The Times of India News

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India's economy, nearing $4 trillion, is poised for robust growth exceeding 7% despite global trade tensions. Swift reforms and strategic recalibrations have bolstered resilience, with expectations of further measures in the upcoming budget to enhance business ease. The nation's focus remains on sustaining this momentum and accelerating progress towards developed country status by 2047.

Titan's watch and CaratLane businesses are poised to reach $1 billion in revenue soon, driven by premiumization and volume growth across brands like Fastrack and Sonata. The company's jewellery segment continues its strong performance, while other ventures like Damas and TEAL are also on track for significant revenue milestones, showcasing Titan's evolution into a diversified lifestyle powerhouse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized reforms and deregulation for the upcoming budget, aiming for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. The prime minister stressed global integration alongside domestic strength, calling for mission-mode reforms across sectors. The vision for a developed India is now a mass aspiration, fueled by rising citizen confidence and economic progress, with a focus on skilling and infrastructure.

E2E Transportation Infra's IPO, seeking Rs 84 crore, saw an overwhelming subscription of nearly 500 times, attracting demand worth Rs 29,500 crore. This follows a trend of heavily subscribed SME IPOs, with Shyam Dhani Industries also experiencing massive investor interest last week.

The Centre has ended subsidies for electric three-wheelers after exceeding its penetration target. Support for electric two-wheelers may extend into the next fiscal year as sales are still below the goal. States are now expected to provide incentives, with Delhi poised to announce a package to boost EV adoption.

The Union Cabinet is expected to consider relief for Vodafone Idea on Wednesday regarding its AGR dues, a move seen as crucial for the struggling telco. The government may offer concessions on interest and penalties, potentially providing a lifeline amidst the company's significant debt and revival efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted 2025 as a year of continuous reforms, emphasizing collaboration and facilitation over control. Key measures included opening the nuclear sector, 100% FDI in insurance, and new labor codes, all designed to foster inclusive growth and self-reliance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted a BJP victory with a two-thirds majority in Bengal's 2026 assembly polls, vowing to end infiltration and restore the state's glory. He assured the Matua community of their citizenship rights under the CAA and criticized the TMC government for alleged corruption and failing to secure borders.

A doctor and patient involved in a Shimla assault case publicly reconciled, shaking hands and embracing after apologizing for their scuffle. The incident, which led to a statewide doctors' strike, was resolved through dialogue, with both parties expressing regret for the disruption caused.

India's food regulator, FSSAI, will now mandate scientific evidence for all food safety reviews and standard changes from January 1, 2026. Submissions must detail nutritional information, consumption patterns, toxicological studies, and allergy risks specific to Indian consumers. This move aims to ensure practical, science-based, and safer food regulations for the public.

Eight policemen, including a DSP, accused of illegally holding and torturing a J&K constable for six days in February 2023 have been granted bail by a Kupwara court. This follows the CBI dropping attempt-to-murder charges against the accused after a Supreme Court-directed investigation into the alleged abuse.

Amid concerns on the nominal GDP growth remaining low, Sanjay Malhotra said the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) actions are dictated by the real GDP arrived at after subtracting the inflation levels.

Wall Street's major indexes retreated slightly on Tuesday, as worries over valuations of artificial intelligence stocks lingered in the final days of 2025. Major tech players saw declines early Tuesday as well, with shares in Nvidia and Palantir Technologies dipping.

Turkish police detained 357 individuals suspected of Islamic State (IS) links in nationwide raids following a deadly encounter. The operations, targeting operatives planning attacks during holiday celebrations, involved simultaneous actions across 21 provinces. Recovered digital materials and suspected financial channeling connect detainees to IS fighters in conflict zones.

Vande Bharat sleeper train has touched the 180 kmph speed mark during speed trials by the Commissioner Railway Safety. The new train set is a sleeper variant of the popular Vande Bharat chair car service and is set to be launched soon.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Zia's significant contributions to Bangladesh's development and India-Bangladesh relations, recalling a warm meeting in 2015. Zia, a pivotal figure in restoring democracy, passed away at 80 after a long political career.

Kansas City Chiefs fans experienced an unfamiliar season of losses and missed playoffs in 2025, a stark contrast to years of dominance. Veteran Travis Kelce expressed deep disappointment, feeling he let down coach Andy Reid, highlighting their strong bond and his unwavering sense of responsibility to the team and his mentor.

The economic impact will be driven by AI adoption across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, education, governance, and climate services, where automation and data-driven decision-making are already improving productivity and service delivery.

Despite vast deserts, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours rely on imported construction-grade sand to meet the demands of mega-projects like NEOM and the Burj Khalifa. Desert sands smooth grains are unsuitable for concrete, making riverbed and marine sand essential. This reliance highlights a global sand crisis, environmental pressures, and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and innovation in construction materials.

Chinese state media, Global Times, has criticized Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Battle of Galwan,' accusing it of distorting facts about the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The movie, inspired by the deadly confrontation, features Khan as an Indian Army officer. Despite the film's portrayal, the PLA remains resolute in defending China's territory, according to the publication.

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has extended significant financial assistance to the state of Uttarakhand. For the financial year 2025-26, a special assistance of Rs 200 crore (loan) has been approved for Uttarakhand under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) to support reforms in the mining sector, the Chief Minister's Office said in a press release.

India has emerged as the worlds fourth-largest economy, overtaking Japan, and is projected to challenge Germany for the third spot within the next three years. The government remains confident about sustaining growth momentum despite global trade uncertainties.