The 31st annual Critics' Choice Awards are officially underway, and the energy inside the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica is electric. Host Chelsea Handler is back on stage, steering the night with her humour and charisma, as Hollywood’s first major competitive awards show of 2026 unfolds.
"James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash becomes the 8th fastest film to reach $1 billion at the box office, solidifying Cameron's title as 'King of the Box Office.' This makes him the first director to have four films surpass this milestone, with the Avatar franchise earning a total of $6.35 billion.
Shark Tank India Season 5 premieres tonight, January 5, 2026, at 10 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The sharks, including Aman Gupta, Shaily Mehrotra, and others, offer valuable advice for start-up founders, stressing the importance of self-belief, grit, and taking risks.
Sai Pallavi, Rashmika Mandanna, Nayanthara, Trisha Krishnan, Anushka Shetty, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu are among the highest-paid South Indian actresses in 2025. Sai Pallavi, with her role as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, earned a whopping Rs 18-20 crore, making her the highest-paid actress.
Telugu community shaken by tragic news of NRI couple's death in US road accident, leaving behind two children. Series of tragedies also include deaths of two women from Telangana in another road accident and a Telugu woman found dead in her ex-boyfriend's apartment. Arrest warrant issued for ex-boyfriend on suspicion of murder.
The ongoing tension between the US and Venezuela, along with the capture of the Venezuelan President, has raised concerns among investors about the potential impact on India. However, experts believe that the trade impact will be minimal, as India's crude imports from Venezuela have significantly decreased.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured that Hindi will not be made compulsory in Maharashtra and that the government will protect Marathi. His remarks came ahead of the upcoming BMC election on January 15, where the Thackeray brothers have formed an alliance, which will be closely watched, with a shared manifesto titled "Vachan Nama" being released.
Indian IT stocks, including Infosys, saw a significant drop in today's trade, with Nifty IT falling by 2%. HSBC believes that the IT sector is no longer a double-digit growth sector, while Jefferies predicts a slight improvement in growth by FY27. The rupee is also facing pressure due to uncertainty surrounding the US-India trade deal and Trump's warning of higher tariffs.
Trump warns Colombia's President Petro after US military operation in Venezuela. Concerns arise as Trump has a history of threatening Petro and views drug cartels as terrorists. Petro has spoken out against Trump's actions, leading to tension between the two leaders.
IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued travel advisories for Leh, Ladakh due to heavy snowfall and worsening weather, causing flight delays and disruptions. IndiGo is offering a "Plan B" for affected customers and advises travellers to stay updated on official airline communications.
ONGC and Reliance may be staring at a surprise windfall as Jefferies sees Venezuela’s oil shift as a game-changer.
A thaw in US-Venezuela ties could unlock ONGC’s $500 mn frozen payout and revive RIL’s access to cheap crude boosting refining margins and profits ahead of FY26.
Coal India's subsidiary Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL) has announced the date for its IPO, which will open on January 09 with an issue price band of Rs 21-23 per share. The company aims to raise Rs 1,071.11 crore through the sale of 46.57 crore shares. The IPO bidding will close on January 13, with allotment expected on January 14 and listing on January 16.
HDFC Bank's loan book and deposits saw steady growth in Q3FY26, supported by festive season and tax cuts. Average advances rose 9.0% YoY to Rs 28,63,900 crore, while average deposits increased by 12.2% YoY to Rs 27,52,400 crore. The bank's period-end advances and deposits also showed a consistent growth. HDFC Bank is set to announce its Q3 results on January 17, following
Malayalam actor and production controller Kannan Pattambi died at 62 due to kidney problems. His brother, filmmaker Major Ravi, announced his death on Facebook and revealed that his funeral will take place on Monday. Pattambi was recognized for his work in films like Kandahar, Odiyan, and Pulimurugan. He leaves behind a grieving family and has been honored for his versatile acting career.
A young Indian woman was found stabbed to death inside an apartment in Maryland, and her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, is now on the run in India, PTI reported. Authorities have launched an international search to find him.
South Korea is grieving the death of beloved actor Ahn Sung-ki, who died at 74 after a two-year battle with blood cancer. With a career spanning over 70 years and 160 films, he was known as "The Nation's Actor" and praised for his talent, professionalism, and humanitarian efforts. His funeral will be a prestigious "film industry funeral" to honour his contributions to Korean cinema.
Ahn Sung Ki, a beloved Korean actor and national icon, has died at 74 after a battle with cancer. His agency, Artist Company, announced the news on January 5, causing shock in the entertainment industry. With a successful six-decade-long career and close friendship with Park Joong Hoon, Ahn leaves behind a legacy as one of Korea's original "bromances."
Indian indices started Monday's trade with a positive bias, as NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opened higher, along with an increase in Bank Nifty. Small and mid-cap stocks also opened in the green. Geopolitical developments, including US action in Venezuela and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, may impact the market. Technical analysis shows a bullish trend with key support zones at 26,250 and 26,100.
Jimmy Kimmel won Best Talk Show at the 31st Critics Choice Awards, where he mockingly thanked US President Trump in his acceptance speech. Kimmel's show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was temporarily suspended in 2025 due to backlash over his comments on conservative influencer Charlie Kirk's death. Trump celebrated the suspension but the show eventually returned after pushback from viewers.
After months of feuding, Elon Musk and Donald Trump were spotted together at a dinner party, hinting at a possible reconciliation. The Tesla CEO, who had previously criticized Trump, now appears to be back on the Republican side, even declaring that the country is at risk if the radical left wins. Musk's recent actions, including attending a White House dinner, show his support for the president.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a contingency plan to leave the country if the current unrest worsens or security forces can't control protests, The Times reported. His preferred destination is likely Moscow. Khamenei's health has been declining since last year's war with Israel. He has accused the US of deceit and broken promises.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a series of major drug busts across Nigeria, seizing cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, tramadol, and cannabis, according to The Sun.
A 27-year-old Indian woman, Nikitha Godishala, who had been reported missing earlier in the week, was found dead inside the apartment of her former boyfriend in Columbia, Maryland.
A day after President Donald Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to calm fears of a long American takeover. Speaking on Sunday, Rubio said the US does not plan to get involved in Venezuela’s day-to-day governance.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a chart that showed how often immigrant households from different countries receive welfare and public assistance in the United States. The data was posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. While the list named nearly 120 countries and territories, India did not appear anywhere on the chart.
The queen of hearts Deepika Padukone turns 40 today and fans just cannot keep calm. Since she has made her debut in the film industry, she has built a career that few actors in Bollywood can match
Kia India has launched the new Seltos in the highly-competitive midsize SUV segment with a focus on winning. The new Seltos is bigger and more aggressive, with an upgraded cabin that rivals luxury cars. It comes with a choice of three engines and five transmission options, and its main competitors are Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
The Education Minister has proposed a new Bill, Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, to merge multiple regulatory bodies and improve higher education in India. This aligns with the National Education Policy 2020's goal of promoting autonomy and quality. However, there are concerns about the impact on academic freedom and diversity. The success of the Bill remains to be seen.
International branch campuses in India are changing the landscape of higher education by offering global degrees at lower costs and with local relevance. This will benefit students and address financial barriers for Indian families. These campuses provide a safe and affordable alternative to studying abroad, with recent regulatory changes bringing in top-ranked foreign universities.
Nexi by Stuffcool is a compact, foldable 3-in-1 magnetic wireless charger that can simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It offers 25W fast charging, precise magnetic alignment, and triple-device charging in a portable design. Nexi comes with a 45W PD wall charger and 3A Type-C to Type-C cable, making it a travel-ready efficiency solution.
WZATCO's Yuva Vibe projector offers a cinema-like experience at home with its affordability and high-quality features. It has 1080p resolution, 4K HDR support, and 14,000 lumens of brightness, making it suitable for various locations. The device is easy to set up and has built-in OTT apps, wireless casting, and a certified OS, including Netflix certification.
Indian IT services companies have experienced substantial growth thanks to their skilled software engineers and efficient offshore execution. However, the rise of vibe coding, a new approach to software development using natural language, is causing a major shift in the industry. This has resulted in changes in hiring and new offerings, but also poses potential risks that require attention.
Indian professionals in Germany have the highest median monthly salary compared to other national groups, thanks to their employment in STEM fields and contributions to research and innovation. Reforms have been implemented to make it easier for skilled Indians to enter and settle in the German workforce, with a rise in the number of Indian students studying in Germany.
India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels this week to finalize the free trade agreement with the EU before the India-EU Summit on January 27. The EU's top leaders will also be the chief guests at India's Republic Day celebrations. Goyal will be accompanied by a team of officials and will address issues such as the CBAM and technical hurdles in the negotiations.
State governments are allocating a large portion of their budgets to subsidies, particularly for power and agriculture, which can hinder fiscal sustainability and capital investment. Energy subsidies, including free or discounted electricity for farmers and households, make up the majority of support. While necessary for welfare, subsidies also create fiscal rigidity and vary widely among states.
India's strategic autonomy and sovereignty are under threat due to US sanctions and tariffs. Despite being a counterbalance to China, India was excluded from a key initiative and saw a decline in foreign investments. However, the country's political and financial stability in 2026 presents an opportunity for bold reforms to boost economic growth and attract investors amidst global challenges.
Elon Musk's social media platform X has implemented strict measures to combat illegal content, specifically child sexual abuse material. The platform will collaborate with local governments and law enforcement agencies. However, MeitY has issued a notice to X for not complying with due diligence requirements.
The government is set to introduce the Seed Bill in the upcoming budget session to ensure quality and traceability in the seed industry. The draft bill, which received over 9,500 comments, aims to incentivize R&D and regulate the sector. It will replace the decades-old Seed Act and Seed Control Order.
The government's capex for FY26 is at risk of exceeding the budget estimate of ₹11.21 lakh crore if spending pace is not slowed down. Currently, 58.7% of the target has been spent, leaving only ₹4.62 lakh crore for the remaining spending. Economists have differing opinions on whether the target will be breached, with some expecting a slight increase in allocation.
Economist Arvind Virmani emphasizes the importance of addressing inverted duty structures, improving supply chains, and promoting labour-intensive production to enhance India's competitiveness. He suggests rationalizing customs duties, lowering tariffs, and supporting domestic production and exports.
The stock market this week will be impacted by macroeconomic data, global trends, and foreign investors' trading. Domestic institutional investors have helped the positive trend. Key announcements like HSBC Services PMI and earnings season will be in focus, with attention on major index players. The market outlook is optimistic, with a focus on domestic growth and global economy.
Contaminated drinking water in Indore's Bhagirathpur area caused 10 deaths and over 200 hospitalizations due to serious infections and multi-organ failure. Delay in identifying the source and testing samples worsened the situation. The water had a hazardous combination of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses, possibly due to sewage leaks and old pipelines.
Coal India's subsidiary, Bharat Coking Coal, is set to launch its IPO on January 9, marking the first public issue of 2026. The IPO will offer 47.47 crore equity shares and aims to increase transparency and value. However, investors should carefully consider operational and mining risks, such as coal quality and regulatory factors, before subscribing. Stay updated on FinancialExpress.com.
Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal recently appeared on a podcast to set the record straight on the gig worker debate. However, the conversation also delved into Goyal's childhood struggles with stammering and how he overcame it to build a $33 billion empire. Despite being bullied and underestimated, Goyal's introverted nature and ability to build trust have become his biggest strengths as a leader.
The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a strike called "Absolute Resolve", and the White House issued a message using the term FAFO. Defence Secretary Hegseth stated Maduro had been given multiple chances to avoid this situation, but chose to play games. “He f’d around and he found out,” he continued.
Delcy Rodríguez, now Venezuela’s interim president, has long been a key figure in the country’s political scene. The 56-year-old is a Caracas native and law graduate from the Central University of Venezuela. She has held multiple high-profile roles, including vice president and minister of finance and oil.
A political cartoon from 2007 predicting US strikes on Venezuela has gone viral on social media after the recent attack, foreshadowing ongoing tensions in the country. The cartoon was reshared by Brazilian cartoonist Carlos Latuff as the US captured President Maduro and his wife on Saturday, claiming control of the country and its oil reserves.
A man's journey from factory worker to full-stack developer at a US-based firm in 18 months has gone viral on social media. The man revealed that the transformation was only possible after he learnt to code. His post received positive reactions and serves as proof that self-learning can lead to success, even for those starting from zero.
A cold wave is set to hit Delhi and nearby regions in early January, with a significant drop in temperatures. The India Meteorological Department has issued a cold wave alert for some areas from January 4 to 6, along with dense fog causing poor visibility. The cold wave is expected to last until January 6, with foggy conditions possibly continuing until January 9.
Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film, Jana Nayagan, is set to release on Pongal 2026 and the recently released trailer has already broken records with over 5 million views in under 10 minutes. The film, which marks Vijay's final on-screen appearance as he enters politics full-time, also stars Bobby Deol and Pooja Hegde.