Odisha's Minister for Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Nityananda Gond, declared the BJP government's pledge to ban liquor in the state. The ban will be implemented in stages, with the goal of creating a liquor-free Odisha.
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.
Investment in lagging states, particularly in power, logistics, and infrastructure, is crucial to address the imbalance in new projects distribution and promote national productivity, job creation, and regional balance. This targeted public investment is essential to achieve 8% growth and elevate India to developed-economy status.
Tata Motors has launched petrol versions of the Harrier and Safari SUVs, with prices starting at Rs 12.89 lakh and Rs 13.29 lakh respectively. Both models are powered by the new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine, delivering 170 hp and 280 Nm of torque. This move is in response to the increasing demand for petrol-powered vehicles in the high-SUV segment.
Orange Health Labs has introduced Orange One, a new pricing system that charges a flat fee of Rs 4,999 for a full-body check-up with 114 blood markers. This includes free monitoring and tracking through their app. The goal is to simplify routine health tests and monitoring in India, where lifestyle-related health problems are on the rise.
Despite challenges such as US tariffs and geopolitical tensions, India's economy is projected to grow by 7.4% in the current fiscal year, making it the fastest-growing major economy. The First Advance Estimates show a GDP growth rate of 7.3%, surpassing initial predictions. Economists believe the government can meet fiscal targets and control spending
Tata Steel reports a record high quarterly crude steel production of 6.34 million tonnes in India for Q3 FY26, with an 11.42% increase from last year. While production at Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar plants drove this growth, the Netherlands and UK saw a decline in production. The company's automotive & special products and branded products & retail also contributed to the positive results.
Toyota is introducing the Urban Cruiser EV in India on January 20, their first all-electric car for the country. It will be produced in Gujarat and is modeled after the Maruti eVitara. The Indian version will have comparable features to the global model, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, advanced driver assistance, and a range of up to.
Virat Kohli is eagerly awaiting the India vs. New Zealand ODI series, with tickets for the opening match selling out in just eight minutes. With an impressive record of 1,657 runs in 33 matches against New Zealand, Kohli is a crucial player to watch. Despite his stellar performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he will miss the next match due to the ODI series.
Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, is set to marry Saaniya Chandhok, granddaughter of Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai, in March 2026 as per media reports. The wedding preparations are reportedly underway at the Tendulkar household and the celebrations are expected to be a private affair.
The Indian IT sector is preparing for the Q3FY26 earnings season, with HCLTech and TCS announcing results on January 12. Analysts foresee margin pressure and increased attrition, but anticipate continued deal momentum. Furloughs and lower utilization may affect revenue growth, with midcap IT companies surpassing larger peers.
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to RBI and the Centre over a PIL alleging violation of borrower's privacy by NBFCs through digital lending apps. The court has asked for a counter affidavit from RBI regarding enforcement of guidelines. The petitioner claims no action was taken despite a complaint in 2025 and seeks prompt action against violators.
Zohran Mamdani, the new Mayor of New York City, will earn $258,750 annually, making him one of the highest-paid mayors in the US. This is a significant increase from his previous salary as a state assemblyman. He will also receive other benefits like a rent-free luxurious residence, security protection, and health insurance.
In his latest column for the Financial Times, Ruchir Sharma, a renowned author and fund manager, outlines 10 significant trends that will shape the global economy. These include the rise of AI and international markets, the resurgence of quality stocks, global deregulation, and pressure on the Chinese economy.
North India is experiencing an intense cold wave, causing temperatures to drop to single digits at night. The IMD explains that this is due to dense fog and low clouds, which prevent sunlight from warming up the ground. Cold day and cold wave warnings have been issued for multiple states, and dense fog is expected to continue for the next few days.
Tata Power Renewable Energy will invest Rs 6,675 crore to establish a 10 GW ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The project, approved by the state government, will create 1,000 direct jobs and contribute to India's push for domestic manufacturing. The facility will also have a 200 MW captive green power plant and is expected to attract more investments in the region.
Varun Beverages, one of the largest bottling partners of PepsiCo outside the US, has received a strong 'Overweight' recommendation from Morgan Stanley with a target price of Rs 600, implying an upside of 21.5%. The brokerage is confident about the company's future growth, especially with its potential expansion into the business of RTD & Alcoholic Beverages.
Zohran Mamdani, the first South Asian mayor of New York City, made history by using a Quran at his swearing-in ceremony. He gained viral fame for fixing a notorious bike lane bump on Delancey Street, a long-standing issue ignored by previous officials. His hands-on approach and promise to tackle both big and small issues have won him praise and support from netizens.
Motilal Oswal initiated coverage on Groww with a ‘Buy’ rating and a target price of Rs 185, projecting a 19% upside potential. Groww has emerged as the largest retail broking platform in India with a 26.8% market share and a 3-fold revenue surge between FY23 and FY25. The company is actively diversifying through optional growth levers such as MTF, credit products, and wealth management.
Namita Thapar, an investor on Shark Tank Season 5, shared valuable advice for students and parents facing the upcoming exam season. She emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep for better information retention and overall performance. Thapar also shared research findings that show the negative effects of pulling all-nighters and the benefits of sleeping for 8 hours.
SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated Telugu sci-fi film, Varanasi, is set to release on April 9, 2027, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. Directed by Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, the film has a star-studded cast and a budget of over Rs 1000 crore. The teaser, which was launched in November 2025 at an iconic event, has already set high expectations among
Nita Ambani, the matriarch of the Ambani family and one of the richest women in India, has a watch collection worth over Rs 10 crore. Her luxurious timepieces include names like Patek Philippe and Jacob & Co., with one watch worth Rs 2.5 crore. She also owns a Bvlgari Serpenti diamond watch and has been seen wearing her watches at various events and appearances.
A consumer court has ordered Leela Palace Udaipur to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to a Chennai couple for violating their privacy. Housekeeping staff entered the room using the master key while the couple was inside the washroom. The hotel claimed it followed SOPs, but the commission rejected the defence and ordered a refund of the room tariff - Rs 55,000 - and Rs 10,000 litigation costs.
Telugu NRI couple, Venkata Asha Khanna Appana and Krishna Kishore Koti Kalapudi, died in a drunk driving accident in Maryland. The suspect, Michael Coupet, has been arrested and charged. The couple's children survived but face a tough future without their parents. A GoFundMe page has been created to help them.
Just two days after the Trump administration expanded a policy requiring some foreign travellers to post a cash bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States, it has widened the list again.
CMS Info Systems has won a Rs 1,000 crore contract from State Bank of India to provide cash outsourcing services for 5,000 ATMs. This 10-year deal will improve cash efficiency and increase ATM uptime, benefiting millions of SBI customers. The company anticipates a Rs 500 crore revenue increase and a strengthened partnership with SBI. In Q2 FY26, CMS reported Rs 500 crore in new orders.
Delhi Police have started registering FIRs against motorists driving on the wrong side of the road, citing an increase in road accidents and safety hazards. Two cases have already been registered under Section 281 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, with stricter penalties including possible jail time and vehicle seizure.
NHRC issues notice to Railway Board over discriminatory reservation policy in IRCTC tenders. Complaint alleges reduction in benefits for SC/ST/OBC bidders and separate reservation for Muslims, calling it a violation of constitutional principles. NHRC takes cognisance and directs Railway Board to investigate and submit a report within two weeks
"The Great Indian Kapil Show renewed for fourth season on Netflix, featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kartik Aaryan, and Ananya Panday. Kapil Sharma jokes about pressure from OTT giant and audience disruption. Sunil Grover's viral Aamir Khan impression gains attention from real Aamir Khan. Tu Meri Main Tera underperforms at box office. Grover praised for versatility and mimicry skills."
Modern wars are no longer fought only with firepower. Control of the electromagnetic spectrum often decides the outcome. The United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela over the weekend, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and bringing them to the US.
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has refuted social media claims of misusing MPLADS funds, citing outdated data on the government website. Other MPs, including senior leaders, also have zero completed works listed. Chaturvedi said that she is willing to prove her work through site visits, and the real issue is the delay in website updates, which is the work of nodal officers.
Hilton Hotels in the US is ending its partnership with a Minnesota hotel that faced backlash for cancelling reservations made by DHS and ICE agents. The decision was made after a video by a far-right influencer exposed the hotel's ban on DHS agents, despite apologies. The GSA has also removed the hotel from its list of approved lodging for federal employees.
India U19 led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi will aim to secure a clean sweep in the third Youth ODI against South Africa U19. The first two matches were rain-affected, but India managed to win both with Vaibhav's impressive performance in the second. The match, which is the last before the U19 World Cup 2026, will be livestreamed on Cricket South Africa's YouTube channel.
A Google employee's post on LinkedIn sparks a discussion about the lifestyle benefits of a Rs 45 LPA salary in Bengaluru versus a Rs 1.15 crore package in London. The LinkedIn post explains the concept of PPP, with Bengaluru offering luxurious living for top earners while London provides a standard of living for the upper middle class.
Coal India's subsidiary, Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL), will launch its initial public offering on January 9 with a price band of Rs 21-23 per share. The IPO will raise Rs 1,071.11 crore through an offer for sale of 46.57 crore shares. The parent company, Coal India, will offload 10% stake and make a profit of over Rs 600 crore. BCCL is the largest coking coal producer in India.
The Trump administration is cutting the number of temporary work visas for seasonal industries, delivering a major setback to landscaping, hospitality, and tourism sectors that had previously received full discretionary visas under the Biden administration.
The highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan, starring Thalapathy Vijay, is facing a release delay due to a clash with the CBFC. While the UK censor board has given it a '15' certification, the Indian clearance is still pending. The producers have moved the Madras High Court and a hearing is scheduled for today. With a huge budget at stake, a delay could result in piracy concerns.
Gen-Z in India is a growing market for brands, with a focus on experiences and memories rather than material possessions. Music has become a major driving force for their travel choices, with concerts and festivals leading to year-round trips and international travel opportunities. The generation is willing to spend a significant portion of their income on music-led experiences.
Heavy snowfall and cold weather have brought large parts of Europe to a sudden halt, disrupting rail networks and flight connectivity. At least six people have lost their lives in weather-related incidents, according to the BBC.
Indian-origin couple dies in US car crash, fundraiser surpasses goal in less than a day. 16-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter survive with severe injuries. GoFundMe page aims to support the children's medical bills, education, and basic living needs. The couple's death was caused by a drunk driver who was driving in the wrong direction on the interstate. The suspect has been arrested.
Indian American Arjun Mody has officially taken office as Deputy Commissioner of the US Social Security Administration (SSA), becoming the agency’s chief operating officer. The SSA provides benefits to tens of millions of Americans and manages one of the largest budgets in the federal government.
Elon Musk's social media platform X and its AI chatbot Grok are facing criticism for creating sexualized images without consent. However, Musk's AI company xAI has raised $20 billion for expansion and advanced AI development. Despite the success, xAI is facing backlash and pressure from governments to address the deepfake crisis caused by its chatbot.