The Times of India News

Asian stocks advanced, mirroring Wall Street's gains, with tech sentiment boosting markets. Japan's yen hit record lows against the euro and Swiss franc, despite the Bank of Japan raising interest rates. South Korea's market surged on AI optimism, while commodities like silver and gold reached new highs. Oil prices also climbed following US intervention with Venezuelan tankers.

Gold prices reached a record high, driven by expectations of further US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and a weaker dollar. The yellow metal's appeal as a safe haven has been bolstered by geopolitical tensions and central bank buying, with silver also experiencing significant gains.

Jefferies initiated coverage of Groww with a buy rating, citing strong growth potential in its broking and new initiatives. IIFL Finance also initiated coverage of Firstsource Solutions with a buy, highlighting its diversified BPO services and tech-driven approach. Macquarie initiated Lenskart with an outperform rating, emphasizing its competitive edge and market share gains.

New insurance law amendments permit 100% foreign direct investment and allow insurers to merge with non-insurance companies, subject to regulatory approval. This opens new avenues for consolidation, potential listing routes for unlisted insurers, and broader acquisition opportunities beyond traditional insurer-to-insurer deals.

Air India is halting its non-stop San Francisco flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai starting March 1 due to aircraft deployment issues and increased costs from airspace restrictions. While Delhi services to San Francisco and Toronto will be boosted, passengers with existing bookings face uncertainty. The airline promises re-accommodation or refunds, with a possibility of restoring the routes later.

FSSAI has strongly refuted claims linking eggs to cancer, stating that eggs sold in India are safe. The authority clarified that the presence of nitrofuran metabolites below regulatory detection thresholds does not pose a health risk, as the use of these banned antibiotics is strictly prohibited in poultry production.

NHAI has dispatched approximately 60 headquarters officers nationwide for on-site inspections of highway operations and maintenance. These officials are evaluating user comfort, safety, and aesthetics, and are mandated to report all identified deficiencies via the NHAI One app. This initiative aims to ensure improved maintenance standards across national highway stretches.

India and New Zealand should set a target to double their bilateral trade over the next five years, according to think tank GTRI. The body has recommended cutting import duties, deepening cooperation in agriculture, and improving connectivity through more direct flights and simpler visa norms. The suggestions were made on Sunday as the two countries move closer to finalising a comprehensive free-trade agreement.

India's exports to the US rebounded in November after two months of continuous decline. growing by 22.61% to reach $6.98 billion. This was largely driven by upply-chain adjustments and pre-holiday season inventory restocking, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The trade data shows imports from the US also grew significantly, jumping 38.29 per cent to $5.25 billion during the month.

Stock markets have to brace for a cautious start to the week, influenced by foreign investor activity and global economic cues. A shortened trading week due to Christmas may also result in subdued volumes. Experts anticipate a range-bound market with a positive bias, driven by renewed FII interest and a slight INR recovery, as investors eye upcoming Q3 earnings.

Indian blue-chip stocks saw a mixed week, with six of the top ten companies gaining Rs 75,256.97 crore in market value despite a slight dip in the broader market. TCS and Infosys led the surge, while Reliance Industries also posted significant gains. Conversely, HDFC Bank experienced the steepest fall in valuation.

India's auto industry anticipates robust 6-8% growth in 2026, fueled by policy support and resilient demand, especially for SUVs and alternative powertrains. Automakers are preparing for stricter regulations and higher compliance costs, while navigating supply chain challenges and investing in electrification to sustain market momentum.

New investor additions to India's stock markets slowed in November, with 13.2 lakh new traders joining, an 11.6% dip from October. Global uncertainty impacted participation, though the overall investor base reached 12.3 crore. This moderation follows a period of rapid growth, indicating a cautious sentiment among potential investors amidst volatile global conditions.

Indian Railways will implement a revised fare structure from December 26 to address rising operational and manpower costs. Passengers traveling beyond 215 km in Ordinary Class will see a 1 paise per kilometer increase, while Mail and Express non-AC and AC coaches will face a 2 paise per kilometer hike. Suburban and monthly season tickets remain unchanged.

Structural drivers, such as digitisation, technological advancements and favourable demographics, may continue to position India among the fastest-growing major economies, according to the Economic Outlook 2026 released by the Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI).

Hotels are significantly increasing New Year's Eve room rates by 10-20% for 2026, driven by robust demand in leisure and urban destinations. Guests can expect elaborate packages, from yoga and cocktail workshops to recovery brunches, with average daily rates up 10-12% year-on-year. Travel platforms report a substantial surge in bookings, indicating a strong festive season.

Titan's watch business is poised to reach $1 billion in sales within two years, driven by premiumization and international expansion. The company is focusing on the mid-premium and premium analogue segments, with plans to significantly increase its Helios Luxe store network. Titan anticipates strong growth in premium and luxury segments, projecting upwards of 30% expansion.

US companies are grappling with significant disruptions as tighter social media checks by the Trump administration have led to prolonged visa stamping delays for Indian professionals. Many H-1B visa holders are stranded in India, forcing employers to explore remote work options or expedite travel back to the US to avoid visa expiry.

Google and Apple have advised US-based employees on work visas against international travel due to potential 12-month delays at US embassies. This follows warnings from outside counsel about significant visa stamping appointment backlogs. The delays are attributed to new social media screening requirements for visa applicants.

US job growth is significantly slowing, with hiring at its weakest in two decades. While the economy isn't contracting, this trend, fueled by retirements and immigration restrictions, suggests a stable but uneven labor market. Experts warn of a potential K-shaped recovery, benefiting the wealthy while straining others, with AI adding further uncertainty.

A US court has granted final approval for Infosys McCamish's $17.5 million settlement in class action lawsuits stemming from a 2023 cybersecurity incident. The settlement resolves all allegations related to the breach, which Bank of America identified as originating from the Infosys subsidiary and affecting over 57,000 customers. The agreement becomes effective if no appeals are filed within 30 days.

EPW India, an IT electronics refurbishing firm, has secured Rs 9.04 crore from anchor investors ahead of its Rs 31.8 crore IPO, opening December 22. The company plans to use the funds for working capital, debt repayment, and general corporate needs. Incorporated in 2021, EPW India specializes in e-waste management and aims for growth on the NSE Emerge platform.

The Enforcement Directorate is preparing to file a money laundering case against Ponzi scheme fraudster Ravindranath Soni, accused of defrauding over 1,000 investors of Rs 970 crore globally. Kanpur police have gathered substantial evidence, including financial trails and celebrity connections.

Sebi is collaborating with RBI and the insurance regulator to allow banks and insurance companies to participate in commodity derivatives markets. Working groups are also reviewing measures to deepen the Agri Commodity Derivatives ecosystem and optimize the regulatory framework for margins, position limits, and delivery mechanisms.

UltraTech Cement faces a significant Rs 782.2 crore GST demand notice from authorities for alleged short payment and improper input tax credit use between 2018-19 and 2022-23. The company, India's largest cement producer, stated it is reviewing the order and plans to challenge it, asserting its submissions were not duly considered.

Taxpayers under the old regime can still claim deductions for charitable donations via Section 80G. New FAQs from the Income Tax Department detail verification processes, emphasizing donor-donee data matching. Remember, cash donations over Rs 2,000 are ineligible, and this benefit isn't available under the new tax regime.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed hope that the Mercosur-EU free-trade agreement will be signed in January, despite delays caused by opposition from some EU members and farmer protests. European negotiators had initially aimed for a weekend signing, but Italian Prime Minister Meloni requested more time, postponing the deal.

The Indian government has reduced its stake in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) to 92.44% after completing an offer-for-sale, diluting 2.17% of its equity. This move aligns with Sebi's minimum public shareholding norms, with a forbearance granted until August 2026 for public sector entities.

Power Minister Manohar Lal consulted MPs on the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to strengthen the sector by mandating cost-reflective tariffs and empowering regulators.

Artificial intelligence is now the primary driver of global economic growth, particularly in the US, according to economist Ruchir Sharma. He warns of significant risks due to this concentration, noting that while AI fuels investment and market gains, its true productivity impact remains uncertain.

A CREDAI and CRE Matrix survey reveals nearly 70% of real estate developers anticipate housing prices to rise by over 5% in 2026, driven by sustained end-user demand. Developers also expect home demand to grow by more than 5%, indicating a positive outlook anchored in genuine market needs and a calibrated approach to new supply.

Gold and silver are set for a strong 2026. Gold prices are predicted to rise moderately to strongly. Silver is also expected to maintain its upward trend. This positive outlook is driven by robust global demand for gold and increasing industrial use of silver.

Walmart is bolstering its in-house maintenance workforce through revamped training programs. These initiatives aim to equip employees with skills in areas like HVAC and electrical work, addressing a critical shortage that impacts store and distribution center operations.

Parliament has enacted sweeping financial reforms, including 100% foreign ownership in insurance and pension firms, to boost domestic investment amidst global trade tensions. These changes aim to lower costs for consumers, improve product offerings, and channel capital into India's growth story, promising a more competitive and efficient financial landscape.

India's market regulator Sebi is forming a working group. This group will explore future technology for stock exchanges. The aim is to strengthen market infrastructure. It will also benchmark global practices.

WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge transformed his leadership from command-and-control to empowering his team, realizing personal growth was key to company expansion. He emphasized creating a safe environment fostering trust and shared purpose, enabling WD-40's global reach. Ridge now coaches, warning against ego-driven, micromanaging leaders, advocating for servant leadership focused on people and values for better outcomes.

The World Bank has approved $700 million in fresh financing for Pakistan to bolster macroeconomic stability and enhance public service delivery. This funding, part of a larger $1.35 billion program, will support federal initiatives and a provincial project in Sindh, signaling continued multilateral support despite governance concerns.

US-listed Infosys shares surged nearly 40% in minutes, briefly adding billions to its market value and triggering a NYSE trading halt due to extreme volatility. The rapid, unexplained rally, occurring during low liquidity, is being attributed to a potential short squeeze or a data error mislabeling the ticker.

The Government of India is seeking suggestions for the upcoming Budget 2026 from the general public to help make new rules and plans for the country. According to a post on X by MyGovIndia, the government encouraged people to participate in this important task.

India's telecom sector concluded 2025 with significant advancements in digital connectivity and infrastructure. The National Broadband Mission 2.0 accelerated high-speed internet access nationwide, while 5G services now reach nearly the entire population. A major achievement includes developing indigenous 4G technology, bolstering India's self-reliance and manufacturing capabilities.