The Times of India News

The Reserve Bank of India is injecting Rs 2 lakh crore into the banking system through government security purchases and a $10 billion dollar-rupee swap. These measures, scheduled between late December 2025 and January 2026, aim to stabilize market conditions and ensure adequate liquidity. The central bank will continue monitoring the situation closely.

In a groundbreaking move, Indian Railways has rolled out an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to safeguard wildlife, especially elephants, lions and tigers, on railway tracks. The cutting-edge technology uses Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) to detect animal presence, alerting loco pilots and control rooms 0.5 kms in advance - a potential lifesaver.

America's economy showed robust growth in the third quarter, exceeding expectations. President Donald Trump highlighted this as a success of his policies, including tariffs and tax cuts.

RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta is optimistic about India's growth, citing reforms and economic strengths. She believes the rupee's movement is not a concern and expects inflation to remain benign. Gupta anticipates strong growth of 7-7.5% in the coming years, with limited downside risks.

US consumer confidence dipped in December to its lowest point since early tariffs, driven by worries over rising prices and trade levies. Households are increasingly anxious about inflation and job prospects, with expectations for the future remaining subdued. This softer sentiment reflects a cautious labor market facing ongoing uncertainty.

US stocks traded near record highs as stronger-than-expected Q3 GDP data boosted Treasury yields. Investors digested the economic resilience amid higher interest rates, with muted equity moves in a holiday-shortened week.

The US embassy in India will be closed from December 24 to December 26 due to a Presidential Executive Order mandating federal government closures. Routine consular services will be suspended, with only emergency assistance available for US citizens. Normal operations are set to resume on December 29.

The US economy surged to a 4.3% annual growth rate in the third quarter, exceeding expectations due to robust consumer spending, exports, and government outlays. Despite this expansion, inflation persisted above the Federal Reserve's target, with the PCE index rising to 2.8%.

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China has initiated a trade dispute against India at the World Trade Organization. The challenge targets India's policies on solar cells, solar modules, and information technology goods.

A year after a special audit committee found AbbVie violated marketing practices by sponsoring luxury trips for doctors, no action has been taken. The National Medical Commission's ethics board, responsible for acting against the doctors, is largely vacant.

From comfort staples to regional favourites, Indians kept returning to a familiar set of cravings in 2025. Swiggys year-end data offers a telling glimpse into how tastes evolved.

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BJP national working president Nitin Nabin led a roadshow in Patna during his first visit to Bihar after taking charge in New Delhi on December 15. Speaking at the event, he accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of being a part-time politician who visits Bihar only during elections. Nabin emphasised commitment in politics, promising to meet peoples expectations and focus on the long-term development of the state.

Robert Vadra backed Congress MP Imran Masoods push for Priyanka Gandhi as a potential PM face, saying there are demands from everywhere for her, and even for his own entry into politics, while stressing focus on real issues. Priyanka had flagged rising attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, where a Hindu youths lynching led to arrests and strong condemnation.

December brings crucial financial deadlines. Ensure your NPS Scheme A is switched by the 25th to avoid unwanted changes. The 31st marks the final chance for belated or revised tax returns, crucial for carrying forward losses. Also, verify Aadhaar-PAN compliance for specific PAN holders to prevent inoperability. These actions prevent future financial headaches.

The World Health Organization is integrating Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani interventions into the International Classification of Health Interventions, a global standard for healthcare procedures. This move, supported by India, aims to provide a common language for traditional medicine, enhancing its systematic recording, analysis, and comparison alongside modern medical practices worldwide.

OYO's parent company, PRISM, has received shareholder approval to raise up to Rs 6,650 crore through a fresh equity issue for its upcoming IPO. This significant milestone signals steady progress towards a public market debut, with the company also seeing improving financial expectations and a stable outlook from Moody's.

A total of 22 naxals surrendered before Odisha Police in Malkanagiri on Tuesday, marking another success in the central government's effort to curb Left-Wing Extremism and restore lasting peace in the region.

In 2025, India showcased significant scientific momentum, marked by advancements in space technology with ISRO's achievements and the successful Space Docking Experiment. The nation also made strides in semiconductors with its first indigenous processor and embraced AI for practical applications in agriculture and healthcare, alongside progress in quantum computing and supercomputing infrastructure.

Ambuja Cements is merging ACC and Orient Cement into itself, creating a unified listed platform for enhanced operating leverage and cost synergies. This share-based transaction aims to consolidate Adani Group's cement assets, simplifying operations and bolstering expansion plans.

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Noida International Airport (NIA) has partnered with Tech Mahindra to establish a 24/7 integrated Network and Security Operations Centre (NOC-SOC). This collaboration aims to embed cybersecurity and digital resilience into the airport's operations from its inception. The NOC-SOC will proactively monitor and manage critical IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability and robust security for seamless airport operations.

Delhi will continue its No PUC, No Fuel policy even after GRAP-IV restrictions are lifted, with vehicles without valid PUC certificates barred from operating. The government has suspended faulty PUC centres, approved new emission testing facilities, and proposed Rs 100 crore to restore water bodies across the city.

Gold and silver prices reached unprecedented highs on Tuesday, driven by investor demand for safe-haven assets amidst geopolitical tensions and anticipated US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Both domestic and international markets saw significant surges, with gold futures on MCX and Comex hitting record levels.

Gold prices hit a new record high Tuesday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions as the US seized Venezuelan oil tankers. Silver also neared historic peaks, extending a strong rally in precious metals. Expectations of lower US interest rates and a weaker dollar further fueled this surge, making gold an attractive safe haven for investors.

The first meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament will be held on Tuesday and will be chaired by BJP President JP Nadda, along with National Working President Nitin Nabin. The meeting will be held on Tuesday at 9 pm through video conferencing.

Hyosung Heavy Industries secured a contract worth 120 billion won, or approximately USD 82 million, to supply ultra-high-voltage transformers to the United Kingdom. This deal with SP Energy Networks, a division of ScottishPower, aims to support a significant wind power project as Britain works toward its carbon-neutrality goals.

A political rift has emerged within the INDIA bloc as CPI(M) MP John Brittas criticised Rahul Gandhi's absence from Parliament during the Winter Session. Brittas also expressed disapproval of Priyanka Gandhi's participation in a tea meeting with Prime Minister Modi, deeming it a wrong message after the passage of key legislation.

India has pledged a comprehensive USD 450 million assistance package to Sri Lanka for reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. This aid, comprising concessional credit and grants, builds on India's initial humanitarian response and aims to support critical infrastructure and recovery needs, reinforcing New Delhi's commitment to its neighbor's stability.

PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline: Link your PAN with Aadhaar by December 31, 2025, or face consequences. Unlinked PANs become inoperative from January 1, 2026, impacting tax refunds and leading to higher TDS.

Congress MP Imran Masood stated that Priyanka Gandhi would deliver a decisive treatment to Bangladesh if she becomes Prime Minister, drawing a parallel to Indira Gandhi's actions. Masood's remarks came amid protests in Dhaka over violence against minorities, specifically the mob lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das over alleged blasphemy charges.

The petitioners informed the Court that they had complied with the November 19 order by depositing a total sum of Rs 51,11,43,36,390.40, which also included an additional amount deposited as a measure of abundant caution.

Global equities climbed Tuesday, buoyed by anticipated US interest rate cuts and easing AI concerns. Gold and silver hit record highs as US economic data signaled inflation cooling and unemployment rising, strengthening the case for Federal Reserve easing. Micron's strong earnings also boosted tech stocks, despite ongoing AI investment scrutiny.

A Delhi court has framed charges of criminal conspiracy against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram and others in the Chinese visa scam case. The allegations involve a Rs 50 lakh bribe for facilitating visa approvals for Chinese personnel. The next hearing is scheduled for January 16.

India must prepare for both swift, high-intensity conflicts to counter terrorism and prolonged wars stemming from territorial disputes, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated. He emphasized the need for multi-domain operations, citing Operation Sindoor as an example of simultaneous warfare across all domains.

India's IPO market has shown strong momentum in 2025, emerging as a key exit route for private equity (PE) investors, according to KPMG's Pulse of Private Equity Q3'25 report.

Days after the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, another prominent youth leader, Motaleb Sikdar, was shot in head on Monday. He was taken to hospital in critical condition. This incident escalates concerns over political violence amidst heightened tensions following Hadi's death, which sparked widespread protests demanding justice.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged the ruling AAP manipulated the recent zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections through abuse of power. He claimed AAP's actual electoral wins were significantly lower than reported, with many seats won unopposed or through rejected nominations, despite the AAP claiming an emphatic victory.

MacKenzie Scott has donated over $7.1 billion in 2025 to 186 organizations globally, including universities and environmental nonprofits, marking her largest annual giveaway. This significant philanthropic effort, detailed on her website Yield Giving, continues her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, with substantial contributions to institutions like Howard University and the UNCF.