Apple and Google, two major tech companies, have warned their visa-holding employees not to travel outside the US due to potential delays in returning. This comes after reports of H-1B visa holders, particularly from India, facing difficulties in the visa stamping process. The Trump administration's stricter rules on social media vetting have also added to the complications.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the Justice Department will not redact the names of notable figures, including Donald Trump, in future releases of Jeffrey Epstein files. This contradicts a previous report suggesting that politically exposed individuals may have been redacted. However, criticism arose when heavily redacted documents were released.
The US has seized a second tanker near Venezuela as part of their efforts to pressure Maduro's regime. The tanker, carrying 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, was headed to China. This follows Trump's blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The US is determined to stop the illegal movement of oil used to fund narco-terrorism in the region.
Golfers experience a stark contrast between their performance on the driving range and on the course. This is due to the forgiving range balls and the unforgiving real balls. To improve, golfers should use the range with intention and embrace the challenges of playing with real balls.
Re-releases have become a new trend in the film industry, with a sharp rise seen in 2025. Leading multiplexes, PVR INOX and Cinepolis, have dedicated departments for re-releases, which account for a significant share of their revenues. Streaming platforms have also joined in, adding old films to their roster. Nostalgia and data-driven selection are key factors for the success of re-releases.
Ikkis Theatre Releases on December 25, tells the story of young soldier Arun Khetarpal during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, starring Amitabh Bachchan's grandson as Khetarpal. The Testament of Ann Lee Theatres Releases on the same day, with Amanda Seyfried as the visionary spiritual leader.
The Serendipity Arts Festival features performances by Shaan and the Irular tribe, poetry readings by Rochelle D Silva, and displays of Kashmiri crafts and powerful art by artists with disabilities. Local chefs showcase traditional Goan cuisine and a skit celebrates Goan culture. The festival has supported over 10,000 budding artists in its 10 years of existence.
The Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa explores the themes of home, displacement, migration, and eviction through various art forms. Curated by Rahaab Allana, the project "Displacement" brings together artists from Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Morocco to tell stories of their lands.
The value of an MBA in India is being questioned by the young workforce, as reflected in discussions on Reddit's 'MBA India' community. While there are concerns about layoffs and AI's impact on the job market, top business schools remain competitive. The MBA is adapting to include AI and digital skills, showing its continued relevance in the evolving job market.
"Press 9 for a Crime by Shailendra Jha exposes the dangers of cybercrime as the Anand family's dreams are shattered when their eldest son, Atul, goes missing after landing a job in Bangkok. His younger brother, Aseem, embarks on a perilous journey to find him, revealing the harsh truth of exploitation and the ruthless world of cyber syndicates."
Thyroid imbalance can have serious effects on the eyes, including inflammation, puffiness, and difficulty closing them. In severe cases, it can lead to double vision, bulging eyes, and vision loss. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and preserve eye health.
"Telugu writer Mohammed Khadeer Babu's book, "That's a Fire Ant Right Right There," is a tribute to his hometown of Kavali. Translated into English, the collection of short stories portrays the author's childhood memories and the complexities of an Indian family. Through his tales, Babu celebrates the resilience and selflessness of his loved ones, creating a real-life Malgudi for readers."
Dementia is a growing concern in India, with 8.8 million diagnosed cases and an expected doubling by 2036. Early onset dementia in individuals under 60 is also on the rise. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed through exercise, healthy lifestyle, and memory aids. Preventative measures such as controlling blood pressure and engaging in cognitive exercises can also lower the risk.
The Man Who Fed India by Priyambada Jayakumar is a captivating biography of MS Swaminathan, a revolutionary scientist who dedicated his life to eradicating hunger in his country. From his experiences during the Bengal Famine to his groundbreaking research on wheat, Swaminathan's story is one of vision, struggle, and grace.
Bahraini artist Flipperachi's FA9LA has taken social media by storm. The popularity of rap in films and shows is increasing, with recent releases like Dhurandhar, The Family Man 3, and The Ba***ds of Bollywood featuring top rap tracks. Even globally, films like F1 and Sinners have embraced rap, showcasing its widespread appeal. Rap is now a prominent genre, not just a niche one.
December marks the release of annual recaps by popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, and YouTube. These summaries utilize advanced algorithms and data analysis to condense a year's worth of listening and viewing habits into a concise narrative. Through taste graphs and behavior modeling, these platforms adapt to changing user preferences and content formats.
Basant Vivek Sagar, an Indian-born MIT alumnus and former NASA scientist, was honored posthumously with a donation to the MIT Class of 2011 Scholarship Fund. His self-taught journey to academic success serves as an inspiration, and his impact on the Institute and its people was recognized by the then-President of MIT.
A woman's birthday celebration became a viral sensation when her food delivery app cake arrived with a hilarious instruction iced on top. The incident, shared on social media by Nakshatra, turned a regular moment into a memorable one, gaining over a million views.
Anupama actress Rinku Dhawan, faced financial difficulties after her separation from actor Kiran Karmarkar. Despite this, she never lost hope and made a successful comeback with Chhoti Sarrdaarni. Her determination and positivity led her to her current role in Anupama, proving her resilience and strength.
Thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein were released by the US Justice Department, but were heavily redacted and not all were released by the deadline. New names, including Mick Jagger and Chris Tucker, were revealed along with photos of Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross with Epstein. Donald Trump's name was rarely mentioned.
Elise Stefanik, a senior Republican leader and ally of former US President Donald Trump, has withdrawn from the New York governor's race citing family considerations and a difficult political climate. Stefanik, who was initially set to leave Congress after being nominated for US ambassador to the UN, is now uncertain about her political future. Trump has praised her and expressed his support.
US lawmaker Ro Khanna raised concerns over incomplete disclosure and compliance with a federal transparency law as two crucial documents were missing from the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. The initial batch of documents, published under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, fell short of the legal requirement, with excessive redactions and the absence of key documents.
Trump's social media posts have repeatedly impacted financial markets, with tariffs being the biggest market movers. In April, his post about buying stocks triggered a spike that added back $4.3 trillion in value in a single session. In October, a single post about rare earth metals wiped out $2 trillion in market value.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has ended his association with pro-immigration group FWD.us, as his philanthropy CZI shifts its focus from political advocacy to science. CZI's chief of staff has also left FWD.us' board, leaving the group without CZI representation. This shift is evident in Meta's dismantling of diversity programs and changes to hate speech policies.
2026 will be an exceptional year for film, with the comeback of renowned directors, major franchise expansions, and highly awaited sequels. From the revival of MCU to the end of Dune, the biggest releases include Cillian Murphy's return in 28 Years Later, a modern Wuthering Heights adaptation, and the biopic Michael featuring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle.
AOC, a Democratic lawmaker, may run for US Presidency in 2028 and took a jab at potential rival JD Vance. A recent poll showed her narrowly ahead. Republican strategist believes AOC's campaign may focus on appealing to the younger generation with her progressive policies. Vance is seen as a potential successor to President.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad marks a clear shift from the 2024 champions, with seven players missing. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is after the 2024 title win, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Siraj have not been selected.
Legendary actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan passed away at 69, leaving behind a void in the Malayalam film industry. With a net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million, he was known for his wit and social satire. He co-founded a production house and had a successful career in writing, acting, and directing.
The 2025 Melon Music Awards was held in Seoul with top celebrities present. The theme was "Play the Moment" and music released between October 2024 and November 2025 was eligible for awards. EXO's DO joined his group for their first performance in eight years, along with other K-pop idols like BLACKPINK and IVE who also graced the red carpet.
The James Webb Telescope has discovered a strange gas giant, PSR J2322-2650b, with a unique atmosphere and oblong shape. Orbiting a pulsar, it lacks key elements and has a helium and carbon-based atmosphere, making it red in color with a diamond core. Experts are questioning whether it truly qualifies as a planet.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga praises Aditya Dhar's spy-thriller 'Dhurandhar' for its box office success and powerful storytelling. The film, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has grossed Rs 800 crore worldwide and continues to dominate the box office. Vanga commends Dhar's direction, screenplay, and the actors' performances, while Dhar thanks him for his fearless approach to cinema.
South Korean actors Kim Woo Bin and Shin Min Ah are getting married after 10 years of dating. The couple's agency, AM Entertainment, announced that the wedding will take place at the luxurious and renowned Shilla Hotel in Seoul, which has hosted many other celebrity weddings.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 17 years in prison and fined Rs 10 million each for corruption related to state gifts from Saudi Arabia. The case involves the purchase of a cheap jewellery set. The couple's legal team will appeal the ruling, citing political bias. The UN has expressed concerns about Khan's detention conditions.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui returns as Inspector Jatil Yadav in 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders', a fast-paced mystery that has received rave reviews from social media users. The OTT release features an impressive cast, including Radhika Apte, Chitrangada Singh, and Deepti Naval. The well-etched characters and gripping narration have made it one of the best Bollywood sequels.
Even in its third week, Dhurandhar continues to defy the usual box office drop-off. With strong day-wise occupancies, steady overseas growth, and a Rs 22.50 crore India net on Day 15, the Ranveer Singh-led action thriller has not only outpaced recent competitors but also rewritten the actor’s personal box office record books.
The US Department of Justice has released redacted files on Jeffrey Epstein, drawing attention to former President Bill Clinton's involvement. Clinton's deputy chief of staff accuses the DOJ of scapegoating him. The release has sparked a debate between MAGA and Clinton supporters.
BCCI to announce India's squad for T20 World Cup and New Zealand series on Saturday, with a focus on continuity and potential inclusions of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ishan Kishan. Gill is expected to retain his place despite form concerns.
In 2025, Bollywood lost several legendary actors who had dedicated their lives to the Indian film industry. The deaths of Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar were particularly heartbreaking for fans. Other actors who passed away this year include Deb Mukherjee, Rakesh Pandey, Mukul Dev, Dheeraj Kumar, Pankaj Dheer, Govardhan Asrani, Satish Shah, and Dharmendra.
Zhang Xueqiang, also known as the 'Order King', has earned a staggering Rs 1.42 crore in just five years as a Chinese delivery worker. Working 13 hours a day, seven days a week, he paid off his debts and saved 1.12 million yuan. His colleagues call him the 'Great God' for his dedication and thriftiness. He aims to open his own business with his savings.
A $1.3 million bet on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua boxing match has sparked debate on whether to cash out or stick with the prediction. The Netflix fight, set for December 19, is generating buzz and being called a "career-defining super fight."
James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash had a successful worldwide release, grossing $43.1 million on its opening day. In India, it had a Rs 20 crore opening day, competing with Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar. In the US, it grossed over $37 million and is predicted to surpass Avatar: The Way of Water.
The Recording Academy has announced its Special Merits Awards for 2026, honoring names like Fela Kuti, Whitney Houston, and Cher for their immense contribution to culture and arts. Kuti, known as the 'architect of Afrobeat,' will receive his first recognition from The Grammys. The event will also honor other icons like Chaka Khan, Carlos Santana, and Jerry Ragovoy.
BESTIU and India Foundation have launched the School of Global Leadership (SoGL) with a one-year PGP-GL program that offers international residencies and a curriculum focused on systems thinking, ethical responsibility, and real-world decision-making. The institution aims to shape inclusive leaders for the 21st century through a practical and academic approach to leadership.
Starbucks has found its new chief technology officer, Anand Varadarajan, who will also serve as executive vice president starting January 19, 2026. Varadarajan has a strong background in technology and operations, with 19 years at Amazon, and will report directly to CEO Brian Niccol. His appointment comes amid the company's tech-focused "Back to Starbucks" initiative and a digital overhaul.
Filing a revised return is crucial to ensure compliance with tax laws and prevent discrepancies, even if there are no tax dues under Section 143. Freelancers earning up to Rs 50 lakh can benefit from presumptive taxation, resulting in no tax under the new regime. Tax deduction for education loan interest is available for up to eight years from the year of repayment.
Parliament passed the Insurance Amendment Bill, capping agents' commissions to promote needs-based advice and reduce policy lapses and claim disputes. The regulator gains more authority to regulate commissions and impose higher penalties. A policyholders' education and protection fund will reduce mis-selling. The Bill also allows 100% foreign direct investment, promising more choices.
Several airports in northern and eastern India are experiencing flight disruptions due to dense fog and low visibility. Major airlines have issued travel advisories and urged flyers to stay alert during the holiday travel season. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have released advisories and are working to mitigate disruptions.
The US Justice Department has released the first set of records from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, as mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. President Trump, who previously dismissed the scandal, signed the law pushing for the release. The files, which include over 300,000 pages, have redacted victim names. Trump is barely mentioned.
Disney+ and Hulu have built a life-size gingerbread replica of the Home Alone house in LA to celebrate the film's 35th anniversary. Made with 5,700 pounds of flour and 4,200 eggs, visitors can see the 25.6 foot tall house and donate toys for Toys for Tots. The franchise continues to surprise, with a script written in just 9 days.
The markets have been quiet this week, with the Nifty closing below the 26,000 mark. Despite a mix of strong profits and sharp misses from companies, brokerages have fine-tuned their outlook on key stocks. UBS initiated coverage on Meesho with a ‘Buy’ rating, Motilal Oswal on Aditya Birla Real Estate, Jefferies on Hero MotoCorp, PL Capital on ICICI Prudential AMC, and more.