Indian-news

09 Jan 2026 12:44 AM EconomicTimes

Premium gain, margin strain likely for insurers in December quarter

Most large life insurers, including LIC, HDFC Life, Axis Max and SBI Life, are set to post double-digit APE growth in Oct–Dec 2025, aided by GST tailwinds and a favourable base after new surrender value norms.

09 Jan 2026 12:40 AM EconomicTimes

IndusInd Bank plans bigger board for better governance

The bank is considering increasing its board strength to around a dozen members from the current nine with the aim of strengthening oversight and aligning with evolving regulatory expectations. Currently, managing director and CEO Rajiv Anand is the only executive on the board. Others are non-executive and independent directors.

09 Jan 2026 12:34 AM EconomicTimes

Banks narrow NBFCs’ lead as India’s gold loan market turns nearly 50-50

NBFCs' share of aggregate gold loans fell by nearly 20 percentage points over the past five years to 50.3% as of March 2025, from 69.4% in 2020. In the same period, banks increased their share to 49.7% from 30.6%, data showed.

09 Jan 2026 12:34 AM EconomicTimes

Torrent Power bets Rs 1 lakh cr on energy, builds new B2C platforms: Jinal Mehta, vice-chairman and MD

Torrent Power operates across the entire power value chain-coal-based and gas-based generation, renewables, transmission and distribution. We are also expanding into energy storage and green hydrogen. Importantly, every segment of the value chain is seeing growth today, giving us multiple growth engines and a balanced portfolio, says Jinal Mehta.

09 Jan 2026 12:19 AM EconomicTimes

PIB clears ₹26,000-crore Kamala Hydel Project in Arunachal

In a momentous step forward, the Public Investment Board has greenlighted the ambitious 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project, making a substantial investment of ₹26,000 crore. This advancement is set to enhance flood control and provide free energy to the residents of Arunachal Pradesh. Moreover, an additional ₹3,000 crore has been earmarked for establishing state-of-the-art power equipment testing facilities.

08 Jan 2026 11:52 PM EconomicTimes

'SWAMIH fund helps deliver 61,000 flats across 110 housing projects'

In a remarkable turnaround, a government initiative has breathed life into 61,000 homes across 110 previously stalled projects. The SWAMIH Fund has unleashed over ₹37,400 crore worth of capital for 127 ventures, catalyzing the creation of thousands of jobs and boosting public revenue.

08 Jan 2026 11:42 PM EconomicTimes

No road tax on factory, mine machinery: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that heavy industrial and construction machinery like dumpers and excavators, used within factories and mines, are not motor vehicles and thus exempt from road tax. This decision overturns a 2011 Gujarat High Court judgment, clarifying that vehicles designed for closed premises are outside the Motor Vehicles Act's purview.

08 Jan 2026 11:29 PM EconomicTimes

US quits India-led International Solar Alliance

The United States is withdrawing from 66 international organizations, including the India-led International Solar Alliance, following President Trump's executive order. The administration cited that these bodies are contrary to American interests, national security, economic growth, and sovereignty. This move impacts UN and non-UN entities, with experts noting a lack of focus on renewables and climate change by the current administration.

08 Jan 2026 11:17 PM EconomicTimes

Early IIT placements show green shoots; AI, tech in demand

Leading Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have reported a positive start to their 2025-26 campus placement season. An increase in job offers, particularly pre-placement offers, wider recruiter participation including first-timers, and stronger compensation trends highlight a gradual pick-up in recruiter sentiment, driven by demand for technology, data, and AI roles.

08 Jan 2026 10:58 PM EconomicTimes

BCD Global, International Arm of India’s BCD Group targets AED 300 million by the first quarter of 2026

BCD Global, the international arm of India's BCD Group, has returned to the Middle East. Dubai is now its regional headquarters. The company aims for AED 300 million in revenue by early 2026. This strategic expansion targets institutional-grade developments across the UAE and GCC. Saudi Arabia is a key focus for future growth.

08 Jan 2026 10:50 PM EconomicTimes

Oil prices gain 2% as market focuses on Venezuela and supply worries in Russia, Iraq and Iran

Oil prices climbed nearly 2% as investors weighed escalating U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, a drone attack on a Russia-bound tanker in the Black Sea, and Iraq's nationalization of the West Qurna 2 oilfield. The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked tankers, while concerns over supply disruptions from Russia, Iraq, and Iran contributed to the market's upward movement.

08 Jan 2026 10:49 PM EconomicTimes

Textile, apparel exports hit by US tariffs: Industry tells Parliament panel

Indian textile exporters foresee a significant drop in orders. A 50% decline is expected in early 2026. This follows steep US tariffs imposed earlier. American buyers are seeking alternative suppliers. Exporters face reduced price competitiveness and supply chain issues. Diversification efforts are underway but face challenges. The industry awaits government relief measures.

08 Jan 2026 10:19 PM EconomicTimes

Govt unveils district-led textiles transformation initiative

The Textiles Ministry has launched the District-Led Textiles Transformation initiative to develop 100 districts as global export champions and 100 aspirational districts into self-reliant hubs. This data-driven strategy categorizes districts to address specific bottlenecks, focusing on advanced upgrades for champions and foundational ecosystem building for aspirational areas, with a special emphasis on the east and northeast.

08 Jan 2026 10:12 PM EconomicTimes

Railways aims for 52 reforms in 2026

Indian Railways plans 52 reforms in 2026, focusing on safety, AI, advanced technology, and workforce training to enhance passenger service. The national transporter has significantly reduced consequential train accidents and aims for single-digit figures, alongside a major upgrade in food and catering services.

08 Jan 2026 09:52 PM EconomicTimes

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces 52 reforms in 52 weeks for 2026

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled a significant plan for Indian Railways. The initiative, '52 Reforms in 52 Weeks', will commence in 2026. This ambitious program aims to enhance infrastructure, improve passenger amenities, and boost operational safety. Key focuses include leveraging AI, upgrading training, and revamping catering services. The goal is to achieve a single-digit accident rate.

08 Jan 2026 09:49 PM EconomicTimes

Oberoi Realty, Shree Naman in race for Railway’s 11-acre land in Mumbai's Bandra

Oberoi Realty and Shree Naman Developers are eligible bidders for a prime 11.21-acre railway land parcel in Mumbai's Bandra. The Railway Land Development Authority set a reserve price of Rs 5,365 crore for the land. This is the third land parcel monetised by RLDA in Mumbai recently.

08 Jan 2026 09:30 PM EconomicTimes

Ashok Leyland to inaugurate EV manufacturing plant in Lucknow on January 9

Ashok Leyland is set to inaugurate its new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Lucknow on Friday, January 9. The facility, located in the Sarojini Nagar Extension-1 industrial area, signifies Uttar Pradesh's growing prominence as a hub for electric mobility and green industrial growth. The plant aims to boost EV production, create employment, and attract further investment in the state.