The Times of India News

Industrial output surged to a 25-month high in November, driven by a strong rebound in manufacturing and mining sectors. Consumer durables and non-durables also showed robust expansion, signaling a positive consumption scenario. Capital goods output also maintained healthy momentum, indicating sustained investment activity.

The number of ATMs in India has decreased as digital payments gain traction, reducing the need for cash withdrawals. While private and public sector banks reduced their ATM networks, white label operators expanded. Bank branches, however, saw growth, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, with basic savings accounts also increasing.

Arvind Fashions is acquiring Flipkart Group's stake in Arvind Youth Brands for Rs 135 crore, making Flying Machine its wholly owned subsidiary. This move consolidates ownership of its youth-focused business, with Flying Machine remaining available on Flipkart and other digital platforms.

The central lesson of 2025 is that resilience in global trade does not come from inward retreat, but from strategic integration. Looking ahead to 2026, two structural priorities will define Indias trade position: access to critical minerals and logistics competitiveness.

India's DRDO successfully test-fired its new Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) from Chandipur, achieving its 120 km maximum range with pinpoint accuracy. This advanced rocket, designed for enhanced precision and deep-strike capabilities, will bolster the Indian Army's firepower. The Defence Acquisition Council also greenlit significant defense procurements, further strengthening the armed forces.

Selling stocks will never become effortless. There will always be some doubt, some second-guessing. Thats normal. The goal is not to get every sell decision perfectly right. The goal is to avoid selling good businesses for bad reasons.

The Supreme Court has witnessed a concerning trend of overturning its own recent orders, including those on the Aravali controversy, stray dogs, and firecrackers. This judicial flip-flopping, noted by the court itself, risks undermining its credibility and public confidence. The trend suggests decisions may be made hastily, prioritizing judges over established legal principles.

The Supreme Court has halted the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. Judges acknowledged efforts to exploit the situation for political gain. Sengar remains in jail due to a separate custodial death sentence. The survivor expressed happiness and vowed to pursue the death penalty.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga has greenlit projects to revive the Gomti river's origin site, enhance bird habitats, and implement natural sewage treatment for Delhi's Yamuna drains. These initiatives aim to restore cultural identity, protect biodiversity, and improve water quality through innovative, nature-based solutions, marking a significant step in river rejuvenation efforts.

Ministry of external affairs has rejected Pakistan's accusations of attacks on minorities, labeling them as finger pointing and highlighting Pakistan's abysmal record on the issue. The MEA stated that Pakistan's horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities is a well-established fact, refuting claims made by Pakistan's foreign affairs spokesperson.

Budget 2026: One of the most debated provisions relates to failure to furnish a return of income. Today, failure to file returns in cases involving tax liability above 10,000 (NIL for companies) can trigger prosecution.

The Unnao survivor seeks the death penalty for Kuldeep Singh Sengar, welcoming the Supreme Court's stay on his bail. China launched massive drills near Taiwan, prompting a high alert. The Environment Minister praised the SC's stay on the Aravalli definition. Defence spending will see a Rs 79,000 crore boost. Lalit Modi apologized for his remarks with Vijay Mallya.

Delhi Police has busted an international cyber scam and extortion syndicate, arresting 10 individuals involved in frauds exceeding Rs 50 crore. The highly organized pan-India operation, with international links, used digital impersonation and phishing. The investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for victims.

Silver experienced a record-breaking rally, hitting fresh highs on strong investor demand and global cues, though it saw a dip as investors booked profits. Gold prices remained near record levels domestically, while overseas markets saw minor declines due to profit-taking. Local prices for both precious metals are also provided.

The Defence Acquisition Council has approved capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. These approvals, granted on December 29, 2025, cover a variety of equipment for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including loiter munition systems, radars, guided rocket ammunition, and drone detection systems.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Unnao rape case. It has halted the Delhi high court's decision to suspend former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The apex court is examining if an MLA qualifies as a public servant under the POCSO Act. This move ensures Sengar remains in jail. The survivor welcomes the Supreme Court's action.

MMTC Limited shares surged over 10% to Rs 71, marking their seventh consecutive day of gains, driven by a sustained rally in gold and silver prices. This upward momentum, exceeding 31% in a week, reflects increased investor interest in bullion-linked companies due to record-breaking precious metal prices and expectations of higher trading volumes.

Mutual funds in 2025: Despite volatile markets in 2025, investor confidence in mutual funds stayed strong, with assets under management rising sharply. Multi-asset funds emerged as portfolio standouts, benefiting from surging gold and silver prices.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay its order on the Aravalli range's ew definition. The court has formed a committee to re-examine the issues. The government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli hills, with mining bans on new and renewed leases continuing. This follows widespread criticism of the previous definition.

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.