Newspaper Summary - 110126

 National and policy discussions in the January 11, 2026, edition of ET Bengaluru highlight a significant focus on fiscal federalism, international trade negotiations, and the evolving regulatory landscape for capital markets.

Fiscal Policy and State-Centre Relations

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is currently conducting pre-budget consultations for the FY27 Union Budget, scheduled for presentation on February 1. During these meetings, state governments have put forward several critical requests:

• Revenue Compensation: States are seeking special assistance for capital investments and compensation for revenue losses resulting from recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) cuts.
• Infrastructure and Welfare: There are calls for increased allocations for urban infrastructure, rural schemes, and housing programs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
• Climate and Disasters: States have requested financial packages to combat climate change and manage disasters, particularly for disaster-prone regions.
• State-Specific Demands: Telangana has sought support for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-2, while Andhra Pradesh has requested a dedicated package for Rayalaseema horticulture.

Foreign Policy and Trade Initiatives

India is actively engaged in high-stakes international negotiations and strategic mineral missions:

• India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with EU officials in Brussels, noting "good progress" in narrowing divergences across 23 policy chapters. Key sticking points remain the EU's carbon tax, steel import quotas, and market access for automobiles and dairy.
• Critical Minerals Strategy: Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is expected to attend a G7-hosted meet in the US concerning critical mineral supply chains, a move intended to diversify away from Chinese dominance. India is also joining the Pax Silica initiative led by the US.
• Strategic Unease: India has expressed concern over a separate US initiative supporting mining in Pakistan's Reko Diq region, which includes a $1.25 billion approval from the US Export-Import Bank.

Regulatory and Financial Governance

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is introducing several policy shifts to modernize the capital markets:

• NSE IPO: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the National Stock Exchange (NSE) IPO is likely to be issued within the month.
• New Regulatory Frameworks: SEBI is exploring the introduction of bond derivatives to deepen the corporate bond market and is working on the Securities Markets Code (SMC) 2025.
• Data Protection: The regulator is deliberating on how public disclosures will align with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, emphasizing that AI can augment but not replace human accountability.

National Security and Internal Policy

• Border Security: Security forces recently recovered an arms consignment dropped by a drone from across the border in J&K’s Samba district, believed to be intended for disrupting Republic Day celebrations.
• Labor and Employment: The Congress party has launched a nationwide agitation, "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram," protesting the Modi government’s replacement of the UPA-era MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G employment scheme.
• Consumer Protection: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has cracked down on 27 restaurants for mandatorily levying service charges, labeling the practice an unfair trade practice.

Industrial and Environmental Policy

• Clean Energy: India added a record 49.1 GW of clean energy capacity in 2025, with solar power growing by 38.8%.
• Make in India: Policy measures like Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes continue to drive expansion, exemplified by German automotive maker BENTELER expanding its footprint in Pune.

Business and corporate developments in the January 11, 2026, edition of ET Bengaluru center on a resurgence of veteran leadership, significant sectoral hiring in high-tech industries, and high-stakes market movements involving major public listings and acquisitions.

Corporate Leadership and Human Resources

A notable shift is occurring in India Inc. as companies increasingly rely on superannuated (retired) senior executives to navigate a volatile economic landscape.

• Veteran Rehiring: Data shows at least 90 senior professionals, including former CEOs and CXOs, have recently moved into fresh operational roles. Notable examples include Rajiv Anand (ex-Axis Bank) joining IndusInd Bank as MD, and Parag Rao (ex-HDFC Bank) joining Mahindra & Mahindra as a growth leader.
• Space-Tech Hiring Boom: Driven by government demand and private investment, space-tech startups like Digantara, Skyroot Aerospace, and Pixxel are aggressively ramping up headcount. These firms are seeking specialized talent in R&D, propulsion, AI, and mission operations as projects transition from pilots to long-term contracts.
• Executive Wellness: There is a growing trend among corporate leaders, such as Kirti Poonia (Caimera), toward a "digital detox" to reclaim attention and clarity of purpose by disconnecting from hyper-connected social media environments.

Capital Markets and Stock Trends

The regulatory and valuation landscape is reaching a critical juncture for several major market players.

• NSE IPO: SEBI Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the National Stock Exchange (NSE) IPO is expected within the month. This long-delayed listing could value the exchange at ₹5-6 lakh crore.
• Large-Cap Valuation Stress: Many large-cap stocks are facing a "valuation-growth disconnect". Despite healthy revenues, stocks like Trent have seen significant corrections—trading over 50% below their 2024 peaks—as investors prioritize fundamental earnings over previous liquidity-driven highs.
• Investment Shifts: While sectors like Metals and Auto outperformed in 2025, Reality and IT themes struggled. Additionally, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) began 2026 on a negative note, selling approximately $1.3 billion in equities.

M&A, Insolvency, and Corporate Governance

Strategic deals and regulatory crackdowns remain a central focus of the corporate news cycle.

• Key Acquisitions: US private equity firm Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire a 41.09% stake in Fleur Hotels (a unit of Lemon Tree Hotels) for up to ₹960 crore. Additionally, MUFG Bank is set to acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance for approximately $4.4 billion.
• Insolvency Resolutions: The NCLT has approved Brickboss Infra’s (Ametek Group) ₹421-crore revival plan to acquire the distressed Supertech ORB Project.
• Governance and Ethics: ICICI Lombard has initiated an internal inquiry after a "designated person" leaked draft financial results on a personal WhatsApp status. Meanwhile, the CCPA fined 27 restaurants for unfair trade practices related to mandatory service charges.
• Tax Rulings: The ITAT rejected Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal's claim of non-resident status, denying him specific double taxation benefits.

Industrial Expansion

The "Make in India" initiative continues to draw global investment. German automotive giant BENTELER Automotive has expanded its manufacturing footprint in Pune, leasing over 136,000 sq ft for the production of rear axle beams to improve supply chain efficiency.

The political landscape described in the January 11, 2026, edition of the sources is defined by electoral preparation in key states, significant shifts in party alliances, and a growing friction between regional leaders and central authorities.

Uttar Pradesh: Pre-2027 Manoeuvring

Political activity in Uttar Pradesh is intensifying as the state gears up for the 2027 assembly elections.

• Centralized Governance: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s "centralized style of governance" is reportedly unsettling sections of the state leadership, with some ministers claiming that bureaucrats now control administrative transfers.
• Caste Realignment: CM Adityanath is actively working to broaden his appeal across caste lines, recently invoking the legacy of late OBC leader Kalyan Singh to balance regional and caste dynamics. Concurrently, the BJP is attempting to address mixed feedback from the influential Brahmin community, while opposition parties look to capitalize on any perceived discontent.
• The Electoral Roll Dispute: A public war of words has erupted between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Election Commission (EC) over the revision of electoral rolls. SP president Akhilesh Yadav and the CEO of Uttar Pradesh traded metaphorical jabs on social media using Aesop-style fables—"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" versus "The Impersonating Wolf"—following claims that millions of voters had been wrongly deleted or added.

Alliances and Realignment: Maharashtra and Jharkhand

A notable "recalibration" of the political map is occurring as former rivals explore reconciliation.

• NCP Reunion Buzz: In Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule shared a stage to unveil a joint manifesto for civic polls, sparking rumors of a reunion between the two NCP factions. This is viewed as a possible "backdoor return" for the Sharad Pawar-led faction to the NDA alliance.
• The Soren-Centre Thaw: In Jharkhand, CM Hemant Soren has faced little opposition recently and has resolved previous frictions with the Centre regarding high-level appointments. His upcoming participation in the World Economic Forum at Davos was reportedly guided by inputs from New Delhi, further fueling speculation that he may be aligning with the NDA.

Regional Outreach and National Agitations

• Tamil Nadu Welfare: Ahead of assembly elections, CM MK Stalin has launched a massive ₹7,604 crore ‘Pongal Gift Hamper’ scheme reaching 2.2 crore households, alongside the ‘Unga Kanava Sollunga’ (Tell Your Dream) outreach initiative to strengthen grassroots connection.
• MGNREGA Agitation: At the national level, the Congress party has launched a 40-day "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram" agitation. The protest targets the Modi government’s decision to replace the traditional employment guarantee scheme with the new VB-G RAM G program, which Congress claims removes transparency and accountability.
• Assam Rajya Sabha Tussle: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the ruling BJP-led alliance will contest all three upcoming Rajya Sabha seats, while the opposition AIUDF has sought Congress support to secure the third seat.

Geopolitical Flashpoints

The political climate is also being shaped by aggressive international shifts.

• US Expansionism: Under President Trump, the US has reportedly attacked Venezuela and captured Nicolás Maduro to control its oil reserves.
• Arctic Sovereignty: Trump has reiterated a desire to annex Greenland to control Arctic shipping routes and resources, causing alarm in European capitals.

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Analogy: The current political landscape resembles a high-stakes game of musical chairs. In every region, leaders are either pulling their chairs closer to the center (Soren and the NCP factions) or moving them aggressively to secure their own corner of the room (Stalin and Adityanath) before the music—represented by the next election cycle—inevitably stops.

Lifestyle and wellness coverage in the January 11, 2026, edition of the sources is dominated by a central mantra: "Disconnect to Reconnect." This theme explores a widespread cultural movement toward reclaiming attention from a hyperconnected digital world to improve mental, neurological, and social well-being,.

The Philosophy of Disconnection

The sources advocate for a intentional shift away from digital devices to rediscover the "enchantment" of the real world.

• Reclaiming Attention: Living in real-time is presented as superior to curated online existences; for instance, entrepreneur Kirti Poonia notes that her life is "way better than it looks on Insta" since she stopped constant social media use.
• Nature as a Gateway: Immersing oneself in nature—whether through birdwatching in a Bengaluru suburb like Koramangala or traveling to remote areas like Masai Mara—is described as an essential tool for restoring attention and re-energizing the spirit,,.
• The Power of "No": A significant portion of wellness advice focuses on ruthless prioritization. Experts suggest that learning to say "no" to non-essential social obligations is an act of emotional regulation that prevents long-term burnout,.

Workplace Wellness and "Productivity Shame"

The sources highlight a "quiet rebellion" brewing in the corporate world, where professionals are consciously slowing down to combat a culture that rewards "busyness" over effectiveness.

• Neurological Impact: Chronic urgency keeps the nervous system in a state of hyper-vigilance, flooding the body with cortisol, which can shrink the brain's prefrontal cortex and dull creativity.
• Restorative Practices: Rest is redefined as "nervous system hygiene" rather than avoidance. Clinicians emphasize that activating the parasympathetic "rest and digest" system is the only way the brain moves from survival mode to imagination.
• Workplace Rituals: Strategies such as the "five-minute shutdown ritual" (closing the laptop and deciding the first step for the next day) are recommended to create clear boundaries between work and home life.

Generational Shifts (Gen Z)

Wellness has become a non-negotiable priority for younger workers.

• Selective Retreat: For Gen Z, disconnecting rarely means going completely offline; instead, it involves a "selective retreat" from algorithmic platforms like Instagram toward quieter, more informative spaces like Reddit or Pinterest,.
• Employment Standards: Data shows that 91% of Gen Z workers consider a company's wellness program a non-negotiable factor when searching for a job.

Emerging Wellness Trends

• Star Bathing (Skychology): This practice involves immersing oneself in the beauty of a clear night sky to achieve "soft fascination," a state where the mind can observe without active thinking to reduce stress,.
• The "Slow Life" Migration: There is a documented trend of professionals walking away from city life to settle in the mountains (such as Kasauli or Sitla) to reconnect with their craft and the land,.
• Gender-Neutral Imagery: Modern advertising is reflecting wellness by shifting away from stereotypes; instead of the "Marlboro Man," visuals now frequently feature "hands-on dads" and women in high-performance roles, reflecting a more balanced societal reality,.

A Practical Path Forward

The sources provide a "2026 Calendar of Disconnect," offering monthly challenges such as a "notification reset" in January, a "social media sabbath" in June, and relationship pruning in September to help individuals reclaim sovereignty over their moments.

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Analogy: Modern wellness is described as a "nervous system reboot." If our minds are like computers that have been running too many high-energy programs (digital notifications and social pressure) for too long, the "Disconnect" movement is the act of shutting down the unnecessary background apps so the central processor can finally cool down and function at its peak performance.

Sports and culture in the sources dated January 11, 2026, are characterized by high-stakes cricket transitions, unconventional veteran strategies in tennis, and a cultural shift toward gender-neutrality in media and advertising.

Sports: Transitions and Strategic Preservation

• Cricket (India vs. New Zealand): The Indian men's team is beginning a three-game ODI series against a "new-look" New Zealand in Vadodara. Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in focus to shape the campaign, while Shubman Gill returns as captain after being dropped from the T20 World Cup squad. Notably, the match marks the first men's international at the new Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Kotambi.
• Women's Premier League (WPL): The Gujarat Giants secured a 10-run victory over the UP Warriorz. Captain Ashleigh Gardner scored 65, and Georgia Wareham contributed a late 27 off 10 balls to reach a total of 207. Despite Phoebe Litchfield’s 78 for the Warriorz, her dismissal in the 16th over ended their momentum.
• Tennis: Novak Djokovic is employing a "preservation over preparation" strategy for the 2026 Australian Open, choosing to skip all tune-up events to rely on muscle memory and physical rest. At 10 years older than the next oldest top-10 player, he is gunning for an 11th title.
• Athletics: Javelin star Neeraj Chopra has ended his one-season partnership with Czech coach Jan Zelezny, citing a shared love for the sport but moving forward after breaching the 90m mark under his tutelage.
• Football: Real Madrid faces Barcelona in the Super Cup Clasico final in Jeddah, a match seen as a "make-or-break" moment for coach Xabi Alonso.

Culture: Collectibles, Cinema, and Social Imagery

• Pop Culture Collectibles: A high-grade copy of Action Comics No. 1, the 1938 debut of Superman, was sold for $15 million. This specific copy has a storied history, having been stolen from actor Nicolas Cage in 2000 and recovered from a storage unit 11 years later.
• Cinema and Idealism: Director Sriram Raghavan’s new film, Ikkis, is highlighted as an "anti-war war movie" based on martyred hero Arun Khetarpal. It serves as a sentimental swansong for veterans Dharmendra and Asrani, focusing on human compassion and ground-level views of soldiers rather than bellicose narratives.
• Evolution in Advertising: Cultural experts note a strike contrast between past and present advertising; while the 90s featured women as domestic tropes or bystanders, modern ads—such as a recent Tanishq campaign for the Indian women's cricket team—celebrate female agency and gender-neutral roles.
• Heritage and Tradition: Prime Minister Modi is leading the Somnath Swabhiman Parv in Gujarat to mark 1,000 years since the first attack on the temple. The event includes a 72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting and an International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront.
• Archaeology: Recent discoveries in the Nefud Desert (Saudi Arabia) of human fossils and stone tools are reshaping the cultural narrative of human migration, suggesting humans moved out of Africa much earlier than previously believed.

Global news developments in the January 11, 2026, edition of the sources are characterized by aggressive geopolitical expansionism, widespread civil unrest, and significant regulatory actions against emerging technologies.

Geopolitical Flashpoints and Resource Control

The global "oil equation" has been disrupted by bold moves from the United States to secure energy reserves and shipping routes:

• Venezuela and Maduro: In a major escalation, the US has attacked Venezuela and captured its President, Nicolás Maduro, specifically to claim the country’s oil reserves—the largest in the world.
• The Arctic and Greenland: President Trump has reiterated a determination to annex Greenland to control Arctic oil and shipping routes. This has caused alarm in European capitals, which are struggling to coordinate a response to the statement that the US will "do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not".
• Arctic Drilling: These moves follow the October 2025 announcement that the US would open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil drilling.

Civil Unrest and Social Control

• Iran’s Nationwide Protests: Tehran and several other provinces are facing the largest anti-regime protests in years, triggered by a currency crisis and deteriorating living conditions. Over 60 people are feared dead nationwide, though Time magazine reported that at least 217 protesters have died in Tehran alone, mostly due to live ammunition used by security forces.
• Indonesia’s AI Ban: Indonesia became the first country to suspend Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, after it was found that the tool’s image creation feature allowed for the sexualization of pictures of women and children through simple text prompts.

Strategic Mineral Diplomacy

Global powers are scrambling to diversify supply chains to reduce reliance on China, which currently refines between 47% and 87% of key minerals like lithium and cobalt:

• Critical Minerals Meet: India is expected to be represented by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at a US-hosted meeting in Washington to discuss critical mineral supply chains among G7 and non-G7 invitees like Australia.
• Pax Silica and Reko Diq: India is joining the US-led Pax Silica initiative. However, India has expressed strategic unease over a separate US initiative in Pakistan's Reko Diq region, where the US Export-Import Bank approved $1.25 billion for mining operations.

Economic and Corporate Snippets

• US Market Records: US equities, specifically the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, reached new closing records in early January 2026. This growth is attributed to expectations that the Federal Reserve remains on track for rate cuts despite a softening labor market.
• Nuclear Tech and Meta: In a major corporate energy shift, Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to electricity deals that will make it the largest buyer of nuclear power among its tech peers to fuel its data centers.
• India-EU Trade: Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are in their "final lap" as officials work to narrow divergences on carbon taxes and steel import quotas before the India-EU Summit on January 27.

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Analogy: The global state in 2026 is like a high-stakes poker game where the "table stakes" have shifted from currency to geography. Major players are no longer just betting on trade deals; they are attempting to buy the "seats" (territories like Greenland and Venezuela) and the "cards" (critical minerals and oil) to ensure they control the game for the next decade.