While investments in infrastructure creation of track and rolling stock have been significant, average train speeds have remained 50–52 kmph for mail/express passengers. By Dhruv Gadh and Nitin KumarThe transport and logistics sector serves as the backbone for India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. As our national carrier, the railways connect remote places, while providing a…
The US government is set to acquire a 10% stake in Oklahoma-based USA Rare Earth, as part of Trump administration’s $1.6 billion investment. The package is aimed towards supporting the firm to develop a local mine and magnet production facility, according to two sources familiar with the deal.In addition to this government-backed investment, USA Rare…
For the Union Budget 2026-2027, India’s gems and jewellery industry is urging the government for a mix of GST cuts, customs reforms and policy changes to counter global trade headwinds and improve export competitiveness.In its pre-Budget memorandum submitted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) highlighted measures aimed at…
The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets in the coming week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump’s pressure to slash levels as it guards against threats to its independence.The central bank has cut rates three consecutive times since September as the jobs market weakened, bringing them to…
President Donald Trump arrives aboard Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Md., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, after returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos. (AP Photo) TOI correspondent from Washington: US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100 per cent tax on Canada if it strikes a trade deal with China,…
LUCKNOW: The proposal to automatically raise electricity bills every year — even if state regulators fail to issue timely tariff orders — has ignited controversy over India’s new draft National Electricity Policy (NEP), 2026.The Union ministry of power published the draft policy on Jan 20, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days. Among…
India’s maritime sector is projected to attract investments of more than Rs 80 lakh crore in the coming years, helping the country regain its long-lost nautical supremacy and generate over 1.5 crore jobs, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday.Speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of development of Vizhinjam port in Thiruvananthapuram,…
The World Bank has approved technical and financial assistance of Rs 5,700 crore for Haryana under the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’, aimed at making the state self-reliant in the water sector, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Saturday.Chairing a review meeting on the programme, Saini said the funds will be released in phases between…
Cuba is keen to deepen its economic engagement with India across sectors such as agro-industry, biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, renewable energy, sports and tourism, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera said on Saturday, reported PTI. Addressing a special session on India–Cuba bilateral trade and economic cooperation organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce…
The Trump administration has quietly expanded the scope for government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy far more mortgage bonds than previously allowed, a move aimed at lowering home loan rates but one that has revived concerns about financial risk and policy overreach.According to an internal email obtained by the Associated Press,…
