The Economic Times

As Assam gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, the air is heavy with the sorrow of losing beloved cultural figure Zubeen Garg. With the ruling BJP aiming for a hat-trick in governance, they are rolling out fresh faces to rally support. Meanwhile, opposition parties are banding together in a spirited effort to take on the BJP's dominance.

Businesses in India are urging the government to prioritize economic growth in the upcoming budget. They are calling for more reforms and increased government spending on infrastructure. Incentives for private investment and privatization are also key demands. Support for exporters facing challenges from US tariffs is crucial. The budget is expected to outline the path for future economic expansion.

As West Bengal gears up for the pivotal 2026 assembly elections, the air is thick with political tension. The electoral rolls are seeing a targeted revision, setting the stage for a fierce showdown. Major players like the Trinamool Congress and the BJP are hitting the ground running with their campaigns.

Adani Group will invest 1.5 lakh crore in Gujarat's Kutch region over the next five years. This investment will boost renewable energy projects and expand port capacity. The group is developing the world's largest renewable energy park in Khavda. Mundra port capacity will double in the next decade. Cargo volumes show strong growth.

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani plans a massive 7 lakh crore investment in Gujarat. This will boost clean energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Jamnagar will become a global hub for green energy exports. Reliance will also build India's largest AI-ready data centre. The company will support India's Olympic ambitions and expand social infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges global investors to seize India's growth opportunities. He positions Saurashtra and Kutch as vital centers for manufacturing. India's economic reforms, policy certainty, and strong performance create a favorable investment climate. The nation is rapidly advancing, offering significant potential for international businesses. This region supports diverse manufacturing needs, from basic tools to advanced components.

A Supreme Court ruling impacts shareholders in company mergers. Those receiving new shares via share-swap may face taxes on gains, even without selling. This applies if their old shares were considered 'stock-in-trade'. The difference in value between old and new shares will be taxed as business income. This decision could lead to more tax disputes for investors and traders.

While Trump's actions have unnerved leaders around the globe, Canadians have particular reason to worry. After all, with Greenland, Trump and his advisers are seeking control - even raising the possibility of military action - of a territory that is democratic, strategically located in the Arctic, and part of Nato. Canada is all of those things, too.

India's credit demand is surging. Lower taxes and supportive monetary policy are fueling investment. Outstanding bank credit has crossed a major milestone. This growth surpasses projections, indicating a strong economic rebound. Auto loans, small and mid-sized companies, and home loans are key drivers. Investment intentions are translating into spending, creating a positive environment.

India's largest solar equipment maker, Waaree Energies, is aggressively acquiring companies across the green energy value chain. This expansion includes transmission, distribution, grid connectivity, and EPC services. The company is also growing its battery, inverter, transformer, and electrolyzer businesses.

Poddar is currently serving his gardening leave and is expected to formally exit the firm by the end of January.

Companies are using insolvency proceedings to acquire urban real estate. This process offers clear titles and approvals, attracting developers. Large conglomerates are building land banks through these deals. Recent acquisitions include significant land parcels in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai. This trend highlights the growing role of the bankruptcy framework in India's property market.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's India visit is cancelled. Growing protests in Iran and threats of external intervention have led to this decision. India is monitoring the situation closely. The future of Chabahar Port was a key agenda item. India had secured a sanctions waiver for the port. The port is vital for Afghanistan and Central Asian states.

Budget FY26 expectations: The Confederation of Indian Industry suggests a three-year plan for selling stakes in government companies. This strategy aims to speed up privatisation. The industry body estimates a significant amount could be raised to fuel development. The proposal includes gauging investor interest first and then prioritising companies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a grand vision for India's next thousand years at Somnath. He highlighted the nation's cultural renaissance and the confidence of its citizens. Modi recalled historical attacks on the Somnath temple, emphasizing its reconstruction as a symbol of victory and resilience. He urged vigilance against divisive forces, stressing unity for India's future glory.

India urged greater international collaboration for a faster global energy transition, emphasizing technology transfer, affordable finance, and capacity building for developing nations. Renewable energy minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted India's commitment to its 2030 non-fossil fuel capacity target and 2070 net-zero goal, noting the significant investment opportunities in the sector.

Highway developers are pushing back against the government's proposal to end arbitration for major road projects. They warn that removing this dispute resolution mechanism could lead to longer legal battles and higher financial claims due to mounting interest. Developers suggest structured settlements and improved dispute resolution within the authority instead.

Clean energy investment is set to continue its upward trend. Economic factors strongly support the shift to cleaner technologies. Damilola Ogunbiyi of Sustainable Energy for All highlights this momentum. India is seen as a leader in this transition, sharing its expertise. Cooperation among developing nations is a key focus. India's work on energy efficiency is also crucial for these economies.

The Centre has released over 83,000 crore to states for capital investment. This is part of the special assistance scheme for capital investment. The government is confident of fully utilizing the allocation by the fiscal year end. The scheme provides interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure.

As the world overflows with obligate fellows, it is natural for the obligated to take a splash in the river of resolutions. It's a different issue that no one wants to become the river itself. Just a dip of ablution and it is done. If the major rivers could voice their struggles and share their grief, the wise men would probably understand the reason.

The hatchback market in India is experiencing a revitalization, with a remarkable 20% surge in sales reported for the last quarter of 2025. Analysts attribute this upswing to recent GST reductions that have made these compact vehicles more accessible for first-time drivers. Maruti Suzuki has noted a 5% uptick in first-time buyers, indicating a potential shift in consumer trends.

Sneakers have been the kings of footwear for twenty years running, but some market analysts are ringing alarm bells about a possible downturn, pointing to a dip in growth rates. However, there's a camp of optimists who believe that the demand for comfy kicks will never fade.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, V D Satheesan, alleged that the government was spending crores of rupees on the propaganda using party volunteers keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly polls.

ED is investigating if funds for the construction of the varsity were sourced from alleged proceeds of crime, the sources told PTI.

Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to bolster Arctic security against Russia and China, according to a government minister. These talks are described as routine, not a direct response to U.S. President Trump's desire to acquire Greenland. The UK agrees that Russia and China are increasingly competitive in the Arctic, emphasizing the need for an effective deterrent.

We have seen BJP mayor in Thiruvananthapuram and tomorrow we will see BJP CM in Kerala, said Shah. People have wiped out Communist parties all over the world, and Congress is on a slippery slope, the BJP leader added.

Leading industrialists have announced significant investment commitments in Gujarat. Reliance Industries will invest Rs 7 lakh crore over five years, focusing on green energy and technology. Adani Group plans Rs 1.50 lakh crore in Mundra for energy projects. Other companies will also invest in manufacturing and skill development.

The strikes came days after the Lebanese military said it had completed disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, the first phase of a nationwide plan, though Israel has called those efforts insufficient.

Punjab has initiated new auctions for mining sites. Reforms to the auction system are now in place. The government aims for transparency and better revenue. Online bidding is being used. This is the first auction in three years. Future auctions will include more sites. These changes are expected to boost legal supply and government income.

US-based cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov has sparked discussion with an Instagram post explaining that salt is not harmful for everyone but can worsen outcomes for patients with heart failure, resistant hypertension, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and older vascular systems. He stressed that sodium is essential for basic body functions, but dangerous in vulnerable bodies. His message urges personalised dietary advice over blanket restrictions, calling the issue deeply personal for high-risk pat

Slow travel is emerging as a major shift in tourism, replacing rushed itineraries with longer stays, fewer destinations and lower costs. Data from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo shows strong interest in farm stays, especially among Gen Z. Rooted in Italys slow food movement, the trend promotes immersion, local living and sustainability. Advocates cite reduced stress, deeper cultural ties and better value as key benefits.

EU defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius floated creating a powerful, standing 'European military force' of 100,000 troops as a possible option to better protect the continent.

In a recent address, Manipur MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized the crucial role of Meiteis in championing peace initiatives within the state. He underscored the importance of fostering reconciliation with Kukis to address the persistent conflict.

Chewing gum, long seen as nutritionally pointless, may subtly affect how the brain handles attention and stress. A 2025 review of brain-imaging studies found that chewing activates regions linked to alertness and emotional control, though briefly.

All the flying objects came from the Pakistan side, and returned after hovering over Indian territory for few minutes, they said. According to officials, security forces have launched a search operation on the ground after noticing the suspected drones activity in the forward areas.

Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang offers a new perspective on time. He believes prioritizing oneself and making sacrifices can expand time. Huang argues that attention, not time, is the real constraint in modern life.

Maharashtra civic polls: The NCP, although a member of the ruling Mahayuti, and NCP (SP), a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, have joined hands for the January 15 elections to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies.

Astrologers describe the January new moon as a stabilising force rather than a dramatic one. Its influence lies in encouraging steady progress, emotional maturity and thoughtful planning.

A new study reveals mothers often pass math anxiety to daughters. This creates a confidence gap in numbers. Boys show more confidence in maths from a young age. This trend continues into adulthood. Women report more discomfort with numbers than men. The Richmond Project aims to make numbers less intimidating. It seeks to build confidence across generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Shaurya Yatra in Somnath, Gujarat. The procession honored warriors who defended the ancient temple. Traditional dances and a cavalcade of 108 horses marked the event. Modi offered prayers at the historic shrine and addressed a gathering.

Sweden is investing 15 billion Swedish crowns in air defence. This significant expenditure aims to shield citizens and vital infrastructure. The government highlighted the importance of robust air defence following events in Ukraine. Short-range systems will be acquired to safeguard cities and critical facilities. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also commented on US rhetoric concerning Greenland and Denmark.

A Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) statement said final leg of the WDFC was reviewed Sunday during a coordination meeting with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

The bulk of the trader's bids on the platform Polymarket were made mere hours before President Donald Trump announced the surprise nighttime raid that led to Maduro's capture, fuelling online suspicions of potential insider trading because of the timing of the wagers and the trader's narrow activity on the platform.

Donald Trump-Cuba: China may soon be under pressure elsewhere in Latin America. It has sought to increase its influence in Cuba, and the U.S. suspects Beijing runs an intelligence-gathering operation there, as per a report.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated his hard work brought him to his current position. He is confident about the Congress party's future decisions concerning him. This comes amid speculation about a change in the chief minister's post. Shivakumar also addressed criticism from within his community and challenged opposition leaders to a debate on MGNREGA.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also raised questions on the presence of the state police chief during the incident, alleging that the entire police infrastructure in West Bengal has become a weapon in the hands of Banerjee for all her shameful, unconstitutional and undemocratic activities.

Bridgerton Season 4: Although the new season centres on Benedict Bridgertons romance with Sophie Beckett, fans are especially eager to see whether Season 2 favourites Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton will return.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad metro, connecting Gandhinagar's Sector 10A to the Mahatma Mandir convention centre. This crucial transport link now fully connects Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, with Modi flagging off the inaugural service. The new route enhances connectivity to key Gandhinagar landmarks.