In 2025, Indian cinema saw the rise of regional films that captivated audiences not just in their home states but also across the country and internationally. Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries delivered some of the biggest blockbusters, proving that regional storytelling has become the heart of Indian film.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced regulations to ban gender-affirming care for minors, in line with Trump's promise to ban transgender medical care. This includes cutting off federal funding and excluding gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability. The FDA has also issued warning letters to companies selling equipment for gender dysphoria.
The US Embassy in India has a 10-month waiting period for business or tourist visa interviews, but only 0.5 months for F, M, and J visas. The US Administration considers every visa decision a matter of national security and emphasizes that a visa is a privilege, not a right. The Indian government is working with the US to facilitate safe and beneficial travel.
The War Powers Resolution, a federal law from the Vietnam War era, mandates that the president must consult Congress before committing US armed forces to long-term conflicts. Amid tensions with Venezuela, House Republicans rejected a resolution to limit Trump's military actions.
Trump reaffirms support for Jewish community at Hanukkah celebration, sparking speculation about his religious roots. Despite not being Jewish, he has a daughter who converted and has been referred to as "America's first Jewish president." Raised as Presbyterian Christian, he identifies as non-denominational and has made numerous supportive remarks for the community.
Sourav Ganguly, former India cricket captain, has filed a defamation case against the president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, Uttam Saha, for making false allegations linking him to the chaos surrounding Lionel Messi's visit. Ganguly denies any involvement and is seeking ₹50 crore in damages and a public retraction.
The CCI has initiated an inquiry into IndiGo airline after receiving a complaint about recent flight disruptions. The airline's dominant market share of 65% in the Indian aviation industry will be examined to see if it contributed to the crisis. If found guilty of abuse of dominant position, IndiGo may face penalties and structural remedies such as changes in business practices.
Jharkhand clinched their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title with a record-breaking performance by Ishan Kishan, who scored a century to level the record for the most number of hundreds in the tournament. Anukul Roy was named Player of the Series for his all-round performance. Jharkhand beat Haryana by 69 runs in the final.
US President Donald Trump will launch 'Freedom 250' to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, coordinating nationwide events and educational programs. The initiative will work with federal departments and the America 250 Commission. A freedom tour will visit all 50 states, and the Washington Monument will be illuminated to mark the start of celebrations.
Washington State has the highest minimum wage in the US, currently at $16.66 per hour and set to increase to $17.13 per hour in 2026. Seattle, Bellingham, and Burien will also see a hike in their minimum wages. Employers must pay computer professionals at least $59.96 per hour in 2026. Tips and service charges cannot be counted towards minimum wage. Workers have the right to file a wage complaint.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is on track to become the world's largest AI-led tech services company, gaining support from analysts for its focus on AI capabilities and potential to benefit from global tech spending recovery. With $1.5 billion in annual revenue from AI services, accounting for 5% of its estimated revenue, TCS is expected to see continued strong growth.
Mumbai's CSMIA airport achieved a record-breaking performance in November 2025, handling 4.89 million passengers, with its busiest day seeing 1.76 lakh passengers. The airport also recorded its busiest day by flights with 1,036 aircraft movements. Domestic traffic exceeded 3.4 million passengers, while international volumes crossed 1.4 million.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former DOGE lead and Republican politician, is facing backlash for his recent New York Times op-ed where he argued that American identity should be based on shared beliefs rather than ancestry. He received criticism for his binary framing and was even subjected to racist and xenophobic attacks online.
Shubman Gill, India's T20I vice-captain, has joined the team in Ahmedabad for the fifth T20I against South Africa. Despite his toe injury, he may still play, but Sanju Samson is ready to step in if needed. Gill previously missed majority of the Test and the entire ODI series due to a neck injury. India are currently leading the T20I series.
Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra, the leading players in India's passenger vehicle market, will maintain stable car prices in January despite rising costs. This is part of a larger strategy to sustain demand after the success of GST 2.0. However, Tata Motors plans to increase prices due to higher input costs, while MG Motor and Honda Cars India are also considering price hikes.
Elon Musk has reached a net worth of $600 billion, making him the world's richest person. This milestone showcases the extreme wealth held by a few tech leaders, including Larry Page, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who have amassed their fortunes through industries like technology and luxury goods.
India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, providing zero-duty access on 98.08% of tariff lines and covering 99.38% of India's exports to Oman. This will benefit major sectors like agriculture, textiles, engineering, electronics, chemicals, and automobiles. The agreement also allows for increased mobility for Indian professionals.
Vineeth Sendilraj, a 19-year-old Indian-origin techie, gained attention on social media for his innovative water-drinking technique at an xAI hackathon related to Elon Musk's company. He secured a job at xAI after winning first place at the hackathon and working as a teaching assistant at Georgia Tech. Currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Computer Science, he considers it a "full circle moment."
In the SMAT final, Jharkhand put on an impressive total of 262/3 against Haryana, thanks to captain Ishan Kishan's record-equalling century and Kumar Kushagra's strong innings. Haryana initially seemed to have the upper hand after winning the toss and getting a wicket in the first over, but Jharkhand's batters dominated the game.
Telugu film Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and other notable actors, has been a success at the Box Office since its release on December 12, 2025. Despite mixed reviews, the fantasy action thriller has earned over Rs 99 crores worldwide in just 6 days, with a drop in collections on Day 6 due to mid-week blues.
Nissan is expanding its product lineup in India with the launch of the Gravite MPV in March 2026. This move follows the company's decision to sell its stake in the Chennai plant to Renault. The Gravite will be based on the Renault Triber and will offer a CNG option. It will compete with the Renault Triber and Maruti Eeco, while the Tekton, a mid-sized SUV, will be Nissan's third model.
The US Embassy in India has reminded international visitors that their length of stay in the United States is determined by the CBP officer, not the visa expiration date. Recent reports of wrongful detentions and deportations have prompted this reminder. The State Department works with other agencies to secure the release of wrongfully detained individuals.
TSA has issued an advisory on holiday gifts allowed through airport security, including wrapped presents that may need to be unwrapped. Festive scented candles are allowed if solid, but gel candles must be checked. Electronics larger than a cell phone should be placed in a bin alone. Baked goods are permitted, but liquids like champagne and eggnog must be checked.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has restored the airline's network to 2,200 daily services and is now prioritizing resilience and system improvement to prevent future disruptions. He thanked employees for their hard work during the crisis and announced a detailed review. The airline's parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, saw a boost in shares following the announcement.
Maruti Suzuki has launched a rotatable front passenger seat for its Wagon R hatchback to improve accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The feature is part of a pilot project at 200 dealerships and can be retrofitted in under an hour without affecting the car's safety.
Dileep's Bha Bha Ba, released amid protests over his acquittal in the actress assault case, is receiving mixed reviews. The film stars Mohanlal in a cameo role as a die-hard fan of Thalapathy Vijay, with his references to the actor winning hearts.
MARC Technocrats, an infrastructure consultancy company, is launching an SME IPO to raise Rs 42.59 crores through a combination of fresh shares and an offer for sale. The IPO is priced at Rs 88-93 per equity share and will open for subscription on December 17. The company plans to use the funds for capital expenditure and working capital requirements.
Richa Chadha, known for her fearless choice of roles and outspoken individuality, shares a stunning Juhu row house with husband Ali Fazal. The couple's unique personalities are reflected in their cozy and beautiful home, filled with quirky furniture, a diverse book collection, and thriving plants.
Patel Engineering has signed an MoU with the Arunachal Pradesh government to revive and develop the 144 MW Gongri Hydropower Project. The project, estimated at Rs 1,700 crore, will be completed in 4 years and then transferred to the government. This is the first project to be revived under the state's 2025 restoration policy.
Indian equity benchmarks closed flat with a negative bias as the Nifty 50 ended 0.01% lower and the BSE Sensex dropped 0.09%. The Nifty Bank also settled lower, while mid-cap stocks closed in the green. Intraday trade saw 1,273 advancing stocks and 1,827 declining stocks, with 49 hitting a fresh 52-week high and 228 touching a new 52-week low. InterGlobe Aviation was the top gainer.
Ranveer Singh's latest release, Dhurandhar, has become his highest-grossing film with collections of Rs 630 crore. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the espionage thriller has received praise for its storytelling and performances, leading to its record-breaking success. Ranveer's versatility and dedication as an actor are evident in his portrayal of diverse roles, from a spy to a lover boy.
Cyient Semiconductors has acquired a majority stake in Kinetic Technologies for $93 million to expand its presence in data centers, automation, and AI compute. The deal is crucial for Cyient's goal to become a leading custom power semiconductor company, with Kinetic Tech's leadership and engineering team staying intact.
The 49th season finale of Survivor, the popular American reality TV show, crowned Savannah Louie as the winner. In a twist, Louie and fellow castaway Rizo Velovic will return for the 50th season, which will premiere on February 25, 2026 and feature 24 contestants. The trailer for the landmark season was also released after the finale.
Jefferies has downgraded Hero MotoCorp's rating to ‘Underperform’ and revised the target price to Rs 4,950 from Rs 5,550, citing fading demand boost and market share concerns. The stock has declined 5% in the last five trading sessions and its market share has dropped to a 25-year low. Jefferies remains constructive on two-wheeler demand but prefers other companies in the automotive space.
The 2025 FUNdex Awards, hosted by Good Data Corporation, celebrated top performers in OTT and TV categories, including Lim YoonA, Park Ji Hoon, BTS' Jin, and Lee Jun Young. Park Bo Gum won Best Actor for When Life Gives You Tangerines, solidifying his position in the Korean entertainment industry.
The Trump administration plans to pursue 100-200 denaturalization cases per month in FY 2026 as part of their aggressive strategy to limit foreign nationals' formal connection with the US. This move, listed as a top priority by the Department of Justice and USCIS, has raised concerns among activists and USCIS officials. It comes amid the administration's crackdown on immigration.
Ola Electric Mobility's share price hits new low due to sustained selling pressure, with stock down 66% on a year-on-year basis. Fresh disclosures of promoter share sales add to near-term uncertainty, with concerns about supply and stock performance. However, Motilal Oswal has recommended buying with up to 77% upside potential, and the company's pledge release plan offers some clarity.
Get ready for the holiday season with these top 10 lesser-known Christmas movies, ranging from heartwarming classics to modern rom-coms. From the iconic It's a Wonderful Life to the hilarious Home Alone, these films are perfect for a cozy night in with hot cocoa. Don't miss out on these festive favorites, available on various streaming platforms.
Controversial plaques on the Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House feature Obama and Biden with opinionated language and criticism. Trump's plaque for Biden calls him the "worst President in American history," while Obama is labelled as "divisive". The plaques highlight their perceived failures and Trump's mocking of Biden's use of an autopen.
MTAR Technologies has received a new order worth Rs 310 crore for supplying equipment for nuclear reactors, increasing their total nuclear order book to Rs 504 crore. They have also received an amended order worth Rs 370.56 crore from an existing customer, bringing the total order value to Rs 370.56 crore.
Maddock Films' highly anticipated war-drama Ikkis, starring Agastya Nanda and Dharmendra, has officially pushed its release date to 1st January 2026. The film's new trailer will be released this weekend, and it marks the debut of Akshay Kumar's niece Simar Bhatia and the last appearance of the late Dharmendra.
The Academy Awards will be streamed for free on YouTube starting in 2029, ending their deal with ABC. The event will include red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and the Governors Ball. The Academy will have full production control until 2033, but concerns remain about distribution and advertising revenue. This move aims to make the Oscars more accessible to a global audience.
Renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, known for creating the tallest statue in the world, the Statue of Unity, passed away at the age of 100. He also created iconic statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji, and was honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. Sutar's illustrious career spanned 6 decades and he is credited with making over 8000 works and 200 sculptures of Gandhi worldwide.
ACME Solar Holdings has received a debt tie-up of Rs 4,725 crore from top Indian financial institutions for renewable energy projects. This includes new financing and refinancing with a long tenor of 18 to 20 years. PFC and NaBFID have supported new projects, while Yes Bank's refinancing has lowered debt costs by 170 basis points. ACME Solar has also secured over Rs 10,500 crore of green funding.
IndiGo has cancelled several flights today due to low visibility and dense fog at Chandigarh airport. The cancellations are a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers. Passengers are advised to check the flight status and expect delays while travelling to the airport. The India Meteorological Department reported near-zero visibility in Chandigarh.
Indian equity indices opened lower on Thursday, with the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex down by 0.12%. The Bank Nifty also opened lower by 0.18%, while small and mid-cap stocks opened in the red. Geojit Investments' Chief Investment Strategist predicts a weakening trend in the US market, which may favour non-AI markets like India. Early gainers include Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies.
President Trump boasted about America's progress under his leadership, citing job wages, creation, and his "America First" agenda. He announced "warrior dividend" checks for military members and promised an "economic boom" with upcoming events. He heavily criticized Democrats and Joe Biden for issues like illegal immigration and inflation.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, a former conservative commentator and Secret Service agent, is resigning after less than a year on the job. He thanked President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, and his fellow Americans. His departure comes before the deadline to release government files on Jeffrey Epstein.
Stocks in focus today include Paytm, HCL Technologies, AstraZeneca Pharma, Cyient, Power Grid Corporation of India, Titagarh Rail Systems, NTPC Green Energy, UGRO Capital, Axis Bank, and KPIT Technologies. Paytm has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for its subsidiary to operate as a payment aggregator for offline and cross-border transactions.
India's job market saw a 23% increase in hiring activity in 2025, with both metro and Tier-2 cities driving the surge. Bengaluru and Hyderabad remained top hiring hotspots, but Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and Ahmedabad also emerged as high-growth talent hubs. The rise of non-traditional sectors like non-profits, consumer electronics, healthcare & pharmaceuticals also contributed to job market.
In 2026, the enterprise AI landscape will focus on ROI and data. Forward deployed engineering teams will be essential for AI adoption, and interoperability between AI agents will bring new efficiencies. Data will be a key competitive advantage, used to create unique AI solutions. AI agents will be integrated into the workforce, continuously learning and evolving alongside humans under mentorship.