News Digest
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Copper, ‘gold standard’ for some appliances, surges to Rs 1,300/kg
Copper prices have surged to record highs, impacting the cost of household products like air conditioners, bathware, and kitchen utensils. Companies in the durables, cookware, and bathware sectors are planning price increases of 5-8% to offset rising commodity costs. This surge is attributed to factors including declining interest rates, a weaker dollar, and improved economic growth expectations for China.
Warren Buffett says 'I'd rather have Greg Abel handling my money' as Berkshire Hathaway begins new era
Berkshire Hathaway, under new CEO Greg Abel, faces challenges after Warren Buffett's departure. Analysts note Buffett's groundwork for a smooth transition, though uncertainty remains about sustaining the company's legacy.
Zomato's Deepinder Goyal's 5 points on gig workers' salaries, 10-minute delivery pressure: ‘Hardest challenge is…’
Zomato's Deepinder Goyal explained how the gig model works and why 10-minute delivery promise does not put pressure on gig workers.
MSME exporters get Rs 7,300 crore credit lifeline
Fans mourn closure of cupcake vending machine company Sprinkles Cupcakes
Fans mourn closure of cupcake vending machine company Sprinkles Cupcakes
Sensex & sensibility: Trading ring to AI, Dalal Street darling has seen it all
Sebi is leveraging AI-driven tools to enhance regulatory compliance and surveillance, including a new system to assess cybersecurity preparedness. The market regulator's AI initiatives, such as Sebi Sudarshan, aim to monitor unauthorized digital activities and analyze corporate sentiment. This development underscores Sebi's commitment to strengthening risk-based supervision within the Indian securities market.
If India data centre investments were landmark in 2025, look out for new players, peaks in 2026
Following a record-breaking 2025, India’s data centre industry is bracing for a 20% jump in investments in 2026, driven by an insatiable demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Power demand up nearly 7% in December
Survey: Manufacturing activity moderates in December
India's manufacturing sector saw its slowest improvement in two years during December, with the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI dropping to 55.0. This slowdown was attributed to declining export orders and moderated employment, while business sentiment reached a three-and-a-half-year low.
At turn of year, Musk’s ‘spicy’ AI feature triggers sour response from Indian regulators
Concerns about AI-generated explicit content arise from Grok's recent feature, leading to government scrutiny in India. The Centre is calling for stricter regulations on social media platforms like X, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of rising complaints.
The new hot spots: Enterprise tech and deeptech lead PE's next wave
This market shift signals a more discerning approach from investors, who are increasingly favouring control deals for deeper operational involvement and clearer exit strategies.
Decade-old income tax demands resurface on portal, leaving taxpayers scrambling for proof
Old income tax demands from as early as 2005 are resurfacing on tax portals, with accumulated interest often exceeding the principal amount. This digitisation effort has created a piquant situation, as taxpayers may challenge the validity of these demands due to potential issues with timely delivery of notices and assessment orders.
Golden Gate Capital Insurer PHL Veers to Liquidation as Rehab Hopes Fade
State regulators are abandoning a plan to rehabilitate PHL Variable Insurance Co. and may pursue liquidation instead, after finding that the struggling life insurer — acquired by private equity firm Golden Gate Capital a decade ago — is in worse shape than previously thought.
What to Stream: Kid Laroi, The Pitt and Tron: Ares
What to Stream: Kid Laroi, 'The Pitt' and 'Tron: Ares'
Vi promoters earmark shares worth ₹3,529 cr to settle legacy liabilities
Vodafone Idea's promoters will settle legacy merger liabilities worth ₹3,529 crore by earmarking 3.28 billion equity shares. This follows an amended agreement securing ₹5,836 crore, with ₹2,307 crore in cash and the rest via shares held by three Vodafone promoter entities. These shares, representing 3.03% of Vi's equity, will be sold over five years.
Unenviable choice: On the government’s fiscal policy space
Growth-generating capital expenditure can affect fiscal targets
Insurance a long game with hurdles, foreign investors unlikely to rush in
India now permits full foreign ownership in insurance firms. However, industry experts believe this change will not immediately bring many new foreign companies. Setting up an insurer requires substantial investment and a long-term view in a competitive market. Existing joint ventures might see increased stakes, but new ventures from scratch are unlikely.
Niti Aayog drafts plan to shield senior citizens from digital scams
India is preparing a policy road map to protect senior citizens from digital scams, with Niti Aayog working on a multi-ministerial action plan. The plan will focus on digital literacy, stronger security and coordinated monitoring as cases of ‘digital arrest’ fraud rise. The initiative will form part of broader elderly care measures, with details likely in Budget 2026-27.
Labour Codes may spur hiring as firms get more flexibility to restructure
India’s new Labour Codes are expected to boost hiring by giving firms greater flexibility to restructure operations. The Industrial Relations Code raises the threshold for government approval for layoffs and closures to 300 workers from 100, easing compliance for MSMEs and mid-sized firms. Experts say labour-intensive sectors will benefit most, though some warn of higher labour turnover and income volatility.
India manufacturing PMI slows to two-year low in December, but sector ends 2025 on resilient note
India's manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in December, reaching a two-year low as new orders, output, and employment eased. Despite this, the industry concluded 2025 on a resilient note, with strong demand expected to sustain activity. While export orders saw a dip, manufacturers anticipate future growth, though business sentiment has softened.
RBI continues to build forex reserves which rose to $696 billion
India’s forex reserves rose by $3.3 billion to $696.61 billion in the week ended December 26, RBI data showed. The increase was led by a sharp $2.95 billion jump in gold holdings and a modest rise in foreign currency assets. Reserves remain near record highs, providing cover for 9–10 months of imports amid global volatility.
Labour ministry proposes 90-day work threshold for gig workers’ social security eligibility
The draft rules detail how workdays will be calculated across multiple platforms, mandate Aadhaar-based registration, and place data-sharing and contribution compliance obligations on aggregators.