India has deeper investment opportunities for critical minerals in Venezuela: Report

IANS | January 7, 2026 5:57 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) Not just oil, Venezuela holds substantial reserves of nickel, iron ore, bauxite, coal and gold, and is increasingly prioritising lithium, nickel and rare earth elements as strategic resources, a report said on Wednesday, adding that for India, deeper investment partnerships in these areas could support long-term supply security for minerals essential to batteries, electric vehicles and clean-energy technologies.

India’s highways transitioning from fossil-fuel dependency to bio-driven, circular economy: Minister

IANS | January 7, 2026 5:36 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) India’s highways are now transitioning from fossil-fuel dependency to bio-driven, regenerative, and circular economy solutions and the roads constructed using this technology will involve lesser budget, have a more sustainable lifespan, and will also be free from the hazard of causing environmental pollution, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said on Wednesday.

'China using rare earth dominance for geopolitical gains'

IANS | January 7, 2026 5:12 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) China's rare earth weapon has emerged as one of the most sophisticated instruments of modern economic statecraft as it exploits Western dependencies on materials essential for defence systems, renewable energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing processes, according to an article.

Govt pegs India's GDP growth rate at 7.4 per cent for 2025-26

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:32 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) India’s real GDP growth rate has been projected at 7.4 per cent in FY 2025-26, up from 6.5 per cent during FY 2024-25, according to the advanced estimates released by the Ministry of Statistics on Wednesday.

India crosses historic 50,000 NQAS certifications to boost public healthcare

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:20 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The government on Wednesday said that a total of 50,373 public health facilities across all states and union territories have been certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) till December 31 – a comprehensive quality framework established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Pakistan’s GDP growth rate likely to fall below IMF estimate

IANS | January 7, 2026 4:05 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The sharp decline in Pakistan’s exports and the damage caused to the agricultural sector due to the floods are expected to pull down the country’s growth rate to below the IMF’s estimate, according to an article in the Pakistani media.

Sensex, Nifty end lower amid geopolitical worries

IANS | January 7, 2026 3:57 PM

Mumbai, Jan 7 (IANS) Indian equity markets ended lower for the third consecutive session on Wednesday as ongoing geopolitical tensions kept investors on edge and selling pressure in automobile and oil marketing company stocks weighed on overall sentiment.

PHDCCI seeks incentives in Budget 2026-27 to push growth of MSME sector

IANS | January 7, 2026 3:43 PM

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) Business chamber PHDCCI has, as part of its wishlist for Union Budget 2026–27, sought easier access to finance at lower interest rates and a reduction in the regulatory burden, to cut costs for the MSME sector, which is driving growth and employment generation in the economy.