Punjab has been placed on heightened security alert following intelligence reports suggesting potential terrorist infiltration attempts from Pakistan. Security forces, including state police and paramilitary units, are intensifying surveillance along border regions and sensitive locations. Authorities have ramped up checkpoints, patrolling, and coordination with central agencies to prevent any security breach. Analysts emphasize that proactive monitoring and rapid response capabilities are critical in mitigating cross-border threats.

Swiggy has taken a measured step into physical retail by opening a mini experiential Instamart store in Gurugram, signaling a strategic extension of its quick-commerce ecosystem. The outlet is designed not as a traditional shop, but as an engagement-led space that allows consumers to interact with products, discover private labels and better understand the Instamart proposition. The move reflects Swiggy’s intent to blend digital convenience with offline touchpoints, while gaining deeper insights into consumer behavior.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, is grappling with an operational crisis marked by flight delays, cancellations and customer dissatisfaction. A combination of aircraft availability issues, supply-chain constraints and heightened travel demand has strained the carrier’s tightly run operations. While IndiGo has long been viewed as a benchmark for efficiency and cost discipline, recent disruptions highlight the vulnerability of even well-managed airlines to systemic pressures.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has issued fresh clarifications on short-selling regulations, aiming to remove ambiguity and reinforce transparency in equity market operations. The guidance reiterates who may engage in short selling, how such positions must be disclosed and the obligations of intermediaries in monitoring compliance. By restating the framework, the regulator seeks to curb misuse, strengthen investor confidence and ensure orderly market conduct.

The Delhi government has significantly raised its transport allocation, approving a sharp 60 percent increase to accelerate the expansion of the capital’s metro network. The move underscores a renewed focus on mass rapid transit as congestion, pollution and urban sprawl continue to challenge the city’s infrastructure. Higher funding is expected to support new corridors, station upgrades and integration with other modes of public transport.

State Bank of India is approaching a major milestone in retail banking, with its home loan portfolio expected to surpass Rs. 10 lakh crore in the next financial year. The projected growth reflects sustained demand for residential housing, improving affordability and the bank’s continued focus on secured retail credit. As the country’s largest lender, SBI has leveraged its scale, competitive pricing and digital capabilities to strengthen its leadership in the housing finance segment.

Spanish biopharmaceutical firm Biofabri and India’s Bharat Biotech have entered into a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize a next-generation vaccine for tuberculosis, marking a significant step in global public health collaboration. The alliance aims to combine Biofabri’s advanced vaccine technology with Bharat Biotech’s large-scale manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Experts say the partnership could accelerate access to an effective TB vaccine, particularly in high-burden countries.

LIC Housing Finance has announced a reduction in its home loan interest rates, bringing the starting rate down to 7.15%, a move expected to provide meaningful relief to homebuyers and stimulate housing demand. The rate cut comes amid easing inflationary pressures and a more accommodative interest rate environment. Industry experts view the decision as a strategic step to remain competitive in a crowded mortgage market while supporting residential real estate growth.

India’s core infrastructure sector witnessed a marked slowdown in November, with growth decelerating to 1.8%, reflecting muted performance across key components such as steel, cement, electricity, and refinery products. Analysts attribute the slowdown to supply chain disruptions, weak industrial demand, and seasonal factors, despite ongoing government investment in infrastructure and construction projects. The data underscores challenges in sustaining momentum in the industrial sector amid global economic pressures and domestic demand fluctuations.

Crystal Crop Protection, a leading player in the agrochemical sector, has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) worth Rs. 600 crore. The capital raise aims to fund capacity expansion, research and development, and debt repayment, positioning the company for accelerated growth in India’s crop protection and agricultural inputs market. Analysts note that the IPO reflects investor appetite for agritech and agri-input firms amid rising demand for high-quality pesticides, herbicides, and specialty chemicals.