The Times of India News

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold prices are poised to continue their upward trajectory, with MCX Gold showing strong bullish momentum and potential to reach 145,000. Silver also displays significant strength, having broken out of consolidation and targeting 240,000.

On Wednesday, the S&P 500 soared to a fresh intraday high, powered by broad sector gains in a short Christmas Eve trading day. Enthusiasm among investors soared as they look forward to potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve next year, spurred by encouraging economic signals, particularly the strong third-quarter growth recorded in the US.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded Rahul Gandhi for acknowledging Foxconn's significant job creation in Karnataka, attributing it to Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. Gandhi highlighted the rapid hiring of 30,000 staff, predominantly young women, at the new iPhone assembly unit, emphasizing the creation of dignified jobs and opportunities for all, setting an example for India's manufacturing growth.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has commenced commercial flight operations, becoming Mumbai's second aviation gateway. Initially serving nine domestic destinations with four airlines, NMIA anticipates handling over 4,000 passengers on its opening day. The facility is poised to become a major aviation hub, with plans for round-the-clock services and expanded capacity.

New research suggests that increasing magnesium intake could significantly benefit brain health and potentially lower dementia risk. Studies indicate higher magnesium levels are linked to larger brain volume and fewer lesions, suggesting a younger-looking brain. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds is recommended for optimal cognitive function as we age.

Government is in talks with WhatsApp over a surge in banned Indian accounts and the misuse of local mobile numbers for online fraud. WhatsApp disables millions of accounts monthly, but authorities lack details on banned numbers, hindering efforts to track scams. This lack of transparency is a significant concern for national security.

The Reserve Bank of India has delayed the second phase of its faster cheque clearance system, originally set for January 3rd. This decision comes after some banks experienced operational difficulties during the initial phase. The postponed phase aims to clear cheques within three hours of realization, significantly reducing settlement times for customers.

IndusInd Bank is under formal investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) following accounting lapses related to internal derivative trades. The probe, triggered by a December 2025 letter, concerns issues with derivatives, other assets/liabilities, and microfinance income, impacting the bank's P&L and net worth.

Jaipur-based masala maker Shyam Dhani Industries' IPO on NSE's SME platform Emerge was subscribed a staggering 918 times, raising over Rs 25,300 crore. This makes it the fifth most subscribed SME IPO in India and the most subscribed in 2025. The funds will be used for working capital, loan repayment, marketing, and capital expenditure.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is enhancing transparency and control over UPI autopay mandates with a new central portal and revised framework. Users can now view and manage all their recurring subscriptions in one place, combating opaque billing practices. The changes, effective by December 31, 2025, also introduce mandate portability and stricter authentication measures.

Government bonds surged Wednesday as the RBI injected Rs 2.9 lakh crore to ease tight liquidity, pushing the benchmark 10-year yield down to 6.54%. This significant drop follows open market bond purchases and a dollar-rupee swap, aiming to stabilize borrowing costs and support economic growth amidst market concerns.

Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus have jointly acquired a 49% stake in Haier India, a subsidiary of Chinese consumer electronics giant Haier Group. This strategic investment aims to accelerate Haier India's growth and expansion by leveraging global innovation, Bharti's extensive networks, and Warburg Pincus' expertise in scaling brands.

Credit card spending in India saw a notable slowdown in November 2025, with transaction values and volumes decreasing month-on-month after the festive demand from Diwali and Dussehra subsided. This dip reflects a normalisation post-festive surge, with expectations of improved spending in December due to the wedding season and year-end travel.

Castrol India is set for a significant ownership change as Stonepeak, a New York-based investment firm, will acquire a majority stake from BP. This global deal involves an open offer to public shareholders at Rs 194 per share. The transaction aims to reshape BP's business and strengthen Stonepeak's Indian presence.

In a significant ruling, the Allahabad high court has freed a man after nearly 24 years of imprisonment. The court found the trial court erred by relying solely on a confession made under duress. Upholding the right to a fair trial, the bench highlighted the lack of legal aid and corroborative evidence, leading to the acquittal of Azad Khan.

Gujarat High Court acquitted a father sentenced to death for the rape and murder of his pregnant teenage daughter. The court cited procedural lapses, including compromised DNA evidence due to delayed submission and improper preservation, as grounds for overturning the conviction. The prosecution failed to establish a complete chain of reliable evidence.

A father in Tamil Nadu has been sentenced to death for the horrific sexual assault and impregnation of his 14-year-old daughter. The 49-year-old labourer's brutal acts, which began in August 2024, were discovered when the victim fell ill and doctors found she was pregnant.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a consensual relationship between a teacher and student constitutes misconduct, not sexual harassment. This decision overturned a 19-year-old dismissal order for an MNNIT lecturer, deeming the penalty disproportionate. The court noted the relationship appeared consensual and was not followed by criminal action.

A 16-year-old girl's body was discovered under mysterious circumstances in Sachendi village, days after her father allegedly beat her for an affair with a cousin. While her father claims suicide, police are investigating the cause of death, preserving viscera due to unclear postmortem findings. A dupatta was found tied around her neck.

India has condemned the demolition of a Hindu deity statue near the Thailand-Cambodia border, emphasizing that such acts disrespect shared civilizational heritage and hurt global followers. The Ministry of External Affairs urged both nations to resume dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, prevent further loss of life, and protect property and heritage.

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor at Mar-a-Lago to discuss strengthening trade ties and the bilateral partnership. The meeting, held during President Trump's holiday stay, also covered Gor's priorities for the India-US relationship. This interaction highlights the expanding scope of cooperation beyond trade, including the space sector.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the final syllabus for NEET (UG) 2026, urging students to align their preparation with the updated curriculum. This revised syllabus, effective for the 2026-27 academic session, aims to ensure uniformity and transparency in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Medical colleges and educational institutions are advised to update their teaching materials accordingly.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially commenced commercial operations today, marking a significant expansion of air travel for the Mumbai region. The airport will initially handle around 30 domestic flights daily, with IndiGo operating the first arrival and departure. NMIA aims to scale up to round-the-clock services by February 2026.

India has achieved significant reductions in malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal/child deaths, marking a decisive phase in public health. These gains stem from sustained political will, scientific capacity, and public participation. While progress is evident, challenges remain in eliminating diseases and ensuring comprehensive life-course immunisation.

Indian musicians Mainak Biswas and Kallab Ghosh faced intense anxiety in Dhaka after their concert was cancelled. Trapped for 48 hours amidst rising anti-Indian sentiment, Biswas described the experience as a worst nightmare, highlighting the fear of being targeted as a Hindu in Bangladesh. They managed to return home on December 22nd.

The Calcutta High Court ruled that foreign courts can hear divorce and maintenance cases for marriages solemnised in India if a spouse resides there. This decision overturned a lower court's injunction on a UK court order, asserting that a UK family court has jurisdiction if parties last resided together in the UK.

India successfully tested its K-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. This solid-fuelled missile, capable of carrying a two-tonne nuclear payload, is crucial for strengthening the sea leg of India's nuclear weapons triad. The test marks a significant step towards enhancing India's strategic deterrence capabilities.

India's LVM3 rocket, nicknamed Baahubali, successfully launched the 6,100kg US satellite BlueBird Block-2, marking the heaviest spacecraft ever lifted from Indian soil. This ninth consecutive success for the human-rated launcher boosts confidence for the Gaganyaan mission and signals India's strong entry into the global LEO communications market.

Union Minister Amit Shah announced the upcoming launch of 'Bharat Taxi,' a new initiative by the Ministry of Cooperation. This service aims to create job opportunities for drivers and ensure they receive 100% of their earnings. 'Bharat Taxi' will also provide insurance facilities and allow advertisements on vehicles, enhancing driver welfare and customer convenience.

The Union environment ministry is expanding prohibited mining areas in the Aravali hills following Supreme Court directives and public protests. The ministry has asked a central institution to identify additional zones for mining bans, aiming to further protect the mountain range's ecology and biodiversity.

Home minister Amit Shah declared India has conquered long-standing security threats under the Modi government, highlighting peace in regions previously plagued by extremism and terrorism. Speaking at a police graduation ceremony, he urged new recruits to combat drugs and social evils, emphasizing the government's unwavering support for states in tackling crime. Shah also attended events honoring historical figures.

Rahul Gandhi's praise for Karnataka's job creation, particularly Foxconn's hiring surge, has drawn a response from Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vaishnaw credited Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, highlighting the nation's shift towards becoming a producer economy.

Prime Minister Modi is convening a three-day summit with chief secretaries in Delhi to accelerate deregulation and enhance ease of business. The meeting will also focus on developing human capital to achieve India's developed nation status. Key themes include women and child welfare, education, sports, and skill development, with states presenting their initiatives.

Unnao rape survivor and her mother met Rahul and Sonia Gandhi seeking help in their legal battle against convicted attacker Kuldeep Sengar, who received bail. The survivor also requested relocation to a Congress-ruled state for safety, fearing for her life. Rahul Gandhi pledged legal assistance and support for her relocation, while condemning police action against her protest.

The National Highways Authority of India has issued a final notice to Roadways Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIL) for termination over severe delays on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Gujarat. With construction progress as low as 4.9% on one 35-km stretch, the project's revised deadline is now at risk.

Move comes even as plea against life term is pending

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation filed by former CM Mehbooba Mufti. The court deemed the petition vague, politically motivated, and lacking substantiation, stating it failed to meet legal standards for PILs.

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has issued a notice to the UT administration regarding a Public Interest Litigation concerning Displaced Persons of 1947 from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. Filed by the Jammu Kashmir Action Committee, the PIL seeks directions for authorities on related matters. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 10.

A Junior Commissioned Officer of the Indian Army, Subedar Surjeet Singh, tragically lost his life from a gunshot wound while on duty in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir. The terror angle has been ruled out, and the incident is currently under investigation. The Rising Star Corps has paid tribute to the brave soldier, offering unwavering support to his grieving family.

A CRPF head constable sustained injuries when a leopard entered a paramilitary camp in Anantnag, attacking him in the mess. The animal subsequently escaped into a nearby forest. This incident follows a recent surge in wild animal sightings and attacks across Kashmir, prompting the government to develop a plan to address the issue.

The CBI will challenge the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence and grant him bail in the Unnao rape case. Despite this, Sengar remains jailed due to a separate conviction. The survivor, calling the bail death, plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, citing safety fears.

Yatayat Corporation India Ltd has filed draft papers for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to raise funds, driven by strong demand in the road freight segment. The proposed IPO includes a fresh issue and an offer for sale, with proceeds earmarked for working capital and general corporate needs.

US mortgage rates saw a slight dip this week, with the 30-year fixed rate now at 6.18%, offering minimal relief to homebuyers. While rates are down from last year, affordability remains a significant challenge, especially for first-time buyers. Despite some market improvements, economic uncertainty keeps many potential buyers hesitant.

Congress slammed the Centres ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis as a bogus attempt at damage control, saying it fails to address concerns over the governments new 100-metre hill definition. Jairam Ramesh alleged the redefinition weakens environmental protection despite expert objections, a charge the Centre has denied.

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has provided a Rs 9,821 crore loan to DFCCIL to refinance its World Bank foreign currency debt for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. This rupee-denominated loan aims to reduce exchange rate volatility for DFCCIL and highlights domestic institutions' capacity for large infrastructure projects.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received Sebi's approval to register Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) as a Public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).