The Times of India News

Right-wing groups Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad protested outside a Bareilly church on Christmas Eve, alleging objectionable portrayals of Hinduism. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, they claimed Christmas events hurt Hindu sentiments. Police are investigating after the groups submitted a memorandum demanding action against alleged misleading depictions of religious conversion and Hindu society.

IndiGo is dealing with another wave of disruptions, canceling 67 flights due to weather and operational issues, impacting key airports. This comes as the airline operates under DGCA scrutiny following earlier mass cancellations linked to new pilot rest rules. The aviation regulator's panel is investigating, with a report on IndiGo's operational woes expected soon.

In a year filled with challenges, 2025 offered moments of profound human connection and kindness. From a handwritten note in an auto to a surprise birthday celebration for a delivery partner, these acts demonstrated empathy and decency. These stories, though small, reminded people that compassion thrives amidst the noise, offering hope and a sense of a world not entirely broken.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the Delhi High Courts decision to suspend the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, calling it a chilling message to the survivor and alleging that leniency in brutal rape cases has been normalised. The sentence has been suspended pending appeal, though Sengar will remain in jail as he is serving a separate 10-year term in the custodial death case of the survivors father.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced India's imminent entry into semiconductor exports, aiming for self-reliance despite a late start. Speaking at the Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit, he also inaugurated industrial projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore, highlighting the state's progress in power surplus and cleanliness.

2025 saw political shifts with Nitish Kumar retaining power in Bihar and Siddaramaiah navigating a leadership tussle. While Nitin Nabin and Chirag Paswan rose, the Congress faced defeats and internal strife. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP lost Delhi, and Prashant Kishor's political venture faltered, highlighting power's dynamic nature.

India's IPO market is poised for a significant surge in 2026, with over 190 companies aiming to raise more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore. Major listings expected include Reliance Jio, NSE, Flipkart, and PhonePe, spanning telecom, fintech, and e-commerce sectors.

Indian banks are intensifying scrutiny on overseas money transfers, demanding detailed proof of fund origins from individuals and businesses. This heightened caution, particularly for remittances from NRO accounts, arises amid the rupee's slide and increased customer urgency to move funds abroad, leading to compliance hurdles.

Fast-food giants like McDonald's and KFC are set to open outlets at Indian railway stations, with the first expected in 2026. This move aims to elevate passenger experience to airport standards, offering significant sales potential. Brands will secure five-year licenses through e-auctions, potentially boosting Indian Railways' non-fare revenue.

India and the US are actively pursuing a balanced trade agreement, according to Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Significant progress has been made in bilateral space cooperation, highlighted by the successful launch of an American satellite by ISRO. Both nations are also collaborating on AI initiatives, with India set to host an upcoming AI Impact Summit.

India's ambitious $1 trillion export target by FY26 appears out of reach, with weak global demand and protectionism hindering merchandise shipments. While services exports offer a cushion, trade deals with the US and EU could be crucial. Diversification is underway, but a shift towards higher-tech products is needed for sustained growth.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari recounted meeting Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh hours before his assassination in Tehran. Gadkari, was in Iran, attending presidential swearing-in, and was informed of Haniyeh's death early next morning. The incident highlighted the growing role of technology in modern conflict and national security.

ITR filing FY 2024-25: The Income Tax Department is stepping up scrutiny on tax returns, leading to delays in refunds for many taxpayers. A NUDGE campaign is urging taxpayers whose deduction or exemption claims have been deemed ineligibile.

The Indian medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) industry appears to be entering the next upcycle, with industry volumes estimated to grow by around 8 per cent year-on-year in FY26 and 10 per cent in FY27, following a period of modest growth, according to a report by Nomura.

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to expedite the extradition of US-based accused Amit Wadhwa and asked the trial court to conclude the long-pending criminal proceedings preferably within one year.

India's premium and luxury housing segment is undergoing a structural expansion, with demand steadily moving beyond traditional metropolitan markets into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, according to industry reports and developers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Christmas greetings, wishing for peace, compassion, and hope, and called for societal harmony. He attended a Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi, highlighting the enduring values of love and brotherhood. This follows his consistent engagement with the Christian community through various events.

Taylor Swift opened up about a painful chapter during the Eras Tour, revealing how a backup singers cancer diagnosis deeply shook her tour family. The experience marked an emotional low point, but Swift said she later found renewed joy and stability in her personal life, crediting Travis Kelce with bringing light and happiness after an incredibly difficult period.

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.