The Times of India News

The Unnao rape survivor expressed joy and vowed to pursue capital punishment after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court's order suspending expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The apex court's decision prevents Sengar's release, emphasizing the peculiar circumstances of his conviction for a grave offense. The survivor conveyed her faith in the judiciary's pursuit of justice.

China launched large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, deploying warships and aircraft in a stern warning to independence supporters and foreign powers. Taiwan's military is on high alert, vowing to defend its democracy amid drills aimed at blockading key ports and simulating strikes.

Silver price crash today: Silver prices saw a sharp drop after hitting record highs, with MCX futures plunging Rs 21,000 per kg as profit booking set in amid easing geopolitical risks and higher margin requirements.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured justice for Tripura student Anjel Chakma, who died after a brutal attack in Dehradun. Five accused are arrested, with one suspect on the run and a reward announced. The incident, involving racial abuse and stabbing, has sparked outrage and calls for strict action against the perpetrators.

Income Tax Department has been sending emails and SMSes warning that return processing and refunds are on hold due to flagged donations or deduction claims. These have unsettled taxpayers, particularly those with genuine claims.

The United States remains the top debtor of Taiwan banks for the 41st straight quarter. This means the U.S. owes more money to Taiwanese banks than any other country. According to a report by Focus Taiwan, this trend has continued for more than ten years without any change at the top spot.

The Supreme Court has halted the Delhi High Court's bail order for ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The apex court questioned the suspension of his sentence, noting Sengar remains jailed for another conviction. The CBI had appealed the bail, highlighting the horrific nature of the crime against a minor.

India's agriculture sector is poised for record foodgrain production in 2025-26, driven by strong monsoons and GST cuts on key inputs. Despite global trade headwinds and excessive rainfall in some areas, sowing has progressed well. Stakeholders anticipate major bills on seeds and pesticides in 2026 to address input quality.

The Indian Navy's stitched sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, embarks on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, retracing ancient maritime routes. Built using traditional stitched-plank technology without modern propulsion, the ship highlights India's rich shipbuilding heritage and its historical connections with West Asia.

Gold price prediction today: Any pullbacks in the gold price rally may be used for accumulation, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. He believes that a decisive move above 140,000 may possibly open the way toward targets of 143,000145,000.

Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives at SBI Securities recommends buying Karur Vysya Bank, and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation.

Following GST rate reductions, consumer demand for household essentials and groceries saw a significant boost in the October-December quarter, with sales volumes rising by 9-10%. This growth, despite initial trade disruptions, suggests a revival from an inflation-led slowdown, with urban-rural demand gaps narrowing.

Gulf states have confirmed that the unified GCC tourist visa will launch in 2026, revising earlier expectations of a 2025 rollout. Approved in principle but delayed by security, technical and data-sharing requirements, the Schengen-style visa aims to allow seamless travel across all six GCC countries and reshape regional tourism by simplifying multi-country visits under a single permit.

The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act is projected to boost state funds by nearly Rs 17,000 crore, despite concerns over a revised 60:40 Centre-state funding ratio. An SBI report indicates most states will be net gainers, with opportunities to enhance benefits through their own contributions.

Silver prices soared past eighty dollars an ounce on Monday. Tight supplies and growing industrial demand fueled this rally. Platinum also touched a record high. Investors are watching for further US interest rate cuts. Gold prices eased slightly after reaching new highs. Geopolitical developments are also a key focus for traders.

Thick smog and fog across northern India have led to significant flight delays, prompting the Ministry of Civil Aviation to issue a travel advisory. Airlines are urging passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time as operations at select airports are impacted by reduced visibility and CAT III conditions.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Monday. While Nifty50 was above 26,050, BSE Sensex was above 85,000.

Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd recommends buying Midwest, and Ambuja Cement. An 18% upside is seen in Midwest and a 35% upside in Ambuja Cement.

Asian markets opened positively, driven by optimism for potential US interest rate cuts and a resilient tech rally. Investors await the Federal Reserve's December meeting minutes for further guidance. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices eased after reaching record highs, influenced by rate cut expectations and geopolitical tensions.

Mobile retail firm SS Retail is set to launch its initial public offering, aiming to raise Rs 500 crore. The IPO will comprise a fresh issuance of shares valued at Rs 300 crore, complemented by an offer for sale amounting to Rs 200 crore. This move marks the company's debut in the public market.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin revealed lessons learned from the initial Google Glass failure, emphasizing the need to fully develop products before flashy launches. He admitted to rushing commercialization, leading to a clunky design and high price.

OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparedness for $555,000, acknowledging AI's growing ability to find security flaws and impact mental health. CEO Sam Altman revealed models are eginning to find critical vulnerabilities. The role addresses cybersecurity, biosecurity, and AI's psychological effects, following lawsuits and reports of AI-driven harm. This move signals a significant shift in the company's safety approach.

Indian Overseas Bank plans to raise Rs 4,000 crore via a qualified institutional placement in Q4 FY26. This significant fundraise, potentially the bank's largest in a decade, will further dilute the Union government's stake by an estimated 3% to 3.5%.

Satellite communication services are set to launch soon in India. Companies including Elon Musk's Starlink must meet security agency demands. These include international gateway clearances and ensuring data stays within India. Spectrum pricing is also being finalized. Once these conditions are met, services will be rolled out.

Indian engineers are reporting significantly higher developer experience scores, a trend observed by engineering intelligence firm DX. These scores, based on perceptions of work environment rather than output, consistently outpace Western counterparts. DX, now part of Atlassian, adjusts its benchmarks for India-centric teams due to these findings, highlighting the nation's growing global engineering influence.

Odisha-based Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA) is planning to enter the critical minerals sector, leveraging its extensive experience in mining and mineral processing. The company, a pioneer in underground chromite mining, sees a strategic fit and is exploring opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Gold and silver have significantly outperformed equities this millennium in India, delivering impressive compound annual growth rates. Gold's appeal stems from its role as a jewelry component and store of value, while silver's demand is boosted by industrial applications and safe-haven appeal amid global uncertainties. This trend suggests precious metals may continue their strong performance.

Industry bodies are seeking government clarification on new labour codes, particularly regarding retrospective implementation and wage definitions. The ICAI advises companies to account for increased gratuity and other payments in their December quarter accounts, as the codes were notified effective November 1.

Go Digit General Insurance's board has approved a landmark merger of its unlisted holding company, Go Digit Infoworks Services, with the listed insurer. This move, the first of its kind post-amendments to insurance laws, aims to streamline operations and reduce costs by eliminating the holding company layer.

Warburg Pincus is reportedly in talks to sell its 26% stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance, a move potentially valuing the insurer at over Rs 10,000 crore. Recent changes to insurance laws, including a higher foreign investment limit, are attracting a wider pool of potential buyers and easing control constraints for strategic investors and private equity funds.

A 68-year-old Mumbai woman was defrauded of Rs 3.75 crore by scammers who impersonated 'Justice Chandrachud' and staged a mock virtual court hearing. The fraudsters used high-pressure tactics, including demanding an essay about her life, to extract funds. Police have arrested one man in Gujarat for receiving a portion of the stolen money.

A 34-year legal battle over an ITDC employee's job termination concluded with the Supreme Court awarding 50% back wages to his family. The employee, D K Sharma, passed away a year before the apex court's verdict, which sided with him after a protracted journey through labor courts and the High Court.

India is poised to approve genome-edited mustard, potentially boosting oil production and reducing pungency, following the release of similar rice varieties. This advancement in gene-editing technology, distinct from GM crops, is being evaluated in trials and signifies India's move towards diversifying its agricultural landscape amidst opposition to GM crops.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu's appeal led to the Resident Doctors Association of IGMC-Shimla ending their strike. Following assurances of a detailed inquiry and a review of Dr. Raghav Narula's termination, doctors are set to resume duties. The CM acknowledged the strike, stating government decisions are open to review.

A Jalandhar man's search for his brother in Moscow has revealed a grim reality: at least ten Indians, including three from Punjab, have died fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, with four others missing. Jagdeep Kumar, who made two trips to Russia, has obtained official confirmation of these deaths and is now working to repatriate the bodies.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor backed Digvijaya Singh's call for organizational strengthening and discipline within the party. Singh's earlier praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess had sparked debate. Tharoor emphasized the need for a robust Congress, while Singh asserted party unity and his opposition to BJP-RSS ideology. Salman Khurshid, however, stated the Congress doesn't need to learn from the RSS.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on the new Aravalli definition ahead of a Supreme Court hearing. He highlighted concerns about ecological integrity, citing FSI reports that emphasized the protective role of even smaller hill formations against desertification. Ramesh also pointed to past definitions and a CEC report on mining leases within the Aravallis.

'Consult docs, stay away from self-medication'

A former MBBS doctor, known as Dr. Rafiq, built a clandestine medical system for Maoists and Adivasis in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. He performed surgeries with limited resources, trained medics, and documented treatments for battlefield injuries and common ailments. Revered by locals, his network continues to function even after his departure, blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine.

The Supreme Court has consistently safeguarded the Aravalis for two decades, banning mining and groundwater extraction. Despite PMO interventions to prevent dilution of construction norms in ecologically sensitive zones, recent government reports appear to favor mining. Activists highlight ongoing efforts, particularly from Haryana, to permit non-forest activities under the guise of recreation, challenging the court's conservation directives.

Congress celebrated its 140th foundation day with leaders asserting the party's enduring ideology. Mallikarjun Kharge declared, Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die, while Rahul Gandhi called it he voice of India's soul. The party vowed to fight for truth, courage, and the Constitution against injustice and dictatorship, urging workers to build a mass movement for MGNREGA's restoration.

India is advancing its hydropower potential on the Chenab River with the approval of the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II project in Jammu & Kashmir. This strategic move, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, aims to harness the river's untapped capacity. The project, an extension of an existing facility, will contribute to India's hydropower generation goals.

Tripura CM Manik Saha has urged Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure justice for Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura who tragically died after a racially motivated assault in Dehradun. Five suspects are arrested, with a manhunt for a sixth underway. Authorities are also seeking a fugitive in Nepal.

India's DRDO has equipped the Army with advanced camouflage software and a multispectral tank decoy to counter modern enemy detection. These technologies, developed after recent conflicts, help soldiers and equipment evade surveillance across visible, infrared, and radar spectrums. This boosts battlefield deception and survival, crucial for modern warfare.

Prime Minister Modi urged chief secretaries to prevent Maoism's resurgence in liberated areas by accelerating infrastructure and welfare projects. He emphasized all-round development, including rehabilitation for surrendered individuals, to ensure they remain in the mainstream. The PM also called for deregulation cells to boost reforms and improve ease of living and doing business.