The Times of India News

India's space sector has secured a record $150 million in funding this financial year, with projections to surpass $200 million. This was driven by policy reforms and commercial prospects, highlights growing investor confidence.

US inflation cooled more than expected in November. Most Americans still feel no relief from high prices for essentials, with energy costs rising.

A major staffing shortage is plaguing the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs audit teams. While audit completion rates have improved, a gap persists. The Comptroller and Auditor General recommends increasing manpower to ensure effective taxpayer compliance under the GST Act.

India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), their sixth free trade pact in five years. While Oman offers zero-duty access on nearly all Indian exports, the agreement's primary significance lies in consolidating market access and investment presence rather than dramatically increasing trade volumes, according to GTRI.

Central forces will secure the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office from Friday following protests by BLOs concerned about work pressure and safety. The Election Commission is increasing scrutiny of the electoral roll revision process after several BLOs died. Meanwhile, a voter received a show-cause notice for being registered in two constituencies.

Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to rectify the flawed tax design on share buybacks. The Finance Act, 2024 shifted the tax burden to shareholders, taxing buyback proceeds as deemed dividend and the cost as capital loss. This new regime has triggered concerns over taxing notional income and creating economic distortions.

US President Trump's blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers is unlikely to significantly impact global crude prices, according to Kpler. The market's two-tiered nature and ample supply from other sources, including Iran and Russia, mean disruptions will primarily affect a small group of buyers, particularly in China and Cuba.

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.

India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971. A parliamentary committee warns of Islamist resurgence, weakening political structures, and growing Chinese and Pakistani influence. This situation poses a long-term strategic test for India's regional stability and neighborhood policy. The government is monitoring developments and engaging with Bangladesh's interim government.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah defended ally Congress, stating it's unfair to blame the entire party for former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan's remarks on Operation Sindoor. Abdullah emphasized that Chavan's comments were personal, not party policy, and reiterated Congress's past support for the government and army post-operation.

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.

Tamil Nadu police detained former BJP state president K Annamalai and party workers protesting against the dumping of waste from Tiruppur city in Chinnakalipalayam village. The BJP criticized the arrest, calling it a condemnable act by the Stalin government for supporting local residents.

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.

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate resigned after a court issued arrest warrants in a 1995 housing quota case. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar accepted the resignation in principle, forwarding it to CM Devendra Fadnavis. The Governor has now allocated Kokate's former ministries to Pawar. This follows a similar incident with another NCP politician.

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.

Karnataka Assembly has passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, 2025. The legislation aims to prevent and punish hate speech and crimes. It defines hate speech broadly, covering various grounds like religion, caste, gender, and sexual orientation. The bill also outlines punishments and provides compensation for victims.

Nearly a million Indians have renounced their citizenship in five years, with over two lakh annually since 2022. This trend, raises questions about quality of life, governance, and taxation. While the government cites personal reasons and views the diaspora as an asset, the lack of dual citizenship is a key factor driving this significant outflow.

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.

Karnataka Assembly passed a hate speech bill despite BJP protests. The legislation defines hate speech broadly, aiming to curb expressions causing disharmony or enmity. It includes provisions for jail terms and victim compensation. Exemptions exist for public interest and good faith acts. The government asserts it's crucial for maintaining peace and order.

Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, replacing MGNREGA with a 125-day wage employment guarantee for rural households. Opposition protested, calling it an attack on Gandhi's legacy and accusing the government of undermining rural development. Supporters claim it will boost villages and deter corruption.

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.

In a significant legal development, Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate is on the brink of disqualification following a court's affirmation of his 1995 conviction for fraud related to housing quotas. He and his brother received a two-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for deceitfully inflating their income to obtain EWS flats.

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.