Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

BEL bags Rs. 569 cr defence orders

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, has secured new defence orders worth Rs. 569 crore since its last disclosure on December 12, 2025, according to stock exchange filings. These orders span a wide range of defence equipment and services, further expanding BEL’s order book and reinforcing its position in India’s defence sector.

The contracts cover radars, tank overhaul projects, communication devices, fire control systems, simulators, antenna stabilization systems, security software, spare parts, and related services. This underscores BEL’s diversified capabilities in battlefield communication, electronic warfare, and equipment maintenance for the Indian Armed Forces.

BEL’s shares have seen strong investor interest, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth potential. The stock recently touched Rs. 396.90 on the BSE, marking notable gains this year despite broader market fluctuations.

These orders align with ongoing initiatives by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which recently approved capital procurement proposals worth around Rs. 79,000 crore, expected to further boost demand for domestic defence manufacturers.

BEL has consistently received contracts in recent months, including for counter-unmanned aerial systems and software-defined radios, highlighting the government’s focus on indigenisation and technology-driven solutions.

Financially, BEL continues to perform well, with recent quarterly results showing growth in revenue and profits year-on-year. Analysts expect continued market focus on the company’s execution capabilities and future order inflows.

The Rs. 569 crore order win strengthens BEL’s strategic role in India’s defence ecosystem and highlights growing momentum in domestic defence manufacturing.

Also Read: Hindustan Copper up 67%, Hindustan Zinc up 35% in Dec.

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1 Minute-Read

Hindustan Copper up 67%, Hindustan Zinc up 35% in Dec.

Hindustan Copper surged up to 67% in December, hitting a 15-year high before trimming some gains, while Hindustan Zinc rose around 35%, driven by strong global copper and silver prices.

The metals rally has bolstered investor sentiment, reflecting optimism about base metals amid robust demand. Analysts, however, advise caution, noting that both stocks appear overbought at current levels.

While long-term prospects remain positive due to steady commodity demand and supportive market trends, short-term volatility could persist. Investors are recommended to assess risk and consider waiting for a potential correction before entering.

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Beyond

2026 shows Gold near ₹1.5 lakh, Silver at $70

Gold and silver, which witnessed an unprecedented rally in 2025, are expected to remain firm in 2026, supported by strong global demand and favourable macroeconomic trends. Market experts believe that while prices may not rise at the same pace as this year, the broader outlook for precious metals continues to be positive.

In 2025, gold prices surged over 70 per cent globally, while silver recorded an even sharper rise of nearly 170 per cent, hitting multiple record highs. Domestic prices in India also moved sharply higher, driven by global cues, currency movements and strong investment demand. The rally was fuelled by geopolitical uncertainty, rising global debt, heavy central bank buying, and increased interest in safe-haven assets.

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts expect gold prices in India to move towards ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams over the medium term. Globally, gold may trade at elevated levels as central banks continue to diversify reserves and investors seek protection against economic and geopolitical risks. Expectations of interest rate cuts by major central banks could further support prices.

Silver is also expected to stay strong, backed by both investment and industrial demand. The metal’s use in solar power, electric vehicles and electronics is rising steadily, which could keep demand robust. Price forecasts suggest silver could trade in the range of $48 to $70 per ounce, with chances of sharper moves if industrial activity improves.

However, experts caution that volatility is likely after such a steep rally. Factors such as a stronger US dollar, higher real interest rates, or improving risk appetite in equity markets could lead to short-term corrections. Analysts advise investors to view any price dips as opportunities for long-term accumulation rather than signs of a trend reversal.

Also Read: Sensex drops 346 points, Nifty 25,942

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Corporate

Sensex drops 346 points, Nifty 25,942

The markets fell sharply on Monday, 29 December 2025,  BSE Sensex dropped over 300 points, while the Nifty 50 slipped below 25,942, reflecting weak market sentiment and ongoing foreign fund outflows. Low trading volumes typical of the holiday season added to the volatility.

The decline was broad-based, with most sectors ending in the red. Consumer durables and realty stocks were hit hardest, dragging the market lower. The IT and financial services sectors also saw selling pressure, contributing further to the fall in benchmark indices.

However, a few stocks bucked the trend. Tata Steel, Titan, Sun Pharma, and Mahindra & Mahindra emerged as top gainers, showing resilience despite the overall market weakness. On the other hand, heavyweight companies such as PowerGrid, Adani Ports, HCL Tech, Infosys, and TCS were among the biggest losers, weighing on the indices.

Sectors like PSU banks and media stocks managed modest gains, but the positive impact was not enough to offset broad selling. Market breadth remained negative, with declining stocks outnumbering advancing ones, signaling caution among traders.

 Analysts expect trading to remain volatile in the final week of 2025, with selective stock-specific movements likely to drive gains.

Also Read: Sensex falls over 100 points, Nifty below 26,050 at open

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1 Minute-Read

$240 mn tech, GCC investments flow into Mangaluru

Mangaluru has attracted investments and acquisitions worth $240 million in the Global Capability Centre (GCC) and technology sectors over the last four years, according to a state government report.

The data shows growing interest from national and international companies in areas such as fintech, regulatory technology, digital services and IT operations.

Officials say the city is emerging as a preferred alternative to major metros due to its skilled talent pool, improving infrastructure and lower operational costs. The steady inflow of investments has strengthened Mangaluru’s position as an upcoming technology and innovation hub in Karnataka.

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Beyond

Scindia flags security, pricing delays in satellite internet rollout

Satellite internet services in India have not yet begun commercial operations due to pending security approvals and unresolved spectrum pricing, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said.

Companies such as Starlink, OneWeb and Jio Satellite Global Services have already received licences to operate in the country. However, Scindia clarified that services can start only after all regulatory and security conditions are fully met.

The minister said satellite communication companies must demonstrate compliance with national security norms. These include setting up lawful interception systems for security agencies, ensuring secure handling of Indian user data, and establishing approved international gateways. Security agencies must be satisfied with these arrangements before giving the final clearance.

To support this process, the government has allotted provisional spectrum to the companies so they can test their systems and prove compliance. Final spectrum allocation will be granted only after security requirements are fulfilled.

Another key factor delaying the launch is spectrum pricing. The Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India are still discussing the pricing framework for satellite internet services. Issues such as the method of charging spectrum fees and the overall cost structure are yet to be finalised.

Differences between the regulator and the department on certain pricing elements have slowed the decision-making process. The final pricing policy is expected to be cleared by senior government bodies, including the Digital Communication Commission and, if required, the Cabinet.

Scindia said the government is keen to promote satellite internet services, especially for improving connectivity in remote and underserved regions. However, he stressed that security and regulatory safeguards remain a priority.

Once security clearances are completed and spectrum pricing is approved, satellite internet services are expected to be rolled out in a phased manner across India.

Also Read: Zepto IPO to test quick‑commerce profitability

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Leaders

Giga CEO confronts $3mn crypto extortion

San Francisco-based AI startup Giga, led by Indian-origin CEO Varun Vummadi, says it is being blackmailed by an unknown group. The company claims that the group has stolen confidential data and is demanding $3 million in cryptocurrency, threatening to release false and damaging information if the payment is not made.

Vummadi shared a screenshot of the email sent by the group, which included instructions on paying in Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency. The group allegedly warned that they could cause serious damage by publishing manipulated company data.

This is not the first warning. In mid-December, the same group reportedly sent another email threatening to release a large amount of company data, calling it a “70 GB destruction stack” and claiming it could have a “nuclear-level impact.”

The extortion news comes shortly after Giga raised $61 million in Series A funding. Founded in 2023 by Vummadi and IIT Kharagpur alumna Esha Manideep, Giga develops voice-based AI tools for enterprises and is considered a fast-growing player in the AI sector.

In addition, a former employee, Jared Steele, has posted allegations online claiming inflated revenue numbers, misleading job titles, low pay, and toxic work culture. Giga has denied these claims, calling them false and defamatory.

The company says it has reported the blackmail attempt to law enforcement and is ready to take legal action. Giga maintains that its products and operations are not affected and is focused on protecting its reputation while investigating the security breach.

Also Read: Rupee slides to 89.95 against US Dollar

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Beyond

Rupee slides to 89.95 against US Dollar

The Indian rupee weakened 5 paise in early trade on Monday, slipping to 89.95 against the US dollar. The decline continues the recent soft trend, largely driven by foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 89.95 per dollar, slightly lower than Friday’s close of 89.90. Traders noted that continued selling of Indian equities by foreign investors has put downward pressure on the currency, even as domestic stock markets opened modestly higher.

Analysts say foreign investor sentiment will be a key factor for the rupee in the near term. A return of foreign capital into Indian equities could help stabilize the currency, which remains weaker among emerging market currencies.

Global factors are also influencing the rupee. The dollar index was marginally lower, while rising Brent crude prices added pressure. On the domestic front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) continues to monitor the market and use liquidity tools to prevent sharp currency swings.

Overall, the rupee’s performance reflects cautious sentiment ahead of year-end, with thin trading volumes, continued fund outflows, and mixed global cues contributing to the early decline.

Also Read: Gold ₹1,41,210, Silver ₹2,50,900 in early trade

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Beyond

Gold ₹1,41,210, Silver ₹2,50,900 in early trade

Gold prices edged slightly lower in early trade on Monday. The price of 24-carat gold fell by ₹10 to ₹1,41,210 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold also dipped by ₹10 to trade around ₹1,29,440 per 10 grams in major Indian cities.

Silver prices also softened, declining by ₹100 to ₹2,50,900 per kilogram in key markets including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. In Chennai, however, silver continued to trade at higher levels at ₹2,73,900 per kilogram.

The mild decline in domestic prices is attributed to profit-booking after recent highs, even as international markets remain supportive. Globally, gold prices eased slightly after touching record levels, while silver prices stayed firm on strong industrial demand and expectations of interest-rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

Market participants said precious metals may continue to witness short-term fluctuations, but overall sentiment remains positive due to global economic uncertainties and sustained investor interest.

Also Read: Sensex falls over 100 points, Nifty below 26,050 at open

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Corporate

Sensex falls over 100 points, Nifty below 26,050 at open

The markets opened on a weak note on Monday where Sensex declined by over 100 points in early trade, while the Nifty 50 slipped below the 26,050 level, as selling pressure in select heavyweight stocks weighed on the benchmarks.

On the downside, Adani Ports and Power Grid emerged as the top losers at the opening bell, dragging the indices lower. Weakness was also seen in some infrastructure and utility stocks, reflecting subdued risk appetite among investors. Analysts attributed the early decline to the absence of strong domestic cues and continued concerns over foreign institutional investor outflows.

However, losses were partly capped by gains in metal stocks. Tata Steel and Hindalco traded higher in early deals, supported by buying interest amid firm global commodity prices. Select FMCG and auto stocks also showed mild strength, indicating selective accumulation at lower levels.

Broader markets opened mixed, highlighting cautious participation ahead of the year-end. Market participants said activity is likely to remain muted through the session, with indices expected to trade in a narrow range unless fresh global or domestic triggers emerge.

As such, the market tone remained cautious as investors focused on portfolio adjustments and awaited clearer signals in the final trading days of the year.

Also Read: Fibrebond CEO gives $240 mn to employees as bonus