The Economic Times News

In the ever-shifting landscape of America's economy, looming policy shifts and global unrest create a perfect storm for uncertainty. While the stock market may be riding high, underlying vulnerabilities could spell trouble ahead. Heightened geopolitical strife and ambiguous economic strategies are proving to be a tough maze for investors.

Four individuals accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case have submitted their bail and surety bonds. This follows their bail being granted by the Supreme Court. Another accused has filed a third bail application. The court is verifying sureties and will hear the matter further.

Chinese automaker BYD is set to release upgraded plug-in hybrid cars this month. These new models will feature enhanced batteries offering significantly longer driving ranges. The updated vehicles aim to meet new government regulations for tax incentives. BYD's plug-in hybrid sales saw a dip last year but remain a core part of its business.

Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim president. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalled her August 2023 meeting with then Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Rodriguez, who has visited India, follows Satya Sai Baba. The article also notes India's concern over the US capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

India anticipates robust economic growth of 7.4% in fiscal 2025-26. This projection highlights the nation's economic strength despite global challenges. The government's initiatives, including tax relief and GST adjustments, are expected to boost consumer demand. Manufacturing and services sectors are poised for significant expansion, positioning India as a leading economy in Asia.

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar proves glowing skin doesn't need anything expensive. Her approach is simple, affordable and not based on trends.

Budget session: The government plans to introduce the Seeds Bill 2025 in Parliament in February. This new bill will replace the old Seeds Act of 1966. It aims to ensure seed quality and traceability through mandatory registration. Farmers will still be able to save and exchange their own seeds. The bill also outlines penalties for violations.

India aims to be the world's third-largest economy. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that reducing imports and boosting exports are crucial. He highlighted converting agricultural waste into bio-bitumen for road construction. This initiative will save foreign exchange and reduce crude oil dependence. The move supports sustainable development and rural livelihoods. India is also exploring green hydrogen-powered trucks to cut pollution.

China has intensified trade disputes with Japan. Beijing is investigating imported dichlorosilane, a key semiconductor chemical. This follows curbs on dual-use goods exports. The move stems from political disagreements over Taiwan. Meanwhile, China strengthens ties with South Korea, signing cooperation deals. This contrasts with the ongoing friction with Japan.

Bihar's Land Reforms and Revenue Department has unveiled an impressive four-volume collection. This comprehensive anthology meticulously gathers key circulars and regulations from 2003 to 2023. Designed for state officials and regional offices, this initiative is set to offer a treasure trove of timely and reliable information on revenue policies, fostering greater uniformity and clarity in departmental operations.

Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh stressed a military-civil-society fusion for Himalayan security. He highlighted the Middle Sector's strategic importance and the need for vigilance against hybrid warfare. Infrastructure, technology, and local communities are vital for national security. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami agreed, emphasizing coordination and the strength of border residents.

France is collaborating with European allies on a strategy should the United States attempt to seize Greenland. This move follows renewed ambitions from U.S. President Donald Trump to control the Arctic island. European leaders are uniting to support Greenland's autonomy. A U.S. military operation in Greenland has been reportedly ruled out by a top U.S. official.

The National Highways Authority of India has set two Guinness World Records in Andhra Pradesh. This achievement was made during the construction of the Bengaluru-Kadapa-Vijayawada Economic Corridor. A private firm laid 28.95 lane-kilometres and 10,675 metric tons of Bituminous Concrete continuously within 24 hours. This feat was accomplished with adherence to NHAI quality standards.

ASHA workers demonstrated at Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake, West Bengal. They demanded a Rs 15,000 monthly honorarium and Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. The protest saw agitators breach barricades, leading to a tense standoff. Vehicular movement was briefly disrupted. Workers have been on cease-work since December 23. They seek concrete solutions from the health minister or senior officials.

Indian and Emirati scientists are collaborating in Antarctica. Researchers from Khalifa University joined India's 45th Antarctic Expedition. They are studying Mars-like landscapes to advance polar and planetary science. This partnership follows a recent agreement to boost cooperation in polar and ocean research. The collaboration aims to support joint missions and share data on climate change and polar ecosystems.

PHDCCI has presented proposals to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman. The industry body seeks lower borrowing costs and an interest equalisation scheme for MSMEs. Suggestions include a 2 percent interest subvention on new loans and increased MUDRA loan ceilings. These measures aim to boost the sector's growth and manufacturing capabilities. Start-ups could also see cheaper funding options.

The Supreme Court has asked the Maharashtra government to respond to bail pleas from two individuals arrested in the Pune Porsche car accident case. The accident in May 2024 claimed two lives. Aditya Avinash Sood and Ashish Satish Mittal were arrested last year. Their blood samples were allegedly used in tests related to the accident.

Delhi Municipal Corporation officials conducted a major demolition drive near Turkman Gate. Heavy machinery was used to clear a banquet hall and dispensary. These structures were declared encroachments by the Delhi High Court. The operation took place overnight. The mosque itself remained unaffected. Authorities are working to clear remaining debris.

Ken MacKinnon, a man from Winnipeg in Manitoba endured an agonizing 11-hour wait for an ambulance after slipping on ice and fracturing his hip on December 20, 2025. Despite neighbors assisting him indoors, the prolonged delay exacerbated his pain. A city spokesperson cited staffing shortages as the reason for the extended response time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They discussed strengthening the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism with greater determination. They also exchanged views on the regional situation. New Year greetings were conveyed to the people of Israel.

Venezuela's oil production could surge significantly in the coming decade following a political transition. This potential increase in supply may reshape global energy markets and keep oil prices lower for longer. JPMorgan's report highlights this as a major upside risk not currently priced into markets.

US-Greenland issue explained: Greenland's strategic importance to the United States is highlighted following a US military operation. President Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the island has drawn strong opposition from Denmark and other European nations. Greenland's location, resources, and potential for new Arctic shipping routes are key factors driving this renewed focus. Decisions about Greenland's future rest with its people.

The Delhi High Court has ordered a status quo on the Union government's decision to deny Vedanta Limited an extension for its offshore oil and gas block PSC. The court's directive halts the planned takeover of the block by ONGC, pending further orders. Vedanta had challenged the government's rejection, citing procedural irregularities and a violation of natural justice principles.

A political storm brews in Hubballi as a BJP worker accuses police of assault and stripping her during a voter list revision. Police vehemently deny this, claiming she resisted arrest and stripped herself. The incident, linked to alleged irregularities in the voter list exercise, has led to counter-complaints and a police probe.

Samsung Electronics will buy back its own shares worth 2.5 trillion won. This move is for employee and executive compensation. The share purchases will happen on the stock market. This is part of a performance-linked pay plan. The plan was introduced in October 2025. The acquisition will take place between January 8 and April 7.

West Bengal is set for a cold spell. Several districts will experience temperatures below normal for the next three to five days. Morning and forenoon fog is also expected. Darjeeling recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 3.2 degrees Celsius. Sriniketan was the coldest in the plains at 6.2 degrees Celsius. Kolkata's minimum temperature was 10.3 degrees Celsius.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. This follows US President Donald Trump's comments on tariffs and his relationship with Modi. Gandhi shared an old video highlighting how former PM Indira Gandhi resisted US pressure in 1971. Trump mentioned Modi is unhappy due to US tariffs on Indian purchases of Russian oil.

Realme, a smartphone maker, is now part of Oppo. This integration aims to combine resources and reduce expenses for both companies. Realme phones are available in India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Both Realme and Oppo are owned by BBK Electronics, a major Chinese consumer hardware firm. This move signals a strategic shift for the brands.

Your postcode matters for health and lifespan. New data shows Western Australia's Inner Perth is the healthiest place. Queensland and New South Wales also have top spots. Inner Perth boasts high life expectancy and low premature deaths. Brisbane's inner city and southern regions also rank high. Sydney's eastern suburbs offer good healthcare. Latrobe-Gippsland in Victoria is the unhealthiest region.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing to present her ninth Union Budget. The team includes a mix of long-serving officials and new faces. Anuradha Thakur, Economic Affairs Secretary, will coordinate the process. Key secretarial roles have seen recent changes. The Expenditure Department is expected to have a significant role. This budget will incorporate Finance Commission recommendations.

The atmosphere around Turkman Gate was fraught with unease on Wednesday, a day after violent outbursts erupted during an anti-encroachment operation. With businesses closed and scooters turned upside down, the streets told a story of unrest. Clashes saw police officers injured from stone-throwing assailants.

Today's hack of the day protects your PAN card from identity theft. It is the primary link to your financial life. Banks, NBFCs and digital lenders rely on PAN details to issue loans and credit cards. This also makes it a potential target for misuse. Cases of loans being taken without the knowledge of the PAN holder are not uncommon, and that is why checking whether any loan has been taken on your PAN is a habit worth building.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi conducted a demolition drive near Turkman Gate following a High Court order. Illegal structures were targeted. Stone-pelting occurred, injuring five police personnel. Five individuals were detained. Authorities stated the situation was controlled with minimal force. The Mayor affirmed the commitment to a clean Delhi.

ECI UP SIR voter list 2026: The Election Commission of India released the UP SIR draft voter list 2026 on January 6, removing 2.89 crore names and retaining 12.55 crore voters. The draft roll is available online and offline for verification, with a claims and objections window open until February 6, 2026. The final list will be published on March 6, 2026.

Indias first hydrogen-powered train is set to begin pilot operations on the JindSonipat route in Haryana, marking a milestone in the countrys green transport initiatives. The 10-coach train, with two power cars and eight passenger coaches, has been indigenously designed and built at ICF Chennai. Fueled by hydrogen produced via electrolysis at a 3,000-kg-capacity plant in Jind, the train has successfully completed trial runs.

Australia's job market is booming with AI and technology roles. AI engineers are leading this growth. Chief Risk Officers and Directors of Artificial Intelligence are also in high demand. Experts state AI is now essential for leadership and daily work. Building AI literacy and acquiring new skills will secure future careers across all industries.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has cautioned party members. He warned against middlemen and scammers who are promising election tickets for money. Aspiring candidates should not fall prey to such individuals. Eligible candidates will be recognized at the right time. Interviews for applicants begin January 9 at the party headquarters.

Goldman Sachs dominated global dealmaking in 2025, advising on deals worth $1.48 trillion. Mega-mergers surged, with a permissive regulatory climate fueling activity across sectors. JPMorgan led in overall investment banking fees. The race for Warner Bros Discovery significantly impacted rankings for several firms, highlighting the dynamic nature of the M&A landscape.

Uttar Pradesh has expanded its stamp duty concession, now capping charges at 5,000 for intra-family transfers of commercial and industrial properties via gift deeds. This move extends a benefit previously limited to agricultural and residential properties, aiming to ease financial burdens for families. The decision, approved by the state cabinet, clarifies 'family members' and will take effect upon gazette publication.

India is strengthening domestic manufacturing and securing supply chains. The upcoming union budget will fund local production and build strategic buffers. This shift prioritizes economic resilience over cost efficiency. The nation aims to reduce reliance on imported energy, electronics, and defence equipment. Diversifying oil supplies and boosting local defence production are key strategies.

The MCD on Wednesday conducted a demolition drive at the encroached area in the vicinity of Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, near Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, after the High Court's order in the early morning hours of January 7, 2025, according to an official statement from Delhi Police.

The BJP has formed post-poll alliances with rivals Congress and AIMIM in some Maharashtra municipal councils, notably in Ambernath and Akot, to secure control of local bodies after recent civic elections. These tie-ups sidelined ally Shiv Sena in Ambernath and brought together multiple ideologically opposed parties at the local level.

'Avengers: Doomsday' Trailer: Marvel Studios' promotional plans for Avengers: Doomsday faced a setback with the premature leak of its fourth trailer. The clip surprisingly showcased a crossover between Black Panther and the Fantastic Four, featuring Shuri, Namor, and M'Baku, rather than the anticipated Doctor Doom confrontation. This leak has intensified fan anticipation for the film's December 2026 release.

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party to remove social media posts within 24 hours that linked BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam to the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The court also restrained the parties from posting further content targeting Gautam as the alleged 'VIP' in the case, citing a prima facie case of defamation.

Delhi Police detained a man near Faiz-e-Elahi Masjid, Turkman Gate, during an MCD demolition drive after he entered the restricted area; the man claimed he was on his way to buy medicines and was not given a chance to turn back. Police said the demolition, covering around 36,400 sq ft of encroached land, was carried out overnight strictly on High Court orders with heavy security deployment.

A Hindu youth, Mithun Sarkar, drowned after being chased by a mob accusing him of theft in Naogaon, Bangladesh. This incident highlights a disturbing rise in communal violence as the national election approaches. In December alone, over 50 violent incidents targeting minorities were reported, including murders and property seizures.