Author: Sreelatha M

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Beyond

China to limit silver exports from Jan 1

China, the world’s largest silver producer, will introduce tighter export controls on silver starting January 1, 2026. Under the new rules, only companies with special licences will be allowed to export silver, effectively limiting the amount of metal available to global buyers. Analysts say this move could further tighten global supply, which is already under pressure due to rising industrial demand.

China accounts for a significant portion of the world’s refined silver supply. The metal is widely used in electronics, solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles, and other industrial applications. Exchange-traded silver inventories in China are reported to be at their lowest levels since 2015, indicating a supply crunch that could be aggravated by the new export regulations.

Global demand for silver has been growing steadily. Industrial demand alone is estimated to exceed global annual production by hundreds of millions of ounces, creating persistent supply deficits. At the same time, investors have been buying silver as a safe-haven asset amid economic uncertainty, further increasing competition for the limited available supply.

Silver prices have already shown strong gains in response to supply concerns. On global exchanges, silver recently traded near $60 per ounce, while Indian domestic prices reached record levels above ₹80,000 per kilogram. Analysts predict that tighter Chinese exports could support further price increases, as fewer shipments enter international markets.

The policy does not impose a complete ban on exports but introduces stricter licence requirements. The ultimate impact will depend on how many licences are issued and how effectively the rules are enforced. Still, the move is expected to create a tighter market for both industrial buyers and investors, boosting silver’s value in the near term.

China’s licence-based silver export restrictions applicable from January 1, 2026, are likely to reduce global supply, intensify competition, and push silver prices higher.

Also Read: SpaceX hits $800 billion valuation ahead of 2026 IPO

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1 Minute-Read

Corona Remedies lists at 38% premium on debut

Corona Remedies made a strong debut on Dalal Street on Monday, December 15, 2025, with shares opening at ₹1,470 on NSE and ₹1,452 on BSE, against the IPO price of ₹1,062, marking a 38% listing gain.

The ₹655-crore IPO, fully an offer-for-sale, was heavily oversubscribed, reflecting robust investor interest. Grey market data had also suggested strong demand ahead of listing.

The Gujarat-based pharma firm specializes in women’s healthcare and cardiometabolic medicines. Early trading showed sustained gains, indicating positive market sentiment for the stock.

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Leaders

James Cameron’s films make him a billionaire

Filmmaker James Cameron has officially become a billionaire, according to Forbes, with his net worth now estimated at around $1.1 billion. Cameron, 70, is best known for directing blockbuster hits such as The Terminator, Titanic, and the Avatar series, which together have earned nearly $9 billion worldwide at the box office.

Unlike many wealthy celebrities who earn through investments or endorsements, Cameron’s fortune comes almost entirely from his movies. His wealth is generated through salaries, profit shares, licensing deals, and stakes in his production company, Lightstorm Entertainment. This approach has allowed him to maintain creative control over his projects while building long-term financial rewards.

Cameron’s billionaire status is the result of four decades in Hollywood. He began working in the film industry in the early 1980s, taking financial risks to fund his own ideas, including early sci-fi projects and underwater documentaries. Over time, his movies not only drew global audiences but also led to lucrative licensing deals, such as partnerships with theme parks for Avatar-inspired attractions.

Despite reaching this milestone, Cameron has often downplayed his wealth, noting that the label “billionaire” does not fully capture his situation. He has focused more on storytelling, technical innovation, and environmental projects than on personal wealth accumulation.

Looking ahead, Cameron’s earnings are likely to grow even further with the upcoming release of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” the latest installment in the Avatar franchise. The film is expected to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars more, reinforcing his position as one of Hollywood’s most financially successful directors.

Cameron now joins a select group of directors who have become billionaires from their work in films, alongside names like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. His journey highlights how vision, risk-taking, and smart business decisions can turn creative passion into extraordinary financial success.

Through his films and ventures, James Cameron has not only entertained millions around the world but also set a new benchmark for filmmakers in terms of wealth, influence, and artistic control.

Also Read: Shiprocket files revised papers for ₹2,342 crore IPO

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Beyond

Gold slips ₹10 to ₹1,33,900, Silver falls ₹100

Gold and silver prices in the domestic market moved marginally lower on Monday, reflecting a mild correction after recent strong gains. According to market data, the price of 24-carat gold dipped by ₹10, with ten grams trading at ₹1,33,900. At the same time, silver prices declined by ₹100, with one kilogram quoted at ₹1,97,900.

The slight fall was seen across major cities. In Mumbai and Kolkata, 24-carat gold was priced at around ₹1,33,900 per ten grams, while Chennai recorded a slightly higher rate of ₹1,34,940. In the national capital Delhi, gold was selling at approximately ₹1,34,060 per ten grams. Prices of 22-carat gold also eased by ₹10 and were trading at about ₹1,22,740 per ten grams in most markets.

Silver prices followed a similar trend, with the metal trading lower in key urban centres. Despite the dip, silver continues to remain near elevated levels compared to the start of the year, supported by both investment interest and industrial demand.

Market experts said the modest decline is largely due to profit-booking at higher levels, as gold and silver have rallied sharply in recent weeks. Precious metals have benefited from global uncertainty, central bank policy expectations, and movements in the U.S. dollar and bond yields.

Internationally, gold prices have remained firm despite short-term fluctuations, supported by safe-haven demand. However, traders remain cautious ahead of key global economic data and central bank signals, which could influence near-term price direction.

Analysts note that while daily price movements may remain volatile, the broader outlook for gold continues to be positive in the medium term, especially amid ongoing geopolitical risks and expectations of easier monetary conditions. Silver, meanwhile, is expected to stay sensitive to global growth signals and industrial demand trends.

Also Read: Sensex down 260 points, Nifty slips near 25,950 in weak start

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1 Minute-Read

Nvidia may boost H200 chip output

Nvidia is considering increasing production of its H200 artificial intelligence chips amid strong demand from Chinese technology companies, including Alibaba and ByteDance, according to a media report.

Interest in the chips has picked up after the United States allowed their export to China under certain conditions and fees. The H200 chips are used for advanced AI computing and data centres.

However, Nvidia’s current output is limited as it focuses more on its next-generation chips. Any production increase would also depend on regulatory approvals and supply chain capacity, as Chinese firms look to secure more high-performance AI hardware.

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Corporate

Shiprocket files revised papers for ₹2,342 crore IPO

Logistics and e-commerce enablement startup Shiprocket has filed revised draft papers with market regulator SEBI to raise up to ₹2,342 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The move brings the Gurugram-based company closer to listing on Indian stock exchanges.

The proposed IPO has two parts. It includes a fresh issue of shares worth up to ₹1,100 crore, which will provide new funds to the company. It also includes an offer for sale (OFS) of shares worth up to ₹1,242 crore, where existing shareholders will sell part of their stake. Shiprocket will not receive any money from the OFS portion.

Some of the company’s early and institutional investors are expected to sell shares in the IPO. These include well-known global investors such as Bertelsmann, Temasek and Tribe Capital, along with certain promoters.

Founded in 2017, Shiprocket offers technology-driven logistics services to online sellers, small businesses and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Its platform helps merchants manage shipping, deliveries, returns and multiple courier partners across India. Over the years, the company has grown by expanding its services and making acquisitions to strengthen its position in the e-commerce supply chain.

The company plans to use the money raised from the fresh issue to upgrade its technology systems, expand its services, boost marketing efforts, and repay or reduce existing debt. Part of the funds may also be used for future acquisitions and general corporate needs.

The revised filing follows an earlier confidential submission to SEBI. Shiprocket’s IPO is expected to attract attention as more technology startups prepare to enter the public markets, even as investors focus on profitability and long-term growth.

Further details such as the IPO launch date, price band and final size will be announced after regulatory approval.

Also Read: Venezuela oil exports drop after US tanker seizure

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Leaders

Fed’s Hammack backs tighter policy for inflation

Beth Hammack, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, said the US central bank should maintain a tighter monetary policy because inflation remains above comfortable levels. She made the remarks while speaking at a public event, stressing that price pressures have not eased enough.

Hammack said current interest rates are now close to a “neutral” level following the Federal Reserve’s recent quarter-point rate cut. However, she added that she would prefer policy to be slightly more restrictive to ensure inflation continues to move down.

The Federal Reserve recently lowered its benchmark interest rate to support economic growth and employment. Hammack suggested that had she been a voting member at the policy meeting, she might not have supported the rate cut.

She noted that the central bank must carefully balance its fight against inflation with the need to sustain a strong labour market. If inflation remains elevated while economic conditions stay firm, she said policymakers may need to rethink the level of restriction.

Hammack is not a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee this year but is expected to vote in a future cycle. She also expressed confidence that the Federal Reserve will remain committed to its long-term goal of bringing inflation back to 2 percent.

Also Read: Venezuela oil exports drop after US tanker seizure

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Beyond

Venezuela oil exports drop after US tanker seizure

Venezuela’s oil exports have fallen sharply after the United States seized an oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, triggering fresh tensions between the two countries.

The tanker, named Skipper, was taken over by US authorities earlier this week in what Washington described as an enforcement action linked to sanctions on Venezuela. Following the seizure, several ships waiting to load or transport Venezuelan oil have either halted operations or remained anchored, fearing similar action.

As a result, millions of barrels of crude and fuel are now stuck at sea, and daily oil exports from Venezuela have dropped significantly. At present, only shipments handled by U.S. energy major Chevron—operating under a special licence from Washington—are continuing normally.

Venezuela’s government strongly criticised the move, calling it illegal and accusing the US of “stealing” its oil. Officials said they would raise the issue with international bodies and warned that the action would worsen already strained relations between the two nations.

The seizure comes amid tighter US pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government, including new sanctions on shipping companies and vessels linked to Venezuelan oil trade. The United States has said the measures are meant to push for democratic reforms in Venezuela.

Political tensions have also intensified after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado travelled abroad to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. From overseas, she renewed calls for political change in Venezuela, while the Maduro government accused foreign powers of backing efforts to destabilise the country.

Together, the tanker seizure and diplomatic fallout have dealt a fresh blow to Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy and deepened its standoff with Washington.

Also Read: OpenAI introduces GPT‑5.2 to stay ahead of AI rivals

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Corporate

Prada ties up with Indian Kolhapuri artisans

Luxury fashion brand Prada has announced that it will launch a special collection of sandals inspired by India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, with production taking place in India. The collection is expected to be released globally in February 2026, following months of criticism over the brand’s earlier designs.

The controversy began when Prada showcased leather sandals during its Milan fashion show that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals, a handcrafted footwear style that holds Geographical Indication (GI) status in India. The absence of any reference to Indian artisans or cultural origins led to public backlash, with critics accusing the brand of copying traditional designs without giving due credit.

In response, Prada entered into an agreement with Indian leather development bodies LIDCOM (Maharashtra) and LIDKAR (Karnataka). Under this partnership, around 2,000 pairs of sandals will be handmade in India by local artisans. Each pair is expected to be priced at about $930 (approximately ₹84,000) and sold through select Prada stores and online platforms worldwide.

The company said the initiative aims to combine traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury design. It will also include skill-development programmes for artisans and opportunities for select craftspeople to engage with Prada’s design teams in Italy.

Prada has acknowledged the cultural roots of Kolhapuri chappals and said the collaboration is intended to promote traditional Indian footwear on a global stage. However, some artisan groups and industry observers have raised concerns about pricing, profit-sharing, and long-term benefits for local craftsmen.

The episode has once again highlighted the growing debate around cultural appropriation, intellectual property rights, and fair recognition of traditional crafts in the global fashion industry.

Also Read: 3 US lawmakers move to end 50% India tariffs

Categories
Technology

OpenAI introduces GPT‑5.2 to stay ahead of AI rivals

OpenAI has introduced its latest artificial intelligence model, GPT‑5.2, after CEO Sam Altman declared a “code red” to speed up development. The move comes as Google’s Gemini 3 poses strong competition in the AI space.

GPT‑5.2 comes in three versions, Instant, Thinking, and Pro, designed for tasks ranging from quick answers to complex reasoning and coding. OpenAI says the new model is faster, smarter, and more accurate than earlier versions. It can help with tasks like building spreadsheets, creating presentations, writing code, and managing multi-step projects.

The new model also performs better in tests that measure reasoning and problem-solving skills. It will be available first to paid ChatGPT users and developers via API, while older versions will remain accessible for some time.

OpenAI’s fast rollout follows Gemini 3 outperforming previous OpenAI models on some benchmarks, but the company noted that much of GPT‑5.2 had been in development for months.

In a related development, Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will allow its characters from Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel to be used in new AI tools.

Also Read: 3 US lawmakers move to end 50% India tariffs