The Times of India News

Opposition MPs protested in Lok Sabha as the government tabled the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, aiming to replace MGNREGA. Concerns were raised over removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and weakening the legal right to employment, with demands for committee scrutiny.

India's business expansion continued in December, though at a moderated pace. The composite PMI index dipped to 58.9, reflecting slower growth in both manufacturing and services. While new orders remained strong, companies showed increased caution about future prospects, with business confidence declining. Despite the slowdown, the private sector maintained robust activity.

Prime Minister Modi announced India's economic ascent, projecting it to become the world's third-largest economy with over 8% growth fueled by productivity and innovation. Speaking at the India-Jordan Business meet, he highlighted significant opportunities for Jordanian investors and businesses, aiming to double bilateral trade to $5 billion in five years.

India's 2026-27 Union Budget could be historic, shifting focus to the debt-to-GDP ratio for increased spending. The expert expects simplified income tax with lower TDS rates to boost consumption, alongside support for manufacturing and capital markets.

Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain's family business faced extensive GST searches in Bilaspur, linked to a coal firm. The multi-location raids resulted in a total tax surrender of Rs. 27.5 crore from three coal trading groups. Officials suspected manipulation in tax input during the operations.

India's exports surged 19.4% in November, defying US tariffs, with shipments to China and the US showing significant growth. Engineering and electronics goods led the rise. The trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low as imports of gold and crude oil declined. This resilience highlights market diversification and sector strength.

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low, breaching 91 against the US dollar amid sustained foreign fund outflows and trade uncertainty. The currency extended its losing streak, weakening significantly in recent sessions. Analysts anticipate continued pressure due to delayed trade deals and FII outflows, though a weaker dollar or RBI intervention could offer support.

Nikola Tesla, a brilliant inventor, revolutionised modern technology with his work in electricity and wireless communication. Despite personal struggles, his visionary ideas continue to inspire. Tesla viewed life as an unsolvable equation, yet emphasized the importance of known factors like scientific principles and experience to navigate its mysteries with curiosity and purpose.

Nasdaq is proposing to extend stock trading hours to nearly 23 hours a day, five days a week, seeking regulatory approval. This move aims to cater to rising international investor interest in US equities and provide global access on their own terms. The exchange plans a two-session weekday structure, with opening and closing bells remaining unchanged.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are poised for a rise, supported by a weak rupee and a dovish Federal Reserve. Despite some volatility, the yellow metal found strength from the Fed's rate cut and bond-buying plans.

Asian markets declined Tuesday, mirroring Wall Street's losses, as investors awaited crucial US employment and inflation data. Concerns about a tech bubble and the Federal Reserve's interest rate stance are driving market caution. Key economic reports due today and Thursday will heavily influence the Fed's future monetary policy decisions.

The Indian rupee continued its decline, hitting a new intra-day low of 90.83 against the US dollar on Tuesday. Persistent foreign fund outflows and trade uncertainties are weighing on the currency, despite a recent improvement in the trade deficit. Analysts anticipate continued pressure in the near term due to a delayed trade deal and FII outflows.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red on Tuesday on weak global cues. While Nifty50 went below 26,000, BSE Sensex was down over 300 points.

Stock market recommendations: Mirae Asset Sharekhan's Somil Mehta suggests buying Union Bank of India, UPL, and Britannia Industries today, December 16, 2025. These stocks are poised for an uptrend, showing positive momentum and consolidating near key moving averages.

Ford is significantly altering its EV strategy, scaling back large electric models like the F-150 Lightning due to unmet demand and rising costs. The automaker is shifting focus to hybrids, petrol trucks, and a new battery storage venture, anticipating a substantial financial impact. This pivot aligns with regulatory changes and market realities, aiming for greater profitability and resilience.

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Brokerages have updated their ratings and target prices for several companies. Citigroup maintained a buy on Maruti Suzuki, hiking its target, while CLSA upgraded JSW Energy to hold. Nuvama reiterated a buy on Amber Enterprises, and Jefferies raised its target for TBO Tek. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage of Lenskart Tech with an equal weight rating.

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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was met with chants of 'AQI, AQI' as she welcomed Lionel Messi, with the city's Air Quality Index reaching severe levels. The Aam Aadmi Party criticized the BJP governments for inaction as toxic air affected the region, with the prime minister remaining silent on the issue.

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India's exports surged 19.4% in November, reaching $38.1 billion, the fastest growth in over three years, driven by strong shipments to the US and China. This robust performance, coupled with a 2% dip in imports, narrowed the trade deficit to its lowest since June. Key sectors like engineering goods and electronics led the export boom, indicating market diversification.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman, marking a significant bilateral visit to strengthen ties and discuss regional stability, particularly concerning Gaza. The leaders celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations and explored enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including counter-terrorism efforts and economic partnerships.

France's opposition and widespread farmer protests are jeopardizing the EU's long-delayed free-trade deal with Mercosur. Angry farmers fear competition from cheaper agricultural imports, threatening a pact that has been nearly 25 years in the making. The deal's signing, planned for December 20, now faces significant delays, potentially pushing it to 2026 or later.