are set to impact north and northwest India this week, bringing rain, snowfall, thunderstorms, and dense fog. Cold wave conditions are also gripping several regions, with Amritsar recording the lowest temperature. The Northeast Monsoon is expected to withdraw from southern states within 48 hours.

Venezuelans are struggling with soaring prices and a deepening economic crisis following the U.S. military raid that removed Nicols Maduro. With the bolivar rapidly devaluing and the dollar's unofficial rate spiking, basic groceries are becoming unaffordable for many, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian situation.

China's rare-earth product exports saw a slight dip in December, falling to 6,745 tons from 6,958 tons in November. This decline occurs amid heightened tensions with Japan, following China's announcement of controls on shipments to the country, potentially impacting high-tech and military applications.

The Election Commission of India is preparing for the next phase of electoral roll revisions. This intensive exercise requires careful scheduling to avoid clashes with the upcoming Census and school examinations. Booth Level Officers, often government teachers, are crucial for this process.

Amid heightened tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reached out to his coalition partners, expressing deep concerns about the US-backed Gaza Executive Board that includes Turkey's foreign minister. Netanyahu's administration labeled the board's formation as unconsulted and at odds with Israel's foreign policy, prompting an urgent dialogue with the US Secretary of State.

Seven Army soldiers were injured in a fierce encounter with terrorists in Kishtwar district on Sunday. The exchange of fire began during a search operation in Sonnar village. Reinforcements were rushed to the area as the operation continued. A Jaish-e-Muhammad group is believed to be trapped. Security forces are engaged in ongoing counter-terror operations against infiltrators.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) continues to maintain its primary organizational base in Hyderabad and Telangana. The party has a significant presence in the city with seven Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), two Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), 67 municipal corporators, and 70 councillors.

The appointment of a BJP mayor in Mumbai is stalled. Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction seeks key posts, including the mayor and standing committee chairman. Shinde's corporators are reportedly gathered for a workshop. The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena is attempting to gain support. BJP states no proposal has been received. The final decision rests with the BJP's parliamentary board.

Security forces neutralised two more Maoist cadres in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Sunday. This follows the killing of four Maoists during the same operation on Saturday. The exchange of fire occurred in the forested hills of the district's north-western region. Six weapons were seized from the encounter sites. Search operations are continuing in the area.

South Korea is seeking favorable terms for United States tariffs on memory chip imports. The country previously secured an agreement ensuring it would not face unfavorable treatment compared to competitors. South Korea's trade minister stated that U.S. tariffs on some advanced computing chips will have a limited impact.

During a recent rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on the diminishing presence of the Congress party in Maharashtra and Bihar, suggesting that Assam could follow suit. He underscored the country's shift away from negativity in politics, advocating for progress and efficient leadership instead. Modi lauded the BJP's increasing authority and success nationwide, even in southern territories.

Afghanistan was hit by several earthquakes recently. A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck on Sunday evening, January 18, 2026. Earlier that day, a 4.1 magnitude tremor was recorded. These follow a 4.2 magnitude quake on January 15. Afghanistan is prone to seismic activity due to its location.

A reconstitution of the party's national organisational team is expected soon, with a focus on younger leaders, sources said. Most new office-bearers are likely to be under 55, with fresh faces from state units projected to occupy key national roles. The overhaul is being seen as a long-term strategic move ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, aimed at strengthening mobilisation, organisational depth, and political messaging.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged West Bengal to embrace 'real change' by voting for the BJP. He highlighted a development agenda, promising good governance, industry, and central schemes. Modi stated the BJP government will address infiltrators and improve law and order. He inaugurated projects worth 830 crore, focusing on infrastructure and transport to boost the state's potential.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. He leads a delegation and has 36 engagements planned. These include meetings with global CEOs, government officials, and diaspora programs. Naidu will address sessions on AI, industrial transformation, and the global economy.

January new moon horoscope points to fresh beginnings as planets align at the start of 2026. The January new moon horoscope points to a phase of change, with multiple planets positioned across contrasting zodiac signs.

Over 4.52 crore devotees performed a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the Magh Mela. The event saw a brief disruption when Jyotirpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was stopped from proceeding to the Sangam, sparking a demand for a probe from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

January new moon brings darker skies and prime stargazing conditions across hemispheres. A new moon takes place when the Sun and Moon align closely in the sky, occupying the same celestial longitude.

Gautam Buddh Nagar schools will operate from 10 AM to 3 PM starting January 19, 2026. This change is due to dense fog and severe cold. Visibility across the National Capital remains poor. Authorities urge citizens to limit outdoor activities and follow health advisories. Air quality measures have also been escalated across Delhi and NCR.

Russian attacks have crippled Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving many without power. Ukrainian officials report casualties from these strikes. Meanwhile, Ukraine is engaged in talks with the United States, seeking support for a peace settlement. These discussions aim to finalize proposals for postwar security and economic recovery. Drones also struck Russian territory, causing injuries and evacuations.

The Thought of the day by Sabrina Carpenter defines a philosophy shaped by growth, reinvention and self-belief. In defining confidence as beauty, Carpenter offers a perspective that extends beyond celebrity.

India has reportedly received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a new 'Board of Peace' focused on Gaza. This initiative aims for a more agile approach to resolving global conflicts. While Hungary has accepted, other nations are responding cautiously. The board, potentially chaired by Trump, could expand its scope after addressing the Gaza situation.

JioStar's net profit fell 33% quarter-on-quarter to 888 crore, despite a 12% rise in revenue to 6,896 crore, driven by growth in sports and entertainment. The company noted healthy subscription revenue across digital and TV, with digital entertainment hitting record highs. However, the TV advertising market remains challenging.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release time, schedule and how to watch details when the HBO series starts, episode dates, time zones, platforms, cast, story setting, and how viewers in the US and UK can stream the Game of Thrones spin-off.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit India on Monday. The visit aims to explore new avenues for strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, defense, and energy. Regional and global issues of mutual interest will also be on the agenda.