The government is proposing to raise central excise duty on tobacco and its products, including cigarettes and smoking mixtures. This will maintain the same tax rate after the scrapping of Goods and Services Tax Compensation Cess. A new 'Health & National Security' Cess will also be imposed on pan masala production to fund public health.
As we age, time becomes more important, but we should not fear its limitations. Instead, we should focus on how to make the most of it by being mindful of where our attention is going. By dedicating one hour a day to something that energizes us, we can find joy in the little moments and transform our days.
Indian selectors to announce squad today for ODI series against New Zealand, including eight matches from January 11 to 31. Senior players like Kohli and Sharma expected to return, increasing chances for 2027 ODI World Cup. Selection committee to finalize squad during online meeting, with announcement not broadcasted. BCCI has already named T20I squad and schedule for both series released.
India's manufacturing activity in December saw a decline with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index at its lowest in two years. Despite this, the sector is still growing due to increased new business and low inflation. However, exports and employment are weakening, and manufacturers are worried about competition and market uncertainty.
Nifty and Sensex reach record highs, driven by strong global cues and improved earnings expectations. Consumer discretionary and financial sectors expected to perform well in 2026. Wealth of investors rises by Rs 4.33 lakh crore. Positive market breadth with gains in banking, metal, realty, and auto stocks.
Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced a technology roadmap to strengthen market infrastructure and promote investor confidence. He emphasized on governance and capital for market development, proposing new guidelines for corporate governance and risk management. A phased rollout of a new net worth requirement for merchant bankers was also proposed.
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is causing difficulties for Indian steel exporters, potentially leading to a 15-22% increase in export prices and affecting profitability and market share. While the CBAM aims to equalize carbon costs, Indian mills may struggle to pass on the costs due to their higher emissions intensity.
The government has introduced two measures worth Rs 7295 crore to lower the cost of credit for small exporters. The interest subvention scheme has been reinstated for MSMEs in labor-intensive sectors with a cap of 2.75%. Collateral support has also been raised by 10% for working capital loans, with a maximum limit of Rs 10 crore per exporter.
Favourable weather and soil moisture have increased sowing of key rabi crops like wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. Sown area is slightly higher than last year, with wheat and chana sowing showing significant growth. Recent rains in Gujarat and Rajasthan have also aided standing crops. Another bumper crop may lead to a lift on wheat export ban by the government.
Government withdraws mandatory probate clause, allowing validly executed Wills to be acted upon directly by heirs and institutions. This reduces dependency on courts and cuts down administrative bottlenecks, making succession faster and more predictable.
The Indian government has warned and directed Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) to take immediate action against obscene and sexually explicit content on its AI tool Grok. Failure to comply could result in losing legal immunity and facing criminal charges. The ministry has received complaints and demands a review of Grok and strict enforcement of user policies.
Ola Electric's shares jumped 10% on Friday, following a strong month-on-month growth in sales and market share in December 2025. The stock reached its highest level in a month, after facing pressure due to concerns around after-sales service and non-vehicle businesses. The company attributed the improvement to new service centre options, a dedicated rapid-response team.
Maruti Suzuki's Dzire remains the best-selling passenger vehicle in India in 2025, beating the trend of SUV dominance. Its affordable price, efficiency, and ownership benefits contribute to its success. SUVs, led by Hyundai Creta and Tata Nexon, make up a significant 55.3% of the market, but hatchbacks like Wagon R and Swift still hold a strong position while SUVs are quickly gaining ground.
Ancient rocks, estimated to be 340-670 million years old, were found during car shoots in the deep Aravalli Range near Udaipur. Despite withstanding wind erosion for millions of years, these rocks face the threat of bureaucratic 'erosion' as a proposed definition would only protect hills taller than 100 metres.
New research shows that 10 minutes of exercise daily can lower the risk of bowel cancer and help repair DNA. This is crucial as cases of bowel cancer are increasing, especially in younger adults. The study emphasizes the value of an active lifestyle and the dangers of a sedentary one.
Dhurandhar, a spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has received tax-free status from the Ladakh Administration for its contribution to regional tourism and cinematic representation. The film has made history by crossing the Rs 100 crore mark in its fourth week and maintaining double-digit collections for 28 consecutive days.
Streaming giants offer a diverse lineup of must-watch content this weekend, including intense drama and emotional storytelling. 'Haq' and 'Beauty' tackle important societal issues, while 'The Smashing Machine' features Dwayne Johnson's career-defining performance. 'After the Quake' and 'Follow My Voice' delve into the psychological aftermath of a natural disaster and a Spanish teen drama.
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.
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.
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.