The Times of India News

US stocks rallied Thursday as a cooler-than-expected inflation report eased interest rate concerns. Micron Technology's strong earnings, driven by AI demand, also boosted tech shares. Global markets saw mixed results, with European stocks gaining modestly.

The Income Tax Department clarified that recent communications to taxpayers about transaction discrepancies are advisory, aiming for voluntary compliance. These messages highlight gaps between filed returns and reported information, encouraging review of Annual Information Statements and timely correction of returns to avoid enforcement.

Indian markets concluded 2025 on a high note, defying tariff and AI valuation concerns. The S&P 500 saw significant gains, driven by tech giants like Alphabet and Microsoft. Analysts predict continued growth in 2026, fueled by strong corporate earnings and AI investment, though some caution about market volatility.

India's securities law is set for a major overhaul with a new Bill in Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by expanding its board, enhancing governance, and boosting investor protection.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating IndiGo for potential abuse of dominance and antitrust violations following widespread flight disruptions. The airline, holding over 60% domestic market share, cancelled nearly 5,000 flights, impacting numerous passengers. This probe could lead to fines or other remedies if dominance abuse is established.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched an investigation into IndiGo's recent mass flight cancellations, which have disrupted thousands of passengers since December 2. The fair trade regulator is examining potential violations of competition rules, especially given IndiGo's dominant market share. This probe follows widespread disruptions and increased oversight from the DGCA.

Gold prices experienced a slight decline on Thursday, with the February contract falling by Rs 580 to Rs 1,34,314 per 10 grams due to weak global cues. Overseas, Comex gold futures also saw a dip. The article then details the current gold rates for 22K and 24K gold across various Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

India and Oman inked a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, granting Indian exports duty-free access to over 98% of Oman's market. This pact, set to boost trade significantly, also offers enhanced mobility for Indian professionals and opens doors for increased foreign investment. Oman will see tariff cuts on key products like dates and petrochemicals.

India's job market is rapidly evolving by 2026, prioritizing skills and digital fluency over tenure. Technology-led roles in data science, AI, and cloud computing are booming, alongside growth in green infrastructure, quick commerce, and precision manufacturing. High paychecks are increasingly linked to specialized digital capabilities and niche technical certifications.

Tata Motors has opposed proposals to exempt small petrol vehicles from Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. The automaker argues that such relaxations could dilute the focus on sustainable technologies and undermine India's push towards electric mobility. Tata Motors also raised safety concerns, warning that weight-based concessions could compromise essential safety features.

India's AM Green and Japan's Mitsui & Co are exploring a strategic partnership for the energy transition. This collaboration includes potential investments in AM Green's integrated green aluminium platform, aiming to support the world's first fully integrated green aluminium production facility. Discussions also cover offtake agreements for low-carbon aluminium.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the historical depth of India-Oman trade ties at the India-Oman Business Forum, emphasizing deeper economic collaboration ahead of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The CEPA aims to boost bilateral trade beyond $10 billion by offering duty-free trade and removing barriers, positioning Oman as a strategic gateway for Indian businesses.

US President Trump's $1 million Gold Card visa program is facing a lukewarm reception in India. Wealthy Indians are reportedly shying away due to a lack of clarity on permanent residency and citizenship pathways. Instead, the established EB-5 investor visa, remains the preferred route for aspiring Americans.

Tata Group is significantly boosting its investment in iPhone manufacturing, injecting an additional Rs 1,500 crore into Tata Electronics, a key Apple supplier. This move aims to expand capacity for iPhones, with a substantial portion exported. The company is also venturing into semiconductor production.

President Trump anticipates a significant economic boom next year, citing his administration's policies. He promised increased take-home pay, the impact of major tax cuts, and a surge in electricity production leading to lower prices. Furthermore, he plans to announce a Federal Reserve chair favoring lower interest rates and aggressive housing reforms, asserting America's renewed global respect and economic strength.

India's goods exports are expected to contract by around 1 per cent in FY26, compared to a marginal growth registered last year, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings.

Asian stocks tumbled, mirroring Wall Street's decline, as investor concerns grew over the technology sector's high valuations and substantial AI spending. Weakening expectations for a year-end rally followed the US Federal Reserve's hint at a potential pause in interest rate cuts, with markets now awaiting US inflation data for further guidance.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold prices are surging to new peaks, maintaining a strong bullish trend with higher highs and lows. Silver also shows significant positive momentum, breaking out of consolidation. Experts anticipate further gains for both precious metals.

The Indian rupee is showing a tentative recovery against the US dollar, climbing after hitting historic lows earlier this week. Aggressive intervention by the Reserve Bank of India is credited with this rebound, as the central bank sold dollars to curb depreciation.

The US clarified India's exclusion from the new Pax Silica initiative is not due to political or trade issues, emphasizing India's crucial role as a strategic partner in supply chain security. Discussions on trade and supply chain security are separate tracks, with the US keen to deepen collaboration with India on economic security matters, including AI.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in red in trade on Thursday. While Nifty50 was below 25,800, BSE Sensex was down around 150 points

President Trump highlighted his administration's economic achievements, focusing on reduced inflation, increased investment driven by tariffs, and rising wages. He claimed his policies reversed a dire economic situation, bringing down prices for essential goods and energy while boosting household incomes and national security.

Israel has approved a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, marking the nation's largest gas agreement. This 15-year deal, facilitated by Chevron, aims to bolster Israel's regional energy power and potentially mend strained relations with Egypt. In a separate development, Germany expanded its defense agreement for Israel's Arrow 3 missile defense system, increasing its value to $6.5 billion.

Top stock market recommendations: Aakash K Hindocha, has identified ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and BPCL as top stock recommendations. He also provided an optimistic outlook for Nifty and Bank Nifty, anticipating further gains for both indices.

The US administration for children and families has urged 39 states to stop using Social Security benefits meant for foster children to offset care costs. These earned benefits belong to the youth, not government agencies. Federal authorities are working to reform practices where benefit collection continues, aiming to preserve these funds for children's futures.

The government has simplified the visa process for Indian companies to bring in foreign technical experts for production-related activities. A new online module allows digital generation of sponsorship letters for the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa), significantly reducing processing time and easing business operations for both PLI and non-PLI firms.

Silver prices surged to an all-time high of Rs 2.05 lakh per kg in Delhi, driven by robust domestic and international demand. The white metal has seen a significant jump of 127.40% this year. Gold also edged higher, nearing record levels amid geopolitical tensions and expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts.

India's pension regulator has significantly relaxed exit and withdrawal norms for National Pension System (NPS) non-government subscribers, allowing them to withdraw up to 80% of their pension wealth. The investment horizon has also been extended to age 85 for all categories, offering greater flexibility in retirement planning.

India and Oman are set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on December 18, aiming to deepen economic ties and expand India's trade and strategic footprint in the Gulf. The pact will cover goods, services, and investment, reducing tariffs and facilitating business, while also carrying significant geopolitical weight.

US stocks traded mostly steady as oil prices rebounded following President Trump's order to block sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. Energy stocks led gains, with US crude climbing. Asian and European markets also saw gains, supported by technology stocks and rising crude prices.

Muhammad Binghatti has recast Dubai real estate through architecture-led branding, fusing design authorship with commercial control. A trained architect and chairman of Binghatti Holding, he transformed a family business into a recognisable luxury brand, delivering record-breaking sales and landmark projects. His approach treats buildings as cultural objects, not commodities, reshaping how property is built, sold, and recognised.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers a government-backed 8.2% tax-free interest for girl children, aiming to fund their future education or marriage. While a secure fixed-income option, experts suggest combining it with equity investments for better inflation-beating returns over its 21-year maturity period.

The Parliament on Wednesday approved the new insurance bill called Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill after it got the Rajya Sabha nod. It was cleared in Lok Sabha the day before. The bill allows 100 per cent FDI in the sector, raising it from earlier allowed 74 per cent. The bill is now pending for President's assent.

India's ambitious highway expansion faces significant execution stress, with 574 projects worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore delayed. Bottlenecks like land acquisition and clearances are hindering progress even before projects begin. Despite these challenges, highway construction continues, with a target of 10,000 km set for the current financial year.

India's mutual fund industry achieved a record Rs 80.80 lakh crore in assets under management, driven by a 16% surge in monthly SIP flows to Rs 29,445 crore. Equity funds dominate AUM, and passive investments are growing, indicating a structural shift. The investor base is expanding beyond metros, with smaller cities contributing significantly to AUM.

Warner Bros urged shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance's takeover, favoring a Netflix offer they believe benefits customers and aligns with board duties. Paramount's higher bid includes cable networks, unlike Netflix's streaming-focused proposal. Both deals face significant regulatory and political scrutiny, with concerns about market dominance and media consolidation.

Average salaries in India are projected to rise by 9 per cent in 2026, with organisations placing sharper emphasis on short-term incentives, performance-linked rewards and skills-based pay frameworks. The IT, ITES and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) sector continues to lead in offering innovative benefits and progressive employee policies, reflecting its focus on well-being, engagement and future-ready talent.