The Times of India News

Many of the worst blow-ups in Indian markets looked fine on a simple price chart until very late in the story. Its important to remember that a strong brand or a dominant market share does not automatically equal quality if it comes with sloppy capital allocation.

Gold prices surged on Monday, recovering from last week's decline. February gold futures on MCX rose by Rs 1,509, reaching Rs 1,37,270 per 10 grams. This rebound was driven by geopolitical concerns in Venezuela and anticipation of US economic data, with global Comex futures also seeing a significant gain.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to say tata? Tata Sons is exploring a leadership overhaul at its airlines business, with chairman N Chandrasekaran in talks with senior global aviation executives as he seeks faster execution and on-ground improvements at Air India.

Indian energy stocks surged on Monday, driven by geopolitical shifts in Venezuela. Reliance Industries hit a 52-week high, while ONGC, HPCL, IOC, and Oil India also saw gains. Speculation is rife that a US-led restructuring could unlock significant unpaid dividends for ONGC from its Venezuelan investments, potentially boosting its financials.

Gold price prediction today: Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd believes investors should continue to buy gold on dips. He shares his views and recommendations for gold investors and key levels to watch out for in the near term:

50% Of Youth At Both Extremes Hit By This Largely Hidden Crisis

Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah of SBI Securities recommends buying CESC, and Indian Bank as the stop stock picks for the week starting January 5, 2026. Here is his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty:

The Indian rupee is facing a volatile week, having already slipped significantly against the dollar. Political uncertainty in Venezuela and broader global tensions are raising concerns about further depreciation. Bankers anticipate the rupee could weaken to Rs 90.50-91 per dollar before potential intervention by the Reserve Bank of India.

The Indian rupee opened the week weaker, falling to 90.24 against the US dollar, extending its recent decline. This depreciation is attributed to foreign fund outflows and strong dollar demand, though softer crude oil prices and rising domestic equities offered some support.

India's crude oil imports from the US surged over 92% year-on-year in April-November 2025, though Russia remains the top supplier. While US share grew, Russia's contribution slightly dipped. November saw significant month-on-month increases from both Russia and the US, with US sanctions on Russian majors potentially impacting future dispatches.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened flat in trade on Monday amidst mixed global cues. While Nifty50 was above 26,300, BSE Sensex was near 85,700.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) national president and MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday sharply criticised the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, during a press conference held in Amravati.

A thousand years after Mahmud of Ghazni's devastating attack, Somnath Temple stands as a testament to India's enduring spirit. Despite repeated invasions, the shrine's restoration, marked by its 1951 reopening, symbolizes resilience. This enduring symbol of faith and civilization continues to inspire, mirroring India's own resurgence and commitment to global welfare.

Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd recommends buying Max Financials, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. While Max Financials is seen to have an upside potential of 25%, Kotak Mahindra Bank may go up 14%.

Asian markets mostly rose, with Japan's Nikkei surging 2.36% driven by AI stocks. Gold prices climbed, while oil recovered after early weakness following a US military operation in Venezuela. The removal of President Maduro and potential for increased oil output are key market drivers.

US President Donald Trump has warned India of increased tariffs if it does not reduce its oil trade with Russia, linking the threat to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Trump cited India's continued purchase of discounted Russian crude as a point of contention, despite previous claims of a commitment from Prime Minister Modi to cease such trade.

India is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to boost international flights from its expanding airport network. The government aims for Indian airports and airlines to realize their full potential by facilitating direct flights between domestic and international hubs. This initiative aligns with significant aircraft inductions by Indian carriers over the coming years.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter Scale jolted Morigaon district in Assam early Monday morning. The tremor, with its epicentre at a depth of 50 km, was felt across central Assam. Authorities are monitoring the situation, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Novo Nordisk India MD expects Wegovys price cut to lift patient uptake 57 times

New investment announcements in India surged to Rs 26.62 lakh crore in the first nine months of FY26, driven by electricity, chemicals, and metals. Infrastructure-oriented industries attracted nearly half of these plans, with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra leading in proposed investments.

Fino Payments Bank is set to transform into a small finance bank. This move will allow it to expand secured lending. The bank plans to separate its business correspondent arm. Fino has a strong digital-first, transaction-led model. It boasts over 20 lakh merchants and 1.6 crore customers. This provides a ready base for deposits and loans.

A potential US-led restructuring of Venezuela's oil sector could significantly benefit India, offering a chance to recover nearly $1 billion in outstanding dues. This shift might also enable ONGC Videsh to revive crude production from its jointly operated San Cristobal oilfield, which has been hampered by US sanctions blocking essential technology and equipment.

India Inc is significantly boosting childcare budgets, with 60% of companies planning higher spends, doubling their investment from three years ago. This surge, driven by the upcoming Social Security Code mandating crche facilities, highlights a shift towards childcare as a key tool for talent retention and diversity. Companies are increasingly adopting gender-neutral policies to support working parents.

Developments in Venezuela are unlikely to immediately impact India's oil supplies or prices, as Venezuelan crude has been largely absent from global markets due to US sanctions. While bilateral engagement has weakened, experts suggest India could diversify its sources if Venezuelan oil re-enters the market, potentially offering a sentimental impact on emerging market currencies.

A 7-km twin-tube tunnel is planned to connect Chaumasi to Sonprayag, improving connectivity and safety for Kedarnath pilgrims. This project aims to reduce travel time and provide an emergency escape route, complementing the upcoming Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway. The government is prioritizing detailed geological studies for the tunnel construction.

A Bihar youth, duped by cybercriminals, arrived at the prestigious LBSNAA in Mussoorie for IAS training, only to be stopped at the gate. He had paid Rs 30,000 after receiving forged UPSC results and a fake selection letter. Police are investigating this elaborate scam targeting aspiring civil servants.

Official audits for years warned of public health risks from contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh, citing over 5.45 lakh water-borne disease cases in Bhopal and Indore between 2013-2018. Despite these alerts, systemic lapses in monitoring and testing by urban local bodies persisted, leading to faecal coliform detection in water supplies and potential health impacts for lakhs of residents.

Indore health officials declared a waterborne disease outbreak in Bhagirathpura an epidemic after 10 deaths. Specialized national and state teams are investigating the contamination source. Narmada water supply remains suspended, with residents instructed on borewell and tank chlorination. Clean water is being supplied via tankers, and affected patients receive free treatment.

NHAI has identified 424 elecom black spots totaling 1,750 km on highways and expressways, urging TRAI to direct operators to improve mobile network coverage. This lack of connectivity hinders emergency communication and highway operations. NHAI also proposed free, proactive SMS alerts for accident-prone zones, including those with stray cattle, to enhance road user safety.

Around 30,000 Goans surrendered Indian passports in a decade for foreign nationality, primarily Portuguese. Now, their parents, who registered births in Portugal, face scrutiny from the Election Commission. This action aims to verify electoral roll entries of individuals who acquired foreign passports and citizenship.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled 184 new crop varieties, including 122 cereals and 22 Bt cotton, aimed at boosting productivity and climate resilience. These advancements, developed by ICAR, universities, and private firms, will be available to farmers within three years. Chouhan highlighted India's significant rice production, surpassing China, solidifying its global food supplier status.

Congress plans a long-term sensitization campaign for MGNREGA workers, drawing inspiration from the farm laws stir. Unlike the farmer protests, the current agitation faces challenges mobilizing the poor working class for prolonged struggle. The party aims to educate workers about potential impacts of new policies, acknowledging the battle will be prolonged.

Dubai's gold market experienced a dramatic rally in 2025, with 24-carat gold prices soaring by over 63.5 percent. This surge, driven by global safe-haven demand and interest rate dynamics, saw significant gains for investors and residents. The trend aligns with a broader worldwide appreciation for gold as a strategic asset.

Two months into Bengal's electoral roll revision, citizens face confusion and difficulties regaining their voting rights due to document discrepancies and unclear directives. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the unplanned, arbitrary process, highlighting instances of elderly and infirm voters being summoned for hearings, leading to widespread public outcry.

A Class 10 student, investigated for rape of a pregnant minor, was found dead in a field in UP's Kaushambi district. The boy's family claims he was distressed after an FIR was filed against him. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.

An accused student in a Himachal Pradesh college ragging and sexual harassment case, where a classmate died, denied all charges in a social media video. She claimed innocence for herself and two other accused students, asserting they were all classmates and belonged to the same Scheduled Caste community.

A 47-year-old GRP constable, Dinesh Kumar, sustained a shoulder injury from an accidental discharge of his service weapon while on duty at Kathua railway station Saturday night. He has been admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu for treatment following the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir's legislative assembly will convene on February 2nd in Jammu, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivering the inaugural address. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also finance minister, is slated to present the budget for 2026-27 later in the session. This marks Sinha's third address and Abdullah's second budget presentation.

Police in Jammu and Reasi districts have booked multiple property owners for renting to unverified tenants, intensifying checks ahead of Republic Day. In Reasi's Katra, a group of unverified tenants from outside the state were found residing in jhuggis after a violent quarrel.

Analysts believe US President Trump's plan to seize Venezuela's oil industry and invite American companies to rebuild it will not immediately impact global oil prices. Years of neglect, mismanagement, and sanctions have severely damaged the sector, requiring significant time and investment for any meaningful production increase. Political stability and contract clarity are crucial hurdles for foreign companies considering substantial investment.

India's retail inflation is projected to rise to 1.66% in December 2025, up from 0.71% in November, driven by increasing food prices. Despite this uptick, inflation is expected to remain significantly below last year's levels. Core inflation, however, is anticipated to climb due to a surge in gold prices.

Gold and silver prices are poised for volatility this week, driven by crucial US economic data and escalating geopolitical tensions following the reported capture of Venezuela's President Maduro. Analysts anticipate aggressive trading as markets digest the fallout, with potential impacts on bullion and crude oil. Despite recent corrections, underlying safe-haven demand persists.