Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has made it to the shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. This is a rare achievement for an Indian film, with only four others making it this far in the past. The film's success is a testament to the growing interest in diverse Indian languages and storytelling on the world stage.
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.
Donald Trump and his advisers are considering options regarding Greenland. In a White House statement on Tuesday, officials said the president is reviewing several approaches to acquire the Arctic territory, and that the use of the US military always remains a possibility.
Airlines have issued travel advisories due to heavy fog and poor visibility in several parts of India. Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo have warned of possible delays, cancellations, and diversions across multiple routes. Passengers are advised to check flight status and plan accordingly. Options for rescheduling and refunds are available. Safety is the top priority for airlines during this time.
The WPL, starting with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, has seen a rise in advertiser interest and revenues due to the success of the Indian women's team in the ICC World Cup. JioStar has secured 15 sponsors, and ChatGPT is a premier partner with a 150% increase in brand power.
“Are you a US citizen?” That is the question many Indian students arriving in the United States on F-1 visas now hear again and again when they go looking for jobs, according to a report by The New York Times. For nearly 60 years, Indian immigrants have been among America’s biggest success stories
The man responsible for last month’s deadly shooting at Brown University and the killing of an MIT professor two days later admitted to both attacks in a series of videos, according to CNN, citing US authorities
At just 31 years old, Hardik Kothiya, co-founder and Managing Director of Rayzon Solar, has become one of the youngest billionaires on Shark Tank India's panel of judges. With his expertise in solar energy and industrial infrastructure, Kothiya's presence highlights the significance of the manufacturing sector.
ALPA-India has expressed concerns about Air India Express's pilot rostering practices, citing irregularities that could cause fatigue and stress among cockpit crew. The issue has caused dissatisfaction among pilots during the integration process with AIX Connect.
The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG) has acquired a 40% stake in luxury fashion brand Falguni Shane Peacock (FSP) and plans to expand its global presence and product categories. The brand has dressed international celebrities and has collaborations with Katrina Kaif's beauty brand and RPSG's premium gifting venture.
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio are predicted to have a tight competition in earnings growth in the December quarter, with a 4% increase in revenues. Vodafone Idea may have a stagnant quarter due to subscriber losses. Growth will be fueled by new subscribers and better Arpu, with Reliance Jio having a successful quarter due to 5G adoption and data usage growth.
Influencer @_fabulousnat suggests Thailand, Portugal, and Albania as top destinations for Americans seeking safety, stability, and a better quality of life. She highlights their digital nomad and long-term visa options, affordable living costs, and overall safety and beauty. Sharing her own experience of moving to Thailand, she believes it can bring physical, mental, and emotional transformation.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has emerged as a strong contender for the top spot in India's mutual fund industry, closing the gap with leader SBI Mutual Fund. Its growth has been driven by performance, product discipline, and steady execution across categories, making it a genuine competition for the crown.
The Indian government has warned X, owned by Elon Musk, about obscene AI-generated content from its chatbot Grok. This is expected to prompt large technology platforms to comply with India-specific regulations.
Niti Aayog suggests India must cut tariffs, boost two-way trade, and shift production towards high-demand segments like passenger vehicles to strengthen competitiveness and increase automotive exports. India's current export share of just 1.4% in the global market highlights the need for reorienting towards high-demand categories.
RIL's stock and market capitalisation dropped by 4.5% and Rs 1.09 lakh crore respectively due to competition in the retail sector. CLSA removed RIL from its model portfolio and added Eternal and DMart. This decline also impacted the broader market and raised concerns about stress in the organised retail sector.
Reliance Industries' share price dropped by 4% due to reports of receiving Russian oil, but the company clarified that there is no connection between the two. Bloomberg has corrected their earlier report and the company's Q2 FY26 results showed a 9.6% increase in net profit. This led to a market valuation erosion of over Rs 94,000 crore.
NBFCs are expected to show strong growth in Q3 FY26, thanks to GST reforms and festive demand. Analysts predict a 15% year-on-year loan growth and a 3% sequential rise. Retail-focused NBFCs are expected to perform well, while infrastructure NBFCs will report steady results. Large HFCs may face competition from banks, leading to a contraction in NIM.
Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO EV, priced from Rs 13.89 lakh, directly competing with the Tata Nexon EV. It replaces the slow-selling XUV400 EV and is the new entry point to Mahindra's electric SUV line-up. It has a 39.4 kWh battery, front-mounted electric motor producing 310 Nm of torque and 110 kW of power, and offers fast charging and connected car technology. It also features Level
The merger of DIL and Sapphire Foods will form India's biggest F&B company, with a projected revenue of $1 billion. Brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee will be operated under one platform. Expected synergy benefits of Rs 210-225 crore and a focus on turnaround rather than rapid growth. A significant global technology presence will also be a part of the merged entity.
The rise of smartphones has caused a fear of phone calls, known as telephobia, especially in younger generations. This is linked to social anxiety and the fear of unexpected demands, triggering physical symptoms like palpitations and breathlessness. Exposure therapy and setting digital boundaries can help overcome this anxiety.
Jaguar Land Rover experienced a decline in sales during the third quarter of FY26 due to production disruptions and discontinuation of legacy models. The company is committed to its Reimagine strategy and aims to transition Jaguar to an all-electric brand.
India's automobile retail market saw a 7.71% year-on-year growth in 2025, with a strong recovery in the second half of the year. The implementation of GST 2.0 in September played a key role in improving affordability and driving demand. Rural markets outpaced urban areas in passenger vehicle sales, and alternative fuels gained traction.