RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra advocates lower real interest rates to boost demand and aid growth, leading to a 25 bps rate cut by the MPC. Inflation is expected to remain at 2% for the year, while the growth projection has been revised to 7.3%. Delaying the rate cut could negatively impact GDP growth.
Yoo Jae Suk, Korea's 'National MC', won the Grand Prize at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, but unfortunately lost out on the Daesang at the 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards. Despite this, he received multiple awards and was named the 'Face of SBS' by AI. Other winners included Lee Chae Yeon, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Lee Seo Jin. Lee Sang Min was crowned the Daesang winner.
India's growth outlook is positive as both global and domestic institutions have upgraded their assessments for the current financial year. The Reserve Bank of India has revised its GDP growth projection for FY26 upwards and international agencies are also optimistic.
Lee Sun Bin and Kim Sung Joo hosted the 2025 MBC Drama Awards, honoring MBC's K-drama titles from the past year. Seo Kang Joon's Undercover High School won multiple awards, including Daesang, and gained popularity in India for its resemblance to Main Hoon Na. The ceremony also honored the late Lee Soon Jae.
Despite a general slowdown in venture capital investments, AI-focused startups have seen a 60% increase in funding, indicating the sector's resilience and high demand for AI solutions. Series A and B rounds have received a significant share of investments, with Uniphore securing the largest round at $260 million.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian cricket team captain, fulfilled her destiny by leading her team to victory in the World Cup against South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium. Her passion for the sport was evident from a young age, and after years of heartbreak and near misses, she finally lifted the trophy.
Indian IT industry is gearing up for an AI-driven future to maintain its global dominance. Nasscom president predicts AI to dominate by 2026 with increased budgets and widespread adoption. The sector is shifting towards next-gen technologies like generative AI and cybersecurity. Indian startups are also making strides in building sovereign AI capabilities.
The upcoming budget is expected to see a significant increase in budget allocation for the Digital Agriculture Mission, launched last year with a budget of Rs 2,817 crore. The mission aims to improve crop estimation, delivery of welfare schemes, and build infrastructure for farmers through a digital platform.
TRAI proposes a separate regulatory framework for foreign telecom operators' SIM and eSIM cards in India for M2M and IoT devices meant for export. The new "International M2M SIM Service Authorisation" will have a light-touch approach, benefiting Indian exporters and importers.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has identified the upper 6 GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) to pave the way for capacity expansion in 5G, 5G-Advanced, and future 6G networks.
The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) is introducing a credit default swap (CDS) product for infrastructure bonds to boost the corporate bond market. This will increase participation in low-rated bonds and provide more confidence to investors.
The cement industry is seeing a decline in mergers and acquisitions as companies prioritize integrating past acquisitions. Analysts predict a decrease in deal-making due to a lack of attractive targets. Attention is now on pricing and operations, with some expecting a small price increase.
NSDL, India's biggest depository, is developing a platform to streamline and accelerate bond selling for retail investors. This technology will enable quick verification and blocking of securities, reducing uncertainty and paperwork. This move will enhance liquidity in the corporate bond market and encourage retail participation.
NHAI has reduced its debt by Rs 4,721 crore, bringing the total liabilities down to Rs 2.39 lakh crore. It plans to retire more debt through monetisation, with 2 rounds of InvITs planned this year. 9 stretches have been identified for acquisition and 1500 km of highways will be monetised through InvIT in the next 3-5 years, thanks to the government's support.
75% of pharma units have not begun upgradation work for their manufacturing facilities, prompting the government to consider extending the deadline for implementing revised Schedule M guidelines. Even the 1,700 units that applied for extension have not completed 20-30% of the work.
In 2024-25, bank lending to JLGs decreased significantly due to challenges in the microfinance industry. This was due to multiple factors such as higher credit risk, stricter regulations, and lower repayment ability among small businesses. As a result, small borrowers faced limited options for formal credit.
In 2025, the Indian rupee faced significant volatility, depreciating by 5% and becoming Asia's worst-performing currency. The Trump administration's trade tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and foreign outflows were major contributing factors.
The Supreme Court has put a hold on its decision to define a 100-metre height for the Aravalli hills, citing concerns about the ecological impact of mining. The government argues that only a small portion of the hills can be mined, while environmentalists warn of potential damage to the region's climate, water, and ecology from urban expansion and mining.
The Reserve Bank of India announced an OMO purchase of Rs 50,000 crore on January 05, 2026 as part of its earlier plan of Rs 2 lakh crore. It will also conduct a $10 billion dollar-rupee buy/sell swap on January 12. In 2025, the RBI cut key rates by 1.25% to support growth and sold over $38 billion in forex to reduce volatilities. It also implemented new regulations for project
Sankaran Naren, ED and CIO of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, foresees a potential correction in global markets but believes that Indian equities will outperform in 2026. He highlights the strength of the Indian economy and the importance of well-priced IPOs for continued market growth.
Indian EAM S Jaishankar to attend funeral of Bangladesh's first woman PM Khaleda Zia, who passed away at 80. Ties between the two nations strained due to recent killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. Zia's son Rahman to lead BNP's election campaign in her absence. PM Modi expresses sorrow and offers condolences.
Mukesh Ambani has released a draft AI manifesto for Reliance Industries, aiming to turn the company into an AI-native deep-tech enterprise. The manifesto aims for a ten-fold increase in productivity, a significant impact on the economy and society, and providing affordable AI for all Indians.
In 2025, Indian family offices invested $1 billion in 61 deals for startups under 10 years old, a decrease from the previous year. This is attributed to the rise of professionally managed micro VC funds, providing a middle ground for early-stage investments. This shift is also influenced by competing opportunities in other asset classes.
"After 10 years, Stranger Things is coming to an end with a 2-hour finale episode titled "The Right Side Up." The fifth season has been filled with action and emotion, revealing the origin of the Upside Down and taking the Hawkins Gang on their final adventure. The highly anticipated finale will be released on January 1st and is 2 hours and 8 minutes long."
Alhind Air received its NOC in December 2025, but commercial operations are delayed due to difficulties in securing aircraft and financing. The airline plans to start with three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft and expand to seven. Financing is the main hurdle, despite available pre-owned aircraft.
Deepa Jewellers, a Hyderabad-based B2B gold jewellery company, has filed for a Rs 250 crore IPO. Established in 2016, it aims to use the funds for working capital and expansion. With a wide range of products and 315 loyal customers, the company recorded a revenue of Rs 1,397 crore and a net profit of Rs 40.5 crore in FY25.
The New Year symbolizes a fresh start and the opportunity to leave behind negativity and embrace optimism. 20 quotes offer inspiration and motivation for setting goals, learning from mistakes, and creating our own destiny. With intentional optimism, we can approach the future with clarity and purpose, knowing that it is in our hands.
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has launched two dedicated fleet models, Prime HB and Prime SD, to compete with Maruti Suzuki's Tour line-up. The models come with speed-limiting functionality, panic buttons, and a three-year factory warranty. They are powered by a 1.2-litre engine and offer good fuel efficiency. Optional accessories and finance options are available for fleet customers.
Indian drivers are increasingly seeing motor insurance as a necessary protection rather than just a mandatory obligation. This is evident in the 2.5x growth in EV insurance and 200% surge in premiums for these vehicles. This trend is driven by the higher adoption and ticket size of EVs, which require specialised coverage.
Ola Electric's Roadster X+ electric motorcycle, equipped with their in-house developed 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack, has received government certification. This will enable the company to start delivering the motorcycle and reach smaller markets. The 4680 Bharat Cell technology will also be used in their other two-wheeler models and for future projects.
India's crude oil imports from Russia are expected to drop sharply in December due to short-term disruptions caused by US sanctions on top Russian exporters and EU sanctions on Russian-linked product flows. However, this is seen as a temporary adjustment, with Russian imports expected to gradually recover from January.
Mohanlal's mother, Santhakumari, passed away at the age of 90 in Kochi. She had been staying with the actor for the past few months, battling neurological issues. Mohanlal was very close to his mother and had recently expressed sadness over being away from her during the lockdown. Tributes have been pouring in for Santhakumari, who was a beloved figure in the film industry.
Indian equity benchmarks ended Tuesday's trade on a subdued note, with the Nifty 50 closing flat at 25,939 and the BSE Sensex falling 20 points. However, the Nifty Bank outperformed and settled 0.41% higher, while mid- and small-cap stocks closed in the red. The markets remained range-bound, with the Nifty forming a small-bodied bullish candle and closing above its 50-DMA.
PNGRB's tariff overhaul has resulted in lower CNG and PNG prices for city gas operators, with Think Gas already announcing cuts in multiple states. This reform simplifies transportation and makes natural gas more competitive, promoting cleaner energy. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, which is expected to improve accessibility and affordability of natural gas.
The 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, hosted by SHINee's Minho, ALLDAY PROJECT's Annie, and Hwang Minhyun, will wrap up the year with a star-studded lineup and special collaborations. The event will be broadcast on December 31st, with exclusive streaming partner MUNIVERSE donating a portion of ticket sales to charity.
Emkay Global has given a 'Buy' rating to Lenskart Solutions with a target price of Rs 525, citing its market leadership, strong unit economics, and advanced technology as key factors. As India's largest eyewear retailer with a 5% market share, Lenskart operates at a scale three times larger than its closest competitor, utilizing innovative methods like remote optometry and Vision AI.
Steel Exchange India is raising Rs 700 crore through various methods, including preferential issue and public placement. The company reported a decline in profit and revenue in the September quarter. It received term loans and plans to use them for prepayment of high-cost loans.
The 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards celebrated the best in Korean variety entertainment, with Jun Hyun Moo and Jang Do Yeon as co-hosts. Despite controversies, the live event proceeded as planned, with Yoo Jae Suk winning his 9th Grand Prize. He expressed gratitude to his Hangout With Yoo co-stars and crew, and aims to reach 30 Grand Prizes.
When Shubham Goel and Ray Zhou walked out of Stanford University with degrees in hand, most graduates were busy scouting safe jobs or internships. But the duo had bigger plans. Observing the everyday frustrations faced by corporations, they co-founded Affinity, a company that would grow into a relationship intelligence powerhouse valued at over $500 million
The year 2025 witnessed a surge in the use of mental health affirmations like 'I am enough' and 'I am safe in my body' due to the growing need for positivity and self-care in a negative world. These affirmations can rewire the brain for productivity and help cope with chronic stress and declining mental health, as stated by Dr. Kamna Chhibber.
American vlogger "gabhruji" has expressed deep love for India, and made a heartfelt appeal to PM Modi to grant him an Aadhaar card. He made this appeal with just 8 hours left in the country and believes India has it all and is grateful for the experiences he has had. The emotional video has gone viral, resonating with viewers who share similar sentiments and experiences.
Railway stocks, including RVNL, IRFC, RailTel, and IRCON, are on the rise with a 12% increase in share prices due to the pre-Budget rally, expected fare hikes, and increased capex allocation. The Railway Ministry's plan to launch the first Vande Bharat Sleeper for AC class travellers, improved safety indicators, and infrastructure development are also contributing to this surge.
Some of America’s richest people are quietly thinking about spending less time in California, or even leaving the state altogether, because of a proposed tax that would target billionaires. According to a report from the New York Times, among the popular names are Larry Page, the Google co-founder, and Peter Thiel, the tech investor.
Dr Vanita Rahman, an Indian who moved to the US at 13, struggled with obesity for years due to a drastic shift in lifestyle. Despite being a physician, she couldn't manage her health issues until a friend suggested a plant-based diet.
The 2025 SBS Entertainment Awards, hosted by Jun Hyun Moo, Cha Tae Hyun, and Lee Su Ji, will showcase popular variety shows like Running Man and My Little Old Boy, as well as new hits such as The Ballad of Us and My Turn. The ceremony will be broadcast live on SBS TV and may be available on Netflix and KOCOWA+. TVXQ U-KNOW's performance is also expected.
Titan's stock price has risen by 22% this year after the launch of their latest venture, the 'beYon' store, which offers lab-grown diamonds. Key brokerage firm Nuvama has maintained a 'Buy' rating on the stock, with a target price of Rs 4,672, citing the positive impact of this move.
The 2025 MBC Drama Awards will celebrate the achievements of South Korean actors and creatives on the MBC channel. Hosted by Kim Sung Joo and Lee Sun Bin, the ceremony will feature popular shows and upcoming dramas, as well as performances by K-pop group Jaurim. Despite lower ratings, hit dramas are still represented in the Best Couple Award nominees.
Gujarat Kidney, a multispeciality healthcare company, made a strong debut on the National Stock Exchange with its shares listing at a premium of 5.26% to the issue price of Rs 114. The company raised Rs 250.80 crores through its IPO, which was subscribed 5.21 times. The funds raised will be used for acquisitions, capital expenditure, and repayment of borrowings.
Indian equity indices opened flat on Monday, with NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opening at 25,945 and 84,686 respectively. The Bank Nifty opened 0.05% lower at 58,904, while small and mid-cap stocks opened in the red. Technical analysts predict further weakness in the market, with resistance at 26,000 and support at 25,850-25,800. The advance-decline ratio was in favor of declines.
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, revealed on December 28, 2025, that the documentary The Thinking Game has crossed 200 million views on YouTube in only four weeks. The film offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look inside an artificial general intelligence, or AGI, lab and closely follows the work behind AlphaFold, the Nobel Prize–winning AI project that changed biology forever.
Abhishek Banerjee has warned Indians against assuming that Canada and Europe offer the same opportunities as the United States. He urged them not to waste time pursuing opportunities in these countries, calling them stagnant economies with limited growth prospects. “West is not a monolith,” he said, before adding, “Canada & Europe are barely half as rich as the US!”