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"India: Key Market for Malaysia Airlines, Says Captain Izham"

In a significant move to strengthen its presence in India, Malaysia Airlines has announced a partnership with the Mumbai Indians, a prominent team in the Indian Premier League. The announcement was made during an event in Mumbai, attended by key figures including Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene and Malaysia Aviation Group's Group Managing Director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail. Ismail highlighted India's importance as a core growth market, citing a 12% increase in passenger numbers and a 4% rise in premium load factors in 2025. As the official airline partner, Malaysia Airlines aims to enhance engagement within the Indian market and promote Malaysia as a travel destination, leveraging its extensive network of 80 weekly flights to 10 Indian cities. The airline's initiatives, including a bonus side trip programme for international travellers, further underscore its commitment to boosting inbound tourism from India. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 6 pm

Wholesale inflation jumps to 0.8% in December

India's wholesale inflation rate turned positive in December, rising to 0.8% from a deflation of 0.3% in November, primarily due to a moderation in food price deflation and increased inflation in manufactured products, according to government data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) also saw retail inflation reach a three-month high of 1.33%, up from 0.71% in November, driven by higher food prices. The Industry Ministry noted that the uptick was influenced by rising costs in manufacturing, minerals, and textiles, while deflation in food articles decreased to 0.43% in December from 4.16% in November. Economists predict that food inflation may continue to rise in January due to an unfavorable base and increasing global commodity prices, with ICRA forecasting a year-on-year WPI inflation of 1.5% for January 2026, the highest in ten months. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 6 pm

UBS predicts mixed performance for precious metals this year

UBS precious metal experts predict a bifurcated year for precious metals, with prices expected to rise in the first half before tapering off in the latter half. Gold could reach $5,000 an ounce and silver $100 in the first half, but by the second half, prices may drop to $4,500 for gold and $75 for silver, according to strategist Joni Teves. The long-term outlook remains positive for gold, which is increasingly viewed as a core investment. Market tightness and speculation are anticipated to drive silver prices, although high prices have dampened demand from India. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are playing a significant role in the market, particularly in China. Teves noted that while central bank demand for gold may slow, the overall market dynamics remain complex, with potential volatility expected in silver prices throughout 2026. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 6 pm

Oswal Pumps Secures ₹119.92 Cr Solar Pump Order

Oswal Pumps Ltd has secured a significant order from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) under the PM-KUSUM B Scheme, valued at ₹119.92 crore, for the supply and installation of 3,263 off-grid DC solar photovoltaic water pumping systems across Karnataka. The order includes the design, manufacture, installation, testing, and commissioning of systems with capacities of 3 HP, 5 HP, 7.5 HP, and 10 HP, aimed at supporting local farmers. This project marks Oswal Pumps' first major initiative in Karnataka, as noted by Chairman and Managing Director Vivek Gupta, who emphasized its potential to enhance the company's market presence in the state. Gupta highlighted the firm’s capabilities in executing large-scale solar projects, backed by a robust manufacturing and service network, reinforcing its reputation in public sector renewable energy initiatives. The project is expected to pave the way for further opportunities in the region. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 4 pm

Danish Delegation Tours Kandla Port in Gujarat

In a significant move towards sustainable development, a Danish delegation led by Josefine Pallesen, Maritime Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark, visited Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla. The discussions focused on strategies for achieving zero carbon emissions and integrating green technologies within port operations. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of DPA, highlighted the port's ongoing initiatives in decarbonisation, renewable energy integration, and the use of green fuels. The delegation also toured the Make-in-India 1-MW Green Hydrogen Plant located at Kandla. Adding a cultural touch to their visit, the Danish representatives participated in Makar Sankranti celebrations, engaging in traditional kite flying with DPA officials and employees. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to advance sustainable practices in maritime operations. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 3 pm

42 GW Renewable Projects Stalled, Threatening India's 2030 Goals

India is poised to surpass the US as the world's second-largest solar power market in 2026, with a projected 6% year-on-year increase in solar capacity additions, reaching over 50 GW. However, the country faces a significant challenge, with 42 GW of renewable energy projects awaiting firm offtake contracts, which could jeopardize its 2030 target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, according to BloombergNEF. Despite a record 35 GW of solar capacity added in the first 11 months of last year, concerns about overcapacity in domestic module manufacturing persist, as India’s annual production capacity stands at 125 GW. Meanwhile, US solar installations are expected to decline by 14% this year, largely due to new regulatory hurdles, allowing India to take the second spot, while China remains the dominant player in the global solar market despite a forecasted decrease in annual additions. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 3 pm

Auto components industry grows 7% YoY to ₹3.56 lakh crore

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) reported a 6.8% year-on-year growth in the Indian auto component industry, reaching ₹3.56 lakh crore ($41.2 billion) in the first half of FY 2025-26. This growth was bolstered by stable domestic demand, a resilient aftermarket, and ongoing investments in capacity expansion and technology upgrades. Sales to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increased by 7.3% to ₹3.04 lakh crore ($35.2 billion), driven mainly by the passenger vehicle and light commercial vehicle sectors. The aftermarket also thrived, growing 9% to ₹53,160 crore ($6.1 billion), aided by a rising vehicle parc and the formalisation of repair services. Exports of auto components rose by 9.3% to $12.1 billion, while imports climbed 12.5% to $12.3 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $180 million. ACMA highlighted that this export growth occurred despite global challenges, with electric vehicles making up 4.6% of total OEM supplies. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 2 pm

Delhi NCR, Chennai drive record industrial leasing in 2025

India's industrial and warehousing sector showcased robust growth in 2025, with leasing activity reaching 36.9 million sq ft across major cities, a 16% increase from the previous year, according to Colliers India. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers dominated the market, securing a 32% share of Grade A space uptake, while engineering and e-commerce sectors collectively accounted for 35% of demand. Delhi NCR and Chennai emerged as key contributors, together representing 46% of annual leasing. Notable transactions included Jabil Inc.'s 385,000 sq ft lease in Pune and DHL's 380,400 sq ft in Chennai. Developers responded to this demand with 41.7 million sq ft of new completions, primarily in Delhi NCR, while vacancy rates remained stable at 16%. As established hubs like Delhi NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune continue to thrive, they are expected to drive 70-80% of demand in 2026, indicating a sustained expansion in the sector. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 12 pm

Deloitte: India to grow 7.5-7.8% this fiscal year

India is projected to achieve a GDP growth of 7.5-7.8% in the current fiscal year, buoyed by festive demand and strong services activity, according to Deloitte India. The growth rate is expected to moderate to 6.6-6.9% in FY2026-27 due to a high base and ongoing global uncertainties. Policymakers have implemented tax exemptions, policy rate cuts, and GST rationalization to stimulate demand, while favorable inflation trends and trade recalibrations through multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have bolstered exports. The year 2025 is characterized by resilience in domestic demand and significant reforms in fiscal, monetary, and labor policies. Deloitte anticipates that the focus will shift towards supply-side reforms in 2026, particularly for MSMEs and tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Additionally, India has strengthened trade ties with countries like the UK and New Zealand, enhancing its manufacturing and services sectors, while a potential India-US trade deal could further stabilize foreign investment. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 1 pm

Telangana spends ₹16,900 cr on 70.82 lakh tonnes of paddy

The Telangana Government has achieved a record procurement of 70.82 lakh tonnes of paddy during the kharif season, surpassing the previous high of 70.20 lakh tonnes set in 2020-21. Civil Supplies and Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the procurement, valued at over ₹16,900 crore, included 38.37 lakh tonnes of fine varieties, contributing to the state's total production of approximately ₹1.48 crore tonnes. This initiative has benefited around 14 lakh farmers, with the government ensuring purchases at the minimum support price. Of the total expenditure, ₹16,000 crore has already been disbursed, alongside a bonus of ₹1,425 crore for farmers cultivating fine varieties. The government facilitated this record procurement through approximately 8,500 designated centers across the state, marking a significant milestone in Telangana's agricultural history. sources

Published:
Jan 14 2026, 2 pm

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