Business
Pakistan, Bahrain set sights on US$1b trade target | The Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz receives Bahrain’s highest state honour, the Order of Bahrain (First Class), during meeting with King Hamad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif receives a guard of honour at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on November 26, 2025. Photo: APP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa have agreed to raise Pakistan–Bahrain bilateral trade to US$1 billion within three years, setting one of the strongest economic goals between the two countries in recent years.
The commitment was made during a meeting at Qasr Al-Qudaibiya in Manama, where both leaders placed economic cooperation at the centre of their discussions. Current trade between the two nations stands at more than US$550 million, with both sides expressing readiness to accelerate growth through the nearly finalised Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement and recent visa relaxations aimed at improving business mobility.
PM Shehbaz invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in food security, IT, construction, mining and minerals, renewable energy, health, and tourism. He also proposed enhanced port-to-port connectivity between Karachi or Gwadar and Khalifa bin Salman Port to facilitate smoother trade flows. The two leaders reviewed defence and security ties, agreeing to expand cooperation in training, cybersecurity, defence production, and information exchange.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in delegation level talks with Bahrain’s leadership at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace. Photo: APP
The premier thanked Bahrain for its longstanding support to the more than 150,000-strong Pakistani community and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to supplying more skilled workers. He also acknowledged Bahrain’s assistance in constructing King Hamad University in Islamabad and in facilitating the release and repatriation of Pakistani nationals.
PM Shehbaz also congratulated Bahrain on securing a two-year non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–27 term, expressing Pakistan’s readiness for close coordination during its tenure.
Both sides also exchanged views on developments in Gaza, expressing hope that recent steps toward stability would bring long-awaited relief to its people. The meeting concluded with optimism that the renewed dialogue would deliver tangible progress across strategic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the palace, the premier was presented with a guard of honour.
Meeting with King Hamad
Later, the prime minister met with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, and the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, defence, and cultural spheres.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan and Bahrain’s longstanding defence partnership and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in training, logistics, manpower, and defence production.
Touching upon the economic cooperation, the premier underscored Pakistan’s intention to boost trade and investment, noting that bilateral commerce is set to expand once the Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement—now in its final stages—is concluded.
They also exchanged views on developments in Gaza, agreeing that peace and stability for its people were long overdue.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties anchored in shared faith and mutual respect. He thanked the monarch for Bahrain’s longstanding support, including the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, inaugurated in September.
PM Shehbaz welcomed recent high-level exchanges and expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s solidarity following recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
King Hamad informed the prime minister that Bahrain once had the privilege of being represented at a legal forum by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, noting that Pakistan’s founding father served as Bahrain’s lawyer for many years.
During the meeting, King Hamad conferred the Order of Bahrain (First Class) on PM Shehbaz— the kingdom’s highest award presented to heads of state and government.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain H.R.H. Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at Bahrain International Airport in Manama.
(Manama: November 26, 2025) pic.twitter.com/NQw3HtxKMf
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) November 26, 2025
Earlier in the day, upon landing at Bahrain International Airport, the premier was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, and senior Bahraini officials.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior officials are accompanying the prime minister on the visit.
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National Startup Day highlights India’s thriving startup ecosystem, celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation driven by founders, unicorns and Startup India mission
National Startup Day 2026 honours Indian startups, entrepreneurs and innovators driving economic growth and job creation.
National Startup Day 2026: India’s startup ecosystem has evolved into one of the world’s most vibrant and promising innovation hubs. To recognise the contribution of entrepreneurs, founders and startups transforming ideas into impactful solutions, National Startup Day is observed every year on January 16 across the country.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, the day celebrates visionary entrepreneurs who play a crucial role in economic growth, employment generation and technological advancement.
National Startup Day serves as a reminder that innovation, backed by determination and policy support, can reshape society and create global impact.
National Startup Day 2026 Theme
The official theme for National Startup Day 2026 is yet to be announced. However, the core focus areas are expected to revolve around:
- Innovation and emerging technologies
- Entrepreneurship and leadership
- Self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
- Startup India Mission
- Youth empowerment
- Job creation
How Startups Are Shaping India’s Future
India currently ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of early 2025. Backed by 100+ unicorns, the ecosystem continues to grow rapidly.
Metro cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR lead this expansion, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as new innovation centres, adding diversity and scale to India’s entrepreneurial journey.
Startups across fintech, edtech, health-tech, e-commerce and deep-tech are addressing real-world challenges and gaining global recognition. Technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain and IoT are increasingly driving innovation, according to Startup India ecosystem reports.
Industry-Wise Startup Impact
DPIIT-recognised startups have generated over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across sectors as of October 31, 2024, strengthening India’s employment landscape.
- IT Services: 2.04 lakh jobs
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: 1.47 lakh jobs
- Commercial & Professional Services: 94,000 jobs
Through the Startup India initiative, the government continues to focus on skill development, funding access, ecosystem collaboration and global outreach.
Key Initiatives Under Startup India
- Capacity building and mentorship
- Outreach and awareness programmes
- Ecosystem development events
- International exposure and global linkages
- Collaboration between startups, corporates and institutions.
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January 16, 2026, 07:00 IST
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The government on Thursday kept petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices unchanged at Rs253.17 per litre and Rs257.08 per litre respectively, for the coming fortnight, starting from January 16.
This decision was notified in a press release issued by the Petroleum Division.
Earlier, it was expected that the prices of all petroleum products would go down by up to Rs4.50 per litre (over 1pc each) today in view of variation in the international market.
Petrol is primarily used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws, and two-wheelers, and directly impacts the budgets of the middle and lower-middle classes.
Meanwhile, most of the transport sector runs on HSD. Its price is considered inflationary, as it is mostly used in heavy transport vehicles, trains, and agricultural engines such as trucks, buses, tractors, tube wells, and threshers, and particularly adds to the prices of vegetables and other eatables.
The government is currently charging about Rs100 per litre on petrol and about Rs97 per litre on diesel.
Business
Gold price today: How much 22K, 24K gold cost in Delhi, Patna & other cities – Check rates – The Times of India
Gold prices climbed to a fresh lifetime high in the domestic market on Thursday amid sustained buying by jewellers and stockists, according to the All India Sarafa Association.Gold advanced by Rs 800 to hit a new peak of Rs 1,47,300 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes), extending gains for the fifth consecutive session. The yellow metal had closed at Rs 1,46,500 per 10 grams in the previous session.Since the start of 2026, gold prices have surged Rs 9,600, or around 7 per cent, supported by persistent demand in the physical market. In overseas trade, spot gold slipped USD 12.22, or 0.26 per cent, to USD 4,614.45 per ounce, after having touched a record high of USD 4,643.06 per ounce in the previous session.Here is how much gold costs in major Indian cities today:
Gold price in Delhi today
The price of 22K gold in Delhi is Rs 13,140 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,333 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Chennai today
In Chennai, 22K gold costs Rs 13,290 per gram, up Rs 10, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,498 per gram, higher by Rs 10.
Gold price in Mumbai today
Mumbai markets see 22K gold priced at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold stands at Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Ahmedabad today
In Ahmedabad, 22K gold is priced at Rs 13,130 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold costs Rs 14,323 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Kolkata today
Kolkata markets price 22K gold at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold stands at Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Jaipur today
In Jaipur, 22K gold costs Rs 13,140 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,333 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Hyderabad today
Hyderabad sees 22K gold at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Bhubaneswar today
Bhubaneswar markets see 22K gold priced at Rs 13,125 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold costs Rs 14,318 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Patna today
In Patna, 22K gold costs Rs 13,130 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold is priced at Rs 14,323 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
Gold price in Lucknow today
Lucknow markets see 22K gold priced at Rs 13,140 per gram, down Rs 75, while 24K gold costs Rs 14,333 per gram, lower by Rs 82.
National Startup Day 2026: How India’s Startups Are Shaping The Future
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