Sebi has expanded the definition of "strategic investor" for REITs and InvITs to attract more capital and improve ease of doing business. The amended criteria now includes a wider pool of institutions, such as pension funds and insurance funds, to promote higher participation. Sebi has also reclassified REITs as equity-related instruments to encourage investments by mutual funds
A home loan overdraft facility can save on interest payments for those with extra funds, but may harm those with tight cash flow. Loans against securities can be paid off without penalty after a year, but terms should be checked. Education loans in Singapore have lower interest rates, but need a local co-applicant or guarantor. NOC from the bank is needed to sell a property.
Taxpayers have until December 15 to pay their third instalment of advance tax and must review their liability beforehand. Those with deferred payments should monitor their income timing to stay compliant and pay by the deadline to avoid interest charges. Certain professions have the option of presumptive taxation for easier compliance.
The Union Cabinet has approved renaming MGNREGA to Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Yojana and increasing guaranteed employment days to 125/year with a minimum wage of Rs 240/day. A Bill will be introduced in Parliament for these changes, as recommended by a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
IndiGo has approached the Delhi High Court to reclaim ₹900 crore from the Customs department for IGST and cess paid on aircraft parts re-imported into India. The airline argues that these taxes were declared unconstitutional in March and it had filed refund claims, which were rejected by Customs. The case will now be heard by a different bench after one judge recused herself.
In November, CPI inflation increased to 0.71%, mainly due to a decrease in food prices. Core inflation remained stable at 2.4%, suggesting no major price changes for common goods. The RBI's prediction of 0.6% inflation for the October-December period seems correct, as inflation has been below their acceptable range.
Retail food inflation in India has been negative for six months due to low prices of vegetables, cereals, pulses, meat, eggs, and spices. However, it increased slightly in November due to a rise in prices of some food items. The consumer food price index also rose, but was still lower than last year. Vegetable prices saw the highest deflation, while edible oil and fruit prices remained high.
IndiGo has hired Chief Aviation Advisors LLC, led by experienced Captain John Illson, to review recent operational disruptions. The goal is to identify issues and improve performance. This decision was recommended by IndiGo's crisis management team and the government is also investigating. Operations are stabilising with over.
Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury believes that Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi should not be compared as they have different styles of addressing issues. Priyanka's recent speech in parliament received praise for her composed approach, while her brother's direct and argumentative style was criticized.
A 1977 Star Wars poster by Tom Jung, commissioned by 20th Century Fox, sold for a record-breaking $3.875 million at auction. The hand-painted work captured the film's essence and defined its identity before release. This sale highlights the growing value of movie memorabilia as a serious investment, with the poster holding sentimental and monetary worth for fans.
The DSP Netra report predicts that the top 10 companies with the largest market capitalization will continue to outperform due to their undervaluation and low share in the total market capitalization. These largecap stocks are seen as a safe investment amidst market volatility, but the report also cautions against potential risks in the market cycle.
The Union Cabinet has approved the India-Oman free trade agreement, to be signed during PM Modi's visit. The draft of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was also approved by Oman's Parliament. The agreement will give India access to 98% of its products in Oman, and is expected to increase trade and investment between the two countries, currently at $10.6 billion.
In a year defined by uncertainty, upheaval, and widening gender divides, three Indian women have quietly rewritten the rules of power. Their names now sit on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s most influential women - but the real story lies in how they got there.
BMW launched the MINI Convertible, India's most affordable convertible car, for Rs 58.5 lakh at the Bharat Mobility Show in January 2025. It has a 2.0-litre petrol engine, electrically-folding soft top, and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. BMW Group India is set to break their sales record in 2025 due to the overall economic growth and high spending power of India's rich.
Families of the 241 victims of the Air India Flight 171 crash are still seeking answers and compensation six months later. The investigation is ongoing, with a preliminary report revealing that fuel supply switches were turned off. However, the cause is still unknown and families are demanding transparency and accountability.
The DGCA has removed four FOIs from IndiGo for failing to report operational issues, as they were on the airline's payroll while working for the regulator. This is part of a larger crackdown on IndiGo, which has cancelled over 5,000 flights in the past 10 days. The DGCA is closely monitoring the airline's operations.
India and France have revised their tax treaty to reduce taxes on dividends for Indian units with French parents. This will benefit companies with major operations in India. In return, India will have more power to tax share sales by French investors and will revoke France's "most favoured nation" status.
A WHO expert group has confirmed that there is no link between vaccines and autism, contradicting recent CDC guidance. The analysis, conducted by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, reviewed 31 studies from multiple countries. WHO emphasizes the importance of childhood vaccines and urges governments to base their policies on evidence.
India's imports of Russian crude oil reached a five-month high in November at Euro 2.6 billion, making it the second-largest buyer. However, US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil have led to some Indian companies halting imports. Despite this, India's refined fuels are being exported to Australia. December may see an increase in purchases due to previously loaded cargoes being delivered.
The highly anticipated film, The Devil, starring Darshan, exceeded expectations by earning Rs 10 crores on its opening day despite the lead actor's arrest and bail cancellation. The film, which showcases Darshan in a dual role, drew record crowds in theatres across Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru where it had the most shows and highest occupancy.
Tom Cruise reportedly denied an interaction with President Trump and refused to seek permission to shoot a film in outer space with NASA. Netizens hailed his decision, but were disappointed by the film's recall. This comes after Cruise declined an award from Trump and a NASA official expressed support for the actor.
Jefferies has lowered the target price and earnings estimates for IndiGo due to operational disruptions caused by FDTL guidelines. However, it maintains a 'Buy' rating with a target price of Rs 6,035, a potential upside of 26%. The company's recent guidance cut and lower unit revenue growth for Q3 FY26 reflect the disruptions, but Jefferies remains optimistic about IndiGo's long-term potential.
Time Magazine has named the architects of artificial intelligence as its 'Person of the Year'. The cover features big names like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, but also highlights Indian-origin tech moguls Karandeep Anand and Sriram Krishnan. Anand, CEO of chatbot service Character.AI. Krishnan, a White House AI advisor, has been pushing for American dominance in the field.
Mexico has raised import duties on Indian exports, mainly in the auto industry. This will impact major automakers like Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan, and Maruti Suzuki, as Mexico is India's third-largest car export market, with an annual shipment of $1.87 billion. The new tariffs could harm India's manufacturing goals and lead companies to rethink their plans. Automakers have voiced their concerns.
HDFC Bank is predicted to experience a rise in credit growth and a decrease in operating costs, resulting in a potential 23.7% rise in stock price. This forecast is based on a positive review from Emkay, who met with the bank's management to discuss growth plans, margins, and competitive position. The bank anticipates a boost in credit growth, especially in retail, MSME, and corporate lending.
Rajnikanth, the South Indian superstar, turns 75 today. From a bus conductor to a revered actor, his journey to stardom is nothing short of a movie. His luxurious home in Chennai's Poes Garden worth crores reflects his successful career spanning five decades.
India is speeding up business visas for Chinese professionals. According to Reuters, citing an official, approvals now take less than a month. This move comes after years of delays caused by the multi-layered scrutiny introduced following tensions with China in 2020.
Novo Nordisk has launched its weight loss drug Ozempic in India, with prices ranging from Rs 8,800 to Rs 11,175 per month. Originally approved for managing type 2 diabetes, the once-weekly injectable has gained popularity for its weight loss benefits. It was approved by the CDSCO on September 26, 2020, for use in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Indian-origin millionaire Beri Vikram was arrested for trying to set fire to a winery in California. He fled the scene in a Tesla and crashed into two cars. When confronted by winery staff, he threw a wine bottle and intentionally crashed into two parked cars. He will be charged with assault and resisting arrest.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde plans to create a new regulatory framework to abolish the 'pagdi' system in Mumbai, protecting the rights of landlords and tenants. This will aid in fair redevelopment of 'pagdi' buildings, which have been a challenge for migrants. The framework includes granting FSI to landlords and incentive FSI for reconstruction of homes.
Orkla India, owner of MTR and Eastern spice brands, aims to expand its portfolio and cater to the growing demand for ready-to-eat meals by acquiring companies that align with local culture and offer convenience foods. The company is also experiencing success in online sales and fast delivery apps, driven by the rise of e-commerce and the need for convenience among young adults
The ED conducted raids at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad in connection with a money laundering investigation against an illegal cough syrup trade racket in Uttar Pradesh. The main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, is believed to have fled to Dubai. The ED has booked a case under PMLA and a total of 30 FIRs have been registered.
OpenAI and its major investor, Microsoft, are facing a new lawsuit after a tragic murder-suicide case in Connecticut was linked to ChatGPT, Bloomberg reported. According to the lawsuit, the mother was killed by her son, who had been spending months in long, delusion-filled conversations with ChatGPT.
The 2025 Game Awards, hosted by Geoff Keighley in Los Angeles, celebrated the top video games of the year. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received 13 nominations and won Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game. It is a strong contender for Game of the Year, but faces stiff competition from titles like 'Death Stranding 2: On The Beach', 'Donkey Kong Bananza', and 'Hades II'.
Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar, a global box office success, has been banned in Gulf countries for its 'anti-Pakistan' content. The star-studded film has been lauded for its patriotic theme, but has also been met with backlash for its depiction of culture and tradition. Speculations about its real-life inspiration have sparked controversy.
IndiGo has been ordered to pay a GST penalty of Rs 58.74 crore for alleged violations, but plans to contest the order. This comes amid financial strain for the airline due to flight disruptions and a PIL filed against them. The financial impact of the case is still uncertain.
Indian girl Arti Singh, with roots in Patna, is in a coma after being hit by a car in San Jose, California. Her father, who has no access to her devices or finances, is by her side. The Indian diaspora and community in the US have come together to raise funds for her treatment. The driver's identity has not been revealed, and the family is seeking justice.
Taylor Swift wows fashion world with maroon velvet dress on Stephen Colbert's show. She celebrates album release and engagement to Travis Kelce. Swift desires a simple home without reminders of her pop-star life. Her real estate empire worth $150 million includes luxurious properties in the US, like a $47.7 million share of NYC and a 12,000 sq ft mansion.
Dhurandhar, featuring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has a successful first week with over Rs 200 crore in India. Despite controversy, the film maintains steady collections and faces competition in its second week from Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon 2 and regional cinema, but its loyal fan base and high occupancy rate keep it strong.
Mammootty’s latest action thriller Kalamkaval is proving unstoppable at the box office. After delivering the actor’s fastest-ever Rs 50 crore milestone, the film continues its strong weekday run, with day 7 pushing its worldwide total to nearly Rs 60 crores. With solid footfalls across Kerala and strong overseas earnings, Kalamkaval is on track to become a certified blockbuster.
James Fishback, former DOGE architect and now running for Florida governor, is back to making bold claims. After previously calling for a complete H-1B ban and vowing to fire every foreign skilled worker in Florida if elected, Fishback is now targeting foreign students.
Sholay, the legendary film, is being re-released with a new version to mark its 50th anniversary. The restored film will include never-before-seen footage, including an alternate ending and two deleted scenes. This will give fans a fresh experience and allow new audiences to experience the magic of the film.
Motilal Oswal recommends buying Tata Steel stock with a target price of Rs 210, citing a potential 27% increase. The brokerage report highlights Tata Steel's recent acquisition and long-term strategy for India, including plans for expansion. The acquisition secures raw material needs and strengthens the supply chain.
2025 saw unprecedented success in global markets, but renowned market expert Ruchir Sharma warns of a potential AI bubble burst and a shift towards quality stocks in 2026. He predicts international markets to outperform US and highlights 4 key factors to watch for in identifying a bubble. Sharma also discusses impact of AI on US markets and foresees a renewed focus on quality stocks in the future.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls must include a thorough verification of citizenship, rather than simply copying previous lists. It questioned the Election Commission's role in determining citizenship and criticized their suspicion towards voters.
Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned, effective January 2026, after a successful seven-year tenure. The stock prices have surged by 12%, and interim CEOs have been appointed while the search for a new head is underway. McDonald expressed pride in the company's achievements but sources indicate potential issues within the company.
American musician Camryn Magness, who rose to fame at the age of 8 through YouTube videos and opened for popular artists like One Direction and Fifth Harmony, died at 26 in a fatal electric scooter accident. Her death was confirmed by People and announced on social media by her team. Further details on the accident are still unknown.
Indian equity indices opened higher on Friday, with NSE Nifty 50 up by 0.31% and BSE Sensex up by 0.29%. Bank Nifty also opened higher by 0.34%. Small and mid-cap stocks also opened in the green, with Nifty Midcap up by 0.29%. Retail investors' steady inflow into mutual fund SIPs has strengthened DIIs in the FIIs vs DIIs tug of war.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering revoking the visas of two high-profile European green card holders, according to documents seen by Zeteo, the news outlet run by journalist Mehdi Hasan, formerly of MSNBC. Both individuals are well-known critics of X (formelrly Twitter) the social media platform owned by Trump ally and Tesla boss, Elon Musk.
US President Donald Trump, along with United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, officially launched a new immigration program on Wednesday called the “Trump Gold Card.”
The US government is implementing new rules for tourist visas, including increased social media vetting and biometric data collection, in response to an executive order. The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) will now require additional information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and family member details, to determine eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program.