Indian-news

08 Jan 2026 09:27 PM EconomicTimes

BMW pitches for retaining 5 pc GST on EVs in forthcoming Budget

BMW India has urged the government to maintain the current 5% GST on electric vehicles, warning that any increase could harm the burgeoning industry. The luxury carmaker reported a significant surge in EV sales, exceeding 200% in 2025, and plans to launch ten new models this year to further boost its offerings.

08 Jan 2026 09:16 PM EconomicTimes

Chopper services from Shimla to Kullu, Kinnaur from January 14: Officials

The initiative is part of the union government's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, they said.

08 Jan 2026 09:14 PM EconomicTimes

PIB nod for Rs 26k crore investment on 1720 MW Kamala hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh

The project will generate 6,869.92 MU of green energy annually on completion, thereby contributing to Government of India's energy transition initiatives and its Net Zero target by 2070, the source told.

08 Jan 2026 09:13 PM EconomicTimes

Mobile tariffs may go up by 15 pc in June, Jio IPO to boost sector valuation: Analyst report

Telecom operators are poised to increase mobile tariffs by 15% in June 2026, a move expected to more than double sector revenue growth to 16% in FY27. This hike, coupled with rising data and postpaid penetration, will boost ARPU. Vodafone Idea, however, faces a steeper 45% tariff hike requirement by FY30 to manage its statutory dues.

08 Jan 2026 09:05 PM EconomicTimes

Textile ministry inks pacts with 15 states to strengthen data systems

The Textiles Ministry has partnered with fifteen states to enhance data systems for the textile sector. This initiative, Tex-RAMPS, aims to improve data quality and research. The goal is to support the industry's growth towards a $350 billion valuation by 2030. Discussions at the National Textiles Ministers' Conference focus on investment, technology, exports, and preserving heritage.

08 Jan 2026 09:00 PM EconomicTimes

Choice Wealth secures strategic digital investment platform mandate by IPPB

India Post Payments Bank is partnering with Choice Wealth to launch a digital investment platform, offering mutual funds and robo-advisory services. This collaboration aims to provide IPPB customers with seamless access to investments via mobile and web.

08 Jan 2026 08:31 PM EconomicTimes

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication between cars to soon become a reality: Nitin Gadkari

Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said his ministry will soon mandate installation of on board units in cars for wireless data exchange between vehicles with the department of telecommunication providing 30 MHz of spectrum for enabling V-2-V communication. This would prevent crashes by warning drivers early and spot vehicles in blind spots areas, he said.

08 Jan 2026 08:11 PM EconomicTimes

Bharat forge, Germany's Agile Robots to explore collaboration for AI-led industrial automation

Driven by Bharat Forge's extensive domain expertise and Agile Robots' ingenious intelligent robots and automation solutions, this collaboration will see the deployment of cutting-edge solutions for the automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics industries, the company said in a statement.

08 Jan 2026 07:50 PM EconomicTimes

BHEL secures order from BCGCL for coal gasification, raw syngas cleaning facilities

State-owned BHEL has secured a significant order from Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited for coal gasification and raw syngas cleaning facilities. This project, for a coal-to-ammonium nitrate plant in Odisha, will utilize BHEL's proprietary Pressurised Fluidised Bed Gasification technology for its first commercial-scale application.

08 Jan 2026 07:38 PM EconomicTimes

BMW to launch 10 new cars in India and hike local sourcing to expand luxury sales

BMW is set to launch ten new cars in India this year, featuring electric vehicles and its MINI brand. The company aims to boost local sourcing to cut costs. Despite a small luxury car market share, BMW achieved record sales last year and expects similar growth.

08 Jan 2026 07:18 PM EconomicTimes

India-led International Solar Alliance to keep working with 125 countries to meet objectives

Gurugram-headquartered International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a collaborative initiative between India and France aimed at uniting efforts to combat climate change by implementing solar energy solutions. It was conceptualised on the sidelines of COP21 in Paris in 2015.

08 Jan 2026 07:18 PM EconomicTimes

Reliance Industries will consider buying Venezuelan oil

Reliance Industries, operator of the world's largest refining complex, is open to purchasing Venezuelan oil. The company awaits clarity on whether non-US buyers will be permitted to acquire the crude. Reliance previously halted Venezuelan oil purchases in March 2026. Its refineries are capable of processing heavier crudes like Venezuela's Merey.

08 Jan 2026 07:14 PM EconomicTimes

PRAGATI in power sector: 43 projects worth Rs 3.02 lakh crore commissioned till December-end

As of December 31, 2025, 43 major projects under the PRAGATI platform have been completed. These projects represent an investment of Rs 3.02 lakh crore. Ten projects are still under construction, with an investment of Rs 1,10,467 crore. The PRAGATI platform, launched in 2015, has been instrumental in tracking and driving infrastructure development across India.

08 Jan 2026 07:13 PM EconomicTimes

Cluster-led reforms can push India’s gems and jewellery exports to $75 billion by 2030: Exim Bank–GJEPC study

A joint study by Exim Bank and GJEPC suggests a cluster-focused approach to boost India's gems and jewellery exports to $75 billion by 2030. Recommendations include diversifying into high-value products, expanding markets, and enhancing policy, infrastructure, technology, and finance to unlock $38 billion in unrealized export potential.

08 Jan 2026 06:35 PM EconomicTimes

BMW Group posts 14% growth in car sales in India in 2025

BMW Group India has reported its highest-ever sales in 2025, selling over 18,000 cars. This marks a significant 14% growth compared to the previous year. The company's electric vehicle sales saw a remarkable 200% increase. New product launches and attractive financing options fueled this success. BMW and MINI electric cars now lead the luxury EV market in India.

08 Jan 2026 06:05 PM EconomicTimes

Some food preservatives linked to higher cancer, diabetes risk

New French studies suggest common food preservatives like nitrites and nitrates are linked to a slightly increased risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes. While researchers urge caution, advising consumers to opt for less processed foods, outside experts emphasize the need for more research to establish direct cause-and-effect relationships. The findings highlight potential health concerns associated with widely used additives.

08 Jan 2026 05:57 PM EconomicTimes

NTPC scopes 30 sites in fresh bid for nuclear expansion

NTPC Ltd., India's largest power producer, is identifying 30 potential sites across five to six states for new nuclear power projects. This move aligns with India's goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2047. NTPC aims to select locations by mid-year, paving the way for global tenders.