Mohanlal's highly anticipated Malayali action-thriller, L2: Empuraan, has made a worldwide collection of over Rs 50 crore on its opening day. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film has received high praise for its gripping storyline and direction. It will soon be available on OTT platforms, with JioHotstar being one of the reported streaming platforms.
The Women's Premier League 2026, starting on January 9 in Navi Mumbai, holds significance after India's historic win in the Women's ODI World Cup. The league features five teams and star players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Matches will be played in a dual-session format and can be watched live on the Star Sports Network.
The aviation industry is predicted to experience an increase in bank lending in 2026, following a three-year decline. This is due to the need for funding for aircraft inductions, staffing costs, and overseas operations as airlines expand their fleets and international networks. However, concerns remain about rising costs and currency fluctuations.
Retail inflation for December is estimated to rise to 1.45% year-on-year, up from 0.71% in November and 0.25% in October due to unfavorable base effects in food prices and sequential firmness in precious metals. This would mark the 11th consecutive month below the RBI's medium-term target of 4% and below the lower end of the target range of 2-6%.
RBI's intervention in foreign exchange market to stabilize rupee and prevent volatility has resulted in a 5% drop in 2025. However, the currency has remained stable and even appreciated slightly. Exporters are hedging due to rising forward premia. Experts attribute rupee's underperformance to RBI's $10 billion FX swap.
Indian public sector enterprises and government agencies have accomplished 73.6% of their annual capital expenditure goal of Rs 7.85 lakh crore in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. This is a small increase from the previous year. Indian Railways and NHAI are the main contributors to this spending, with the power, coal, and steel industries also playing a role.
Jewellery stocks, including Senco Gold, PC Jeweller, Kalyan Jewellers, PN Gadgil, TBZ and Titan, fell after a recent surge. Profit-booking, high gold prices and weak market sentiment were cited as reasons. However, Q3 revenue growth was strong due to festive demand and higher prices. Companies are optimistic for the upcoming wedding season with a growth target of 18-20%.
Adani Group partners with Embraer to establish a regional jet assembly line in India, marking their entry into the aircraft manufacturing sector and supporting the 'Make in India' initiative. Embraer aims to expand its presence in India, including in defence and urban air mobility.
Reliance Industries is considering buying Venezuelan oil if allowed to sell it to non-US buyers, according to a Reuters report. The company is awaiting clarity on access for non-US buyers and will purchase the oil in a compliant manner. The US has begun marketing Venezuelan oil globally and controls its sale for an indefinite period
The Rajasthan ACB has filed an FIR against 21 people, including government officials and private suppliers, for a Rs 2,000 crore scam in the mid-day meal scheme during Covid-19. Officials and firms allegedly collaborated to fake billing, forge documents, and misuse public funds. The ACB is investigating and will take strict action against the guilty parties.
Raising cortisol levels in the morning has health benefits, says neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. Cortisol, often seen as a stress hormone, helps with alertness and activity. To increase levels, get bright light and exercise early on, but be cautious of consistently high levels causing inflammation and a weakened immune system.
SEBI has revised its stockbroker regulations after 30 years to allow brokers to operate under other financial regulators, simplifying language and removing outdated provisions. The new rule also streamlines the structure and enhances clarity through amended definitions. Compliance and ease of doing business have been prioritized, with joint inspections and electronic bookkeeping now permitted.
Tata Steel's Q3 FY26 sales met expectations with help from volume growth, but were affected by lower HRC prices. Axis Securities predicts a rise in revenue and EBITDA, but a 3% decline in quarterly EBITDA due to lower price realisation and higher coal costs. The company plans to invest in growth and sustainable steelmaking, but faces a short-term challenge.
Nomura picks Mahindra & Mahindra as the top choice among Indian automotive OEMs with a 'Buy' rating for others. Domestic volumes and the commercial vehicle cycle are expected to see significant growth. Rising commodity costs pose challenges, but companies with strong pricing power can handle them. Nomura also recommends top ancillary picks.
Texmaco Rail & Engineering completed the erection and commissioning of HM systems for the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, aiding India's clean energy goals. NHPC, the developer, announced the COD for the first unit and three units are already commissioned. Texmaco Rail plays a crucial role in the project, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
BJP worker Sujata Handi was arrested after a complaint filed by Congress corporator Suvarna Kallakuntla. She alleges being assaulted and disrobed by police during the arrest, while police deny it. The incident occurred during SIR exercise in Karnataka. Police say Handi removed her clothes herself and a separate complaint was filed against her.
A 26-year-old engineer, Nikshep K Bangera, died after falling from a 16th-floor apartment in Bengaluru. It is unclear whether it was a suicide or an accidental fall. Bangera was diagnosed with psychological issues and had shown aggressive tendencies in the past. He had returned to India after studying in Europe and his family noticed changes in his behavior.
Priyadarshan's Bhooth Bangla, starring Akshay Kumar, has been postponed to May 15 to avoid clash with Dhurandhar 2. The latter has grossed over Rs 800 crore in India and is still going strong, causing other big releases to fail. Bhooth Bangla marks Priyadarshan's comeback with Akshay after 15 years and also stars Tabu, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav.
Prada releases 'Infusion de Santal Chai Prada' perfume in their Les Infusions de Prada line, sparking controversy for cultural appropriation. Priced at $190, the tea-scented fragrance receives both criticism and praise, with some questioning its purpose and others loving its cozy winter vibe.
Prabhas' movie, Raja Saab, will finally release on January 9 after facing issues with ticket prices from the Andhra Pradesh Government. It will have a limit of five screenings per day and tickets can cost up to Rs 1000 for the first ten days. Despite competition from Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, Raja Saab has already earned over Rs 8 crore on its opening day.
Majnu ka Tila, a popular spot in Delhi known as 'Mini Tibet', is facing closure due to safety concerns. The Delhi High Court has ordered a crackdown on illegally functioning multi-storeyed eateries, with strict action to be completed by March 2026. The area is home to affordable restaurants, Tibetan flags, tourist lodges, and a dense population of monks and North East Indian residents.
The upcoming BMC election in Mumbai has raised concerns as Non-Resident Indians have been found carrying Indian voter ID cards despite having foreign passports. The Election Commission is investigating possible fraudulent enrollment on electoral rolls. Security checks at airports will continue during the election period.
Yash's highly anticipated movie "Toxic" has released its second teaser, introducing the protagonist Raya, played by Yash, on the actor's 40th birthday. The almost three-minute clip is full of gangster vibes, raising expectations for the Rs 300 crore-budget movie, set to clash with Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 on Eid.
A 37-year-old woman, Renee Nicole Good, was fatally shot by a US ICE officer in Minneapolis. President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the officer's actions, saying it was in self-defence. However, Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the incident and demanded that ICE leave the city. The chilling video counters Trump's claims that the ‘victim tried to run over ICE officer’.
BITS Pilani has received a $1 million scholarship endowment from alumnus Mahesh Samdani and his wife Purva Ladha. The endowment will establish the Smt Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship, in memory of Samdani's mother, to support academically talented female students from underprivileged backgrounds. The scholarships will be awarded annually starting in 2026-27.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has received a supply order from the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) to overhaul, upgrade, and manage the obsolescence of the Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launcher Systems. The collaboration aims to improve the long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments.
Arizona based Ravi (name changed) was selected in the H-1B lottery for the 2025 fiscal year. His attorney had filed the petition on May 31, 2025. By July 27, USCIS had updated the case status to “Approved.” The system showed it clearly. What never showed up was the physical approval notice --- Form I-797.
Yajur Fibres, a bast fibre processing and manufacturing company, is going public with an IPO of 0.69 crore shares to raise Rs 120.41 crores. The bidding opened on January 7 and will close on January 9, with an IPO price band of Rs 168 - 174 per share. The company aims to use the funds for expansion and has shown consistent growth in net profit and revenue over the last three years.
A woman was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis, a city already on edge as the Trump administration ramps up immigration raids across Democratic-led areas.
A fatal shooting involving a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis has sparked a nationwide political firestorm. The incident, which left 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good dead, has divided the country, with the Trump administration and its supporters fiercely defending the agent, while local leaders and community members demand accountability.
Yash, popularly known for his role as Rocky Bhai in KGF, is headlining his own film, Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups. Celebrating his 40th birthday today, Toxic stands up to Ranveer Singh's mega-blockbuster Dhurandhar with its sequel also set to release in March 2026. With a reported net worth of over Rs 50 crore, the millionaire superstar Yash is known for his lavish lifestyle
Priyanka Chopra Jonas's performance with Sunil Grover on The Great Indian Kapil Show has gone viral. Even her husband, Nick Jonas, couldn't resist jamming to her song 'Slowly Slowly'. The couple's adorable dynamic has captured hearts, with Nick being fondly referred to as 'Nick Jiju' on social media.
The release of Thalapathy Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' has been delayed due to a complaint filed against its censor certificate. The Madras High Court will make a final judgement on January 9, the original release date. The film, with a budget of Rs 500 crore, has already received a censor certificate from 24 countries, but the CBFC's decision is being questioned.
Google co-founder Larry Page is relocating from California to Delaware and Florida due to a proposed new tax that would impact the state's wealthiest residents. His family office, research group, and flying car venture have all changed their registrations. This is part of a growing trend among billionaires reconsidering their ties to California amid the ongoing debate over wealth taxes.
US President Donald Trump has given the green light for a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting countries that continue to do business with Russia, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on Wednesday. The legislation could come up for a vote in Congress as early as next week.
Global markets trade mixed, GIFT Nifty down 0.16%. Key cues to watch include oil prices, FII and DII data, sectoral performance. US markets close lower, crude oil prices rise. US Dollar Index down, rupee appreciates. FII sell, DII buy. Gold rate near all-time high. Gems and Jewellery sector stocks rise, EV Charging sector stocks fall.
Trump and Colombian President Petro had a cordial phone conversation, with Trump extending an invitation to the White House. Despite previous criticism and tensions over Colombia's drug trade involvement and opposition to US intervention in Venezuela, Trump appears to be warming up to Petro. Sanctions have been imposed on both countries.
A woman was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking outrage. The shooting took place during a tense confrontation on a city street. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good.
At CES 2026, HERE Technologies revealed their contribution to software-defined vehicles by partnering with Lucid and Hyundai AutoEver. Lucid now has enhanced in-vehicle navigation and trip planning, while Hyundai AutoEver plans to add lane-level guidance and Navigation on Autopilot. HERE Technologies remains a leader in intelligent travel innovation.
Analysts predict no tariff hike in the upcoming quarter, with expectations of price increase being too optimistic. Tariff hikes are expected in mid-2026 due to structural catalysts, while near-term growth will be driven by operating levers. Vodafone Idea's absence in the FWA market will affect Arpu growth, and AGR relief may provide cash for capex. Competition with Jio remains a concern.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he wants the United States to spend $1.5 trillion on the military in 2027. He said the increase is needed because the world is facing “troubled and dangerous times.”
Ather Energy has launched the Infinite Cruise adaptive cruise control feature on all 450X electric scooters, including older models bought after Jan 1, 2025. It is ideal for Indian city riding and has three modes for different terrains. The system can be activated from 10 kmph, reducing the need for constant throttle usage.
AI is transforming the video game industry by introducing intelligent NPCs and enabling games to adapt to players. This results in more immersive and realistic gaming experiences, but also leads to larger game sizes, emphasizing the importance of efficient storage solutions. The impact of AI on gaming is significant and storage innovation is crucial for the future of the industry.
Social media platform X submitted a report to MeitY detailing steps taken to prevent its AI chatbot, Grok AI, from producing inappropriate content. The report covers technical measures, content moderation, and actions against accounts sharing objectionable content. MeitY is reviewing the report and may give further instructions.
As air pollution continues to worsen in cities, people are turning to wearable and portable anti-pollution gadgets, as well as traditional air purifiers. These gadgets and purifiers are in high demand, especially in cities like Delhi/NCR and Mumbai. Brands like NewDru, Attovio, OxyHalo, Prana, Smiledrive, Inkbyrd, Xiaomi, Furper India, and Philips are offering various options.
In 2025, India's IPO market has shown a preference for larger issuances of Rs 3,000 crore and above, with an average listing gain of 19%. This is due to strong fundamentals, higher governance standards, and deeper institutional participation. Smaller IPOs of Rs 3,000 crore and below have only seen 9% gains, with some struggling to maintain their value.
India's economic growth in FY26 is projected to be strong, with GDP and GVA expected to expand by 7.5% and 7.3%, respectively. The second advance estimates, to be released in February 2026, may change due to base revision. Despite a potential shortfall in tax collections, stable fiscal parameters are expected due to higher non-tax revenues and lower expenditure.
NCCF and Nafed are buying pulses directly from pre-registered farmers at APMC mandi yards at MSP to increase pulse production and decrease import reliance. The government has requested states to exempt taxes for this purchase, while NCCF and Nafed have over 2 million pre-registered farmers on their portals. This move aims to provide farmers with better selling options at profitable prices.
India's GDP growth is expected to slow down to 6.9% in the second half of the current financial year, compared to 8% in the first half. The National Statistics Office predicts a 7.4% economic expansion for the whole year, with strong growth in services like finance and public administration offsetting slower growth in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction.
India's economy is predicted to grow at 7.4% in 2025-26, with a 7.3% increase in gross value added (GVA). However, there are worries of a slowdown in the second half of the fiscal year due to global challenges and lower nominal growth. The NSO's First Advance Estimate (FAE) indicates a possible decrease in central government spending and the negative effects of US tariffs.
India's universal access model, centered on shared infrastructure and Village Public Telephones (VPT), has ended as VPT connections hit zero in 2025. This signifies a major change in rural connectivity, as mobile phones have become the main means of accessing voice and data services. The increase in tele-density and affordability have driven this shift, rendering public phones obsolete.