The Trump administration will start taking money directly from the paychecks of some student loan borrowers beginning in January, the US Department of Education has said. This applies to people who have not paid their federal student loans for a long time and are officially in default.
After seven years in the United States, Rajiv (changed name) made the decision to return to India. His experience challenges many of the narratives that dominate online discussions about life abroad and the “pros and cons” of returning home. “I couldn’t see myself settling there,” Rajiv said.
YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, announced on social media that his company, Beast Industries, has acquired Step, a financial services platform. "Nobody taught me about investing, building credit, or managing money when I was growing up," the 27-year-old said. "I want to give millions of young people the financial foundation I never had."
HomeLane, a home interior solutions startup, is adopting a franchise-based growth approach to attain profitability by FY26 Q4 and full-year profitability in FY27. It aims to have 100 franchise studios by 2026, prioritizing sustainable city-level businesses.
The proposed draft I-T rules for 2026 aim to revise employee perquisites for both old and new tax regimes. Notable changes include higher tax-free benefits for meals and vehicles, along with an overdue update to the taxable value of cars. The tax-free threshold for gifts from employers is also set to increase to Rs 15,000.
NHPC Ltd. has invited bids for the construction of diversion tunnels, coffer dams, access tunnels, and other civil and hydro-mechanical works at its Sawalkot hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir. The project, estimated at ₹5,129 crore, is crucial for India's push to harness hydropower potential in the Himalayan region.
The Income Tax department plans to relax PAN requirements for gifts, property transactions, cash transactions, and vehicle purchases in the new draft Income Tax Rules, 2026. The changes, effective from April 1, will increase the threshold for PAN quoting, making it easier for taxpayers. The government aims to expand the tax base and simplify compliance with the new rules.
India's life insurance industry continues to thrive, with a 22% year-on-year growth in new business premiums (NBP) in January. This is the third consecutive month of over 20% growth, thanks to lower premiums following the GST rate reduction.
India aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and become a developed economy by 2047, but needs $6.5 trillion from developed nations. A National Green Finance Institution is proposed to mobilize funding, with a $6.53 trillion financing gap.
DIIs, including mutual funds and pension funds, have a larger share in Nifty 50 companies than FIIs, thanks to strong domestic investor participation and steady SIP inflows. This has helped counter FII outflows and absorb the increase in primary market issuances. The dominance of DIIs provides a stable source of liquidity and could protect markets during global risk-off phases.
BSE, India's leading stock exchange, saw a 174% rise in profit to ₹602 crore in the last quarter, mainly due to increased revenue transaction charges. The trading segment showed strong growth with higher client participation. Revenue from operations also rose by 62%, driven by transaction charges.
MSME lender Ugro Capital has announced a strategic business realignment plan, focusing on higher-yield emerging market loans against property (LAP) and shutting down its lower-yield origination channels. The shift is expected to improve profitability and cut costs by ₹220 crore annually.
Pandorum Technologies secures $18 million in Series B funding to advance tissue regenerative therapies. The company plans to use the funds to develop exosome-based treatments, expand globally, and increase manufacturing. Protons Corporate led the funding round, joined by notable investors Galentic Pharma and Ashish Kacholia. Pandorum's platform targets disease by reprogramming tissue states.
In the December quarter, many tech-based companies, particularly in the payments and fintech sectors, saw a rise in profitability. Out of 12 major startups that reported their results, 9 showed improved bottomlines and strong revenue growth.
Saatvik Green Energy, a solar module maker, is set to increase investments to Rs 2,500 crore by FY27 to expand capacity and boost exports. CEO Prashant Mathur aims to create an integrated manufacturing platform, with new production lines starting in April.
Harley-Davidson's zero-duty import agreement with the US may not have a significant impact on prices or sales volumes in India. This is because their current models are already exempt from import duties through Thailand. The limited market for high-capacity motorcycles in India, with only 97 units sold in the past nine months, is the reason for this.
BTS fans, known as ARMYs, were intrigued by a mysterious ad for "What Is Your Love Song" in Seoul's Seongsu-dong. This sparked speculation about its connection to the group's upcoming album "ARIRANG," which holds significance in Korean culture and reflects their desire to honor their roots. Fans are eagerly anticipating more information.
BCCI downgraded Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from A+ to B category in their central contracts retainer for this year, while completely eliminating the A+ category. Only three players- Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja remain in the A category. The revised contracts fee have not been made public, but it is estimated that Kohli and Rohit will now receive ₹3 crore from the BCCI.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has opened a new manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India, worth Rs 9,000 crore. The plant, inaugurated by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, will produce next-generation vehicles, including electric cars, for both JLR and Tata Motors.
The Economic Survey has proposed age-based limitations on digital media usage to address the issue of minors committing suicide. It suggests implementing policies for appropriate access, educating about cyber-safety, and holding platforms accountable for harmful content.
On Monday, domestic equity benchmarks rose up to 0.68% due to positive global cues and the announcement of an interim India-US trade deal. State Bank of India's record net profit of Rs 21,028 crore in the December quarter also boosted investor sentiment, with the bank alone contributing 280 points to the Sensex's 485-point gain.
NHAI's public Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), RIIT, is set to raise Rs 9500 crore through its first round of asset acquisition. The InvIT will target retail investors with a minimum investment of Rs 10,000 and will raise funds through a combination of debt and equity.
The data centre industry is expected to see a rise in employment with the construction of new facilities, offering temporary and permanent roles. The Union Budget's tax holiday proposal is likely to attract more global investment. Karnataka's 1 GW pipeline is estimated to create 25,000-35,000 jobs, with the construction phase seeing the highest volume of employment.
India's cement sector is showing signs of pricing stability in the final quarter of FY26, with leading producers like UltraTech Cement and Ambuja Cements reporting price increases and sustained demand. The December quarter saw weakness due to rationalized GST rates, but prices have since improved.
India's Nayara Energy's Vadinar complex, majority-owned by Russia's Rosneft, is the country's main source of Russian crude oil despite pressure from US President Trump to reduce purchases. The refinery's reliance on Russian crude is due to its heavy, high-sulphur grade optimization and ownership complications.
The Indian government has agreed to implement the same tariff liberalisation as other free trade agreements with the US. This includes reducing duties over 10 years for certain food items, implementing import quotas, and offering immediate duty elimination and phased elimination.
People with old police cautions or minor offences, some dating back to the 1970s, are being denied travel to the US by the embassy in London, according to a Financial Times report citing immigration lawyers and visa consultants.
Actor Prakash Raj shuts down rumors of his exit from the film Spirit, stating they are false. He clarifies that he has not yet started filming and the reports of a fight on set are impossible. This is not the first time the movie has faced cast rumors, but with Raj's confirmation, production continues as planned.
The government's third round of the PLI scheme for specialty steel has attracted 55 companies to invest Rs 11,887 crore in new downstream capacity. The goal is to add 26 million tonnes of specialty steel capacity by 2030-31.
The removal of import duties on industrial products from the US could have both positive and negative impacts on domestic manufacturing. While it may increase competition and pressure on certain sectors, it could also lower production costs and improve productivity for downstream industries.
Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has increased its share in rail-based vehicle dispatches to 26% in 2025, up from 5.1% in 2016. This has led to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, oil imports, and road congestion. The company's mid-term goal is to increase rail-based dispatches to 35% by FY31, contributing to India's net-zero ambition.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan were spotted at a Tiffany & Co. boutique in Mumbai, dressed in all-black coordinated outfits. However, the highlight of their casual shopping trip was Saif's high-priced brooch worth Rs 42 lakh. The actor has a busy year ahead with projects like Kartavya and Hum Hindustani, both Netflix originals, and sequels to Race and Devara.
Satya Nadella's former home in Clyde Hill, Washington, perfectly embodies his personal style by blending modern design with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The 4,000 square feet property includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and breathtaking views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline.
Green Day, known for their anti-Trump stance, faced criticism for their non-political Super Bowl 60 performance. Despite opening with "Good Riddance," fans were disappointed with the lack of political messages in their setlist. However, the band did not earn any money and had previously made political statements at a pre-Super Bowl event.
Scotland's George Munsey stole the spotlight with an outstanding 84-run knock, surpassing India's Suryakumar Yadav as the top scorer of the T20 World Cup, 2026. His partnership with Michael Jones helped Scotland achieve a record-breaking total of 207/4, making them the first Associate nation to score over 200 in the tournament's history, surpassing USA and Canada in the highest team totals list.
Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal acknowledges that concerns about H-1B visa delays may have been exaggerated, and the Indian tech industry is optimistic about the situation improving. This marks a change from the government's previous stance. Goyal also reveals that the H-1B visa issue was not a topic of discussion during trade talks with the US.
Shekhar Kapur's debut film Masoom faced initial struggles and opened to empty halls, but its slow journey led to it becoming a 'cult classic'. Despite its success, the director shared an anecdote about its initial struggles, showcasing the power of cinema. Masoom went on to win multiple accolades at the Filmfare awards and is now considered a classic in Indian cinema.
At least six people were injured on Sunday when a speeding Lamborghini, allegedly driven by the son of a well-known tobacco businessman, lost control and hit pedestrians and two-wheelers on VIP Road in Kanpur’s upscale Gwaltoli area, PTI reported.
Aye Finance, a non-banking financial company, has launched its IPO with a target of Rs 1,010 crore. The bidding closes on February 11 with a price band of Rs 122-129 per equity share. Experts have raised concerns about high churn and weaker credit ratings, leading to low investor interest. The IPO is expected to be listed on February 16 with a minimum investment for retail applicants.
Just hours after the final whistle, Super Bowl LX is already being talked about as one of those nights that will live on for years. From a crushing defensive masterclass to a halftime show that has everyone talking, the game in Santa Clara had everything.
Trump's inflammatory response to Super Bowl 60 on his Truth Social platform targeted Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny's performance, while Obama kept things simple by congratulating the winners on X. This came just days after Trump's racist social media post featuring the Obamas as primates was flagged. Despite backlash and a rare admission from the White House, Trump refused to apologize.
SBI's stock price rose 6% as Q3 profits increased by 24%, with healthy loan growth. Brokerages maintain 'Buy' rating, with target prices of Rs 1,235 to Rs 1,300, showing potential for 22% growth. SBI outperformed private banks, with strong core earnings and improved asset quality. Steady margins and provision buffers provide downside protection.
Prominent celebrities from Hollywood and other fields attended the Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, Feb 8, including tennis legend Roger Federer and rapper Jay Z. The halftime show was headlined by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, with surprise cameos from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Cardi B. K-pop star Joshua of SEVENTEEN also made an appearance.
TPUSA faced backlash for changing their planned "All-American Halftime Show" to compete with Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance. A poll showed most Americans preferred Bad Bunny, sparking a MAGA vs Bad Bunny rivalry. TPUSA's event streamed during the official show, but only after Bad Bunny's performance. This was fueled by Bad Bunny's popularity.
After two years of being net sellers, FIIs are now net buyers in Indian equities due to changing world dynamics and a stronger rupee. The Budget, India-US trade deal, and US tariff cuts have also positively influenced the market. Upcoming AI trade and earnings growth are expected to continue driving the market.
Pro-boxer Jake Paul caused controversy by attacking Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny and urging viewers to boycott his Super Bowl performance. Many criticized Paul for being a "fake American citizen" and pointed out that he and his brother moved to Puerto Rico for tax benefits, while Bad Bunny, a native Puerto Rican, wouldn't be eligible for the same incentives.
US President Donald Trump did not attend the Super Bowl on Sunday between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Still, just hours before kickoff, he took time to wish both teams well. Trump posted a message calling the Super Bowl a special American tradition that shows the country’s passion and never-give-up spirit.
As Bad Bunny gets ready to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on Sunday, a wave of celebrities have come out publicly to support him. Many shared messages on social media, backing the global superstar amid both praise and criticism over his selection for one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
Indian IT firms are under pressure to adapt to the rise of AI, which could replace traditional services. Concerns about keeping up with technology and reworking delivery models have emerged. Some executives don't think AI will make services obsolete right away, but success lies in shifting to AI-first models and partnering with AI-native players. Mid-sized firms may have an edge, like Accent.
MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg defends the reduced weight of food and beverages in the new CPI series, stating it will not affect inflation volatility. The revision aims to reflect household consumption behavior accurately. The new series will have a lower food weight of 36.7%, with the adoption of international standards, leading to a redistribution of weights and capturing real changes.
HERE Technologies, a global leader in mapping and location services, has a significant presence in India with 3,500 employees in Mumbai. It plays a crucial role in the country's automotive industry and has partnerships with top two-wheeler companies. Despite challenges, HERE is focused on local collaborations and has achieved a 450% traffic boost in India through its partnership with Uber.