Telegram launched a new feature for 2025, allowing external verification for official organisations and public figures. This adds credibility and improves safety on the platform. Collectible gifts with customizable attributes have also been introduced, and reactions for service messages make interactions more engaging.
Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist, has sued actor Will Smith and his company for sexual harassment. Joseph claims Smith groomed and exploited him during their 2025 tour and someone left a threatening note in his hotel room, causing him emotional distress. This follows a $3 million lawsuit against Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, for verbal threats.
As the new year begins, millions of Americans will soon see some welcome relief when they file their taxes. The IRS has released new guidance explaining how workers can claim two new tax benefits --- “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime” ---for the 2025 tax year.
The year 2025 brought major changes to how immigration works in the United States. From work visas and travel checks to citizenship rules, the Trump administration rolled out several new policies that affect millions of people around the world.
PFRDA approves new framework for banks to set up independent pension funds aligned with RBI norms, expected to increase institutional participation and protect subscriber interests. New trustees appointed to NPS Trust and IMF structure revised to align with market realities. Reforms aim to enhance NPS ecosystem and benefit subscribers in the long run.
The CAG of India's report on State Finances 2023–24 shows that Indian states rely heavily on their own tax revenue, which accounts for 50% of total revenue and 6.49% of GSDP. The introduction of GST has changed the composition and growth of SOTR, but there are discrepancies among states in their ability to generate own tax revenue, with some depending heavily on central transfers.
Alhind Air, recently granted NOC, may experience delays in launching due to challenges in obtaining aircraft and financing. They plan to begin with three ATR 72 turboprop planes and eventually expand to seven. However, financing and grounding of employees are causing obstacles. Without secured aircraft contracts, the airline cannot obtain an AOC, further delaying its launch.
Kia India is set to launch the all-new Seltos this Friday, with a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh. The new model is bigger and wider than the outgoing one, but only costs Rs 20,000 more. It promises better ride and handling, and will compete with popular SUVs like Hyundai Creta and Maruti Suzuki Vitara.
In December 2025, the gross GST collections saw a 1.3% year-on-year growth, reaching Rs 1.79 lakh crore. This indicates a slow recovery after tax cuts on 375 items in September. While November saw a 4% decline in GST revenues due to the impact of cuts, December saw a 6.1% increase (excluding compensation cess).
NHAI has reduced the number of highway projects for monetisation through NHIT to two, covering 311 km in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The remaining projects will be acquired by the public InvIT, RIIT. NHAI plans to monetise 1500 km of highways through the public InvIT in 3-5 years, with a target of raising Rs. 7000-8000 crore. Currently, Rs. 2000 crore has been raised.
Maruti Suzuki's SUV market share rose to 30.7% in the first half of 2025, indicating a growing acceptance of its utility vehicle portfolio. The Grand Vitara and newly launched Victoris recorded strong sales, with the latter garnering 70,000 bookings. The Brezza also maintained its robust performance, with a mid-life update planned for later this year.
Maruti Suzuki India plans to raise prices for its small cars, including the popular Alto K10 and S-Presso models, after a period of price moderation. This comes after recent GST cuts to increase sales in the entry-level segment. The company is experiencing high demand for small cars in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, but is facing supply issues due to component availability.
Australia names Mitchell Marsh as captain for T20 World Cup in 2026, with a focus on spin-friendly pitches in India and Sri Lanka. Squad includes experienced players such as Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa, but some surprise exclusions like Aaron Hardie and Mitchell Owen. Newcomers Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, and Matthew Kuhnemann also make the cut. Final submission due on Jan 31.
The final episode of Stranger Things Season 5 aired in India on January 1, 2026, ending the beloved Netflix series. The 2-hour finale caused the streaming platform to crash and sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media. The co-creator shared that the epic battle against Vecna and the Mind Flayer involved all the characters, but some were disappointed with Eleven's fate and Vecna's death.
Indian equity benchmarks had a mixed start to 2021, with the Nifty 50 ending slightly higher and the BSE Sensex falling. The Nifty Bank and mid- and small-cap stocks performed well, while metal and oil & gas sectors saw gains. Government's import tariffs on steel products boosted metal stocks. Technical analysis shows a positive outlook, with focus on banking, auto, and metal stocks.
India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to launch on the Delhi-Kolkata route by the end of January. The new train is expected to benefit passengers from Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, with major stops likely to include Kanpur, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Paryagraj (Allahabad), and Patna.
Morgan Stanley has turned bullish on Indian steelmakers after the government’s 3-year safeguard duty. The brokerage says Tata Steel, JSW, and SAIL could see up to 43% profit surge by FY27 as domestic prices rise.
A deadly fire at Le Constellation lounge bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana resort town on New Year's eve, caused by fireworks, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Ikkis, a war movie directed by Sriram Raghavan, has received a positive response on X for its mix of bravery and patriotism. It marks Agastya Nanda's debut and Dharmendra's last cinematic outing, with his performance being praised as emotional and brilliant. While some find rough edges, the deeply moving narrative makes up for it, with the intense second half leaving a strong impact.
Vodafone Idea's stock increased by 8% after receiving a Rs 5,836 crore investment from Vodafone Group and Cabinet's approval for a 5-year moratorium on AGR dues. Emkay Global Financial Services maintains a 'Sell' rating with a target price of Rs 6 due to financial strain and lack of relief for deferred spectrum payments. The company's earnings are still insufficient.
People from seven countries will no longer be allowed to travel to the United States starting Thursday, Jan 1, 2026, as a new set of restrictions signed by President Donald Trump officially comes into force.
The Ministry of Finance has discontinued the GST compensation cess on tobacco and related products, replacing it with a new Health Security and National Security Cess. This change aims to fund public health initiatives and national security. Demerit goods will now be taxed under a combination of the existing 40% GST slab and increased central excise duties.
Warren Buffett, the renowned investor, has retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, but his impact and principles live on. He showed that a patient and simple investment approach can bring long-term prosperity. Greg Abel will succeed him as CEO, but Buffett will remain chairman to preserve the company's distinct culture.
A federal judge in California on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration’s plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, CBS reported.
Indian equity indices opened the first trading session of 2026 on a positive note, with NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opening higher. Bank Nifty, small and mid-cap stocks also opened in the green. Technical analysis suggests a potential uptrend, with immediate support at 26,050 and 25,850. In 2025, Indian equities underperformed global peers, with Auto, Metals, and Bank.
In Indore district, Madhya Pradesh, seven people have died and over 160 have been hospitalized due to contaminated tap water. A toilet was built above a drinking water pipeline without a safety tank, causing sewage water to leak into the supply. Local residents report nine deaths, including an infant, within a week. Over 1,100 cases of vomiting and diarrhea have been confirmed.
A day after Russia accused Ukrainian drones of attacking Moscow and parts of Crimea, Russia's defence ministry released a video footage. The video, according to Reuters, appeared to show repeated drone strikes on a residence used by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The highly anticipated Bollywood releases of January 2026 have finally hit the big screens. Dharmendra's last movie, Ikkis, based on Major Arun Khetarpal's valiant sacrifice, marks the debut of Agastya Nanda and also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia. Border 2, the sequel to JP Dutta's Border, is another war-drama to look out for. Other releases include Happy Patel Khatarnak
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday his administration was removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland but he added in his social media post that federal forces will "come back" if crime rates go up.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has signed an ordinance that sets up a new “Reparations Fund,” a move that could one day allow eligible Black residents to receive up to $5 million each for past discrimination and displacement, according to Fox News.
Egg prices have skyrocketed to Rs 800 per 100 units in major cities due to high demand during winter. This is a 25-50% increase from previous months, and prices are expected to stay high for a few weeks. Production can't keep up, resulting in a shortfall of 15 million eggs per day in Maharashtra. Export demand has also risen by 40%, adding to the strain on supply.
The BSE Sensex, launched in 1986, has shown remarkable growth in the last 40 years, with its market capitalisation increasing from Rs 12 lakh crore in 2005 to Rs 92 lakh crore in 2020. The index has consistently delivered positive returns, with financial services and consumer discretionary sectors gaining more weightage.
Prism, the parent company of OYO, has filed confidential papers with SEBI for an IPO worth up to Rs 6,650 crore. The IPO would value the company at $7-8 billion, making it one of the largest by an Indian startup. OYO reported its first profitable year in FY24 and has expanded into the premium segment with Sunday Hotels. SoftBank is its largest shareholder with a 40.3% stake.
The government's decision to impose safeguard duties on non-alloy and alloy steel flat products has led to a rise in shares for JSW Steel and Tata Steel. This move aims to stabilize domestic steel prices and boost profitability for steel makers, but may result in increased costs for industries like automobiles.
In 2026, artificial intelligence will dominate the consumer technology landscape, driven by low-cost smartphones, vernacular language support, and widespread 5G access. This will lead to the rise of AI companions, hyper-personalized shopping, AI tutors, and voice-first interfaces, as well as everyday health and wellness optimization.
The 2025 KBS Drama Awards paid tribute to Lee Soon Jae and awarded Ahn Jae Wook and Uhm Ji Won with the Grand Prize for their performances in Eagle Brothers. Lee Young Ae and Kim Young Kwang were named Best Actress and Best Actor, and Pump Up the Healthy Love and Splendid Days were recognized as top dramas. The event was hosted by Jang Sung Kyu, Nam Ji Hyun, and Moon Sang.
The Indian government has banned Nimesulide above 100 mg in tablets and syrup due to safety concerns, following a recommendation from ICMR. The drug has shown a CAGR of 8.4% in the past three years and is sold by multiple pharma companies. This decision has sparked controversy as it may harm businesses.
On the first day of the new year, Zohran Mamdani will step into office as New York City’s next mayor, with many firsts to his name. The 34-year-old Democrat is not only the youngest (in over a century) mayor of the New York City, but also the first Muslim, first Indian-origin, first South Asian to be seated at the post.
Indian exporters are facing a price cut of 15-22% on their products due to the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the EU. This tax will initially affect iron, steel, aluminium, fertilizers, cement, electricity, and hydrogen. While EU-based importers will pay the tax, Indian exporters will ultimately bear the cost, leading to higher compliance costs.
The Centre's fiscal deficit has reached 62.3% of the annual target, driven by increased capital expenditure and a decline in net tax revenues. Analysts predict that higher non-tax revenues and savings in revenue expenditure can help offset the potential shortfall in tax receipts.
Zohran Mamdani, NYC's youngest and first Muslim Mayor, will be sworn in on January 1, 2026. His unconventional choice of location, an abandoned subway station, symbolizes a new era for the city. Mamdani is humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers and continue the city's legacy of greatness. He will succeed outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
USPS is updating its postmark process to show the date envelopes are processed by machines, which may delay important mail like tax returns and bills. This change is part of the 'Delivering For America' initiative to modernize infrastructure for declining paper mail and growing packages. To avoid penalties, mail time-sensitive items early or request a manual postmark.
Israel and India are set to launch official rounds of negotiations on their free trade agreement in January. The talks will focus on structuring the negotiations and growing bilateral trade, with the goal of reaching $100 billion in goods trade by 2030.
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur raised concerns about Kolkata Knight Riders purchasing Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman for a whopping Rs. 9.20 crore amid targeted killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. Thakur warned KKR management to remove the player or face consequences, citing his alleged love for Pakistan and those who hurt Hindus.
Mumbai and its suburbs experienced a 14-year high in property registrations, generating Rs 13487 crore in revenue. December 2025 saw a 16% YoY increase in registrations and 11% YoY rise in stamp duty collections. The luxury segment flourished, but affordability issues impacted properties under Rs 1 crore.
The 2025 SBS Drama Awards, co-hosted by Shin Dong Yup, Chae Won Bin, and Heo Nam Jun, celebrated a new era for K-dramas. The Taxi Driver 3 cast stole the spotlight on the red carpet and eight actors were unexpectedly awarded Best Newcomer. Fans were shocked and shared their thoughts on social media as the winners, including Cha Woo Min, Kim Mu Jun, and Kim Dan, were announced.
Warren Buffett's 6-decade leadership at Berkshire Hathaway will end in 2025, prompting a review of their India investment. Their only investment in India, Paytm, resulted in a loss of Rs 630 crore despite their disciplined approach. They sold out within 5 years and while Paytm's stock has not reached its issue price, it has shown a positive year-to-date return.
BCCI has revealed the 15-member squad for the Under-19 Men's Cricket team, led by Ayush Mathre, for the upcoming ICC World Cup in Zimbabwe. The tournament will host 16 teams, with India placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh, and the United States. The team, with five previous championships, is determined to reclaim the title after losing to Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
As the new year approaches, it's a time to let go of the past and embrace new beginnings. People gather to celebrate and wish for happiness, success, and growth. Let's welcome the new year with optimism and create lasting memories with loved ones. Wishing for a peaceful and fulfilling year ahead. Happy New Year 2026!
Come March 2026, Semaglutide the blockbuster ingredient behind Ozempic loses its patent.
That could slash prices by 50%, bringing monthly treatment costs down to ₹4,000–₹6,000.
According to Elara Securities, this will unleash a ₹10,000-crore opportunity in India’s pharma market.
The Big Four racing ahead? Sun Pharma, Lupin, Torrent, and Intas all with strong diabetes and metabolic drug portfolios.
The Noida International Airport at Jewar, India's largest and UP's fifth international airport, will launch in January. It will cover 13,000 hectares with one runway, expanding to 11,750 acres and five runways in the future. It is a key driver of growth for Western UP and will create 5,000+ jobs.