Kolkata was plunged into chaos on Tuesday after a protest rally turned violent, leading to a 12-hour bandh called by BJP. Despite the opposition's strike call, the West Bengal government assured that essential services will continue as usual. The unrest saw clashes between protesters and police which resulted in the use of water cannons and lathi charge.
The United States has announced major changes to how it screens visa applicants and travellers. These updates affect people applying for work visas, student visas, immigrant visas, and even travellers who usually do not need a visa to enter the US.
India's wholesale prices saw a year-on-year decline of 0.32% in November, attributed to lower prices in food articles, mineral oils, and electricity. Deflation was seen in vegetables, pulses, potato, and onion. Manufactured products saw a decrease in inflation, while fuel and power showed deflation. Retail inflation also rose to 0.71% in November.
IndiGo has cancelled 109 flights due to adverse weather conditions, causing significant disruptions at major airports. The airline advises passengers to check their flight status and leave for the airports early due to low visibility affecting road traffic. Delhi has recorded near-zero visibility and severe air quality, with an AQI of 500. Other major cities also have varying levels of pollution.
Two young men from Punjab were shot dead in a late-night shooting in southeast Edmonton, Canada on Friday. The victims were Gurdeep Singh, 27 and Ranveer Singh, 18. The Edmonton Police Service said it received calls about gunshots at around 2 am on December 12.
Central Railway has introduced two new stations, Targhar and Gavan, on the Belapur/Nerul-Uran section, along with five more pairs of suburban trains. The move aims to enhance travel experience for passengers by increasing daily services to 50 and improving operating hours and peak hour frequency. These stations will also provide convenient access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Darshan Thoogudeepa's The Devil, a dual role action film, had a successful opening day at the Box Office, earning Rs 10 crores. Despite the lead actor's legal issues, the film saw a 66% drop on Day 2 but picked up slightly on Day 4 with an earning of Rs 4.25 crores. The film has an overall occupancy of 53.38% and continues to have a strong presence.
A powerful snowstorm caused major trouble at airports across New York City and a large part of the Northeast on Sunday. The storm dumped heavy snow across the region, leading to long flight delays and ground stops that affected travellers not just locally but across the country.
Goldman Sachs has raised L&T's rating to 'Buy' with a target price of Rs 5,000, implying a 25% potential gain. This is due to improved earnings visibility, a robust order book, and growth prospects in defence, green hydrogen, and nuclear power. The brokerage predicts a rise in earnings in the near future, supported by a strong order backlog and return on equity.
Delhi's air quality has hit hazardous levels with AQI reaching 500, prompting Congress MP Jairam Ramesh to call for updated and strictly enforced NAAQS and a revamp of NCAP. Another Congress MP has called it the "second dirtiest December day on record", adding that he has moved an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha.
Wakefit Innovations' shares debut at Rs 195 on NSE and Rs 194.10 on BSE, matching the issue price of Rs 195 per share. The IPO raised Rs 1,288.89 crores through a mix of new shares and offer for sale. Allotment finalized on Dec 11 with minimum lot size of 76 shares for retail applicants. Wakefit Innovations is a D2C home brand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman to strengthen bilateral relations. He will meet with top leaders, including Jordanian King Abdullah II and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and address the Joint Session of Parliament in Ethiopia. In Oman, he will discuss strengthening the Strategic Partnership and address the Indian diaspora.
As 2025 nears its end, India sees record highs in benchmark indices and GDP, but FIIs remain net sellers. In an exclusive interview, Kotak Mahindra's managing director explains the three main reasons for this trend: profitability, narrowing valuation gap, and expectation of double-digit earnings growth in 2026. Despite concerns, India's future looks promising.
Sydney’s Bondi Beach shooting: As Jewish families mourn the dead, anger and tension have spilled into the streets in several parts of the world. Massive anto-Jewish protest broke out in Amsterdam.
Delhi residents face hazardous air quality as dense smog blankets the city, causing low visibility and slow traffic movement. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C, with the India Meteorological Department reporting visibility as low as 50 meters. People are advised to take precautions and drive slowly with fog lights on.
Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the upcoming ‘Lionel Messi G.O.A.T India Tour -Delhi Leg’ event at Arun Jaitley Stadium on December 15, 2025. Commuters should expect diversions and restrictions on certain roads, heavy vehicles will not be allowed on certain routes, and designated parking lots have been identified. App-based taxi pick-up and drop points have also been marked.
On Friday, the pilot of a JetBlue flight reported narrowly avoiding a midair collision with a US Air Force refuelling plane over the Caribbean. The pilot said the military plane crossed right in front of his aircraft, without broadcasting its position.
IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued travel advisories due to dense fog in Delhi, causing delays in both flight and ground operations. Passengers are advised to expect delays and plan accordingly. Road traffic is also affected. Air quality in major cities, including Delhi, remains poor.
Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery for $83 billion could significantly impact India's $38,000-crore OTT market. It would solidify Netflix's position and market share in India, posing a challenge to broadcaster-led OTTs and mid-tier platforms. This consolidation could result in households maintaining multiple subscriptions.
A shooting at Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous beaches, has now claimed 16 lives, authorities confirmed on Monday morning. According to the police, the attack was carried out by a father and son, and the case is now being treated as an act of terrorism.
Listed companies, including state-owned and private sector firms, are in focus due to corporate announcements. These include higher sales, fund-raising approvals, fresh orders, regulatory updates, and technology partnerships. Key stocks to watch today, December 15, include SAIL, JSW Energy, Bharat Electronics, Wipro, KEC International, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, and more.
At least 16 people were killed, and more than 40 others, some in critical condition, were rushed to hospitals, after a gunfire broke out during a Hanukkah celebration.The victims included children and elderly people. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said their ages ranged from just 10 years old to 87.
Cybersecurity experts warn of increased scam activity during the 2025 holiday shopping season in the US, with criminals using AI and dark web fraud kits to create convincing fake storefronts, delivery notifications, and online stores. Victims risk losing money and personal data by clicking on these fraudulent links.
Google's Gemini AI is quickly gaining ground on OpenAI's ChatGPT in terms of reach, adoption, and capabilities, posing a real threat to its dominance in the AI world. With a growing user base and strong integration with Google's platform, Gemini is closing the gap with ChatGPT. Other competitors, such as Perplexity and Anthropic's Claude, are also gaining momentum, indicating a shift in industry.
Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp joined forces to produce the X 440, a budget-friendly motorcycle. But its lack of classic Harley appearance resulted in poor sales. The upgraded X440 T features ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, and a sleeker design. It's perfect for city riding, with a fuel efficiency of 30 km/l and a range of 350 km.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is considering a €10 billion offer to buy FC Barcelona in a bid to gain total control of the historic team and expand the country's influence in global sports. However, a full takeover faces major obstacles due to the club's debt and ownership structure.
Flu shots range from $20 to $130 for uninsured individuals, but there are affordable or free options for those with low income or no insurance. Public health departments and seasonal flu clinics offer these options. It is recommended for everyone over 6 months to get vaccinated, as advised by public health officials.
Indian oil companies are attempting to negotiate crude oil settlements in rupees, but foreign suppliers are reluctant due to trade imbalances. A parliamentary committee has recommended the use of rupees to conserve foreign exchange reserves and urged the oil ministry to address bottlenecks and promote rupee-based settlements.
A person has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured. The individual, who is not a Brown University student, was detained based on a tip and is being investigated. The university has lifted its lockdown order, but police are still investigating the crime scenes. The motive for the shooting is still unknown.
South Korean actor Byun Yo Han and American actress-singer Tiffany Young, known for their work on Uncle Samsik, have confirmed their serious relationship with marriage in mind. Their intimate scene in the series and Tiffany's role as Byun's English tutor have gained attention. Byun, a graduate of Korea National University of Arts, has received multiple awards for his work in films and dramas.
Despite a weekly gain of 148 points, the Nifty index is facing resistance and cautious sentiment due to lower tops and bottoms. Russia's investment in Indian equity markets could boost liquidity. Mixed global cues, with uneven US markets and expected BOJ policy rate increase. RBI cuts rates and injects liquidity, while India's CPI remains stable.
India and Russia have set a goal to increase their bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 by identifying 300 high-potential products in sectors like engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture. The trade gap is mainly due to India's oil imports, but there is potential for growth in other sectors.
The government plans to lower customs duties in the upcoming Budget to promote domestic value creation and attract investments, despite challenges from Trump tariffs and free trade negotiations. Digitization and faceless processing will streamline customs procedures. Experts suggest reducing India's average customs duty from 14% to 2% in line with other major countries.
Streamer of the Year, Speed, is making headlines again after reacting to Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour 2025 during a livestream. However, his misunderstanding of the situation led to him spreading misinformation and receiving backlash from social media users. The truth behind Messi's visit to India reveals a chaotic event with fans disappointed and angry at the organizers for mismanagement.
NTA has released the notification for CUET (PG)-2026, inviting applications for masters' courses in Central Universities and other participating institutions. Forms can be filled from Dec 14, 2025 to Jan 14, 2026, with exams in March 2026. Exams will be held in 292 cities in India and 16 cities abroad. Candidates must follow instructions and submit only one application with correct information.
Crunchyroll's Executive VP, Mitchel Berger, celebrates the artistry and human creativity behind anime amidst discussions of artificial intelligence. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle's success at the box office has led to global earnings of $750 million and nominations for a Golden Globe and Oscar. Crunchyroll's dedication to bringing anime into fans' daily lives through content remains strong.
A woman from Delhi filed a complaint to the MCD about her home's CCTV camera being smashed, expressing fear for her family's safety and her son's distress. The incident, she claimed, was in retaliation for her complaint. She alleged that she dialled the police helpline, but no "concrete action" was taken by the police. Delhi Police has forwarded her complaint to the relevant authorities.
John Cena, after a 24-year career, has retired from WWE with a loss to Gunther, keeping his promise to retire in 2025. With a net worth of $80 million, he ranks in the top 5 richest wrestlers, while WWE co-founder Vince McMahon holds the top spot with a net worth of $3.2 billion. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson also makes the list.
Abhishek Negi, founder of Eggoz, responded to viral claims of using antibiotics in their eggs, stating that they are shocked and disappointed by the misinformation and fear-mongering. He clarified that their eggs are safe for consumption and that they have implemented strict safety measures, including no use of antibiotics.
Ranveer Singh, the popular Bollywood actor, is not only famous for his films but also for his bold fashion sense. With a net worth of Rs 430 crore, Singh has invested in his own protein snack brand and a new spirit label. However, his extravagant watch collection, worth Rs 15 crore, from top brands like Frank Muller and Rolex, is what steals the show.
Rajinikanth, the South superstar, has had a stellar year at the box office and recently turned 75. His illustrious career spans 50 years and he has acted in several films across languages. Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, he had a quiet dream of acting, which was realized after a chance encounter with a driver named Raj Bahadur, who pushed him towards pursuing acting as a serious profession.
Several attorney generals have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the new $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas. Vice President JD Vance criticized the move, but the attorney generals argue that the fee will harm the economy and hinder the hiring of highly skilled foreign workers. Oregon, for example, relies on H-1B workers in its universities and institutions.
A man's uncle found an old retirement document from 1995, which he bought for Rs 20,000. Curious, the man turned to Reddit, asking the community to calculate its current value. Many claimed that the bond could be worth crores now. However, the numbers tell a very different story. Read on to find out the "current" value.
A tragic shooting at Brown University's engineering building leaves two dead and eight critically injured. The school was put on lockdown, and students shared their terrifying experiences. The shooter is still at large, and the incident occurred during final exams. The building was a popular spot for students and contained classrooms and labs.
A United Airlines flight bound for Tokyo was forced to return to the United States after it suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 777-200ER was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members when the incident took place.
The FAA is investigating the incident.
Two people were killed and eight were injured in a shooting at Brown University during final exams. The suspect, a male dressed in black, is still at large and authorities do not have an image of him yet. The university sent out two incorrect alerts, causing chaos and confusion among students and faculty as the search for the shooter continues.
The partnership between ICE and TSA has led to the arrest and deportation of a college student with no criminal record, raising concerns about privacy and delays for passengers. ICE is using TSA data to identify and detain individuals for deportation at airports, sparking controversy over the collaboration between immigration authorities and TSA.
The US Transportation Department is threatening to withhold $73 million from New York state due to improperly issued commercial driver licenses to non-US citizens. Secretary Sean Duffy stresses the importance of well-trained drivers and has made similar threats to other Democratic-run states.
England's Ashes plans were flawed, relying on hope and bravado rather than practical analysis. Australia's experienced team, dubbed 'Dad's Army', has proven to be a tough opponent due to England's overestimation of their own strength and players. Despite talented leaders, England lacks team unity and struggles with adapting to conditions.
Walmart, the US' biggest retailer, will shut down all stores for 24 hours on Christmas to prioritize employee family time. Limited hours will be available on December 24, with emphasis on planning ahead for gift shopping and dinner preparations. Online shopping and delivery will continue with extended deadlines and "dark stores" for faster service.
In December 2025, the SSA in the US will adhere to its regular payment schedule for beneficiaries, with deposits being made on specific dates depending on birthdates. The schedule is divided into three groups, with the second group receiving payments on December 17 to ensure timely delivery before the holidays.