HDFC Life Q1FY26 results: Profit increases by 14.4 percent

HDFC Life's Q1FY26 profit grew by 14.4% to Rs 546.4 crore. Value of New Business (VNB) also increased by 12.7% to Rs 809 crore. New business margins rose to 25.1%.

Sunny Reddy, an Indian-American entrepreneur and community leader, has been elected as Co-Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, becoming the first Indian-American Republican to hold the position in the state. He is highly regarded for his grassroots efforts, donor outreach, and personal integrity.

Hema Malini celebrates her late husband Dharmendra's birthday and fondly recalls their unconventional love story that started on a film set. She expresses gratitude for their happy years together and two daughters. Rare photos and heartfelt words showcase their strong bond and mutual respect, making their love story a true example of giving and receiving love.

Torrent Power has signed a 10-year deal with JERA to supply 0.27 MMTPA of LNG from 2027. The company will use it to power plants and meet electricity demand. The agreement will also benefit Torrent Gas and the company plans to explore more LNG procurement opportunities.

Indian-origin man charged with second-degree murder in fatal California car crash, identified as Badal Dholaria, a former Foothill High School student. He was driving a Tesla Model S at over 150 mph while under the influence of alcohol, causing a collision that killed a 41-year-old woman and injured another man. Dholaria pleaded not guilty and remains in custody with a bail set at $1.2 million.

A viral video by a techie, Aman Vaishnav, has sparked a debate on work culture differences between India and Singapore. He urged Indians to stop justifying time off and just inform their managers, highlighting the toxic work culture in India where one needs to "invent tragedies" to take time off.

Bollywood celebrities are venturing into entrepreneurship to supplement their income, with Parul Gulati being a rare example who started a hair extension business before establishing her acting career. She invested Rs 30,000 and now her company, Nish Hair, is worth Rs 50 crores. Inspired by the Kardashians, Parul aims to become a billionaire through Nish Hair's expansion.

Dulquer Salmaan's highly-acclaimed film Kaantha, which received rave reviews from critics, failed to perform well at the box office. However, Netflix India South has announced the digital premiere of the film in less than a month before its theatrical release on November 14, 2025.

Despite positive news such as the RBI rate cut and strong GDP growth, the Indian markets are facing a sharp decline with the Sensex falling 800 points and the Nifty trading below 26,000. The small and midcap segments are most affected, while investors are cautious ahead of the US Fed's decision on interest rates. The weakening rupee and outflows by FIIs are also contributing to the downward trend.

The Chinese Embassy in India has announced the launch of an online visa application system on December 22, 2025, after resuming tourist visas for Chinese nationals. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong shared details on social media, marking a major shift in the Indo-China dynamic and a revival of a major connection after a 5-year gap.

Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, a three-year-old chess prodigy from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, has made history by becoming the youngest player in the sport's history to achieve a FIDE rating. He defeated five opponents, some nearly ten times his age, to secure a rating of 1572. His father hopes for him to become a grandmaster.

Rajiv Chawla believes people often look at The Camellias and think it is only about wealth and comfort. According to him, the truth is very different. While appearing on podcast Wala, Chawala explained that almost everyone living there has reached this stage after years of hard work, long hours, setbacks and struggles that most outsiders will never know about. 

Saurabh Luthra, owner of Birch by Romeo Lane, named in FIR, has issued a statement expressing grief and solidarity with the families of the 25 victims of the Goa nightclub fire. The management has promised to provide assistance and support to the affected individuals. Four arrests have been made, and one employee has been detained.

DJ Nicky has shared an emotional message after the tragic nightclub fire in Goa, assuring fans that she is safe. Nicky was set to perform at the Birch by Romeo Lane and was on her way to the club when the incident took place. The incident has claimed the lives of 25 people, including staff and tourists, who lost their lives due to electric firecrackers.

Maharashtra cabinet approves 'Mukhya Mantri Baliraja Shet-Panand Raste Yojana' to construct all-weather motorable roads connecting agricultural fields in rural areas. The scheme allows 100% mechanised construction, waiver of survey fees and royalty, and introduces cluster-based tendering. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will head the monitoring committee for the scheme.

Cinnabon employee fired for racist rant against customers, caught on camera and shared on social media. Incident took place at a Cinnabon bakery in Wisconsin, employee identified as 'Cinnabon Karen'. Company confirms termination and condemns behavior, stating it does not reflect their values. Video shows employee using racial slurs and making offensive remarks towards customers.

IndiGo's stock plunges by 8% for the seventh day in a row due to cancellations, operational issues, and regulatory pressure. The DGCA has issued a notice for non-compliance with pilot working hour rules, and over half of the flights were cancelled in one day. JM Financial reports a market meltdown for the airline.

Dharmendra's sons, Bobby and Sunny Deol, will open their father's famous Khandala farmhouse to the public on his 90th birthday, which he was unable to celebrate before his passing in 2025. The family plans to gather at the farmhouse to honour Dharmendra's cinematic contributions and fans can attend to experience the modern amenities and natural surroundings that the actor cherished.

India is taking the lead in promoting a more inclusive future for AI in the Global South, guided by the belief of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Its initiatives, IndiaAI Mission and Digital India Bhashini, prioritize People, Planet, and Progress. With a focus on societal impact in healthcare and agriculture, India's agile regulatory framework and international cooperation define its leadership in AI.

Esha Deol paid a heartfelt tribute to her father, legendary actor Dharmendra, on his 90th birth anniversary. His sudden passing left his family and fans heartbroken, with Hema Malini revealing the difficult final days. Esha's touching note reveals the special bond she shared with her father, promising to carry his memories and continue his legacy with pride and love.

IndiGo's shares dropped 4% after a tumultuous week of flight disruptions and customer complaints. Despite this, the airline has increased its flights and improved its on-time performance. Jefferies maintains a positive outlook on IndiGo's strong market position and growing international network.

Massive fire at Goa restaurant claims 25 lives, latest visuals show extensive structural damage and government taking action against club chain. Police have arrested four senior staff members and investigations reveal the fire was caused by electric firecrackers. The Chief Minister has ordered action against officials for allowing the club to operate without proper safety measures.

Trump is disappointed with Zelenskyy for not reading the peace proposal while walking the red carpet with Melania. Trump Jr hinted that his father may abandon peace talks due to corruption concerns. The US tide may be turning against Ukraine, with Republicans losing interest and anti-corruption agencies raiding Zelenskyy. Trump's actions remain unpredictable.

A deadly fire at a nightclub in Goa claimed the lives of 25 people, including four tourists from the same family. The victims, identified as Vinod Kumar, Anita Joshi, Saroj Joshi, and Kamla, had travelled to Goa on December 3 and were scheduled to return on December 8. The post-mortem of two victims is still pending, and arrests have been made as a probe committee is formed.

Indian equity indices opened Monday's trading session on a muted note with a negative bias. The NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opened lower, while Bank Nifty, small and mid-cap stocks opened flat. Key factors to watch out for today include early gainers and laggards, such as HDFC Life Insurance, Tech Mahindra, Zomato, and InterGlobe Aviation.

Zohran Mamdani, the new mayor of New York City, urges citizens to be aware of their rights and stand up for their neighbors amidst increased ICE crackdowns. He emphasizes the need to stay calm and understand the laws surrounding ICE raids, while also reminding New Yorkers of their right to protest. Mamdani promises to protect this right when he assumes office on January 1, 2026.

Air India has implemented new fare limits for economy class tickets, following a directive from MoCA. This was in response to a surge in airfares due to the IndiGo fiasco. The new caps will be fully effective soon, and refunds will be given for tickets booked during the transition period. MoCA has also instructed airlines to maintain ticket availability and avoid drastic fare changes.

Kristina, a belly dancer from Kazakhstan, was in the middle of her act at Birch nightclub in Goa when everything around her suddenly changed. One moment she was performing, the next the fire alarm broke out. She had no idea what had gone wrong. Before she could make sense of it, people started screaming and rushing toward the exit.

Immigrants who had gone through a rigorous process to attain US citizenship were unexpectedly pulled out of line at a Boston oath ceremony due to their connection with their home countries. This comes after the Trump administration ordered a halt on immigration applications and asylum requests from certain countries. Similar incidents have been reported from across the country.

IMD issues cold wave warning for parts of central and eastern India, with temperatures expected to sharply decline on December 8 and 9. Citizens advised to take precautions and stay warm. Dense fog predicted in Odisha, West Madhya Pradesh, and northeastern states. Sub-zero temperatures reported in Jammu and Kashmir, with Delhi experiencing below-normal temperatures.

A tragic fire at the popular nightclub Birch By Romeo Lane in North Goa’s Arpora on Saturday night has claimed 25 lives and injured six others. The fire broke out during a “Bollywood Banger Night,” where about 100 tourists were enjoying the event.

Glen's Ultra Tuff Mixer Grinder is a powerful and efficient kitchen appliance with a 1000W motor, reduced noise levels, and three stainless steel jars. As a trusted Indian brand, Glen offers a stylish and innovative design with safety features. When choosing a mixer grinder, look for powerful motors, stainless steel jars, sharp blades, and safety features.

IQOO has launched the iQOO 15, targeting cost-conscious consumers who seek value in their mobile phones. With good specs, sturdy build, and long-term value, the iQOO 15 is a well-packaged phone that offers smooth performance, good battery life, and a high-quality camera system.

The digital medium has revolutionized shopping by offering product information, comparisons, and ratings. AI-powered virtual try-on allows consumers to try products before buying. Fashion, jewelry, and cosmetics industries are embracing this technology. Smart mirrors and AR are also enhancing the shopping experience.

As AI and digital technology continue to shape the finance and accounting industry, the role of accountants is shifting towards strategic insights and value creation. The ACCA is adapting to this change by incorporating future-facing skills, such as AI-enhanced learning and digital fluency, in its professional qualification.

The Telangana government plans to name a road after US President Donald Trump to boost the city's status as a tech hub and attract investments. Other roads will also be named after global icons and tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The Chief Minister aims to make Hyderabad a leading tech powerhouse. US officials have not responded to the proposal.

The government has granted a one-time relaxation for flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms, causing major disruptions for IndiGo flights. The DGCA has guidelines for pilot and flight attendant rest, with new FDTL norms being implemented in phases. IndiGo faced issues due to inadequate preparations and underhiring of pilots.

Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old Indian student, died from severe burns sustained in a house fire in Albany, New York. She had moved to the US in 2021 for her Master's degree and was living in a shared residence. Four adults were rescued, but Sahaja passed away due to organ failure despite intensive care. A fundraiser has been launched in her memory.

Mumbai-based woman Kirti Poonia shared her experience of moving back to Mumbai from Goa due to poor air quality, garbage burning and construction crisis. She also highlighted the state's educational system and drug problem. Netizens were glad about the reverse migration from Goa and found her experience relatable.

EU trade negotiators, led by Director General for Trade Sabine Weyand, are in India to discuss the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The talks aim to speed up the deal, which covers 20 chapters and is challenging for India. Key issues include duty cuts on automobiles and medical devices, and duty-free access for labor-intensive goods.

The Indian government plans to re-register 300 foreign-owned ships under the Indian flag by 2030, with 50 ships to be completed in the next 3 months. This will enhance exports, lower logistics expenses, and increase the competitiveness of Indian goods globally. Incentives have been offered to attract international shipping companies, and many have committed to re-flagging their vessels.

NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's plan to stop clearing homeless encampments has sparked controversy. Supporters see it as a compassionate approach, prioritizing permanent housing without conditions, similar to successful models in Houston. However, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly warns it could jeopardize public safety.

In 2026, passenger vehicle manufacturers will prioritize incremental improvements and facelifts for existing models over new product launches. The compact and midsize SUV categories will experience the most activity, with a focus on electric vehicles. The industry's cautious approach is influenced by the expected CAFE 3 norms and the development of new platforms and powertrains.

A 21-year-old student, Constantine Demetriades, was arrested for possessing an unloaded AR-15 rifle and 1,500 rounds of ammunition in his dorm at Rollins College in Florida. He claimed to have no ill intentions and was unaware of the strict no-weapons policy. The college has banned him from campus and is conducting an investigation. He has been released on pretrial conditions.

The US Department of Justice is investigating an IT firm for discrimination against Americans by only hiring H-1B visa holders. Derrick Evans raised awareness of the issue on social media, prompting Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to assure concerned citizens of their efforts. The Trump administration is also addressing discrimination in hiring practices.

A recent study by INRIX's 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard revealed that Chicago is the most congested city in the US, surpassing New York City. Rising housing costs, lagging infrastructure upgrades, and a drop in public transit use have contributed to the city's traffic woes, with residents wasting three full workdays in gridlock.

A pepper spray attack at London's Heathrow Airport has left five hospitalized and 16 treated at the scene. One person has been arrested and police say it is an isolated incident not related to terrorism or protest. The incident occurred during an argument between known individuals. Heathrow Airport is working with emergency services and advising passengers of potential delays.

IndiGo has resumed its regular schedule with 1,650 flights and 137 destinations reconnected after six days of disruptions. The airline has also processed Rs 610 crore in refunds and advanced its stabilization timeline. A crisis management group has been formed by the board, and regulatory changes have been implemented to assist the airline in regaining capacity.

Akash Tiwari, a non-resident Indian, returned to India after 3 years in Ireland. However, he faced challenges with electricity, air pollution, and traffic. Despite this, he remains optimistic and focuses on more important things in life. He works as a manager at Coursera and plans to stay in India to take care of his family.

The Union government's food subsidy budget for FY26 is expected to surpass the budget estimates by over Rs 22,000 crore due to the high cost of storing excess grains. FCI has revised its projected expenditure to Rs 1.72 lakh crore for 2025-26, mostly due to surplus rice stocks. The PMGKAY subsidy burden is set to exceed Rs 2.25 lakh crore, the highest since FY23, with additional funds talks.

IndiGo is facing a major problem as multiple pilots have reported health issues due to extreme fatigue during flights. Six pilots have experienced panic attacks and high blood pressure while on duty. The airline has also faced scheduling and pilot shortage issues due to new regulations.