The Parliament passed the VB-G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA, proposing to increase employment guarantee to 125 days per household per year and focus on infrastructure and climate-resilient assets. While concerns about eroding rights and fiscal burden have been raised, the new law offers a chance to enhance the scheme and align it with development objectives.
The UltraProlink Juice-Up Mag 6 is a sleek and powerful wireless magnetic power bank that is perfect for travel. It supports fast-charging and MagSafe wireless compatibility for Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus devices. With a 10000mAh battery, it can charge an iPhone from 0% to 50% in under 30 minutes.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 FE is a powerful and affordable device with a slim and light design. It offers a good display, Exynos 2400 chipset, and 8GB RAM for smooth everyday use. It also stands out with its on-device AI features and impressive battery life. With a 120Hz refresh rate display and advanced cameras, it is a great alternative to Samsung's flagship at a price of Rs 59,999.
AI-powered loyalty programmes are transforming the online shopping landscape with tailored rewards and discounts based on customer behavior. Hilton Honors, American Airlines, Domino's Pizza, Starbucks, Bigbasket, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Oyo are among the companies utilizing AI to boost customer retention and sales.
India's software outsourcing industry is renowned for its size, expertise, and cost efficiency. It has expanded from basic IT services to cutting-edge technologies like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, dominating the global IT outsourcing market. However, the industry is under threat from the rising trend of "Shadow AI" - unauthorised use of AI by employees, posing risks to data security.
Pranita Venkatesh, a Fijian American of Indian descent, has become the first South Asian mayor of San Carlos, California. She was unanimously voted in by the City Council and is also one of the youngest mayors in the city. She has a master's degree in psychology and a background in public service. Her appointment comes shortly before Zohran Mamdani becomes New York City's first Muslim mayor.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas as federal holidays for this year. The expanded holiday period is intended to give federal employees additional paid time off. However, the holiday only applies to executive branch federal workers and does not automatically extend to private sector employees.
Indian students are turning to artificial intelligence for studying abroad, prioritizing ROI and career outcomes over university prestige. Emerging destinations like Germany, UAE, and New Zealand are gaining popularity due to lower costs and better job prospects. The report also notes a growing number of women in the tech field.
India's renewable energy sector has made strides, reaching 262.7 GW capacity. But, issues like delayed agreements have left 40 GW stranded. To reach the goal of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity, the government has a plan to streamline the supply chain and boost domestic production. Grid integration and export opportunities are hurdles, but the upcoming Budget is expected to tackle these challenges.
Exports to the US experienced a decrease from May-September due to tariff escalation, but November showed a 22% increase. Exporters' tactics, like clearing backlogs and adjusting product mix, may have offset the impact of tariffs. Exports not subject to tariffs also contributed to the rise. The depreciating rupee has aided, but profitability remains at zero.
Meesho's stock market debut showcases the triumph of its distinctive value-commerce model in India's e-commerce sector. Its zero commission approach, emphasis on affordability and efficiency, and shift to a customer-centric marketplace have resulted in impressive financial success and dominance in smaller towns and rural regions.
The FBI is working on the 'AI National Security Project' to improve national security and combat evolving threats. Director Kash Patel stressed the significance of AI in law enforcement and intelligence work, stating it is crucial for staying ahead of adversaries.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate for Ohio governor, has spoken out against racist attacks towards US Second Lady Usha Vance. He specifically called out the Groypers and their association with white nationalists and right-wing pundit Nick Fuentes. Ramaswamy also addressed bigotry among conservatives at a Turning Point USA event and defended Vance while setting boundaries for followers.
Canada has suspended the Home Care Worker immigration pilot program and cancelled the Start-Up Visa program to manage immigration levels. Existing applications will still be processed, but the pause aims to prevent further growth. The country hopes to maintain sustainable immigration levels and boost its economy through other means.
IndiGo, India's largest airline, is facing a pilot shortage crisis, forcing it to shelve its international expansion plans. The airline is now focusing on addressing the shortage before expanding. It has also reduced its domestic flying schedule by 10% and lowered its capacity and revenue guidance for the third quarter due to regulatory mandates.
Indian Railways has raised passenger fares for AC and non-AC coaches on Mail and Express trains, as well as ordinary class travel, effective from December 26. The increase is expected to generate an additional revenue of Rs 600 crore, with the reason being higher manpower costs. However, categories like suburban and monthly season tickets have been exempted.
Immigration experts caution non-immigrant visa holders, especially H-1B workers, against leaving the US due to policy changes and stricter social media screening. The new $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions makes it even riskier to leave and return. Top companies and attorneys are worried about delays and cancellations of visa interviews.
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."