Top Stories | SC intervenes on Aravallis, markets end lower, defence push gathers pace

The Supreme Court set the tone for the day by keeping the new definition of the Aravalli Hills in abeyance and issuing notices to the Centre and states, with the matter slated for further hearing in January. The top court also intervened in the Unnao rape case, staying the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, underscoring continued judicial scrutiny in high-profile cases.

Back home, markets ended lower as investors remained cautious ahead of the December derivatives expiry, with the Nifty slipping below the 26,000 mark amid broad-based selling. The rupee weakened slightly against the US dollar in early trade, while gold and silver hovered near record highs, reflecting global uncertainty. The Reserve Bank of India, however, struck an optimistic note, flagging the resilience of the banking sector in FY25, with the gross NPA ratio falling to a multi-decade low.

Additionally, the government cleared defence procurement proposals worth nearly ₹79,000 crore, marking a major push towards modernising the armed forces. In the financial sector, DFS Secretary M Nagaraju said allowing 100% FDI in insurance is likely to attract global players and help reduce premiums, signalling deeper reforms ahead.

Globally, geopolitics remained in focus as Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying both leaders want the war to end.

Meanwhile, India is gearing up to host the AI Impact Summit in February, positioning itself at the centre of global conversations on responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence.

Stay with us for all the latest updates and expert takes—there’s plenty to unpack!



Supreme Court keeps Aravalli Hills' new definition in abeyance, issues notice to Centre, states  



The Supreme Court on Monday, December 29, kept the new definition of the Aravalli Hills in abeyance until it is reviewed again. The matter was posted for hearing on January 21, 2026. 

Read More Here





Markets end lower ahead of Dec series expiry; Nifty slips below 26,000  



Indian equity markets closed on a weak note on Friday as investors stayed cautious ahead of the December series derivatives expiry, with selling pressure visible across sectors and the broader market mirroring benchmark losses. 

Read More Here





Trump meets Zelenskyy after 60-minute Putin call, says Russia and Ukraine want peace 

Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Mar-a-Lago, saying both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin want the war to end. Trump said he spoke with Putin by phone for more than an hour before the meeting and planned another call afterwards, adding that both leaders ultimately seek peace, however difficult the path appears. 

Read More Here





DAC approves ₹79,000-crore defence procurement proposals  



The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Monday, December 29, approved defence procurement proposals worth around ₹79,000 crore, clearing major upgrades for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as part of a broader push to modernise the armed forces. 

Read More Here





RBI: Banking sector resilient in FY25; gross NPA ratio hits multi-decade low



The Reserve Bank of India released its Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25 on Monday, December 29, highlighting the continued resilience of the banking sector, backed by strong balance sheet growth, improved asset quality and robust profitability. 

Read More Here





100% FDI in insurance likely to reduce premiums, attract global players: DFS Secy Nagaraju



The government’s decision to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector is expected to draw significant global capital and help lower insurance premiums, Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M Nagaraju told CNBC-TV18.

Read More Here





India to take centre stage with AI Impact Summit in February



India will host the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February next year, with the six-day event scheduled from February 15 to February 20. Addressing a press conference, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) S. Krishnan said the summit will help shape the future of inclusive, responsible and resilient Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Read More Here





Unnao rape case: Supreme Court stays Delhi HC's suspension of Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence  



The Supreme Court on Monday, December 29, stayed the order of the Delhi High Court, which granted bail and suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case of 2017. 

Read More Here





Tripura student Angel Chakma murdered in Dehradun: Racial slurs, 5 accused arrested — All we know so far  



A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, Angel Chakma, died after succumbing to injuries sustained in an attack in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, triggering outrage across the northeastern states and renewed focus on the safety of students outside the region. 

Read More Here





RLDA’s big land bank, small returns: CAG flags delays, undervaluation, revenue loss  



The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged serious shortcomings in the functioning of the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), pointing to years of delays, poor execution and massive revenue losses in the development of railway land. 

Read More Here





Beyond #Newsroom

Follow the CNBC-TV18 channel on WhatsApp

Catch crispy news updates on the go! - CNBCTV18 Minis

Watch all #videos under one segment- CNBCTV18 Binge

We bring you real-time updates and analysis of the stock market - Real-time market updates

We'll see you on Tuesday with another engaging 'Top 10@10.'