ALIGARH: A teacher at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh was shot in the head by unidentified assailants, officials said on Thursday.The victim was out for a walk.

The university’s Proctor, Professor Mohd. Wasim Ali, confirmed that Rao Danish Ali, a faculty member at the ABK School of AMU, was targeted in the attack.

“Around 9 pm, we received information that there had been a shooting near the library and that a man had been injured and was being taken for medical treatment. We learned that the man who had been shot has been identified as Rao Danish Ali, and he was a teacher at the ABK School of the university. He was shot in the head. He died there at the medical college,” the Proctor told the media.He further stated that the exact number of shots fired remains uncertain, with reports varying between three and five.Police arrived at the scene promptly after being alerted, and Rao was rushed to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, where he later succumbed to his injuries.SSP Neeraj Jadon confirmed that two unidentified men carried out the shooting. Investigations are ongoing, and the search for the assailants has begun.Recently, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had asserted in the state assembly that law and order in the state have improved.“An atmosphere of security is essential for every person. Today, every person can say that investment is coming to UP because of the improved security environment,” he said.Taking a dig at the Samajwadi Party, the chief minister said they became disorganised, creating an identity crisis in the state. “I would like to say to the Samajwadi Party and the opposition, ‘tu idhar udhar ki baatein mat kar, yah toh bata ki yeh kaafila kyu loota’… The Samajwadi Party became scattered and disorganised. It created an identity crisis for the entire state. Who was responsible for the dance of anarchy that was unleashed?” the Chief Minister asked.CM Yogi stated that the rule of law is firmly upheld in Uttar Pradesh and that there have been no communal riots.“If anyone wants to know how rioters are dealt with, they should ask the maulana from Bareilly. There is neither a curfew nor any riot now. Everything is fine in Uttar Pradesh. This is the new UP,” the CM said. (With agency inputs)

NEW DELHI: The government issued a notification announcing a new Indian Standard for incense sticks (agarbatti), laying down quality norms and specifying a list of substances prohibited for use in their manufacture.The standard has been developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure safer products and promote responsible and sustainable practices in the incense stick industry, the minister for consumer affairs said in a statement released on National Consumer Day 2025.The ministry released a list of harmful substances. “This includes certain insecticidal chemicals such as alethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and fipronil, as well as synthetic fragrance intermediates like benzyl cyanide, ethyl acrylate, and diphenylamine. Many of these substances are restricted or banned internationally due to their potential impact on human health, indoor air quality, and ecological safety,” it said.According to the notification, the standard classifies agarbattis into machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala agarbattis, and prescribes norms for raw materials, burning quality, fragrance performance and chemical parameters. This, the ministry said, will ensure safer products and consistent quality for consumers.Agarbattis are deeply embedded in India’s cultural and religious life and are widely used in homes, places of worship, meditation centres.With rising global demand for incense products growing steadily in India and overseas, the international studies and regulatory developments, “particularly in Europe have raised concerns over the use of certain synthetic chemicals in fragranced products, including incense sticks,” the release stated.Some of these substances have been linked to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, neurological effects and environmental harm when used repeatedly in indoor environments, it added.The standard has been developed by the Fragrance and Flavour Sectional Committee (PCD 18) of BIS after extensive consultations with stakeholders.India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of agarbattis. The industry is estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore annually, with exports worth nearly Rs 1,200 crore to over 150 countries, including the US, Malaysia, Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico.The sector supports a large network of artisans, micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and plays a key role in generating employment, particularly for women.The government said the new standard is “expected to enhance consumer confidence, promote ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, support traditional artisans, and improve access to global markets. The standard reinforces India’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage while aligning indigenous industries with modern quality and safety expectations. Products complying with this standard can also carry the BIS Standard Mark, helping consumers make informed choices with confidence.“

The SA20 2025-26 season marks the fourth edition of South Africa‘s premier T20 league, and it promises another high-octane summer of franchise cricket. Scheduled to run from December 26, 2025, to January 25, 2026, the tournament will once again feature six franchises, all backed by IPL parent groups, competing in a double round-robin format followed by the playoffs.

This season carries extra intrigue as MI Cape Town begin their title defence after ending Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s two-year dominance last year. With star-studded squads, experienced international captains, and exciting young South African talent, SA20 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet.

Key players to watch out for in SA20

SA20 2026 will feature some of the biggest names in world cricket, capable of turning games on their own. Rashid Khan remains MI Cape Town’s trump card with his match-winning leg-spin and handy late-order hitting, while Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen add explosive firepower to Durban’s Super Giants. Sunrisers Eastern Cape will once again bank on pace duo Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen, while David Miller leads Paarl Royals with his proven finishing pedigree.

For Pretoria Capitals, the spotlight will be firmly on Andre Russell and young sensation Dewald Brevis, both capable of producing game-changing moments. Together, these stars ensure SA20 2026 delivers elite-quality cricket from start to finish.

Full squads and captains of each team in SA20 2026

Durban’s Super Giants

Captain: Aiden Markram

Squad: Noor Ahmad, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Eathan Bosch, Jos Buttler, Gerald Coetzee, Devon Conway, Tony de Zorzi, Daryn Dupavillon, Dayyaan Galiem, Evan Jones, Heinrich Klaasen, Kwena Maphaka, Sunil Narine, Andile Simelane, Gysbert Wege, David Wiese, Kane Williamson

Overview: Durban boast one of the most balanced squads in the league, combining elite international batters with proven all-rounders and a formidable spin attack.

Joburg Super Kings

Captain: Faf du Plessis

Squad: Jarren Bacher, Nandre Burger, Matthew de Villiers, Donovan Ferreira, Dian Forrester, Richard Gleeson, Akeal Hosein, Duan Jansen, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Wiaan Mulder, Shubham Ranjane, Rilee Rossouw, Janco Smit, Steve Stolk, Prenelan Subrayen, Imran Tahir, Neil Timmers, Reece Topley, James Vince, Dan Worrall

Overview: Led by the ever-reliable du Plessis, the Super Kings lean heavily on experience, particularly in their bowling unit and middle order.

MI Cape Town

Captain: Rashid Khan

Squad: Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Reeza Hendricks, Karim Janat, Thomas Kaber, Dan Lategan, George Linde, Tristan Luus, Tom Moores, Dane Piedt, Nicholas Pooran, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Jacques Snyman, Rassie van der Dussen, Tiaan van Vuuren

Overview: The defending champions are stacked once again, with world-class bowlers and explosive batting depth making them strong title contenders.

Also READ: THIS IPL team to send their bowlers to Durban for training in SA20

Paarl Royals

Captain: David Miller

Squad: Ottneil Baartman, Okhule Cele, Bjorn Fortuin, Vishen Halambage, Rubin Hermann, Daniel Lawrence, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Eshan Malinga, Nqobani Mokoena, Gudakesh Motie, Nqaba Peter, Delano Potgieter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sikandar Raza, Thomas Rew, Asa Tribe, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Kyle Verreynne, Hardus Viljoen

Overview: Paarl Royals have opted for versatility, with multiple spin options and all-rounders capable of adapting to different match situations.

Pretoria Capitals

Captain: Keshav Maharaj

Squad: Dewald Brevis, Roston Chase, Jordan Cox, Junaid Dawood, Keith Dudgeon, Connor Esterhuizen, Shai Hope, Wihan Lubbe, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tymal Mills, Lungi Ngidi, Bryce Parsons, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Will Smeed, Daniel Smith, Lizaad Williams, Codi Yusuf

Overview: Pretoria Capitals bring serious firepower, with match-winners like Russell and Brevis complemented by a strong pace and spin mix.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Captain: Tristan Stubbs

Squad: Jonny Bairstow, Matthew Breetzke, James Coles, Quinton de Kock, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Lewis Gregory, Jordan Hermann, Marco Jansen, CJ King, JP King, Patrick Kruger, Adam Milne, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Taridu Rathnayake, Lutho Sipamla, Beyers Swanepoel, Mitchell van Buuren, Chris Wood

Overview: Former champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape remain a formidable outfit, blending explosive batting with one of the most intimidating fast-bowling attacks in the league.

Also READ: SA20 2026: TV channels, live streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, Pakistan, USA, UK & other countries

Whenever global risks rise, investors seek assets that preserve value, and bullion has historically played that role well. (AI image)

Gold and silver dazzled investors in 2025. Gold prices surged close to 80% while silver outshone all asset classes with gains of nearly 150%. Such spectacular returns naturally lead to the question: should one load up on precious metals in 2026?The short answer is yes, but with restraint. The fundamental factors that powered the rally in 2025 are not only intact, but have grown stronger. Geopolitical tensions remain elevated across regions, from prolonged conflicts to renewed strategic rivalries among major powers. The US moves in the Caribbean can put oil on the boil. China’s trade rivalry with the US and the European Union is intensifying. And the Middle East continues to simmer under a fragile ceasefire.In such uncertain times, gold’s role as a safe-haven asset comes to the fore. Whenever global risks rise, investors seek assets that preserve value, and bullion has historically played that role well.Inflation, too, refuses to fade quietly. While headline numbers may moderate in phases, the risk of inflationary flare-ups persists due to supply-chain disruptions, energy shocks and high fiscal spending by governments worldwide. Gold and silver tend to do well when real returns on financial assets are under pressure, acting as a hedge against the erosion of purchasing power.Silver enjoys an additional tailwind. Unlike gold, which is primarily a store of value, silver has significant industrial applications—ranging from electronics to renewable energy and electric vehicles. As the global energy transition gathers pace, demand for silver could remain robust, lending further support to prices.All this suggests that gold and silver can continue to play a useful role in portfolios in 2026. But investors should guard against the mistake of extrapolating recent returns too far into the future. Precious metals rarely move in a straight line. Gold, in particular, is known for long periods of stagnation punctuated by sharp rallies. After a strong run, prices can consolidate for years before the next upswing.That is why allocation matters more than enthusiasm. A prudent approach is to cap combined exposure to gold and silver at around 20–25% of the overall portfolio. This ensures that investors benefit from diversification and downside protection without becoming overly dependent on one asset class.Best ways to investFor most investors, gold and silver ETFs offer the easiest and most cost-effective route. They provide purity, liquidity and transparency, without the hassles of storage or concerns about quality. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are even more attractive for long-term investors. Apart from tracking gold prices, they pay a fixed interest and offer complete capital gains tax exemption if held till maturity, making them tax-efficient.Physical gold still has a place, especially for those who value its universal liquidity. In times of extreme stress, physical gold can be sold almost anywhere in the world. Jewellery, though not the most efficient investment due to making charges, carries its own non-financial returns—emotional satisfaction and social utility—which many households value.The key message for 2026 is balance. Gold and silver remain relevant in a world marked by uncertainty and inflation risks. Maintain your allocation, rebalance if prices run ahead of fundamentals, and use the right investment vehicles. Precious metals work best not as speculative bets, but as steady anchors in a well-diversified portfolio. (Disclaimer: Times of India does not give any personal finance or stock market investment advice. Always consult an expert before taking investment decisions)

England captain Ben Stokes is dismissed by Michael Neser of Australia. (Getty Images)

An astonishing 20 wickets tumbled on a frenetic opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, leaving the Boxing Day clash delicately poised and the record crowd on the edge of their seats.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Under heavy cloud cover and on a lively green surface, England skipper Ben Stokes made the most of a crucial toss, inserting Australia and unleashing his pace attack. In front of a staggering 94,199 spectators — the largest cricket crowd ever recorded at the MCG — Australia were skittled for 152 before roaring back to bowl England out for just 110 in an action-packed day dominated by fast bowlers.

Josh Tongue was England’s standout performer with the ball, returning superb figures of 5 for 45 as Australia collapsed despite brief resistance. But any advantage England gained was swiftly erased by their own dramatic batting implosion, slipping to 16 for 4 and never truly recovering.Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser struck early blows, with England opener Ben Duckett enduring another miserable moment in a difficult week, falling for two after lobbing a simple catch to mid-on. Neser then removed Jacob Bethell, recalled in place of Ollie Pope, before Starc and Neser combined to rip through the top order. Zak Crawley and Joe Root departed in quick succession, plunging England into freefall.Harry Brook counter-attacked with a breezy 41, striking sixes to momentarily halt the collapse alongside Stokes, but Scott Boland turned the screws yet again at his favourite venue. The 36-year-old, who famously took 6 for 7 at the MCG in 2021, produced another devastating spell, dismissing Brook lbw before removing Jamie Smith and Will Jacks in the space of 10 deliveries.

Neser capped off England’s misery by dismissing Stokes for 16, finishing with 4 for 45 as the tourists folded cheaply. Australia were left to safely negotiate a single over before stumps, with nightwatchman Boland and Travis Head taking the hosts to 4 without loss, a slender but valuable 46-run lead.Earlier, England’s bowlers had set the tone after lunch, with Tongue and Gus Atkinson exploiting movement to dismantle Australia’s top order. Travis Head’s brisk cameo ended early, while Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith fell cheaply, the latter bowled by Tongue. Usman Khawaja fought back with a fluent 29, but edges and soft dismissals kept Australia on the back foot.With the Ashes already retained by Australia following dominant wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, England arrived in Melbourne desperate for pride.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made a major economic prediction about the United States. The world’s richest man is optimistic that the US economy will achieve double-digit GDP growth over the next 12 to 18 months. He claimed that rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will drive this growth. Musk’s prediction came in response to the news that the GDP in the United States grew at an annual rate of 4.3% during the third quarter of 2025. In response, he suggested that “applied intelligence” from AI will serve as the primary engine for this acceleration. He further speculated that if AI continues to scale as a proxy for productivity, triple-digit growth could be possible within approximately 5 years.In a post shared on the microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote: “Double-digit growth is coming within 12 to 18 months. If applied intelligence is proxy for economic growth, which it should be, triple-digit is possible in ~5 years.”The forecast came from a social media discussion that began with a post from Caleb Hammer, a member of X, about US GDP growth in Q3 2025. He wrote: “4.3% year over year GDP growth in Q3 is kinda f**king crazy. Didn’t see that coming.”

Marc Andreessen, one of the most prominent US investors and co-founder of the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, responded to this post that revealed the unexpectedly high growth for US GDP. He wrote, “It’s time to grow. 🇺🇸”. Musk’s prediction came as a reply to Andreessen’s reaction.

What’s behind Elon Musk’s double-digit US economy growth prediction

Musk’s optimism relates to his work at xAI and Tesla’s robotics division, as well as to his expectation of soon being deregulated. Although his fans see a positive change in his 2025 growth statistics, some might be a little apprehensive about it.Meanwhile, investor Mark Cuban has expressed concerns about potential wealth disparities arising from such dramatic growth. In contrast, others who hold the opposite view argue that growth at this pace may lead to spiking interest rates or debt risks. Typically, double-digit GDP growth is sporadic, except during the short-term period after a recession, as in 2020’s 34.9% high.Earlier this month, Musk also predicted that “there will be no poverty” in the coming years. Instead, he said that there will be a universal high income. Apart from this, the only tech billionaire to reach a net worth of $700 billion also stated that saving money would become unnecessary for people.Based on investors’ reactions to Ray Dalio’s post about the newly formed Trump accounts initiative, it appears Dalio appreciated it because it involves a bipartisan effort “to help young Americans learn money management skills and start saving and investing early in life.”He also thanked Michael and Susan Dell for their support of the programme. Dalio noted the initiative reflected concepts he had outlined six years earlier in “Why and How Capitalism Needs To Be Reformed.”In his X post, Dalio wrote that the Trump accounts are helpful because they teach young people basic money skills and help them learn how markets and businesses work. He said that understanding and managing money well are essential to a strong economy and that he plans to support both the accounts and the teaching programmes related to them.

Replying to this, Musk wrote, “It is certainly a nice gesture of the Dells, but there will be no poverty in the future and so no need to save money. There will be universal high income.”

The first day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw fast bowlers dominate as 20 wickets fell in a thrilling contest. England’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off handsomely, with Josh Tongue leading the way by claiming five wickets and dismantling Australia’s top order. Despite brief resistance from Michael Neser and Cameron Green, Australia were bundled out for 152 runs in just 45.2 overs. England’s response was equally disastrous as Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser ripped through their batting lineup, reducing the visitors to 110 all out in 29.5 overs. At the end of the day, Australia led by 46 runs with 4/0 in their second innings.

Australia’s struggles as top order collapses against Josh Tongue

Australia’s batting on Day 1 was a tale of frustration, as the hosts struggled to cope with the pace and movement offered by the England bowlers. After being put in to bat, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, starting with Travis Head, who was dismissed for just 12 by Gus Atkinson. The middle order failed to build any partnerships, with Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (9) all departing cheaply.

Smith’s dismissal was particularly painful, as Josh Tongue cleaned him up with a perfect delivery that nipped back and shattered the stumps. Usman Khawaja (29) and Alex Carey (20) were the only other notable contributors, while Michael Neser top-scored with 35. Australia were bowled out for 152 in 45.2 overs, with Tongue finishing with impressive figures of 5/45, as England’s bowlers enjoyed excellent conditions throughout the day.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Josh Tongue stuns Steve Smith with unplayable delivery on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test | AUS vs ENG

England’s response: Collapse to Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser’s prowess

England’s chase of 153 was always going to be a challenging task, and they were quickly brought to their knees by Australia’s seam attack. Zak Crawley (5) and Ben Duckett (2) were dismissed early by Mitchell Starc, with the latter caught by Neser at second slip. The key wicket of Joe Root for a duck further derailed England’s hopes as they found themselves struggling at 8/3. Harry Brook (41) tried to fight back with a rapid innings, hitting two boundaries and two sixes, but the pressure was relentless. Ben Stokes (16) also failed to make a significant impact, and after Brook was dismissed, England’s batting crumbled further. Neser took 4 wickets, while Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson each chipped in with a wicket. England were dismissed for 110 in just 29.5 overs, handing Australia a vital 46-run lead at the close of play on Day 1.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Jofra Archer has never got Steve Smith out. But Josh Tongue has dismissed him three times, ie every time he’s bowled to him in first-class cricket

— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) December 26, 2025

I meant in yesterdays tweet, that Australia as a team, should try get 200 and England should try get to 100! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 26, 2025

Josh Tongue has dismissed Steve Smith in every first-class game he’s bowled to him. Dismissed him in The Hundred as well earlier this year.

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) December 26, 2025

Josh Tongue! Whistle.

Five-for. Well done, man.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 26, 2025

A tough tour can break you down and England have just seen that. You bowl Australia out for a mere 152 and then get all out for 110 – that’s suicidal.
And, all in a day’s play, in front of the largest recorded crowd for a Test at the MCG for a long long time. #Ashes #AUSvENG…

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 26, 2025

Will Jacks steps out first ball to Scott Boland and tries to smack it down the ground!!

Broadcaster zooms in tight on Ben Stokes at the non strikers end.😂😂

Australia is a tough place to tour, especially if you are 0-3 down. #Ashes

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 26, 2025

Another two-day Ashes Test beckoning. England are going to have to buy a lot of beer to offset the MCG’s lost day 3 revenues.

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) December 26, 2025

When Australia batted…. English commentators were saying “ great from the England bowlers “

When England batted, “ this pitch is doing too much “#Ashes2025

— Lewis Yates .com (@LewisYatesOfcl) December 26, 2025

Bonkers. https://t.co/nixK4k6ZWr

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 26, 2025

Australia holds a 46-run lead at stumps on day 1 in the 4th Ashes Test 🌟#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/nmA3Hit49W

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2025

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Brydon Carse’ breathtaking run out of Cameron Green steals the show on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test match | AUS vs ENG

One of the most successful exports is the BrahMos missile. (File photo of BrahMos)

By Pawan Khatter For the defence sector, 2025 is the Year of Reforms with various goals, one of which is the focus on new domains such as cyber and space, AI, ML, hypersonics and robotics. 2025 saw several feats in these domains amongst others. DRDO showcased its highly anticipated Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) and Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) as part of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-ASHM) program. The Indian ecosystem, a dynamic mix of large corporations, MSMEs, start-ups, DPSUs, DRDO, academia and international collaborations with FOEMs, continues to revolutionize defence R&D. Many systems were unveiled this year including various types of unmanned systems, India’s first Generation 5 AI-driven imaging seeker, wing-in ground aircraft, exoskeleton, etc. This growth is driven by the twin goal of achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness. The nation’s defence production stands at Rs 1,50,590 crore, ~23% of which has been the private sector’s contribution. There are nearly 16,000 MSMEs integrated into the supply chain of DPSUs and large private defence manufacturers which have emerged as formidable players.Indian defence exports are at a record high of Rs 23,620 crore. One of the most successful exports is the BrahMos missile for which countries like Indonesia, South Africa and from the Middle East are expressing interest. India is amongst the top 5 military spenders in the world with a budget of Rs 6,81,210 crore. Of this, ~Rs 2,67,000 is earmarked for modernization. This modernization is a balance of indigenous acquisitions and meeting immediate requirements through imports where capability is not readily available in the country. In April 2025, India and France signed an ~Rs 63,000 crore for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. Under the FMS route, India shall also import 100 Javelin Missile Systems and 216 Excalibur tactical projectiles from the US.In this year of reforms, GoI’s vision also includes enhanced integration. Co-development and international collaborations are therefore vital in the journey towards Atmanirbharta. Towards this end, DRDO will partner with a leading global aerospace major to co-develop a 120 kn aeroengine, a first for India. Further under Project P75I, six submarines will be manufactured in India under a collaborative model.On the policy front, the Ministry of Defence has engaged stakeholders to review and revise the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP). While the industry awaits DAP 2025, the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2009 underwent a comprehensive revision, culminating in the release of DPM 2025 in September 2025. This updated version introduces decentralized decision-making authority aimed at expediting approval processes and minimizing bureaucratic delays. GoI also released the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025 articulating the Indian Armed Forces’ requirements and offering industry a clear line-of-sight on capability needs over the next 15 years.India’s significant upward trajectory positions the country among the world’s leading military powers. From being a lead importer for decades, India has ranked among the top 25 countries as an exporter of arms. Indigenous production now meets nearly 65% of defence requirements, a remarkable improvement from a decade ago, driven by platforms such as BrahMos, Pinaka, Akash, and Tejas. While the nation has developed cost-effective, battle-proven systems and strong export achieved competitiveness, certain advanced domains—such as next-generation propulsion, stealth technologies, and strategic electronics—remain areas for further development. However, increasing technological sophistication and affordability place India in direct competition with its peers. As the Indian sub-continent aspires to assume the role of a global leader, it is imperative that defence engagement expands beyond arms trade into strategic technology partnerships, joint development, and interoperability initiatives. India has different bilateral agreements that cover emerging technologies and critical mineral security (Australia, Canada, USA, Chile, Congo) to de-risk supply chains, while military diplomacy focuses on co-production ecosystems and multi-domain cooperation—including space, cyber, and AI-driven C4I2 systems. 2026 is on the horizon that builds on the foundation to achieve self-reliance and supply chain resilience, enhanced localisation, integration of legacy systems with emerging technologies, AI-enabled warfare systems, etc. Another dynamic year may be ending, but in this realm of ever-changing global scenarios and technologies, for the Indian Defence Industry, it is yet another beginning.(Pawan Khatter is Partner and National Leader, Aerospace & Defence, EY India. Nayan Nag, Senior Manager, EY India also contributed to the article)