Persistent Systems and DigitalOcean have joined forces to make AI more accessible and scalable for enterprises and developers. This collaboration aims to address challenges like high costs and security concerns by combining Persistent's AI expertise with DigitalOcean's cloud infrastructure.
Indian-origin Canadian man, Yuvraj Singh, was arrested in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for driving a stolen truck. The 24-year-old was charged with receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, motor vehicle fraud, and invalid license plate. Singh, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, was found with a stolen truck and trailer that had been tampered with to hide its true identity.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash, the fourth instalment in the Avatar franchise, has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some praise its stunning visuals and original story, others criticise its repetitive plot and pacing. Despite the divided opinions, the film is expected to be a box office success. However, some viewers have expressed disappointment compared to its predecessor.
Former US President Barack Obama shared his annual list of favorite books, movies, and music on social media, including a diverse range of artists such as Lady Gaga, BLACKPINK, and Bruce Springsteen. The list also featured Chance the Rapper, Jay Som, and Drake. Obama hopes to inspire others to discover new music and welcomes recommendations for him to check out.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) have acquired an 80% stake in the iconic Peanuts franchise for $457 million. This deal will bring more content and collaborations for the beloved franchise, known for its impactful art and exploration of various themes. The remaining shares will be owned by SMEJ and Sony Pictures, solidifying Sony's hold on the cultural phenomenon.
Indian equity indices opened higher on Friday, with the NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex rising 0.37%. The Bank Nifty also opened higher, along with small and mid-cap stocks. The market will be watching the Bank of Japan's rate decision and commentary for future rate action. Early gainers include Max Healthcare, Tata Motors, and RIL, while laggards include Shriram Finance and Bharti Airtel.
Former Brown University student, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was found dead in a storage facility in Salem, NH. He was identified by Providence authorities and had access to the building where the mass shooting occurred. The FBI is investigating the motive, which may be linked to the killing of an MIT professor.
NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and six others tragically perished in a fiery plane crash near a North Carolina airport. The victims include Biffle, his family, and three others. Witnesses described the Cessna jet as a "fireball" during its failed landing attempt. The families released a statement mourning their loss and videos of the crash have surfaced online.
The 2025 Hollywood Box Office saw a variety of successful films, including big sequels, animation, and established franchises. The top 10 films that dominated the global box office included Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Jurassic World Rebirth.
The death of anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh has led to violent protests and attacks on media offices. Protesters are demanding the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who took shelter in India. Despite government appeals for peace, the situation remains tense and India has closed its visa application centres in the country out of concern.
Stocks expected to be in focus today, December 19, due to various corporate announcements including board decisions, acquisitions, legal relief, overseas deals, new contracts, and expansion plans across sectors like telecom, IT, pharma, infrastructure, and retail. Indian stock markets ended flat on December 18, with key stocks to watch being Bharti Airtel, HCLTech, Lupin, and more.
ICICI Prudential AMC's IPO, launching today, is the fourth most subscribed in India. The company's impressive performance and backing from ICICI Bank have generated high expectations, with strong equity yields and market share. It also holds a significant portion of MF sales and non-MF revenue compared to competitors.
The Lok Sabha passed the G RAM G Bill, replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA, amid opposition from the Congress. The new law aims to create permanent assets, develop model villages, and strengthen rural infrastructure. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment per household and allows states to notify no-work periods during peak farming seasons.
India and South Africa will face off in the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad with India leading the series 2-1. The previous match was abandoned due to fog, giving India another chance to win. India have a strong head-to-head record against South Africa in T20Is, winning 20 out of 34 matches. There is uncertainty over Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah's availability.
The government has presented a new higher education Bill in Lok Sabha to align with the National Education Policy 2020. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, aims to improve HEIs through coordination and standards. It suggests restructuring the regulatory system and creating three councils under VBSA. The Bill has faced opposition from MPs.
The 2025 KBS Song Festival, also known as KBS Gayo Daechukje, will take place this weekend with Jang Do Yeon, Moon Sang Min, and Minju as the MCs. The large-scale music program will be broadcasted live on KBS 2TV and YouTube, featuring a lineup of popular K-pop, band, and trot artists. Special collaborations and duets are also expected.
India's pension sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the increase of FDI limit to 100%. This is expected to attract more foreign capital, enhance global standards, and boost insurance penetration. However, regulatory challenges must be addressed before fully foreign-owned pension funds can operate under the National Pension System.
A shareholder from SOC Investment Group, who owns less than 1% of Amazon, Walmart, and Alphabet, is pressuring the companies to reveal the impact of Trump's immigration crackdown on their finances and supply chains. The group has a track record of successfully pushing for racial-equity audits and is considering legal action.
India and Oman have finalized a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) after three rounds of negotiations. The agreement covers various sectors but excludes bullion, agriculture, and labor-intensive products. India will open up 77% of its tariff lines for Oman, while receiving zero-duty access on 98.08% of its exports.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced regulations to ban gender-affirming care for minors, in line with Trump's promise to ban transgender medical care. This includes cutting off federal funding and excluding gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability. The FDA has also issued warning letters to companies selling equipment for gender dysphoria.
The US Embassy in India has a 10-month waiting period for business or tourist visa interviews, but only 0.5 months for F, M, and J visas. The US Administration considers every visa decision a matter of national security and emphasizes that a visa is a privilege, not a right. The Indian government is working with the US to facilitate safe and beneficial travel.
The War Powers Resolution, a federal law from the Vietnam War era, mandates that the president must consult Congress before committing US armed forces to long-term conflicts. Amid tensions with Venezuela, House Republicans rejected a resolution to limit Trump's military actions.
Trump reaffirms support for Jewish community at Hanukkah celebration, sparking speculation about his religious roots. Despite not being Jewish, he has a daughter who converted and has been referred to as "America's first Jewish president." Raised as Presbyterian Christian, he identifies as non-denominational and has made numerous supportive remarks for the community.
Sourav Ganguly, former India cricket captain, has filed a defamation case against the president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, Uttam Saha, for making false allegations linking him to the chaos surrounding Lionel Messi's visit. Ganguly denies any involvement and is seeking ₹50 crore in damages and a public retraction.
The CCI has initiated an inquiry into IndiGo airline after receiving a complaint about recent flight disruptions. The airline's dominant market share of 65% in the Indian aviation industry will be examined to see if it contributed to the crisis. If found guilty of abuse of dominant position, IndiGo may face penalties and structural remedies such as changes in business practices.
Jharkhand clinched their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title with a record-breaking performance by Ishan Kishan, who scored a century to level the record for the most number of hundreds in the tournament. Anukul Roy was named Player of the Series for his all-round performance. Jharkhand beat Haryana by 69 runs in the final.
US President Donald Trump will launch 'Freedom 250' to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, coordinating nationwide events and educational programs. The initiative will work with federal departments and the America 250 Commission. A freedom tour will visit all 50 states, and the Washington Monument will be illuminated to mark the start of celebrations.
Washington State has the highest minimum wage in the US, currently at $16.66 per hour and set to increase to $17.13 per hour in 2026. Seattle, Bellingham, and Burien will also see a hike in their minimum wages. Employers must pay computer professionals at least $59.96 per hour in 2026. Tips and service charges cannot be counted towards minimum wage. Workers have the right to file a wage complaint.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is on track to become the world's largest AI-led tech services company, gaining support from analysts for its focus on AI capabilities and potential to benefit from global tech spending recovery. With $1.5 billion in annual revenue from AI services, accounting for 5% of its estimated revenue, TCS is expected to see continued strong growth.
Mumbai's CSMIA airport achieved a record-breaking performance in November 2025, handling 4.89 million passengers, with its busiest day seeing 1.76 lakh passengers. The airport also recorded its busiest day by flights with 1,036 aircraft movements. Domestic traffic exceeded 3.4 million passengers, while international volumes crossed 1.4 million.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former DOGE lead and Republican politician, is facing backlash for his recent New York Times op-ed where he argued that American identity should be based on shared beliefs rather than ancestry. He received criticism for his binary framing and was even subjected to racist and xenophobic attacks online.
Shubman Gill, India's T20I vice-captain, has joined the team in Ahmedabad for the fifth T20I against South Africa. Despite his toe injury, he may still play, but Sanju Samson is ready to step in if needed. Gill previously missed majority of the Test and the entire ODI series due to a neck injury. India are currently leading the T20I series.
Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra, the leading players in India's passenger vehicle market, will maintain stable car prices in January despite rising costs. This is part of a larger strategy to sustain demand after the success of GST 2.0. However, Tata Motors plans to increase prices due to higher input costs, while MG Motor and Honda Cars India are also considering price hikes.
Elon Musk has reached a net worth of $600 billion, making him the world's richest person. This milestone showcases the extreme wealth held by a few tech leaders, including Larry Page, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who have amassed their fortunes through industries like technology and luxury goods.
India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, providing zero-duty access on 98.08% of tariff lines and covering 99.38% of India's exports to Oman. This will benefit major sectors like agriculture, textiles, engineering, electronics, chemicals, and automobiles. The agreement also allows for increased mobility for Indian professionals.
Vineeth Sendilraj, a 19-year-old Indian-origin techie, gained attention on social media for his innovative water-drinking technique at an xAI hackathon related to Elon Musk's company. He secured a job at xAI after winning first place at the hackathon and working as a teaching assistant at Georgia Tech. Currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Computer Science, he considers it a "full circle moment."
In the SMAT final, Jharkhand put on an impressive total of 262/3 against Haryana, thanks to captain Ishan Kishan's record-equalling century and Kumar Kushagra's strong innings. Haryana initially seemed to have the upper hand after winning the toss and getting a wicket in the first over, but Jharkhand's batters dominated the game.
Telugu film Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and other notable actors, has been a success at the Box Office since its release on December 12, 2025. Despite mixed reviews, the fantasy action thriller has earned over Rs 99 crores worldwide in just 6 days, with a drop in collections on Day 6 due to mid-week blues.
Nissan is expanding its product lineup in India with the launch of the Gravite MPV in March 2026. This move follows the company's decision to sell its stake in the Chennai plant to Renault. The Gravite will be based on the Renault Triber and will offer a CNG option. It will compete with the Renault Triber and Maruti Eeco, while the Tekton, a mid-sized SUV, will be Nissan's third model.
The US Embassy in India has reminded international visitors that their length of stay in the United States is determined by the CBP officer, not the visa expiration date. Recent reports of wrongful detentions and deportations have prompted this reminder. The State Department works with other agencies to secure the release of wrongfully detained individuals.
TSA has issued an advisory on holiday gifts allowed through airport security, including wrapped presents that may need to be unwrapped. Festive scented candles are allowed if solid, but gel candles must be checked. Electronics larger than a cell phone should be placed in a bin alone. Baked goods are permitted, but liquids like champagne and eggnog must be checked.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has restored the airline's network to 2,200 daily services and is now prioritizing resilience and system improvement to prevent future disruptions. He thanked employees for their hard work during the crisis and announced a detailed review. The airline's parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, saw a boost in shares following the announcement.
Maruti Suzuki has launched a rotatable front passenger seat for its Wagon R hatchback to improve accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The feature is part of a pilot project at 200 dealerships and can be retrofitted in under an hour without affecting the car's safety.
Dileep's Bha Bha Ba, released amid protests over his acquittal in the actress assault case, is receiving mixed reviews. The film stars Mohanlal in a cameo role as a die-hard fan of Thalapathy Vijay, with his references to the actor winning hearts.
MARC Technocrats, an infrastructure consultancy company, is launching an SME IPO to raise Rs 42.59 crores through a combination of fresh shares and an offer for sale. The IPO is priced at Rs 88-93 per equity share and will open for subscription on December 17. The company plans to use the funds for capital expenditure and working capital requirements.
Richa Chadha, known for her fearless choice of roles and outspoken individuality, shares a stunning Juhu row house with husband Ali Fazal. The couple's unique personalities are reflected in their cozy and beautiful home, filled with quirky furniture, a diverse book collection, and thriving plants.
Patel Engineering has signed an MoU with the Arunachal Pradesh government to revive and develop the 144 MW Gongri Hydropower Project. The project, estimated at Rs 1,700 crore, will be completed in 4 years and then transferred to the government. This is the first project to be revived under the state's 2025 restoration policy.
Indian equity benchmarks closed flat with a negative bias as the Nifty 50 ended 0.01% lower and the BSE Sensex dropped 0.09%. The Nifty Bank also settled lower, while mid-cap stocks closed in the green. Intraday trade saw 1,273 advancing stocks and 1,827 declining stocks, with 49 hitting a fresh 52-week high and 228 touching a new 52-week low. InterGlobe Aviation was the top gainer.
Ranveer Singh's latest release, Dhurandhar, has become his highest-grossing film with collections of Rs 630 crore. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the espionage thriller has received praise for its storytelling and performances, leading to its record-breaking success. Ranveer's versatility and dedication as an actor are evident in his portrayal of diverse roles, from a spy to a lover boy.
Cyient Semiconductors has acquired a majority stake in Kinetic Technologies for $93 million to expand its presence in data centers, automation, and AI compute. The deal is crucial for Cyient's goal to become a leading custom power semiconductor company, with Kinetic Tech's leadership and engineering team staying intact.
The 49th season finale of Survivor, the popular American reality TV show, crowned Savannah Louie as the winner. In a twist, Louie and fellow castaway Rizo Velovic will return for the 50th season, which will premiere on February 25, 2026 and feature 24 contestants. The trailer for the landmark season was also released after the finale.