India’s premium and luxury housing segment is undergoing a structural expansion, with demand steadily moving beyond traditional metropolitan markets into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, according to industry reports and developers.As per Magicbricks, India the country’s luxury housing market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35 per cent, expanding from nearly USD 17 billion in 2024 to over USD 103 billion by 2030. This positions luxury housing as one of the fastest-growing segments within India’s residential real estate market.Data from ANAROCK further indicates sustained momentum in premium housing demand, driven by rising household incomes, lifestyle upgrades and a growing preference for larger, better-designed homes across emerging urban centres.While metros such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru continue to dominate high-value residential transactions, the Magicbricks report highlights a clear shift in buyer interest towards non-metro markets, including Panchkula, Mohali, Raipur, Bilaspur and select peripheral city clusters. These locations are benefiting from infrastructure upgrades, lower population density and greater land availability, enabling the development of low-density premium projects.According to ANAROCK, premium and luxury homes now account for a significantly higher share of new residential launches in several Tier-2 cities, underscoring developers’ confidence in sustained end-user demand in these markets.Industry stakeholders note that luxury housing in India is increasingly being defined by lifestyle considerations rather than size alone. Buyers are prioritising privacy, exclusivity, wellness and experiential living, leading to higher demand for gated communities, independent floors and lifestyle-led developments.Aakash Ohri, Joint Managing Director and Chief Business Officer, DLF Homes, said, “Families seeking a more peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle are drawn to the serene embrace of places like Panchkula. Additionally, homebuyers are looking for exclusive addresses and a resort-like living experience as they value privacy, comfort, and a luxurious lifestyle with many amenities and facilities.”He added that there has been a noticeable rise in non-resident Indian (NRI) interest in these markets. “We have also observed significant interest and investment from NRIs in the region’s real estate market. Many NRIs view current conditions as a favourable opportunity to invest… Over the past three years, there has been a surge in demand for DLF’s low-rise independent floors in Panchkula,” Ohri said.Echoing similar trends, Prakhar Agarwal of Rama Group said, “The next phase of India’s premium housing growth is clearly moving beyond metros into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. In regions like Chhattisgarh, particularly Raipur and Bilaspur we are seeing growing demand for well-designed premium homes with modern amenities.”He further noted, “Infrastructure development, rising local affluence, and increasing professional migration are accelerating this shift. At Rama Group, we are focused on creating premium residential experiences in these emerging markets.”Rohit Kishore, CEO, Hero Realty, pointed to Mohali as a key emerging destination, stating, “Real estate in Tier-2 cities is changing rapidly, with more investors exploring options beyond major metros. Mohali stands out as an attractive choice due to urbanization, improved infrastructure, and a desire for a better quality of life.”Both Magicbricks and ANAROCK indicate that the rise of premium housing beyond metros reflects a long-term structural shift rather than a cyclical trend. As wealth creation expands geographically and lifestyle aspirations evolve, premium housing is expected to play a defining role in India’s next phase of urban development, with the market firmly on track to cross USD 103 billion by 2030.

By noon on Wednesday, Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 190 off 84 balls for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh, featuring a 36-ball century and the fastest 150 in List A cricket overtaking legends like AB de Villiers and Jos Buttler.Of course, he was among the top trends on X in India.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!BCCI president Mithun Manhas headlined the cheerleading by posting: “Record Alert: Bihar posted a total of 574/6 in 50 overs against Arunachal Pradesh at the JSCA Oval Ground, Ranchi, today, recording the highest team total in the history of List A cricket. The previous record was 502/2, scored by Tamil Nadu against Arunachal Pradesh at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Nov 21 2022, during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”

At the age of 14, Suryavanshi is no stranger to social-media fame. His effort came on a day when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both scored centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Andhra and Sikkim respectively, and Ishan Kishan recorded a 33-ball hundred for Jharkhand against Karnataka, only for his team to lose despite posting 412 for 9. There were 22 tons scored on Wednesday. 10 totals were over 300. Two totals over 400 and one over 500.But it was Arunachal Pradesh’s 397-run defeat that highlighted the gulf in quality between established teams and the newer northeastern sides. Earlier this season, Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar hit eight consecutive sixes against Arunachal in the Ranji Trophy. Since the induction of the new state teams in 2018, the frequency of such one-sided records has raised questions about the domestic structure’s competitiveness.Suryavanshi has emerged as a prized asset for the BCCI after a standout IPL season. Yet, he plays in the Plate Group alongside the northeastern teams, many of whose players lack formal training infrastructure. These sides were granted First-Class status by a Supreme Court-appointed committee of administrators (CoA) in 2018. The BCCI has been working on providing top-class facilities in these states since.

Over the past two years the BCCI has sought to restore domestic cricket’s stature as a premier breeding ground for talent. However, it needs to be seen if a generational talent like Suryavanshi gains meaningful experience against largely amateur opposition.“I would like to believe Suryavanshi is mature enough by now to understand the value of these runs against such weak opponents. The BCCI’s centre of excellence (CoE) has to play a critical role in his development. BCCI has done well by giving him exposure in the recent Rising Stars Asia Cup,” former national selector and BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Saba Karim told TOI. “The Northeastern states will take a long time to come up to a basic standard of competition. They should only play T20 cricket at the top level to get exposure to high-quality cricket. And for Bihar to make it to the Elite group consistently, the system there also needs to develop, which will not happen overnight.”Devang Gandhi, who was a national selector when the new teams were inducted, said: “As selectors, you will never take these records into account. BCCI has to be proactive. It has to create a parallel system for talented players like Suryavanshi coming from these states.”“For Suryavanshi’s growth, he needs to play tough First-Class cricket. At the moment, he is only playing white-ball cricket. BCCI will have to find a way where Suryavanshi has exposure to top-class red-ball cricket. It shouldn’t be the case where the hours he is putting in domestic cricket are becoming meaningless. At his age, bad habits in the game can creep in easily if he is exposed to poor quality cricket for a long time,” Gandhi added.

Former India opener WV Raman, a former coach at the National Cricket Academy, recommended that the CoE field its own team in domestic competitions so that emerging talent receives sustained high-quality exposure. “You can’t say these runs are meaningless because these teams are part of the system. But, something needs to be done about the current structure of domestic cricket. The CoE can have its own team in domestic cricket. Then a lot of talented players stay in the system, playing top-class cricket,” Raman told TOI.Beyond structural changes, the board must intensify its development efforts in the northeastern states, where extravagant match fees are yet to translate into improved performance. “There are certain teams that have their lead performers who are outstation players. That isn’t helping the growth of cricket in the region. More local players from these states to stand out. Only then will the standard of cricket rise,” Gandhi reckoned.Raman also suggested that veteran former India players who tailor their domestic appearances around IPL commitments be encouraged to mentor players in these states. “There are veteran former India players who pick and choose domestic matches just to stay in shape for the IPL. BCCI can encourage them to take up mentorship roles with these states and pay them for their services. That way they can also pick and choose their own matches besides passing invaluable experience to the players,” he said.

US President Donald Trump marked Christmas Eve in a light-hearted mood, joking with children about Santa Claus, coal-filled stockings and even a “bad Santa” infiltrating the country. He joined first lady Melania Trump for the annual NORAD Santa-tracking calls from their Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.Vacationing at his Palm Beach resort, Trump took part in the Christmas Eve tradition on Wednesday that allows children who call the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to track Santa Claus as the US military playfully follows his journey around the world. Some of these calls are patched through to the president, giving youngsters a chance to speak directly with the commander-in-chief.Speaking to children from several US states, the president struck a jovial tone and said he enjoyed the interaction so much that he “could do this all day long.” However, he further highlighted that he would eventually have to return to pressing global issues, including efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.“We want to make sure that Santa is being good. Santa’s a very good person,” Trump said while speaking to children aged between four and ten. “We want to make sure that he’s not infiltrated, that we’re not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa.”US President and Melania Trump sat side by side and took around a dozen calls between them. While the first lady spoke quietly with children, advising them to sleep early so Santa could arrive, the president joked about her focus.“She’s able to focus totally, without listening,” Trump said as Melania remained on her call.During the conversations, Trump mixed humour with reassurance. When an eight-year-old girl from North Carolina asked whether Santa would be angry if children did not leave cookies for him, Trump replied, “He won’t get mad, but I think he’ll be very disappointed.”“You know, Santa — he tends to be a little bit on the cherubic side. You know what cherubic means? A little on the heavy side,” he added. “I think Santa would like some cookies.”In another call, an eight-year-old girl from Kansas said she hoped Santa would not leave coal in her stocking.“You mean clean, beautiful coal?” Trump responded, invoking a phrase he has frequently used while promoting domestic coal production. Laughing, he added, “I had to do that, I’m sorry.”“Coal is clean and beautiful. Please remember that, at all costs,” Trump said, before acknowledging that the child preferred a Barbie doll, clothes and candy.At several points, Trump referenced the military updates on Santa’s location, relayed by a general overseeing the NORAD operation, telling children when Santa would be reaching their homes.Despite the festive tone of the calls, Trump later returned to his familiar political messaging. Shortly after wrapping up the Christmas Eve conversations, he posted on his Truth Social platform: “Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our Country, but are failing badly.”Trump contrasted his administration’s achievements with policies he opposes. “We no longer have Open Borders, Men in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, or Weak Law Enforcement. What we do have is a Record Stock Market and 401K’s, Lowest Crime numbers in decades, No Inflation, and yesterday, a 4.3 GDP, two points better than expected,” he added.Trump has a history of using Christmas messages to criticise political opponents. In past years, he has posted holiday greetings aimed at what he has described as the “Radical Left Lunatics.”On Christmas Eve, however, the president appeared to enjoy the lighter moment, telling reporters watching nearby at Mar-a-Lago that speaking with children during the Santa-tracking calls was a welcome break from global affairs.

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On the upside, MCX Gold has potential to advance toward the 145,000 level in the upcoming sessions. (AI image)

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold prices are likely to maintain their uptrend and silver too is showing signs of strength, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group. He shares his views on gold and silver:

MCX Gold Outlook

MCX Gold remains in a strong uptrend, consistently forming higher highs and higher lows, highlighting the current bullish momentum. This price action reflects sustained buying interest on declines and indicates that the broader trend continues to stay firmly upward. As long as this structure remains intact, the outlook for MCX Gold remains positive.From a technical standpoint, immediate support is seen near the 134,500 level, which has served as a strong base in recent price action, with buying interest repeatedly emerging on minor dips. Any pullback toward this zone is likely to invite fresh buying, helping to limit downside risk in the near term. Sustaining above this support level keeps the bullish structure firmly intact.On the upside, MCX Gold has potential to advance toward the 145,000 level in the upcoming sessions. This objective is in line with the ongoing trend and highlights the strength of the prevailing momentum. A sustained breakout above intermediate resistance levels could further fuel the upward move.Overall, unless there is a clear and decisive break below the 134,500 support, MCX Gold is likely to retain its positive bias. The broader technical setup continues to favour trend continuation, with further upside potential as long as momentum and market sentiment remain supportive.

MCX Gold Trading Strategy

MCX Silver Outlook

MCX Silver has delivered a decisive breakout from a consolidation phase, signalling a strong positive technical development and pointing toward the continuation of the uptrend. Consolidation periods usually reflect a temporary balance between buyers and sellers, and a breakout from such formations often results in an accelerated price move as momentum picks up. The latest price action in MCX Silver indicates that buyers have taken control, reinforcing a bullish outlook.From a technical perspective, the breakout signals renewed strength in the trend and increases the likelihood of further upside. If prices remain above the breakout zone, the bullish bias is expected to stay intact. Immediate key support is seen near the 215,000 level, which now serves as a solid base. Any pullback toward this zone could draw fresh buying interest, helping to stabilize prices.On the upside, MCX Silver has the potential to reach the 240,000 level in the near to medium term. This target is based on the height of the consolidation range and is in line with the prevailing momentum. Overall, if prices stay above the 215,000 support, MCX Silver is likely to maintain its positive trajectory, with further upside achievable as bullish sentiment continues to strengthen.

MCX Silver Trading Strategy

(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

PM Modi offers homage (PTI image)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial. Viajpayee, who is also a Bharat Ratna recipient is one of India’s most respected leaders remembered for his conduct, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest.In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “The birth anniversary of the esteemed Atal Ji is a special occasion for all of us to draw inspiration from his life. His conduct, dignity, ideological steadfastness, and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all serve as an ideal standard for Indian politics. Through his life, he demonstrated that excellence is established not by position, but by conduct, and it is that which guides society.”

Several other leaders also paid tribute to the former PM, whose birthday is observed as Good Governance Day. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister JP Nadda, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and other dignitaries offered floral tributes at the memorial.Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Lucknow later in the day to inaugurate the Rashtra Prerna Sthal and address a public gathering. Spread over 65 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 230 crore, the memorial honours towering figures of independent India, including Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A key highlight is the installation of 65-foot-high bronze statues, alongside a state-of-the-art, lotus-shaped museum spanning nearly 98,000 square feet, showcasing India’s national journey and the contributions of these visionary leaders.Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), served as India’s Prime Minister three times, briefly in 1996 and then from 1998 to 2004. He was born on December 25, 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He passed away on 16 August 2018 at AIIMS, Delhi, at the age of 93. His birthday is observed annually as Good Governance Day to honour his commitment to principled leadership and public service.

Aditya Dhar‘s ‘Dhurandhar’ has been receiving massive praise since its release in theaters. However, a section of people has labelled it as a “propaganda film.” YouTuber Dhruv Rathee recently criticized the movie for the same. And now, it seems that the filmmaker took an indirect dig at the YouTuber.

Aditya Dhar takes an indirect dig at Dhruv Rathee

Aditya Dhar took to his Instagram and reposted a story slamming the haters of the movie. The caption of the story read, “History is being rewritten in Indian cinema. By men & women who have fire in their hearts & love for their country. They wanted to tell a story to their country people. The best part of the box office success of #Dhurandhar is that it’s organic.”

The caption further read, “All those crying “corporate bookings” in the week of release have suddenly become silent now. A video maker tried to criticise it recently & got swept away by a wave of criticism against him. Dhurandhar is a craze today. A tsunami which will sweep away any other release in its path. A tsunami which will roll into 2026. It is not going to stop soon.”His post didn’t end there, as the director went on to share, “A tsunami created by a young director from Delhi, @adityadharfilms, and his team of actors & technicians. All united in vision & approach, positive in thought, passionate about storytelling, and immense confidence in this director’s work. @ranveersingh @actormaddy @rampal72 #AkshayeKhanna #EkMuthhiSauHaath… These names must be added today. They are equally vital. Each equally contributing to the success of #Dhurandhar @saraarjunn @therakeshbedi @gauravgera @danishpandor @manavgohil #JyotiDespande.”Take a look:

More about ‘Dhurandhar’

‘Dhurandhar’ has raked in over Rs 590 crore at the box office until now in India. The movie stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi.The movie was released in theaters on December 5, 2025. Meanwhile, the second part of the movie will be out in theaters on March 19, 2026.

The BCCI’s decision to move Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) has now been clarified, with security and compliance issues emerging as the decisive factors behind the shift. What was initially expected to be a high-profile comeback for Kohli in front of home crowds instead unfolded quietly behind closed doors on the outskirts of the city.

Virat Kohli’s anticipated return to Chinnaswamy that never happened

Early reports suggested that Kohli would make his return to competitive cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was initially listed as the host venue for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures.

For Bengaluru fans, this carried emotional significance. After months of uncertainty following the June 4 stampede outside the stadium, Kohli’s return in domestic cricket was seen as a symbolic step toward reclaiming the ground for major matches.

Instead, the opening fixture against Andhra Pradesh was quietly relocated to the BCCI Centre of Excellence, with no spectators allowed.

Government and police deny permission for Chinnaswamy

The primary reason behind the relocation was the Karnataka government and police refusing permission to host matches at Chinnaswamy. Following the fatal June stampede, a government-appointed inspection committee assessed the stadium’s readiness and found serious lapses.

According to media reports, several critical crowd-safety recommendations – including new entry and exit gates, proper queuing zones, evacuation planning, parking management, and pedestrian flow – have not been implemented. With these shortcomings unresolved, authorities deemed the venue unsafe for large gatherings.

Based on this assessment, the Home Ministry denied approval for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy, especially with crowd-pullers like Kohli and Rishabh Pant expected to attract massive festive-season attendance.

Why the BCCI chose the Centre of Excellence?

With Chinnaswamy ruled out, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was instructed to shift all Bengaluru-based Vijay Hazare fixtures to the Centre of Excellence near Aerospace Park. The CoE has recently hosted Duleep Trophy and India A matches without spectators, making it a proven low-risk option.

Authorities felt the CoE offered tighter security control, limited access points, and a safer short-term solution while Chinnaswamy undergoes structural upgrades and compliance checks.

Kohli delivers masterclass at CoE despite empty stands

While the crowd was missing, the cricket was not. Kohli walked into the CoE and reminded everyone why the 50-over format remains his comfort zone.

Chasing 299, he smashed a commanding 131 off 101 balls, bringing up his fifty in just 39 deliveries and his hundred in 83 balls.

Also READ: Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary feat in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return for Delhi

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 😎

1️⃣3️⃣1️⃣ runs
1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ balls
1️⃣4️⃣ fours
3️⃣ sixes

A terrific knock from Virat Kohli as he guided Delhi to a 4️⃣-wicket victory against Andhra 👏

He also completed 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in Men’s List A cricket 🫡 @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli |… pic.twitter.com/kCfdl3yux1

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 24, 2025

Delhi cruised to 300/6 in 37.4 overs, rendering Ricky Bhui’s 122 for Andhra Pradesh a mere footnote.

The only thing absent from the performance was the roar of a packed stadium.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Virat Kohli smashes 83-ball century for Delhi in his historic Vijay Hazare Trophy return vs Andhra Pradesh