Ultra wealthy Indians are increasingly placing their bets on pink, blue and yellow diamonds, embracing the rare stones as both eye-catching statement jewellery and long-term investment assets. Coloured diamonds,far rarer than conventional white diamonds, have seen demand spiked by 20%-25% over the past year, even as prices continue to climb.According to jewellers and traders, since the pandemic period, India has become one of the fastest-growing markets for coloured diamonds, fuelled by a new generation of globally exposed and asset-conscious ultra high net-worth individuals (HNIs), ET reported. Conventional and coloured diamonds fall in completely different price categories. Unlike traditional white diamonds, which typically cost between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 7 lakh a carat depending on cut and clarity, coloured stones command a significant premium. Pink diamonds can range from Rs 15 lakh to as much as Rs 5 crore a carat, while blue diamonds are priced between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 crore, according to ET. Meanwhile, yellow diamonds, considered more accessible entry points into the segment, are priced comparatively lower, between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh a carat.

Why are coloured diamonds shining more?

Beyond their visual appeal, price appreciation is playing a major role in driving demand. With no new mines coming online, coloured diamonds are increasingly being viewed as alternative investments amid rising scarcity.In rupee terms, prices of pink diamonds have increased tenfold over the past two decades, while blue diamonds have risen six to seven times. Yellow diamonds, meanwhile, have roughly doubled in value over the same period.Darshit Hirani, cofounder of P Hirani Exports, told ET, that “demand is also driven by the fact that celebrities and businessmen across the globe are embracing coloured diamonds for weddings and other special occasions. Wealthy Indians want to be part of this global trend.” He further noted that interest is no longer limited to major metros. “An interesting trend we are seeing is that HNIs from tier II cities are showing interest in coloured diamonds and are buying yellow diamonds as their first purchase,” Hirani said.Hirani, who has worked exclusively with coloured diamonds for over 40 years, said buying patterns vary by age group. Larger stones of one to two carats are typically being purchased by HNIs aged 45 and above, while smaller and mid-sized stones are attracting younger buyers from affluent families or those in higher salary brackets.The post-pandemic shift in consumer behaviour has also been noted by retailers. Ishu Datwani, founder of Mumbai-based Anmol Jewellers, said spending on rare stones has risen sharply since Covid. “Indians have become globetrotters…(exposed to) fine jewellery brands such as Chopard and Cartier. They now want us to create pieces that resonate with their evolved tastes,” he said. Datwani added that there has been a strong increase in demand for fancy yellow diamonds sourced in rough form from Australia, Russia and South Africa, before being cut and polished in Surat.Globally, coloured diamonds are also emerging as standout performers at auctions, particularly in Asia, where their rarity and investment appeal have made them highly sought after. A July report by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) estimated that the wholesale value of fancy colour diamonds entering the market in 2024 exceeded $4.5 billion, citing data from the Israel-based Fancy Colour Research Foundation (FCRF).Industry executives estimate that coloured diamonds account for less than 1% of global diamond production, with only a handful of mines producing them in limited quantities. The closure of Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in 2020, once responsible for more than 90% of the world’s pink and red diamonds, has further tightened supply. With no consistent alternative source emerging since, dealers say scarcity has intensified, forcing buyers to compete aggressively for the remaining inventory, often at any cost.

The tunnel would be of great strategic significance due to its proximity to Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China. (AI image for representative purpose)

NEW DELHI: In a first, India will get a twin-tube underwater tunnel that will have provision for movement of both vehicle and trains, boosting faster movement of forces and ammunition in case of any exigency, reports Dipak Dash. An inter-ministerial panel, headed by the expenditure secretary has given green signal for construction of a 15.8km twin tube tunnel across Brahmaputra river in Assam connecting Gohpur and Numaligarh. One of the tubes will have provision for a single rail track. As per design, there will be no vehicular movement when trains run through this tube. It will have ballistic track and the trains will run on electricity. The total project of 33.7km, including the tunnel, approach roads and railway track will cost around Rs 18,600 crore. Once the project is complete, travel time between Gohpur and Numaligarh will reduce from current six-and-half hours to just 30 minutes, shortening the distance from 240km to 34km. This will enhance connectivity to Arunachal, Manipur, and other northeastern states. The project cost will be borne by road transport, railways and defence ministry. Designed as two unidirectional tunnels with two lanes each, these will be built 32m below Brahmaputra’s deepest bed level. The project is expected to be completed in five years after the award of work. Officials said the projects will be placed before Union cabinet for approval and this may happen before Assam assembly polls. Last year, finance ministry had green signalled a road tunnel costing around Rs 14,900 crore with provision of 80:20 funding by road transport ministry and defence ministry. But following a decision to build road-cum-railway tunnels where it’s feasible, govt had identified three such tunnels for North-East chicken neck corridor, across Brahmaputra in Assam and on Maranahally-Addahole (Shiradi Ghat) stretch in Karnataka, which TOI first reported on Oct 6, 2025. Officials said because of provision of railway track in one tunnel the cost has gone up.

LUCKNOW: A swift intervention of CM Yogi Adityanath saw the daughter of a late army officer getting back her house in Lucknow which had been illegally occupied by a man. The action came within 24 hours of the woman’s meeting with the CM on Wednesday.The usurper, Balwant Kumar Yadav of Chandauli, and his aide Manoj Kumar Yadav were arrested on Thursday.Anjana, who has been battling schizophrenia after the death of her father and siblings, had moved to a rehabilitation centre in Lucknow. Her house — A-418 in A block of Indiranagar — fell vacant and was allegedly grabbed by Yadav using forged documents in her absence.Anjana met the CM and explained how she lost her house. Taking serious note of the matter, Yogi Aditynath immediately directed the police and district administration to act without delay.

By Thursday morning, the encroachers were evicted and arrested and the house was formally restored to Anjana in the presence of police and administrative officials.An overwhelmed Anjana thanked the CM with folded hands as she entered her home. “Thank you, Yogi Uncle. God bless you,” she said with her voice choked with emotions.Anjana is the daughter of late Major Bipin Chandra Bhatt, who passed away in 1994. Of his three children, Anjana is the sole surviving heir. Due to her deteriorating mental health, she was admitted to the Nirvan Rehabilitation Centre in 2016, where she has been under continuous care.Police said the accused exploited her vulnerable condition, installed their own nameplate on the house, and fraudulently transferred the property to their names using forged documents.Anjana had earlier lodged a complaint with local police last month but when the eviction process did not move swiftly, she approached the CM.ACP Indiranagar Anindya Vikram Singh said the accused Balwant Kumar Yadav and Manoj Yadav have been taken into custody and booked for criminal conspiracy, cheating, and use of forged documents to illegally occupy the property.As Anjana re-entered her house on Thursday, she was visibly emotional. She lit a lamp, broke a coconut, offered flowers, and walked through each room, touching the walls and recalling memories of her childhood. Neighbours joined her in the moment, sharing her joy and relief.Santosh Dubey of Nirvan rehabilitation centre said the institution facilitated Anajna’s meeting with the Chief Minister. “Once the matter reached the Chief Minister, the response was immediate. Justice was delivered in less than a day,” he said.

Veteran Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja has confirmed that the fifth Test of the 2025-26 Ashes in Sydney will be the final match of his international career. Australia captain Pat Cummins and former India opener Shikhar Dhawan extended their wishes to Khawaja ahead of his final match in national colours.

Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 and played 87 matches. He scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. Khawaja played a key role in Australia’s success in the longest format. He was part of the squad that won the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2023 and reached the final again later.

Pat Cummins And Shikhar Dhawan Wish Usman Khawaja Ahead Of His Final International Match

The fifth Test in Sydney will be Usman Khawaja’s final match in international cricket. Notably, the match is special for him because he made his Test debut at the same ground in 2011, also against England.

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Khawaja moved to Australia from Islamabad as a child and went on to become the country’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim international cricketer.

Pat Cummins wished him luck and hoped for one final big score at home. Shikhar Dhawan also praised Khawaja’s journey and sent his best wishes ahead of the farewell match in Sydney.

“Congratulations on an incredible career, mate. One more home century to go,” Cummins posted on his Instagram story.

“What a journey, @Uz_Khawaja. Good luck for the last Test in Sydney and everything that comes next 🙌,” Dhawan tweeted on Friday morning.

What a journey, @Uz_Khawaja. Good luck for the last Test in Sydney and everything that comes next 🙌

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 2, 2026

Usman Khawaja’s Performance in a Challenging Ashes 2025-26 Series

Usman Khawaja became the only Asian first-class cricketer in Australia. He later set up a foundation to support young people from refugee, immigrant, Indigenous, and disadvantaged backgrounds through cricket and education.

Khawaja has scored 6,206 runs with 16 centuries at an average of 43.39, with a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka last year. However, the left-handed batter has not scored a hundred since. The current Ashes series has been tough for him and has brought extra pressure.

He hurt his back in the Perth Test and missed the next match in Brisbane. The batter was also left out in Adelaide but returned when Steve Smith fell ill before the toss. Batting at number four, Khawaja scored 82 and 40 but followed it with scores of 29 and 0 in the Melbourne Test.

Australia Face Uncertainty At The Top Of The Order

Australia have no clear succession plan at the top of the order. A similar situation unfolded a few years ago when David Warner retired at home, and despite having time to prepare, Australia struggled to manage the transition smoothly.

Steve Smith was pushed up the order with little success, while young options like Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney were not given extended runs. Marnus Labuschagne briefly tried opening, adding to the instability.

With Usman Khawaja’s retirement, Australia have lost their most settled opener. The team must now decide whether to make Travis Head a permanent opener and strengthen the middle order, or turn fully to domestic cricket to build a new opening pair from scratch.

Also read: Australia squad for fifth Test against England in Ashes 2025-26 announced; Steve Smith to lead

MUMBAI: The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, are not a cause for worry for the BJP. “We will win decisively,” said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in an interview with an online channel. “Thackeray is no longer a brand. There was only one Thackeray brand and that was late Balasaheb Thackeray.”In the interview aired on Friday, Fadnavis said if the Thackeray cousins had come together in 2009, it would have been a different result. “Now there is no gain in coming together. Their vote percentage is so low… neither the Marathi manoos nor the non-Marathi is going to vote for them. Therefore, we are not worried about their coming together,” he said, adding that the strongholds for Sena (UBT) and MNS overlap.

“Our votes never moved; they remained constant. Already there are differences between their party workers,” he said.On who would be mayor of Mumbai, Fadnavis said, “The mayor will be from the Mahayuti. He will be a Hindu and a Marathi.”Laying claim to the credit for various infrastructure works in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Fadnavis said the projects were not his idea, but they came to fruition only after he took over as CM. “Atal Setu was proposed by JRD Tata in 1962. Prithviraj Chauhan was CM, and he always said the coastal road was his favourite project. He had good relations with the Sena, and Manmohan Singh was the PM. He regularly went to Delhi but did nothing. I studied the projects, understood the problems, held at least five meetings with the Centre, and got clearances for the Atal Setu and coastal road. For the coastal road, I went right up to the Supreme Court and got it done,” he said.Fadnavis said, “Look at the development vision. We are time-tested… they have nothing to show for it. Merely because you make the neighbour’s son sit on your lap, it does not become yours. The coastal road did not happen till I came. They (Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray) are so small-minded… when the issue came up of who to give the road to do, Uddhavji said give it to BMC. I agreed, and one fine day, without informing me, he performed the bhoomipujan. I did not say anything. I was the CM; he held no constitutional post. All of Mumbai knows who did the coastal road, navigated the project…”

MUMBAI: A wave of opposition withdrawals at four civic bodies has led to an unusually high number of unopposed victories, giving Mahayuti an early advantage. Unopposed victories were highest in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) with 20 seats, followed by seven in Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and six each in Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) and Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC).In KDMC, 14 BJP and six Shiv Sena candidates were elected unopposed. While two were declared earlier, 18 more secured victories on Thursday and Friday after large-scale withdrawals by opposition candidates. Election officials said that over 50 candidates withdrew by the final day, including nominees from Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, Congress and both NCP factions.

The most notable withdrawal was in Dombivli’s ward 27-D, where MNS city president Manoj Gharat pulled out, clearing the way for BJP’s Mahesh Patil. In panel 23, all three BJP candidates won unopposed, including Dipesh and Jayesh Mhatre, son and brother of former mayor Pundalik Mhatre, as well as Mahesh Patil and his sister Sunita. Former MNS MLA Pramod Patil alleged misuse of power and intimidation, while Shiv Sena (UBT) said withdrawals were for personal reasons and disciplinary action would follow if required.In BNMC, BJP took an early lead with six candidates elected unopposed after opposition withdrawals, including Muslim candidate Abu Saad Sheikh and Sumit Patil, nephew of former Union minister Kapil Patil. The BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting together, while Sena (UBT) and MNS are allied. Congress, SP and both NCP formations are fighting independently, making the contest multi-cornered in Muslim-dominated Bhiwandi.In Thane, seven Shiv Sena candidates — six of them women — won unopposed following withdrawals and disqualifications of rivals. Shinde termed it an endorsement of his party’s work and the Laadki Bahin initiative, predicting a Mahayuti victory in over 100 seats. Meanwhile, the MNS staged a silent protest alleging pressure and money power. In Kalwa, independent candidate Pramila Mukund Keni entered the fray with NCP (SP) backing after its nominee withdrew in her favour.In PCMC, five BJP candidates were elected unopposed after rival withdrawals, while BJP’s Nitin Jayram Patil won after his opponent’s nomination was rejected over caste certificate issues. Independent candidate Snehal Swapnil Dhamale, sister of BJP-nominated MLC Vikrant Patil, also won unopposed after a BJP rival withdrew. The BJP said disciplinary action would be initiated against the MLC for keeping the party in the dark.SEC to check if unopposed wins caused by inducementWith reports of a large number of ruling party candidates being elected unopposed for municipal corporation elections across the state, the State Election Commission (SEC) will scrutinize reports sent from municipal commissioners to check if coercion or inducement led to the withdrawal of the opposing candidates. “We have not given any special directives for this. This is the standing rule when there is an unopposed election. In the case of rural polls, a report is taken from the district collector while in the case of urban polls, a report is taken from the municipal commissioner,” said a senior SEC official. It’s only after a report is received (that the withdrawal is not because of the offer of money, use of muscle power or other inducements) is the returning officer (RO) allowed to declare the election.

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ completed 29 days at the box office, and it is still enjoying the crown of the undefeated king. The action-packed spy thriller, known for its gripping tale and stellar performances, entered its 5th week on Thursday and marked a new milestone in its journey. With a worldwide collection crossing Rs 1160 crore, it shows no signs of slowing down.Dhurandhar Movie ReviewAdditionally, it is worth noting that during its 29-day journey, it saw several regional, national, and international releases, but none of them could outperform the Aditya Dhar movie. The latest release ‘Ikkis’ got a boost on the New Year; the earlier released ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ had a good opening, but nothing affected the growth of ‘Dhurandhar’

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection Day 29 update

According to Sacnilk, the movie made Rs 8.75 crores in India on day 29. Though it is a dip in the numbers as compared to its day 28 performance, the film is trying to hold its ground at a steady pace. With this, the India net collection of the movie stands at Rs 747.75 crore. Meanwhile, the gross collection of ‘Dhurandhar’ in India stands at Rs 897.25 crore, and the business from overseas accounts for Rs 265 crore. Making the worldwide collection of ‘Dhurandhar’ after 29 days of theatrical release, Rs 1162.25 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ weekly performance

Since its debut, the movie has been making and breaking records. In its opening week, the film made a massive collection of Rs 207.25 crore. In week two, it grew stronger and collected Rs 253.25 crore. Week 3 had its highs and lows, and the movie made Rs 172 crore. Thereafter, the extended holidays propelled the film to an estimated Rs 106.5 crore in week 4.DISCLAIMER: The box office numbers in this article are compiled from our proprietary sources and diverse public data. We strive for accuracy and all figures are approximate unless explicitly mentioned. We offer a fair representation of the project’s box office performance. We are open to feedback and suggestions on toientertainment@timesinternet.in.

NEW DELHI: Disputes over sharing of river water among states is common, but India’s newest state Telangana, while objecting to Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP), has raised an interesting question before the Supreme Court – can a state unilaterally attempt to utilise flood water on an inter-state river? Telangana said the project violates the binding award of Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal and would deprive the residents of Telangana their due share of Godavari water, reports Dhananjay Mahapatra. Tribunal ruling mum on surplus flood waters, Andhra’s projects cut into our share: Telangana Telangana said the tribunal award has not dealt with surplus flood waters and AP’s projects, constituted in the guise of using flood water, would reduce the Godavari water share of Telangana. No mechanism exists in the country to determine whether a project utilises flood water or the assured share of water allocated to states by the award of a water disputes tribunal award, the A Revanth Reddy-led Congress govt said. Telangana said AP govt’s decision to utilise more water through projects in the guise of harnessing excess flood water would have a chain reaction across the country. It said Karnataka intends to use more water of Krishna in the same manner which would accentuate water shortage for Telangana. “Maharashtra has also said that in case AP is allowed to plan projects based on flood waters, it would also like to plan projects on so-called flood waters. This would completely destabilise the utilisation pattern in the co-basin states violating the binding award of GWDT,” it said. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant on Monday will hear a writ petition filed by Telangana govt which challenged the decision of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to grant consent to AP govt to prepare detailed project report for PBLP even though there had been no in-principle consent for project feasibility report (PFR), which must be obtained prior to preparation of DPR. The Polavaram project was to be executed on the Godavari river as per the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal which was to carry 80 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to the Krishna river through its canal system for use in the Krishna delta system. “Now, instead of approved diversion of 80 TMC of water to the Krishna river, AP govt is expanding infrastructure of the Polavaram project without any approvals to carry additional 200 TMC (intended to increase to 300 TMC later) of water to the Krishna river and beyond through Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project/Polavaram- Nallamalasagar Link Project in the guise of carrying flood waters of the Godavari,” it said. Accusing AP govt of undertaking expansion work for PBLP and PNLP prior to submission of pre-feasibility report to the CWC, Telangana govt said AP has floated tenders for undertaking work despite CWC specifically informing it to wait for approval of PFR. It requested SC to stay the tendering process initiated by AP and the ongoing expansion works of Polavaram Right Bank Canal.

Mumbai: Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday accused state assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar of violating the model code of conduct in force for the civic polls and interfering in the nomination process. Narwekar countered the allegations, stating that a false narrative was spread by the opposition and that he was a victim of abuse.Congress state chief Harshvardhan Sapkal wrote to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare demanding that a case be registered against Narwekar for allegedly threatening opposition candidates filing nomination forms, following a purported viral video of the Speaker allegedly threatening to remove the security of former MP Haribhau Rathod at a nomination filling venue in Colaba on December 30, the last day for submissions. “…a person holding an important constitutional position has undermined democracy and obstructed the electoral process. A criminal case should therefore be registered against him” said Sapkal.His letter stated: “…As Narwekar’s conduct is objectionable and amounts to a violation of the model code of conduct, a criminal case should be registered against him. Further, as many as 70 officers and employees from his office are actively participating in the election campaign of candidates who are his relatives, cases should also be registered against all of them for violating the model code of conduct and strict action should be taken.” Narwekar’s brother Makarand, cousin Dr Gauravi Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshada Narwekar have filed their nomination papers from wards 225, 226 and 227 in the Colaba assembly constituency.On Friday, Rathod, accompanied by MNS, BSP, and RPI party workers from south Mumbai wards, reached the BMC headquarters and accused Narwekar of “intimidation and misuse of authority”. Rathod claimed that Narwekar warned him against filing nomination papers against BJP candidates and threatened to withdraw his security cover. He also alleged that Narwekar was present at the nomination filling venue until 5pm on Dec 30, and pressured candidates to withdraw their nominations to facilitate his party’s uncontested wins.Rathod further alleged irregularities in the nomination process, claiming that returning officers refused to accept forms, despite candidates completing formalities, including payment of fees. “Tokens were issued, documents were verified and government receipts were generated, yet forms were not accepted,” he said. “If Narwekar’s relatives are declared uncontested, it will be clear that pressure was exerted on other candidates to withdraw.“Activist Anjali Damania, meanwhile, demanded an apology from Narwekar for “abusing his position”, even as Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut posted the viral video on his social media account with a comment, “Respected Honourable Speaker”. In the video, Narwekar is seen calling the joint commissioner of police (Protection) and saying, “Remove Haribhau Rathod’s security immediately; this is the order of the Assembly Speaker.” Narwekar is then heard telling Rathod: “If you don’t want to cooperate, you won’t get security.”Raut also alleged that instructions were given to all returning officers that if a nomination withdrawal application was brought in at any time at night, it should be recorded as submitted before 3pm on December 30, which was the last day for withdrawing nominations. “A friend of mine involved in this process just called me to say that when he mentioned it was wrong to do so, he immediately received a call from the Guardian minister, who made a veiled threat or request to follow what their local MLA said. On 1 side, shelling out Rs 5 crore to the opposing candidates to force them to withdraw and get their people elected unopposed, and on the other side, engaging in such antics! This mob rule is being carried out in the name of democracy. 1 day, there will be a public uprising here like in Nepal and Bangladesh! Jai Maharashtra!” Raut said in a post on X.In his defence, Narwekar stated that he was cornered by an opposition leader misusing his security cover, so he asked for its withdrawal, and the video did not show that he had threatened anyone. “I accompanied my party and alliance candidates to file their nomination forms like any MLA in the city after following the rules. While I was stepping out, an MLC of the opposite party with supporters and his security surrounded and blocked me. He was misusing his police security, and I complained to the joint police commissioner about it.”Calling the allegations baseless, Makrand Narwekar said his brother was being wrongly targeted. “We filled the nomination forms on time. This should have been followed by the others too, instead of levelling such baseless allegations now,” said Makrand.