The Union cabinet approved highway projects totaling Rs 20,668 crore, including a significant Rs 19,142 crore six-lane greenfield Nashik–Solapur corridor.
The Union Cabinet has approved a relief package for Vodafone Idea, freezing Rs 87,695 crore in AGR dues and rescheduling repayment over 10 years from FY32 to FY41.
Despite vast deserts, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours rely on imported construction-grade sand to meet the demands of mega-projects like NEOM and the Burj Khalifa. Desert sand’s smooth grains are unsuitable for concrete, making riverbed and marine sand essential. This reliance highlights a global sand crisis, environmental pressures, and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and innovation in construction materials.
India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, overtaking Japan, and is projected to challenge Germany for the third spot within the next three years. The government remains confident about sustaining growth momentum despite global trade uncertainties.
Budget 2026: The Centre’s dividend receipts from CPSEs and minority-held entities are on track to surpass budgeted levels for a fifth straight year in 2025-26, building on record collections in the previous fiscal.
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.
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.
Silver price crash today: Silver prices saw a sharp drop after hitting record highs, with MCX futures plunging Rs 21,000 per kg as profit booking set in amid easing geopolitical risks and higher margin requirements.
Jefferies has strategically rebalanced its Asia Pacific portfolio, boosting India and Taiwan by one percent each. This move, driven by confidence in India's domestic demand and Taiwan's semiconductor prowess, sees reduced exposure to China and Indonesia due to economic uncertainties.
Indian markets are bracing for a data-heavy week as the year concludes. Analysts anticipate a range-bound trading session, influenced by domestic economic indicators like industrial production and auto sales, alongside global cues from the US Federal Reserve. Investors are closely watching for insights into growth and liquidity trends.
India remembered Ratan Tata on his 88th birth anniversary with tributes from political leaders and industrialists. Tata Trusts highlighted his strategic philanthropic approach, while leaders praised his integrity, compassion, and role in reshaping Indian enterprise. His legacy of innovation, trust, and nation-building continues to inspire.
The National Consumer Helpline has become a vital platform for resolving consumer disputes, successfully recovering Rs 45 crore in refunds for thousands between April and December. E-commerce and travel sectors saw significant resolutions, with the helpline's pre-litigation approach offering a cost-effective and swift alternative to formal legal action, empowering consumers nationwide.
Indian Railways' Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for FY26-27 is expected to remain stable, with current allocations sufficient for infrastructure upgrades. While overall GBS may be steady, internal allocations will be rejigged to prioritize projects like the bullet train, track safety, and decongestion initiatives.
Foreign investors have significantly reduced their Indian equity holdings in 2025, withdrawing nearly Rs 2 lakh crore, particularly from IT, FMCG, and power sectors.
India has introduced a new quality standard for incense sticks (agarbatti), banning harmful insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance intermediates. Developed by BIS, this aims to ensure safer products, promote sustainability, and boost consumer confidence. The move supports the nation's significant agarbatti industry, a major employer, and enhances its global market access.
Gold and silver can continue to play a useful role in portfolios in 2026. But investors should guard against the mistake of extrapolating recent returns too far into the future.
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.
After President Donald Trump proposed a $100,000 entry fee for new H-1B visa applications, the US Department of Homeland Security announced a major overhaul of the H-1B visa selection process. The department said that the long-standing random lottery system will be replaced with a wage-weighted model that prioritises higher-paid and higher-skilled applicants.
The 2026 Indian budget may introduce optional joint taxation for married couples, a proposal by ICAI. This could simplify filings, potentially lower tax burdens for single-earner households, and align India with global practices. While offering flexibility, careful design is needed to address system overhauls and potential revenue concerns, making it a significant financial shift for families.
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.
Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented supplementary demands for grants of Rs 24,496.97 crore for the current financial year. The net additional burden on the state's consolidated fund will be Rs 22,299.74 crore after deducting the central share. The government plans to finance this through revenue targets and curbing unproductive expenditure, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Stock markets have to brace for a cautious start to the week, influenced by foreign investor activity and global economic cues. A shortened trading week due to Christmas may also result in subdued volumes. Experts anticipate a range-bound market with a positive bias, driven by renewed FII interest and a slight INR recovery, as investors eye upcoming Q3 earnings.
India's auto industry anticipates robust 6-8% growth in 2026, fueled by policy support and resilient demand, especially for SUVs and alternative powertrains. Automakers are preparing for stricter regulations and higher compliance costs, while navigating supply chain challenges and investing in electrification to sustain market momentum.
New investor additions to India's stock markets slowed in November, with 13.2 lakh new traders joining, an 11.6% dip from October. Global uncertainty impacted participation, though the overall investor base reached 12.3 crore. This moderation follows a period of rapid growth, indicating a cautious sentiment among potential investors amidst volatile global conditions.
India's market regulator Sebi is forming a working group. This group will explore future technology for stock exchanges. The aim is to strengthen market infrastructure. It will also benchmark global practices.
WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge transformed his leadership from command-and-control to empowering his team, realizing personal growth was key to company expansion. He emphasized creating a safe environment fostering trust and shared purpose, enabling WD-40's global reach. Ridge now coaches, warning against ego-driven, micromanaging leaders, advocating for servant leadership focused on people and values for better outcomes.
US-listed Infosys shares surged nearly 40% in minutes, briefly adding billions to its market value and triggering a NYSE trading halt due to extreme volatility. The rapid, unexplained rally, occurring during low liquidity, is being attributed to a potential short squeeze or a data error mislabeling the ticker.
Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) has entered into a definitive agreement with MUFG Bank Ltd., Japan's largest bank and a part of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), for an investment of Rs 39,618 crore, the company informed stock exchanges in a regulatory filing on Friday.
Adani Group plans a massive Rs 1 lakh crore investment in its airports business over five years, driven by strong growth projections for India's aviation sector. The company is set to launch commercial operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, a significant expansion that will ease pressure on existing facilities and bolster the group's position as India's largest airport operator.
Gold prices experienced a slight decline on Thursday, with the February contract falling by Rs 580 to Rs 1,34,314 per 10 grams due to weak global cues. Overseas, Comex gold futures also saw a dip. The article then details the current gold rates for 22K and 24K gold across various Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Tata Motors has opposed proposals to exempt small petrol vehicles from Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. The automaker argues that such relaxations could dilute the focus on sustainable technologies and undermine India's push towards electric mobility. Tata Motors also raised safety concerns, warning that weight-based concessions could compromise essential safety features.
India's AM Green and Japan's Mitsui & Co are exploring a strategic partnership for the energy transition. This collaboration includes potential investments in AM Green's integrated green aluminium platform, aiming to support the world's first fully integrated green aluminium production facility. Discussions also cover offtake agreements for low-carbon aluminium.
Apple is reportedly in early talks with Indian chip manufacturers, specifically CG Semi, for assembling and packaging iPhone components. This potential collaboration, focusing initially on display chips, marks a significant step for India's burgeoning semiconductor sector. Meeting Apple's stringent quality demands will be crucial for CG Semi's success.
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has been crowned the most consistent and all-round wealth creator stock over the past five years, outperforming the Nifty Total Return Index annually. A new report highlights HAL's impressive 75% Total Return CAGR, with PSU stocks notably leading wealth creation in this period. This defence giant's performance is a significant achievement, making it a standout investment.
Gold prices saw a decline in futures trade as traders booked profits and awaited the US non-farm payrolls report for clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path. Both MCX and Comex gold futures experienced decreases, with international prices snapping a three-day winning streak.
India is in talks with Mexico to counter new import tariffs impacting goods from non-FTA nations, including India. These hikes, effective 2026, could affect $2 billion in Indian exports. Both nations are exploring a preferential trade agreement to safeguard bilateral trade interests and mitigate potential disruptions.
Despite US tariffs, China's trade surplus hit a record $1 trillion, driven by global demand for its goods. Exporters pivoted from the US to Europe, Asia, and Africa. This resilience, fueled by manufacturing strength and weak domestic demand, bolsters Beijing's stance in trade talks, though concerns about sustainability and global trade tensions persist.
India's economy is set for a significant boom, potentially reaching $16 trillion by 2042, according to a new study. This expansion, driven by a stronger wealth effect, will boost consumption and investment. Per capita income is projected to quadruple, fueling growth in sectors like financial services, automobiles, and real estate, promising substantial long-term wealth creation.
A private member's bill proposing the right to disconnect has reignited discussions on work-life boundaries in India. While unlikely to become law, the bill highlights a cultural shift towards employee well-being, with several companies already implementing flexible policies and acknowledging the need to move beyond an 'always-on' work culture.
India's domestic copper manufacturing faces severe damage from cheap imports under free trade agreements, according to the Indian Primary Copper Producers Association. The industry body urges the government to implement safeguard duties and quantitative restrictions to protect investments and prevent the erosion of the smelting and downstream manufacturing base.
India's primary market is gearing up for a busy week with four new IPOs totaling Rs 830 crore, led by KSH International's Rs 710 crore offering. Investors are keenly awaiting listings from prominent names like ICICI Prudential AMC, Corona Remedies, and Park Medi World, with strong grey market premiums indicating positive sentiment.
India is experiencing a rare economic phase with near-zero inflation and robust growth exceeding 8%. While this 'Goldilocks' moment benefits borrowers and large corporations, farmers face significant losses due to falling food prices. Savers might see reduced returns as interest rates decline, highlighting a complex economic landscape where benefits are unevenly distributed.
India is actively engaging with Mexico over a "unilateral" tariff hike of up to 50% on a wide range of products. New Delhi seeks solutions beneficial to both nations while protecting Indian exporters' interests, as the increased duties are set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Copper prices are soaring towards $12,000 a ton, fueled by booming AI data infrastructure demand and global supply worries. With a 35% surge this year, the metal's electrical properties make it vital for data centers, EVs, and clean energy. Despite rising inventories, a market deficit is projected, intensifying supply concerns and driving investor interest.
Do Kwon, the creator of TerraUSD and Luna, received a 15-year prison sentence in the US. He misled investors about his digital tokens, causing billions in losses. Kwon admitted to fraud and conspiracy. His actions led to widespread turmoil in the crypto market. He expressed remorse for the victims' financial ruin.
Russian President Putin's recent state visit to India was not an endorsement of Moscow, but rather a demonstration of Delhi's commitment to its non-aligned foreign policy. According to Christopher Wood, the visit signals India's assertion of independence and refusal to be dictated by other powers. The summit reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between the two nations.
Prada is collaborating with Indian artisans for a limited-edition sandal collection, following criticism for designs resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The luxury brand will produce 2,000 pairs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, blending Indian craftsmanship with Italian techniques. This initiative aims to elevate global recognition for the craft and ensure fair compensation for artisans.
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