The Times of India News

India is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to boost international flights from its expanding airport network. The government aims for Indian airports and airlines to realize their full potential by facilitating direct flights between domestic and international hubs. This initiative aligns with significant aircraft inductions by Indian carriers over the coming years.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter Scale jolted Morigaon district in Assam early Monday morning. The tremor, with its epicentre at a depth of 50 km, was felt across central Assam. Authorities are monitoring the situation, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Novo Nordisk India MD expects Wegovys price cut to lift patient uptake 57 times

New investment announcements in India surged to Rs 26.62 lakh crore in the first nine months of FY26, driven by electricity, chemicals, and metals. Infrastructure-oriented industries attracted nearly half of these plans, with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra leading in proposed investments.

Fino Payments Bank is set to transform into a small finance bank. This move will allow it to expand secured lending. The bank plans to separate its business correspondent arm. Fino has a strong digital-first, transaction-led model. It boasts over 20 lakh merchants and 1.6 crore customers. This provides a ready base for deposits and loans.

A potential US-led restructuring of Venezuela's oil sector could significantly benefit India, offering a chance to recover nearly $1 billion in outstanding dues. This shift might also enable ONGC Videsh to revive crude production from its jointly operated San Cristobal oilfield, which has been hampered by US sanctions blocking essential technology and equipment.

India Inc is significantly boosting childcare budgets, with 60% of companies planning higher spends, doubling their investment from three years ago. This surge, driven by the upcoming Social Security Code mandating crche facilities, highlights a shift towards childcare as a key tool for talent retention and diversity. Companies are increasingly adopting gender-neutral policies to support working parents.

Developments in Venezuela are unlikely to immediately impact India's oil supplies or prices, as Venezuelan crude has been largely absent from global markets due to US sanctions. While bilateral engagement has weakened, experts suggest India could diversify its sources if Venezuelan oil re-enters the market, potentially offering a sentimental impact on emerging market currencies.

A 7-km twin-tube tunnel is planned to connect Chaumasi to Sonprayag, improving connectivity and safety for Kedarnath pilgrims. This project aims to reduce travel time and provide an emergency escape route, complementing the upcoming Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway. The government is prioritizing detailed geological studies for the tunnel construction.

A Bihar youth, duped by cybercriminals, arrived at the prestigious LBSNAA in Mussoorie for IAS training, only to be stopped at the gate. He had paid Rs 30,000 after receiving forged UPSC results and a fake selection letter. Police are investigating this elaborate scam targeting aspiring civil servants.

Official audits for years warned of public health risks from contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh, citing over 5.45 lakh water-borne disease cases in Bhopal and Indore between 2013-2018. Despite these alerts, systemic lapses in monitoring and testing by urban local bodies persisted, leading to faecal coliform detection in water supplies and potential health impacts for lakhs of residents.

Indore health officials declared a waterborne disease outbreak in Bhagirathpura an epidemic after 10 deaths. Specialized national and state teams are investigating the contamination source. Narmada water supply remains suspended, with residents instructed on borewell and tank chlorination. Clean water is being supplied via tankers, and affected patients receive free treatment.

NHAI has identified 424 elecom black spots totaling 1,750 km on highways and expressways, urging TRAI to direct operators to improve mobile network coverage. This lack of connectivity hinders emergency communication and highway operations. NHAI also proposed free, proactive SMS alerts for accident-prone zones, including those with stray cattle, to enhance road user safety.

Around 30,000 Goans surrendered Indian passports in a decade for foreign nationality, primarily Portuguese. Now, their parents, who registered births in Portugal, face scrutiny from the Election Commission. This action aims to verify electoral roll entries of individuals who acquired foreign passports and citizenship.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled 184 new crop varieties, including 122 cereals and 22 Bt cotton, aimed at boosting productivity and climate resilience. These advancements, developed by ICAR, universities, and private firms, will be available to farmers within three years. Chouhan highlighted India's significant rice production, surpassing China, solidifying its global food supplier status.

Congress plans a long-term sensitization campaign for MGNREGA workers, drawing inspiration from the farm laws stir. Unlike the farmer protests, the current agitation faces challenges mobilizing the poor working class for prolonged struggle. The party aims to educate workers about potential impacts of new policies, acknowledging the battle will be prolonged.

Dubai's gold market experienced a dramatic rally in 2025, with 24-carat gold prices soaring by over 63.5 percent. This surge, driven by global safe-haven demand and interest rate dynamics, saw significant gains for investors and residents. The trend aligns with a broader worldwide appreciation for gold as a strategic asset.

Two months into Bengal's electoral roll revision, citizens face confusion and difficulties regaining their voting rights due to document discrepancies and unclear directives. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the unplanned, arbitrary process, highlighting instances of elderly and infirm voters being summoned for hearings, leading to widespread public outcry.

A Class 10 student, investigated for rape of a pregnant minor, was found dead in a field in UP's Kaushambi district. The boy's family claims he was distressed after an FIR was filed against him. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.

An accused student in a Himachal Pradesh college ragging and sexual harassment case, where a classmate died, denied all charges in a social media video. She claimed innocence for herself and two other accused students, asserting they were all classmates and belonged to the same Scheduled Caste community.

A 47-year-old GRP constable, Dinesh Kumar, sustained a shoulder injury from an accidental discharge of his service weapon while on duty at Kathua railway station Saturday night. He has been admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu for treatment following the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir's legislative assembly will convene on February 2nd in Jammu, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivering the inaugural address. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also finance minister, is slated to present the budget for 2026-27 later in the session. This marks Sinha's third address and Abdullah's second budget presentation.

Police in Jammu and Reasi districts have booked multiple property owners for renting to unverified tenants, intensifying checks ahead of Republic Day. In Reasi's Katra, a group of unverified tenants from outside the state were found residing in jhuggis after a violent quarrel.

Analysts believe US President Trump's plan to seize Venezuela's oil industry and invite American companies to rebuild it will not immediately impact global oil prices. Years of neglect, mismanagement, and sanctions have severely damaged the sector, requiring significant time and investment for any meaningful production increase. Political stability and contract clarity are crucial hurdles for foreign companies considering substantial investment.

India's retail inflation is projected to rise to 1.66% in December 2025, up from 0.71% in November, driven by increasing food prices. Despite this uptick, inflation is expected to remain significantly below last year's levels. Core inflation, however, is anticipated to climb due to a surge in gold prices.

Gold and silver prices are poised for volatility this week, driven by crucial US economic data and escalating geopolitical tensions following the reported capture of Venezuela's President Maduro. Analysts anticipate aggressive trading as markets digest the fallout, with potential impacts on bullion and crude oil. Despite recent corrections, underlying safe-haven demand persists.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is heading to Brussels for crucial talks on the India-EU free trade agreement, now in its final and most challenging phase. The negotiations aim to bridge gaps on sensitive issues, including the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism, with both sides pushing for an early conclusion.

Bajaj Auto has stated that its exports to Venezuela represent less than 1% of its total overseas shipments. This clarification comes after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The company confirmed that its Pulsar and Boxer models are popular there, but the overall impact on its operations is minimal due to the low export percentage.

India has become the world's largest rice producer, surpassing China with an output of 150.18 million tonnes. This achievement follows the release of 184 new high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties developed by ICAR. The nation is now a global food provider with adequate foodgrain stocks.

North India's dense winter fog has led to a viral video showcasing an ingenious solution for navigating zero visibility. A man perched on a car's bonnet guides the driver with hand signals, turning a perilous drive into an improvised navigation exercise. This creative approach, dubbed 'ADAS Level 4,' has amused netizens and highlighted the resourcefulness of Indian youth.

Indian equities are poised for stable performance heading into 2026, driven by robust corporate balance sheets and an earnings recovery. However, after a significant market upcycle and rerating, stock valuations already reflect much of the growth optimism. Consequently, future market returns are expected to be more moderate, with selective stock picking and company-specific fundamentals likely to outperform broad macro narratives.

Unsold housing inventory in India's top seven cities rose 4% last year, reaching over 5.76 lakh units as new supply outpaced buyer demand. Housing sales declined 14% while new launches increased 2%, widening the supply-demand gap. While some cities saw inventory reduction, others experienced significant build-up.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will be on a six-day official visit to France and Luxembourg, during which he will hold high-level meetings aimed at strengthening India's bilateral ties with both countries.

Experts warn that a significant tax hike on cigarettes, coupled with a new excise duty structure, could fuel illicit trade and lead to substantial revenue losses for the government. This unexpected increase, raising overall taxes by 60-70%, risks pushing consumers towards smuggled products, as India already faces a substantial illicit tobacco market.

Mis-selling remains a significant concern in India's insurance sector, with complaints related to unfair business practices rising sharply in FY25. The regulator is urging insurers to identify root causes and implement corrective measures, including product suitability assessments and distribution channel controls. Despite these efforts, insurance penetration remains low compared to global averages.

Senior Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Abhishek Manu Singhvi condemned the US airstrikes on Venezuela, calling it law of the jungle and 19th-century imperialism. Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi drew a parallel to India, prompting sharp retorts from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders. India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern and urged peaceful resolution.

Indian markets are poised for a data-driven week, with investors keenly watching domestic PMI readings and key US economic indicators. The earnings season kicks off, adding to the focus on corporate performance. Analysts anticipate a constructive market sentiment, driven by domestic fundamentals, despite potential short-term volatility from global cues and the rupee's movement.

Group has commenced the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydro Electricity Project in Bhutan, which was initially announced in early September 2025. The foundation stone for the hydro power project was launched in the presence of Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.

Indian equity markets concluded last week on a strong note, with the combined market value of the top ten companies surging by over Rs 1.23 lakh crore. Reliance Industries led the gains, adding Rs 45,266 crore to its valuation. The BSE Sensex also saw a significant rise, reflecting the positive market sentiment.