The year 2025 brought major changes to how immigration works in the United States. From work visas and travel checks to citizenship rules, the Trump administration rolled out several new policies that affect millions of people around the world.
Torrent Gas, a subsidiary of Torrent Group, has decreased the retail cost of CNG by Rs 3.50 per kg and domestic PNG by Rs 2 per SCM. This is a result of the Unified Tariff Order by PNGRB, making CNG 43% more affordable than petrol. The move is expected to increase PNG connections and CNG vehicle usage, promoting natural gas as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel.
Yash Raj Films and PVR INOX have announced the re-release of Band Baaja Baaraat, giving viewers a chance to relive the chaos of Delhi's wedding planning industry. This comes as Ranveer Singh's latest film, Dhurandhar, continues to dominate the box office. With this re-release, Singh will dominate the Indian theatrical scene.
PM Modi cautions against the increasing danger of antimicrobial resistance in his radio address Mann Ki Baat. He refers to a report by ICMR revealing the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against diseases like pneumonia and UTI. Health experts commend his warning, with Dr Devi Shetty highlighting the risks of antibiotic misuse and its potential to regress to the pre-penicillin era.
Adani Total Gas reduces prices of piped CNG and natural gas by up to Rs 4 per kg/SCM as new tariff structure takes effect. The move benefits consumers in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and NCR. PNGRB's simplified structure removes regional inefficiencies and directly translates into lower consumer prices, encouraging wider adoption of cleaner fuels.
Nifty 50 hits a new high, Sensex is also up, and Nifty Bank reaches an all-time high. Mid- and small-cap stocks also rise. Technical and Derivatives Research Analyst predicts further uptrend with strong momentum. Positive sector-specific developments and support from index heavyweights drive the market. Coal India, NTPC, Hindalco Industries, Trent, and State Bank of India are top gainers.
Coal India (CIL) has opened its online coal auctions to buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal starting January 1, promoting transparency and efficient use of coal. The company's stock saw a 6.26% increase after this announcement. The SWMA auction system, launched in 2022, has been updated to accommodate foreign buyers who must register and pay in advance through electronic means.
Canada is set to introduce several new laws and changes in 2026. Under Prime Minister Mark Carney, the government is correcting past citizenship issues for thousands of “Lost Canadians” born abroad.
As of December 31, 2025, about 2.83 crore units of Rs 2,000 notes are still in circulation in India, worth Rs 5,669 crore. The Reserve Bank of India announced the withdrawal of these notes in 2023 and 98.41% have been returned since then. However, they are still valid and can be exchanged at bank branches or RBI Issue Offices until October 7, 2023. India Post can also be used for
Zohran Mamdani vowed to “govern audaciously and expansively” mere hours after taking oath to fund ambitious programs ranging from free child care to city-run grocery stores. But his plans will hinge on increased taxation of billionaires and major corporations.
Axis Securities has announced its "Top Picks" for January 2026, featuring companies in different sectors that are expected to perform well in the next year. Despite a tough 2025, the firm predicts a positive outlook for Indian equities due to a potential earnings recovery. DIIs are also showing interest, and the brokerage recommends buying stocks like Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank.
Nana Patekar, a Bollywood legend with a five-decade career, is known for his influential acting and has won several National and Filmfare awards. His real estate portfolio includes a 27-acre farmhouse in Pune, which is a simple yet elegant home surrounded by lush greenery and crops.
The trend of Gen Alpha, declared as Dictionary.com's word of the year, has died. Originating from '42' in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, it intentionally carries no meaning. Brands and parents tried to use it, but it became overexposed and annoying. It has been replaced by '67', causing backlash and controversy.
India's manufacturing sector saw a decline in growth in December, with the PMI falling to 55.0 from 56.6 in November. While new orders and output continued to grow, the pace slowed down, and export demand also weakened. Companies cut back on hiring and input purchases, and inflation pressures remained low.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has continued its record-breaking streak even on its 27th day of release. The film has maintained a double-digit streak for 27 consecutive days, surpassing even Christmas and New Year releases. On Day 28, the film earned over Rs 15 crore, while the debut film Ikkis struggled with just Rs 7 crore.
Aurobindo Pharma's subsidiary, Auro Pharma, has acquired Khandelwal Labs' non-oncology prescription formulations business for Rs 325 crore in a cash deal. The transaction was signed and closed on January 1, with no government or regulatory approvals required. The acquisition will expand Aurobindo Pharma's domestic market presence in pain management and anti-infective segments.
Motilal Oswal downgrades ITC to 'Neutral' as share price drops 4% due to 50% tax increase on cigarettes. Target price now at Rs 400 per share. Surprised by hike, brokerage house predicts 6% EBIT contraction in FY27. ITC's cigarette business, with 5% growth in last 5 years, will be impacted.
As the final hours of 2025 ticked away, a heated debate broke out in California over a proposed ‘Billionaire tax’ targeting the state’s ultrawealthy. While labor groups pushed the idea as a way to protect healthcare funding, some of the state’s most famous billionaires and investors appeared to quietly step back from California, or at least prepare for life beyond it.
Agastya Nanda, grandson of iconic Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, recently made his Bollywood debut with Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis. He reportedly earned Rs 70 lakh for his role and comes from a family empire estimated to be around Rs 5000 crore. His father, Nikhil Nanda, has direct links with the Kapoor family, while his mother, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, has a net worth of Rs 160 crore. The Bachchan
Tommy Lee Jones, the famous actor known for his role in 'Men in Black', lost his daughter Victoria Jones on New Year's Eve in a San Fransico hotel. The cause of her death is still unknown, but no foul play is suspected. Victoria, who appeared in some of her father's works, was a private person and her family has not yet released a statement.
Elon Musk recently addressed reports about his political donations after a post claiming he was pouring money into Republican campaigns to help Donald Trump and the GOP win back power in the midterm elections began circulating online. The Tesla mogul didn’t deny the claim.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly wrote a personal letter to Umar Khalid, the former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist who is currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A contaminated drinking water outbreak in the Bhagirathpura colony of Indore has caused over 1,400 people to fall ill and 8 deaths. The city's medical college has confirmed the cause, and the health department reports 272 admissions and 32 in intensive care. Measures are being taken to prevent future incidents.
Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist, has sued actor Will Smith and his company for sexual harassment. Joseph claims Smith groomed and exploited him during their 2025 tour and someone left a threatening note in his hotel room, causing him emotional distress. This follows a $3 million lawsuit against Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, for verbal threats.
As the new year begins, millions of Americans will soon see some welcome relief when they file their taxes. The IRS has released new guidance explaining how workers can claim two new tax benefits --- “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime” ---for the 2025 tax year.
PFRDA approves new framework for banks to set up independent pension funds aligned with RBI norms, expected to increase institutional participation and protect subscriber interests. New trustees appointed to NPS Trust and IMF structure revised to align with market realities. Reforms aim to enhance NPS ecosystem and benefit subscribers in the long run.
The CAG of India's report on State Finances 2023–24 shows that Indian states rely heavily on their own tax revenue, which accounts for 50% of total revenue and 6.49% of GSDP. The introduction of GST has changed the composition and growth of SOTR, but there are discrepancies among states in their ability to generate own tax revenue, with some depending heavily on central transfers.
Alhind Air, recently granted NOC, may experience delays in launching due to challenges in obtaining aircraft and financing. They plan to begin with three ATR 72 turboprop planes and eventually expand to seven. However, financing and grounding of employees are causing obstacles. Without secured aircraft contracts, the airline cannot obtain an AOC, further delaying its launch.
Kia India is set to launch the all-new Seltos this Friday, with a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh. The new model is bigger and wider than the outgoing one, but only costs Rs 20,000 more. It promises better ride and handling, and will compete with popular SUVs like Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Vitara.
In December 2025, the gross GST collections saw a 1.3% year-on-year growth, reaching Rs 1.79 lakh crore. This indicates a slow recovery after tax cuts on 375 items in September. While November saw a 4% decline in GST revenues due to the impact of cuts, December saw a 6.1% increase (excluding compensation cess).
NHAI has reduced the number of highway projects for monetisation through NHIT to two, covering 311 km in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The remaining projects will be acquired by the public InvIT, RIIT. NHAI plans to monetise 1500 km of highways through the public InvIT in 3-5 years, with a target of raising Rs. 7000-8000 crore. Currently, Rs. 2000 crore has been raised.
Maruti Suzuki's SUV market share rose to 30.7% in the first half of 2025, indicating a growing acceptance of its utility vehicle portfolio. The Grand Vitara and newly launched Victoris recorded strong sales, with the latter garnering 70,000 bookings. The Brezza also maintained its robust performance, with a mid-life update planned for later this year.
Maruti Suzuki India plans to raise prices for its small cars, including the popular Alto K10 and S-Presso models, after a period of price moderation. This comes after recent GST cuts to increase sales in the entry-level segment. The company is experiencing high demand for small cars in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, but is facing supply issues due to component availability.
Australia names Mitchell Marsh as captain for T20 World Cup in 2026, with a focus on spin-friendly pitches in India and Sri Lanka. Squad includes experienced players such as Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa, but some surprise exclusions like Aaron Hardie and Mitchell Owen. Newcomers Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, and Matthew Kuhnemann also make the cut. Final submission due on Jan 31.
The final episode of Stranger Things Season 5 aired in India on January 1, 2026, ending the beloved Netflix series. The 2-hour finale caused the streaming platform to crash and sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media. The co-creator shared that the epic battle against Vecna and the Mind Flayer involved all the characters, but some were disappointed with Eleven's fate and Vecna's death.
Indian equity benchmarks had a mixed start to 2021, with the Nifty 50 ending slightly higher and the BSE Sensex falling. The Nifty Bank and mid- and small-cap stocks performed well, while metal and oil & gas sectors saw gains. Government's import tariffs on steel products boosted metal stocks. Technical analysis shows a positive outlook, with focus on banking, auto, and metal stocks.
India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to launch on the Delhi-Kolkata route by the end of January. The new train is expected to benefit passengers from Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, with major stops likely to include Kanpur, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Paryagraj (Allahabad), and Patna.
Morgan Stanley has turned bullish on Indian steelmakers after the government’s 3-year safeguard duty. The brokerage says Tata Steel, JSW, and SAIL could see up to 43% profit surge by FY27 as domestic prices rise.
A deadly fire at Le Constellation lounge bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana resort town on New Year's eve, caused by fireworks, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Ikkis, a war movie directed by Sriram Raghavan, has received a positive response on X for its mix of bravery and patriotism. It marks Agastya Nanda's debut and Dharmendra's last cinematic outing, with his performance being praised as emotional and brilliant. While some find rough edges, the deeply moving narrative makes up for it, with the intense second half leaving a strong impact.
Vodafone Idea's stock increased by 8% after receiving a Rs 5,836 crore investment from Vodafone Group and Cabinet's approval for a 5-year moratorium on AGR dues. Emkay Global Financial Services maintains a 'Sell' rating with a target price of Rs 6 due to financial strain and lack of relief for deferred spectrum payments. The company's earnings are still insufficient.
People from seven countries will no longer be allowed to travel to the United States starting Thursday, Jan 1, 2026, as a new set of restrictions signed by President Donald Trump officially comes into force.
The Ministry of Finance has discontinued the GST compensation cess on tobacco and related products, replacing it with a new Health Security and National Security Cess. This change aims to fund public health initiatives and national security. Demerit goods will now be taxed under a combination of the existing 40% GST slab and increased central excise duties.
Warren Buffett, the renowned investor, has retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, but his impact and principles live on. He showed that a patient and simple investment approach can bring long-term prosperity. Greg Abel will succeed him as CEO, but Buffett will remain chairman to preserve the company's distinct culture.
A federal judge in California on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration’s plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, CBS reported.
Indian equity indices opened the first trading session of 2026 on a positive note, with NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opening higher. Bank Nifty, small and mid-cap stocks also opened in the green. Technical analysis suggests a potential uptrend, with immediate support at 26,050 and 25,850. In 2025, Indian equities underperformed global peers, with Auto, Metals, and Bank.
In Indore district, Madhya Pradesh, seven people have died and over 160 have been hospitalized due to contaminated tap water. A toilet was built above a drinking water pipeline without a safety tank, causing sewage water to leak into the supply. Local residents report nine deaths, including an infant, within a week. Over 1,100 cases of vomiting and diarrhea have been confirmed.
A day after Russia accused Ukrainian drones of attacking Moscow and parts of Crimea, Russia's defence ministry released a video footage. The video, according to Reuters, appeared to show repeated drone strikes on a residence used by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The highly anticipated Bollywood releases of January 2026 have finally hit the big screens. Dharmendra's last movie, Ikkis, based on Major Arun Khetarpal's valiant sacrifice, marks the debut of Agastya Nanda and also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia. Border 2, the sequel to JP Dutta's Border, is another war-drama to look out for. Other releases include Happy Patel Khatarnak
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday his administration was removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland but he added in his social media post that federal forces will "come back" if crime rates go up.