In FY26, CPSEs have exceeded the mandatory 25% procurement requirement from MSEs, with 42.2% of their total purchases coming from small units. This includes a special provision of 3% for women entrepreneurs. The government has also modified the Public Procurement Policy to support MSEs and has introduced measures to strengthen the MSME sector.
Shakti Pumps (India) has received a Rs 443.78 crore order from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company for supplying and installing 16,025 off-grid DC solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. The pumps, with capacities of 3 HP, 5 HP and 7.5 HP, will be used for Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana and PM Kusum B Scheme. The project must be completed within 60 days and there is
BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused an unnamed TMC MP of smoking e-cigarettes in the Lok Sabha, prompting chaos in the house. Thakur urged Speaker Om Birla to take action and clarify if e-cigarettes are allowed in the house. The Speaker responded that no member is allowed to carry any kind of cigarette in the house. The use of e-cigarettes is banned in India since 2019.
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is now the fourth-richest person in the world with a net worth of $240 billion. This comes after Google Cloud's Gemini was selected by the US Department of Defence for their "AI-first" workforce initiative, in response to President Trump's call for AI superiority. This will give the American military unprecedented analytical and creative capabilities.
The Bombay High Court has ordered Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and husband Raj Kundra to either deposit Rs 60 crore or provide a bank guarantee from a nationalised bank. This decision was made after a Look Out Circular was issued against them, preventing them from travelling to London to visit Kundra's sick father. Kundra's plea for travel will be heard in three weeks.
India’s pension regulator has shaken up NPS investing.
For the first time, PFRDA has allowed NPS funds to buy gold and silver ETFs, along with AIFs, REITs, InvITs, municipal bonds, and AT1 bank bonds.
The move opens new doors for retail and HNI investors to diversify their retirement portfolios beyond traditional debt and equity.
The Park Medi World IPO opened on December 10, aiming to raise Rs 920 crore through new shares and an offer for sale. By Day 2, it had been subscribed 0.79 times. The company plans to use the funds for debt reduction and hospital expansion. The GMP is at Rs 12, suggesting a potential listing price of Rs 174 per share.
Kaynes Technology India's stock has rebounded by 4% after a 40% decline, but is still down 50% since January. Despite this, the brokerage maintains a Buy rating with a target price of Rs 6,400. Concerns about disclosure gaps, rather than financial damage, have caused the sell-off.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar series, is releasing on December 19 and is expected to dominate the Indian Box Office. With over 1.3 million interests on BookMyShow and high ticket prices, the film is predicted to make over Rs 500 crore. This could pose a threat to Dhurandhar, which has already earned Rs 180 crore, as it may face competition from the Na'vi.
As the US government tightens social media checks for visa applicants, it’s important to know exactly how to fill out your DS-160 or DS-260 form. A new section on social media requires applicants to share their online presence from the last five years. Here’s a guide for applicants to go through the process without stress.
Salman Khan joins the list of Bollywood celebrities seeking legal protection for their personality rights in the wake of deepfakes and generative AI. Other stars like Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kumar Sanu, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have also approached the Delhi High Court for similar relief.
IndiGo has adjusted its Q3 projections for capacity and passenger unit revenue due to a 10% reduction in domestic winter schedule ordered by the DGCA. The airline anticipates a high single to early double-digit growth in capacity and a mid-single-digit decline in passenger unit revenues. The company is also facing challenges from 4,500 flight cancellations and increased expenses.
North Goa administration bans fireworks in clubs and restaurants following deadly fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub. Prohibition applies to all tourist establishments, including nightclubs, bars, hotels, and resorts. Preliminary inquiry suggests electric fireworks as cause of fire, with owners fleeing to Thailand. Probes reveal club did not implement fire safety measures.
A major US Congressional hearing on the US–India partnership on Wednesday opened with lawmakers criticising the Trump administration’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, a move that several said hurts the very people who keep the relationship strong.
The 13th edition of the prestigious Seoul Global Movie Awards was held in December 2025, honoring directors and actors for their outstanding work in movies released between August 2024 and November 2025. Beloved South Korean entertainers attended the ceremony, and films like Love in Vietnam made history by winning multiple awards.
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, is facing operational challenges and has lowered its guidance for passenger revenue and capacity growth. Despite this, Emkay Global remains optimistic and predicts a 27-30% increase in the stock's value. The airline has faced issues with regulations and passenger complaints, which could impact revenue and profit.
Amazon’s latest announcement has set the tech and economic world abuzz. The e-commerce giant plans to invest over $35 billion in India’s cloud and AI space by 2030, building on nearly $40 billion it has already poured into the country since 2010. The investment is expected to create 1 million jobs and boost exports to $80 billion.
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticized President Trump's tariffs for harming the US-India relationship. She emphasized the negative effects on both countries and shared a personal example. Jayapal also expressed concerns about Trump's immigration policies and the potential loss of India's support.
The Met Gala 2026, fashion's biggest night, has announced its co-chairs and host committee, including Beyonce and Anna Wintour. The theme is 'Costume Art', exploring the body-clothing relationship. Tickets are priced at $50,000 and the event serves as a fundraiser for the Met Museum. Amazon's Jeff Bezos and his wife are among the attendees.
US lawmakers and foreign policy experts believe that America’s partnership with India is now “a defining relationship of the 21st century,” IANS reported. They warned that China’s growing aggression makes it even more important for Washington and New Delhi to work together, not only on defence, but also on trade, technology, the economy and other sectors.
The United States has said that its trade talks with India are moving faster than they have in years. Jamieson Greer, their top trade official, has said that Washington is ready to extend the same “no-tariff” treatment it gives to other partners, but only to countries that are willing to “play ball.”
The Trump administration has introduced the 'Trump Gold Card' and 'Platinum Card' visas, targeting wealthy individuals and businesses. The Gold Card offers a fast-track to citizenship with a $1 million investment, while the Platinum Card will allow tax-free stay in the US for up to 270 days. The program aligns with Trump's 'America First' agenda and is expected to generate billions in revenue.
Days after the IndiGo crisis left Indian travellers frustrated by mass cancellations, Vikram Singh Mehta, the chairman of IndiGo’s board, said the airline did not create the flight chaos on purpose. In his first address, Mehta told people that the trouble came from a mix of factors, including minor technical issues, winter schedule changes, bad weather and new crew-rest rules (FDTL).
Actress Wenne Alton Davis, known for her role in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, was hit by an SUV in Midtown Manhattan and pronounced dead at the hospital. The 60-year-old had bit roles in other shows like Blindspot and Girls5eva, and worked as a security officer at JFK airport. Her agent described her as a talented and beloved member of the acting community.
Kotak Securities predicts a 13% growth for Nifty 50 by December 2026 and has a positive outlook for gold and silver. The Indian market is expected to perform well due to better earnings and lower risks. The BFSI, IT, healthcare, and hospitality sectors are favored. However, the primary market is struggling to maintain higher levels due to outflows and focus on IPOs.
India and the European Union are in the final stages of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, with the Commerce and Industry Minister expressing confidence in reaching a deal soon. The FTA covers 23 policy areas and talks are ongoing for agreements on Geographical Indications and Investment Protection. India is also pursuing FTAs with Chile, New Zealand, and other countries.
Meesho and Aequs had successful IPO listings, with Meesho rising 46% and Aequs rising 13%. Vidya Wires debuted flat but closed with a 2% increase. Meesho's co-founders shared their vision for the company, which has seen a 38-time return on investment for its investors. The e-commerce platform operates in over 3,000 cities and has over 13 million resellers and 100 million customers. Analysts
Ever wondered which writers turned their stories into staggering fortunes? While most authors struggle in an oversaturated market, a select few have built global empires through blockbuster book sales, film adaptations, and smart publishing deals.
The Indian Consulate General in New York is taking steps to protect Indian nationals, diaspora, and foreign travelers from digital scams. Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan warns against fraudulent calls impersonating Consulate officials and introduces a mandatory e-Arrival Card. OCI cardholders' privileges remain unchanged, dispelling rumours of policy shifts.
IFFCO, India's top cooperative and fertiliser major, is planning to set up joint venture manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, Jordan, and Senegal to secure a steady supply and cut costs amid global conflicts. This will also help in exploring rock phosphate mining and expanding phosphoric acid-making capacity.
Senior officials from the aviation regulator, airports authority, and Ministry of Civil Aviation met with the PMO to discuss IndiGo's flight disruptions. The PMO was updated on measures taken, including a mandatory 10% schedule cancellation and an investigation team. The PM expressed concern for passengers and the airline faces a possible investigation for violating antitrust rules.
The US has pledged $1.25 billion to fund the Reko Diq mining project in Balochistan, Pakistan, which is predicted to bring in billions in export revenue and create numerous jobs. This venture is seen as a promising example of future US-Pakistani collaborations and has the potential to transform Balochistan's economy, despite the region's past struggles with its valuable mineral reserves.
IndiGo is seeking to hire 160 pilots by February 10 to comply with new flight duty time limits. The airline plans to hire foreign pilots and has asked for expedited government approvals. They have submitted a plan to hire a total of 900 pilots by December 2026 to address their current shortage of 2,422 captains and 2,290 first officers.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes that the winners of the global AI race will be determined by adoption speed, not invention. He stressed the role of advanced technology in driving innovation and Microsoft's goal to upskill 20 million Indians in AI by 2030.
DGCA has directed IndiGo CEO to present comprehensive data and updates on severe disruptions in flight operations. Elbers must appear with senior officials and provide information on restoration of flights, recruitment plans, passenger refunds, communication, and re-routing arrangements. IndiGo cancelled 220 flights despite CEO's claims of operations being back on track.
Four Afghan men were arrested by Taliban for wearing 'Peaky Blinders' outfits in Jibrail. They were accused of promoting foreign culture and sent for rehabilitation. Taliban's takeover has led to a crackdown on un-Islamic behavior, including barring girls from education and imposing strict dress codes, causing fear among Afghan youth.
JioStar's potential exit from the ICC deal reveals the increasing disparity between cricket content expenses and profits. The broadcaster is reevaluating the $3 billion agreement due to financial losses caused by the rising dollar and falling rupee.
The Asian Development Bank has upgraded India's growth outlook for 2025-26 to 7.2%, citing strong performance in the July-September quarter and recent tax cuts. The region's growth projection has also been raised to 5.1%, with India's robust domestic consumption being a key factor. The country's economy continues to lead the way, supported by policy measures and alignment of institutions.
US Vice-President JD Vance addresses the viral photo of him allegedly arguing with his wife, stating that he always wears an undershirt when publicly arguing with her. The photo sparked rumors about their marriage, fueled by Vance's recent comments on 'mass migration' and his wife's faith.
Brookfield India REIT has successfully raised Rs 3,500 crore through a QIP, which was oversubscribed by three times, indicating strong investor demand. The funds will be used to acquire a prime property in Bengaluru, further enhancing the REIT's portfolio. This is the third successful institutional placement for Brookfield India REIT, showcasing its solid position in the market.
Kia has launched the second-generation Seltos in India, with a focus on reclaiming leadership in the mid-size SUV segment. The segment has seen a 9% YoY growth in India's FY2025, making up 14.2% of the PV market. The new Seltos features India-focused engineering, including ADAS localization and a 30-inch digital cockpit.
Shahrukhz by Danube, a luxurious tower in Dubai named after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, sold out for over Rs 5,000 crore on launch day. The 55-storey tower will be completed by 2029 and will feature 488 units with top-notch facilities. Plans for similar towers in New York, London, Delhi, and Mumbai were also announced at a star-studded ceremony with Shah Rukh Khan in attendance.
President Trump is contemplating removing federal taxes on gambling winnings, which would align with his previous elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. This could affect federal revenue and reporting requirements for the majority of Americans who have gambled in the last year. The current tax rate for gambling winnings over $5,000 is 24%.
Food delivery platform Swiggy raised Rs 10,000 crore through a QIP, which was oversubscribed 4.5 times. The funds will be used for scaling up infrastructure, technology upgrades, marketing, and potential acquisitions. Swiggy's cash burn for the September quarter was at Rs 740 crore, higher than Zomato's Rs 543 crore.
Tata Steel has acquired majority stake in Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd and formed a partnership with Lloyds Metals to enhance its supply chain and promote sustainable growth in the domestic steel sector. The acquisition includes a pellet plant and a slurry pipeline, while the partnership will explore cooperation in greenfield steel projects and iron ore mining.
IndiGo's operations are recovering after 6 days of chaos, but 220 cancellations were still reported on Wednesday. Crisil Ratings has put parent company InterGlobe Aviation on 'Rating Watch with Developing Implications' due to the ongoing struggle, which could affect financial and operating performance.
A small plane made a dramatic emergency landing on a busy highway in Florida, colliding with a moving car during rush hour traffic. The 27-year-old pilot and his passenger escaped unhurt, but the 57-year-old woman driving the car sustained minor injuries. The incident was captured on a dashcam and is under investigation by the FAA.
SBI Mutual Fund, a joint venture between State Bank of India and Amundi, is planning to launch an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 12 months. The fund house manages assets worth Rs 12 lakh crore and its two promoters plan to sell a combined 10% stake through the IPO. SBI Mutual Fund is the largest asset management company in India, with a market share of 15.55%.
December is off to a great start with Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar and a lineup of promising releases for movie-lovers. From war films like Ikkis and Anaconda, to romcoms like Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri and Avatar Fire and Ash, there's something for everyone.
Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju's, had a USD 1 billion damages ruling reversed by a US bankruptcy court. A new phase will begin in early 2026 to determine damages. Raveendran plans to take further action against GLAS Trust and others for their conduct and file a USD 2.5 billion lawsuit against relevant parties, providing evidence to disprove false allegations.
Priya Sachdev Kapur challenges Delhi High Court’s authority over Sunjay Kapur’s foreign assets worth Rs 30,000 crore. His children with ex-wife Karisma Kapoor have accused her of forging the will and approached the court. The ongoing legal battle has intensified with Priya arguing that the court has no jurisdiction over the assets in the US and UK.