Despite challenges of slowing GDP growth and a strict fiscal plan, economists believe the Union government can still achieve its target fiscal deficit of 4.4% for FY26. However, maintaining expenditure discipline is crucial due to lower GDP and tax collections. The government may need to manage additional expenses for subsidies and oil companies.
A major power outage in San Francisco caused by a fire at a PG&E substation disrupted city life, leaving 30% of the city without electricity and affecting 130,000 customers. The outage also led to traffic problems, with Waymo's self-driving cars getting stuck at intersections. Waymo temporarily suspended its robotaxi service and urged residents to stay off the roads.
California's tech industry is struggling due to the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, but the state's teaching industry is also affected. The education system relies on foreign teachers on H-1B visas, and the current situation could lead to a severe shortage of staff. The state government has sued President Trump over the visa restrictions, joined by other states.
The assassination of anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh has caused chaos and protests. The main suspect, Faisal Karim Masud, is believed to have fled to India with the help of two accomplices. Masud, a former leader of the banned Chhatra League, had warned his girlfriend of a major event.
Comedian Yoo Jae Suk managed to pack 32 big-time stars of the Korean entertainment industry in a small room for the 2025 Pinggyego Awards, an unconventional awards show that takes place in the morning instead of the evening. The show, hosted by YouTube channel DdeunDdeun, featured playful banter and relaxed atmosphere, with performances by WOODZ and MAMAMOO's Hwasa.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has blocked incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rent freeze proposal, a key part of his campaign to address NYC's housing crisis. Adams argues that freezing rents will harm landlords and worsen housing conditions. He has appointed new members to the Rent Guidelines Board, potentially blocking the freeze during Mamdani's term.
The parliamentary panel has requested the government to allocate funds to IREL for rare earth element exploration and mining. These minerals are vital for clean energy and costly to extract. The panel also suggests international partnerships for technology and praises GSI's exploration efforts. IREL, the sole Indian company in this field, is increasing production and aiding related industries.
Experts forecast a decrease in coal's share in India's energy mix to 30-35% by 2047. Responsible use of coal is vital for future development. Currently, coal-based power contributes 72% to India's electricity generation. FutureCoal advocates sustainable coal practices, including emission-reducing technologies. Public sector companies like NLC India and Coal India have set environmental standards.
India's exports to the US in 2025 saw a two-phase pattern, with a significant decline until September and a partial recovery in November. The GTRI finds this trend unusual and attributes it to the shock of impending tariff hikes. However, 85% of November's exports came from sectors that rebounded after an initial drop, indicating an adjustment to a tougher tariff regime.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, has reached a net worth of $749 billion, making him the first billionaire to surpass the $700 billion mark. He owns 12% of Tesla and is on track to become the world's first trillionaire. Despite selling off most of his mansions, Musk still possesses a fleet of private jets, expensive cars, and top-secret Tesla-built homes.
Real-life K-drama love birds Kim Woo Bin and Shin Min tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony at The Shilla Seoul. Despite their popularity, EXO's DO still made it to the wedding, even though he had a conflicting schedule with the Melon Music Awards. The guest list included top K-celebs such as BTS' V, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Lee Kwang Soo, making it reminiscent of an awards ceremony.
21 December holds significant spiritual and cultural importance as it marks the Winter Solstice, a time for rebirth and introspection. This date, represented as 21:12, is known as the 'angel number' and holds a powerful influence on one's life. It promotes confidence, trust in the universe, and positive thoughts, making it a great time for year-end manifestations and inner peace.
Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi was in a serious car accident on her way to a music festival, caused by a drunk driver. She sustained minor injuries and took to social media to address the incident, urging people not to drink and drive. Despite the trauma, she went on to perform at the festival and emphasized the importance of not letting anything get in the way of one's ambitions.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash, the sequel to Avatar, has dominated the box office with a record-breaking $100 million in just two days. The film has received glowing reviews and is giving tough competition to Bollywood's top film, Dhurandhar. In India, it opened with a strong Rs 19 crore and has already surpassed Rs 40 crore in just two days, although it fell short of Dhurandhar's opening day numbers."
UC Berkeley has become the first US university to recognize Hindu Heritage Month in October. The decision, made after a year of advocacy, was praised by CoHNA for acknowledging rising Hinduphobia and vandalism attacks on temples.
A fire at a PG&E substation in San Francisco has caused a widespread power outage, affecting 30% of the city and causing chaos during the holiday rush. While the grid has been stabilized, it is uncertain when power will be restored. Residents are advised to stay home, avoid travel, and check on neighbors. Transit services are also disrupted.
The SMC Bill proposes an eight-year limit for regulatory inspections and investigations to streamline the process for market participants. However, this limit does not apply to cases with a systemic impact. It also introduces a time-bound enforcement framework and mandates Sebi to complete investigations within 180 days.
Football superstar Lionel Messi received a whopping Rs 89 crore for his India tour, but chaos ensued at the Salt Lake Stadium due to the event organiser Satadru Dutta's decision to triple the number of access cards under pressure from "influential people". Police have seized Rs 22 crore and are investigating the funding and management of the event.
The US State Department has revoked over 95,000 visas under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a significant increase from the previously reported 85,000. Majority of the revoked visas are from international students, as the government tightens policies and fees for nonimmigrant workers and skilled foreign labor through their "Project Firewall" initiative.
Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, addressed the Pune LitFest 2025, discussing the link between coalition politics and a multipolar world. He stressed that India prioritizes national interests when forming global partnerships and encouraged the incorporation of Indian concepts into global strategic thinking.
The 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards honored Jun Hyun Moo with the Daesang, Park Bo Gum as Entertainer of the Year, and Mr House Husband as Program of the Year. K-drama stars were also recognized for their appearances in variety shows. ATEEZ accepted the Digital Content Award and Jeon Yoo Sung received the Lifetime Achievement.
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.