The move, announced on December 19, follows sustained diplomatic engagement by New Delhi, which has repeatedly flagged concerns over the availability of rare-earth elements critical to sectors such as automobiles, electronics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The video, shared on Congress' X handle on December 17, falsely depicted a conversation between Modi and Adani, with the caption “Modi-Adani Bhai Bhai, Desh Bechkar Khai Malai,” insinuating that the duo was selling off the country for personal gain.
The 24-hour average AQI for Delhi stood at 374 — still in the ‘very poor’ category and marginally higher than the 373 recorded a day earlier — signalling little relief for residents. Forecasts offer little comfort.
Drawing a stark contrast between elite and disadvantaged backgrounds, he wrote that children of Ivy League, IIT or IIM graduates are highly likely to attend good colleges themselves, while the children of billionaires almost certainly end up at top global universities before moving into leadership roles.
The surge in Indian IT stocks came as part of a broader rally for the sector, with Indian IT companies staying in focus for the third consecutive session on December 19. A softer US inflation report and positive quarterly results from Accenture helped boost sentiment.
While ISRO has not yet disclosed detailed payload information for LVM3-M6, the mission is seen as part of the agency’s broader roadmap that includes the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, advanced communication satellites, and future space exploration objectives.
The terminal incorporates around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the Northeast and features design elements inspired by Kaziranga’s landscapes, traditional japi motifs, the iconic one-horned rhino and 57 orchid-inspired columns reflecting the Kopou flower.
According to a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce, these measures allegedly violate several WTO obligations, including the principle of national treatment, and involve import substitution subsidies that are explicitly prohibited under WTO rules.
Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific at Eutelsat OneWeb, discusses the company's satellite communication strategies in an exclusive interview with Business Today. Highlighting their market position, Idnani states, "We are one of the only two live low-Earth orbit constellations today." She details the deployment of the Gen 1 constellation and reveals plans for Gen 2, noting that "another 340 satellites contracted for further enhancement in our network." Idnani emphasizes the company's philosophy, explaining that they have "always seen satellite as like a telco network from space." The discussion also covers the "IRIS² program," for which Eutelsat OneWeb has been selected by the European Commission. Furthermore, she praises the partnership with India's space agency, mentioning that "ISRO was able to make that happen in six months." Idnani also addresses the digital divide in India, asserting that satellite is an "important tool to bridge that gap" between rural and urban connectivity.
Vinit Bolinjkar of Ventura Securities outlines a cautious yet constructive strategy for Indian equities in 2026. He notes that while benchmark indices have delivered high single-digit returns, broader markets - especially small caps - have underperformed, hurting retail investors with heavy exposure. At current levels around 26,000, valuations are reasonable but not cheap, making stock selection critical. With Indian interest rates likely past their peak and selling pressure emerging in mid and small caps due to IPO supply and profit-taking, Vinit advises investors to be highly selective and valuation-disciplined. For fresh allocations, he prefers large caps with a tilt towards consumption-led businesses. As inflation bottoms out and gradually rises, he expects improvement in revenues and EBITDA, making quality large caps a relatively safer bet for 2026.
Strong Q1 results from Accenture have brought Indian IT stocks back into focus after a long phase of underperformance. Accenture reported 6% YoY revenue growth, steady FY26 guidance, and a sharp 76% jump in AI bookings, helping revive global tech sentiment. However, experts remain cautious, noting that discretionary spending remains weak and GenAI adoption is yet to meaningfully lift overall IT budgets, a view echoed by Jefferies. Currency volatility, stretched AI valuations, and global macro risks also cap enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley sees limited near-term impact from HCL Tech’s latest acquisition. While large-cap IT may stay range-bound, the view is that midcap IT stocks could outperform once demand visibility improves, even as domestic manufacturing remains the preferred overweight theme.
Chaos erupted in the Karnataka assembly as the government passed the controversial Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill, 2025, amid fierce resistance from the opposition. The new law grants the state significant power to act against speech, written material, and digital content deemed to cause social disharmony, with penalties including up to seven years in jail and fines up to one lakh rupees. Defending the legislation, Karnataka's Home Minister stated, 'You can't hate people. That is why we have brought a law,' arguing it was necessary due to a rise in divisive statements leading to violence. The bill allows authorities to block online content while exempting artistic and academic works. Opposition legislators accused the government of throttling free speech and undermining constitutional rights, setting the stage for future legal and public battles over the law's implications.
Fresh disclosures linked to Jeffrey Epstein have reignited scrutiny over his network as House Democrats released 68 new photos tied to Epstein’s estate. The material, part of a growing cache of documents surfacing amid congressional pressure, includes redacted passports, partial text messages and staged images, some carrying disturbing visual elements. Highlighted exchanges suggest arrangements involving young women, renewing debate over the scope of Epstein’s trafficking operation. The photos show Epstein in social settings with several high-profile individuals, without alleging wrongdoing. The release comes ahead of the December 19 deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates public disclosure of unclassified material related to the case.
Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk’s recent launch of Ozempic in India alongside a 37% price cut on Wegovy points out at more than a market entry. It reflects a strategic recalibration as semaglutide approaches the latter half of its patent life globally and competitive intensity in obesity care accelerates. With rivals scaling up and next-generation therapies on the horizon, Novo is shaping its India strategy around broader metabolic health outcomes, access expansion and local partnerships. Emil Kongshøj Larsen, Executive Vice President (EVP) for International Operations, Novo Nordisk told Business Today that India will be central to company's growth agenda, with parallel efforts to widen patient reach and defend its GLP-1 franchise as competition intensifies.
The Indian stock market is wrapped in Christmas cheer as the Nifty trades at 25,979, firmly holding above the key 25,900 bull zone with 90 minutes left to potentially reclaim 26,000. Bank Nifty supports the rally, up 200 points to 59,112, while broad-based strength shines through - a robust advance-decline ratio of 1,922 advancing versus 800 declining stocks. Midcaps and small caps lead with Nifty Alpha 50 up 1%, Small cap 100 gaining 0.8%, and Midcap 100 rising 0.6%. Standouts include Shriram Finance hitting a record high on news of a potential $4.5 billion investment, Power Grid, Titan, Hindalco, and buzzing names like Tata Elxsi, JK Tyre, and pharma stocks. After a painful week, Nifty respects the 21-day EMA, signaling hope for a greener close to 2025.
India’s top auto awards were announced yesterday, recognising excellence in the automotive industry. The winners were chosen by a jury of leading auto journalists from across the country. Among the key honours, the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2026 award was won by the Apache RTX 300, applauded for its performance, design and innovation.
Sandip Bansal of ASK Investment Managers outlines three key factors shaping the equity market outlook for 2026. The foremost trigger is a pickup in earnings growth, with FY26 expected to see improvement in the second half, setting the stage for a stronger 14–15% earnings growth trajectory in FY27. Improved market sentiment, supported by potential progress on a U.S. trade deal and expanding bilateral agreements, could further aid the outlook. Bansal also highlights a recovery across market breadth, driven by rising government activity, improved project execution, and a revival in the private sector capex cycle. With rate cuts already in place and capital raised awaiting deployment, growth impulses could strengthen meaningfully next year.
On Business Today TV's "What's Hot Today", Market expert discussed market gains with Nifty rising amid sectoral strength in pharma, realty, and mid/small-caps. ICICI Prudential AMC made a strong debut and rising further. Vinit Bolinjkar (Ventura Securities) recommended holding long-term as a decadal growth play, ranking it top among AMCs for valuations and brand. Ola Electric faced pressure from promoter Bhavish Aggarwal's third consecutive stake sale. Accenture's solid Q1 FY26 results boosted Indian IT sentiment, though Bolinjkar remained cautious. For 2026, he advised overweight large-caps, selective mid/small-caps, focus on manufacturing, defense, FMCG, and mid-sized banks; stay positive on gold/silver.
The Shriram Finance deal is the latest in a series of large Japanese investments in India’s financial services sector. With MUFG’s investment, India’s financial sector has seen deals worth over $11 billion in 2025 so far, spanning both banks and non-bank lenders.
The rules apply only to vehicles registered outside Delhi, and fail to consider the fact that Delhi is part of wider agglomeration of the National Capital Region.
Oneweb 2027 Plans: New Tech, New Features
Vinit Bolinjkar's 2026 Market Strategy: Be Selective And Valuation-Driven
Accenture Results Spark Fresh Buzz In IT, Early Turn Or Just A Bounce?
Hate Speech Bill Sparks Chaos In Karnataka Assembly, Opposition Cries Free Speech Attack
High-Profile Names Appear In New Epstein Photo Release Ahead Of Deadline
