Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma accused Congress of damaging the fragile Aravalli ecosystem and vowed to protect its integrity. The Supreme Court's 100-meter rule for defining protected hills has left many areas without safeguards, sparking concerns about mining. The Centre has frozen new mining leases and ordered stricter oversight.
The Supreme Court of India will hear the Aravalli controversy on December 29, concerning the new 100-meter height rule for identifying the hills. Despite warnings from an SC panel, the court accepted the new definition, potentially allowing extensive mining and posing a threat to the fragile ecosystem and millions of people.
Several prominent members of FaZe Clan, including co-founder FaZe Apex and popular influencers FaZe Rug, FaZe Adapt, and Swagg, have left the organisation due to internal changes and contract issues. The departures have caused controversy and emotional reactions, with some accusing the organisation of mistreatment and lack of control. Former CEO Banks has denied these allegations.
Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene are embroiled in a MAGA civil war online. While Carlson has faced backlash for his views on "radical Islam," Greene has defended him. However, other figures like Laura Loomer have joined in, with Loomer even calling Carlson a liability for Trump. Despite Carlson's claims, fears of "radical Islam" persist.
Giga CEO Varun Vummadi has disclosed an extortion attempt of $3 million by a group that illegally obtained confidential company data. The group threatens to release manipulated data if the demand is not met. Vummadi denies all allegations and has informed law enforcement. Former employee Jared Steele has also made claims of fraud and unethical practices.
The DHS has announced changes to the H-1B visa program, including a new wage-weighted selection process. This has caused chaos and uncertainty for employers, leading them to consider alternative visa options such as O-1, E-2, EB-1C, and L-1. Some companies are also expanding their operations overseas, with a focus on India, to find technical talent.
Travel disruptions due to dense fog and low visibility in northern and eastern India have affected major airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India. Passengers should expect delays, cancellations, and diversions in cities such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam. The airlines have issued advisories and are closely monitoring the weather to ensure safe and smooth travel.
The DOJ's newly released documents expose disturbing purchases from Jeffrey Epstein's Amazon account, including schoolgirl uniforms and binoculars. Experts say these align with his predatory behavior and display a craving for domination. The DOJ has released over 750,000 documents related to Epstein, revealing "predatory dynamics 101." Epstein, a registered sex offender, died in jail.
Scooters are gaining popularity as a preferred mode of transportation due to urbanization, electrification, and convenience in the quick commerce industry. Recent sales data shows a 10.7% increase in scooter sales, while motorcycle sales have dropped by 1%. This shift is driven by factors such as traffic congestion and increased purchasing power.
Ibrahim Mahama, a renowned artist, finds solace in Fort Kochi, Kerala, where his installation "Parliament of Ghosts" is displayed at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. He emphasizes the importance of solidarity in the Global South and his art that focuses on people.
Sidharth Bhatia's book, Mumbai: A Million Islands, explores the cultural and historical significance of Mumbai, often overshadowed by its financial status. The book delves into the city's diverse culture and unique architecture, tracing its evolution from Muslim-dominated areas to the transformation of textile mills into high-end malls.
China has made a significant breakthrough in high-speed transportation with a successful test of a maglev train reaching a record-breaking speed of 700 kilometers per hour. This showcases their advancements in rail technology and potential for wider applications. It reflects their ambition to lead the way in global travel technology.
In his book "1929," Sorkin examines the mentalities and ideologies that caused the devastating stock market crash and its lasting impact on the financial world. He uncovers the roles of power dynamics, regulatory shortcomings, and societal attitudes in the 1920s that led to the crisis.
Alcohol consumption can damage gut bacteria, leading to digestive discomfort and weakened immunity. Probiotics can help restore balance, but a diverse, fiber-rich diet including fermented foods is crucial. Antibiotics, painkillers, and other substances can also harm gut health, so they should be used sparingly and supported with a gut-friendly diet.
Rachel Griffin Accurso, known as 'Ms Rachel' on YouTube, has joined New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's inaugural committee. Despite plans for a celebratory party, her inclusion has sparked controversy due to her support for Palestine and accusations of anti-Israel views against Mamdani.
CRISPR, a groundbreaking gene-editing tool, has shown promising results in lowering blood cholesterol levels by over 50% in a phase-1 trial. CEO of CRISPR Therapeutics, Dr Sam Kulkarni, anticipates its release in the market within five years, which could greatly benefit India's high cardiovascular disease rates. While doctors are optimistic, widespread use is still a few years away.
Casa Borges shop in Mattancherry market is not your typical store. It's a part of India's biggest art festival and showcases installations by artists from the Global South. These thought-provoking works address global crises and promote solidarity and healing through the use of discarded materials. Viewers are encouraged to contemplate on consumption and care.
The sequel to Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is set to release on March 19, 2026. It has already gained attention for being the highest grossing Indian film of 2025 and securing a major digital distribution deal with Netflix. However, successful sequels must prioritize strong storytelling and character development, as seen in recent examples.
In 2025, cars and bikes stand out with unique features amidst the market's focus on fuel efficiency, horsepower, range, and acceleration times. Highlights include Hyundai's mass-market EV with active air flaps and in-car payments, Kia's sub-4 metre SUV with ventilated rear seats and boxy styling, and KTM 390 Adventure with factory cruise control.
December saw a flurry of IPOs in India, including major companies like ICICI Prudential Asset Management and Meesho. The smaller IPOs of Wakefit Innovations and Aequs also garnered significant investor interest. These IPOs received high bids and were listed on the stock market in December. They were among the most searched and trending IPOs
US President Donald Trump has led a vehement crackdown against immigration over the past year --- imposing a whopping $100,000 visa fee for H-1B applicants and replacing the longstanding lottery system with wage and skill-based selection.
Akshaye Khanna, the actor behind the villainous role of Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar, has quit the superhit Drishyam franchise due to remuneration issues. After his success in Dhurandhar, Khanna reportedly demanded a whopping Rs 21 crore for his role in Drishyam 3, which was not approved by the makers. As a result, he has been replaced by Paatal Lok actor Jaideep Ahlawat, who
2025 has been a year of self-care trends, from bare minimum Mondays to regenerative care and gut glow. Gen-Z has prioritized healthy habits, while the job market has focused on stability. AI has become a part of skincare routines, but experts warn against relying on it. Nervous system hacks, such as breathwork and lymphatic drainage, have also gained popularity.
Prince Harry received both applause and backlash on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert when he made a controversial comment about President Trump. A royal expert believes this may have been intentional as Harry's strained relationship with Meghan Markle has been speculated. His US visa status, possibly an A-1 Head of State visa, has been questioned due to past drug use.
Oracle's stock price soared by nearly 200% in less than six months, thanks to its involvement in the AI boom. However, the rally was short-lived as investors began to reassess the company's margins, capital expenditure, and concentration risk. This shift in perspective led to a revaluation of the company's worth.
Delhi Police's Operation Aaghat 3.0 resulted in the arrest of over 200 criminals and 500 preventive measures ahead of New Year celebrations. The crackdown focused on enforcing NDPS, Gambling, and Excise Acts, leading to the seizure of illegal items. Other cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also strengthened their policing for New Year's.
In a bizarre incident, a woman received a termination email from a company she had never worked for. Her heart sank, but she soon realised it was a mistake. The incident, shared on social media by her husband, highlights the need for human resources teams to double-check recipient details. The post went viral, with many sharing similar experiences.
Holiday travellers faced dire reality as snowstorm caused mass flight delays and cancellations in New York. Over 1,200 flights were cancelled, with major airlines and airports impacted. JetBlue was the most affected carrier, while United, Delta, and American Airlines had over 700 delayed flights. New Jersey declared a state of emergency, urging travellers to avoid travel during the storm.
More than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries in 2025, according to the latest data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha. While 2025 was all about the US tightening its immigration rules, cracking down on visa violations, and mass deportations, it surprisingly wasn’t the biggest contributor.
Bollywood star Salman Khan celebrated his 60th birthday with a grand celebration attended by fans and a special projection on the Worli Sea Link. With a net worth of Rs 2900 crore and a per-film fee of Rs 100 crore, Khan also has a successful lifestyle brand and media production house. His extravagant real estate portfolio includes a 150-acre farmhouse, beach house, and luxury car.
Vijay Thalapathy's last film before entering politics, 'Jana Nayagan', has a budget of Rs 300 crore and a star-studded cast. The audio launch event in Malaysia will stream on ZEE5 Tamil today. The political thriller, with Thalapathy's mass action, will release on January 9 and compete with other big releases. It will also release in Hindi.
The holiday season in Japan started on a tragic note after a massive road accident on the Kan-Etsu Expressway on Friday, which claimed one life. According to AP, the crash left 26 others injured in a chain of collisions involving more than 50 vehicles.
Bangladesh singer James was scheduled to perform at Faridpur Zilla School's 185th anniversary, but the concert was cancelled due to violence caused by a mob. 25 people were injured, and projectors had to be installed outside for those unable to enter. Taslima Nasreen spoke out against the incident, shedding light on the hostility musicians face in Bangladesh.
Tuberculosis, once known as "consumption," was seen as wasteful and sinful, but in economics, consumption is necessary for success. The US has a high consumption rate, while China focuses on investment. India's attempt to shift towards investment-led growth has been disappointing.
2026 is expected to be a busy year for India's primary market, with a strong pipeline of IPOs from well-known consumer and digital brands. These include Reliance Jio, Flipkart, NSE, PhonePe, Zepto, OYO, boAt, and Hero FinCorp. Other companies, such as Fractal Analytics and Clean Max Enviro Energy, have received regulatory approval and are waiting for the right market window.
A Canadian journalist has raised serious concerns about the safety of Indians in Canada after two Indians were killed within just one week. In recent times, racial attacks against Indians, especially in Canada and the United States, have seen a sharp rise.
An officer-involved shooting outside the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office in Wallace, Idaho, resulted in the death of a suspected shooter after a standoff with authorities. Two civilians were also injured. Reports of an "active shooter" were confirmed by the Mineral County SO. The suspected shooter's identity has not been officially released, but social media rumors have been refuted.
Far-right influencers and Trump supporters, such as Nick Sortor and Eric Daugherty, criticize India's handling of US visa program changes. The Indian government acknowledges delays in H-1B visa appointments, but supporters dismiss concerns and call for hiring Americans over foreign nationals. Trump's administration continues to crackdown on both illegal and legal immigration.
Coinbase CEO has confirmed the arrest of an ex-customer service agent in Hyderabad for involvement in a hacking scheme. The company has zero tolerance for bad behaviour. The arrest came after prosecutors charged a Brooklyn man with an impersonation scheme targeting Coinbase customers. Hackers bribed customer support reps for sensitive user data and demanded $20 million ransom.
Oppo's Find X9 is a top-tier Android phone with a slim profile and polished metal frame for durability and aesthetic appeal. Its AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and good contrast ratios, while the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset and 16GB RAM ensure smooth performance.
Welspun One, the industrial real estate and warehousing arm of Welspun Group, aims to strengthen its presence in markets with high demand and robust infrastructure. They will prioritize flagship developments and targeted expansion in key logistics markets. The importance of early market entry is highlighted by diverging land prices.
China announced sanctions against 20 US defence companies and 10 top executives on Friday --- the latest in a series of tit-for-tat measures. The announcement came soon after the Trump administration approved a major weapons sale to Taiwan.
Mr. A, a retired 62-year-old who sold his business, faced an identity crisis despite having enough money. He realized that the real risk after 60 is not the market, but confusion, fear, and lack of purpose. By redefining his goals and aligning his portfolio, he found clarity and purpose in life, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose beyond wealth accumulation.
New travel and immigration rules brought in by the US Department of Homeland Security are now officially in force. The changes took effect on December 26, 2025, according to the Federal Register, and they affect non-US citizens, including people who already hold green cards.
Billionaire Elon Musk slammed the Canadian healthcare system on Friday after an Indian-origin man died while waiting for treatment. 44-year-old Prashant Sreekumar was rushed to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton with severe chest pain on December 22.
Dhurandhar, the blockbuster starring Ranveer Singh, has crossed Rs 1,000 crore in worldwide collections and has helped Bollywood end 2025 on a high note. Theatrical revenues are expected to reach Rs 12,500 crore, surpassing the previous record of Rs 12,200 crore in 2023. Despite competition from regional films and OTT content, Dhurandhar has had a solid run.
AI's potential in the insurance sector was proven in 2025, and 2026 will focus on establishing trust. Digital adoption, regulations, and customer expectations will converge to make AI the core of insurance operations. Responsible governance, ethical practices, and strict adherence to data quality and regulatory compliance will be crucial in building trust with policyholders and customers.
AI is rapidly changing the business landscape, with a focus on tangible outcomes and a shift towards agentic AI. Dell is helping companies embrace AI by providing infrastructure, expertise, and education. The move towards operational integration and sovereign AI will shape enterprise innovation, and Dell is prepared with secure, scalable, and sovereign-ready infrastructure.
Parents need to plan for their children's education abroad as the rupee continues to weaken. A 5% depreciation in the rupee can increase the cost of a $50,000 fee by over Rs 2 lakh. To mitigate this risk, parents should hedge against currency fluctuations using a forward contract and a forex card. These tools allow them to lock in exchange rates and protect their budget from currency shocks.
Gift deed transfer to a 21-year-old son is not taxable, but any income or capital gains from the property will be. Transferring shares to a private limited company may result in capital gains and income tax. Selling equity mutual funds bought 5 years ago will be taxed at 12.5% if profits exceed Rs 1.5.