The 2026 edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) will have 400+ speakers and 250 sessions, making it India's most globally represented literature event. Germany is the 'guest nation' and 17 countries will participate. The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) will have 300+ sessions and 500+ speakers, including Nobel laureates, focusing on equity and innovation.
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.
Victoria Jones, daughter of actor Tommy Lee Jones, died at 34 after being found unresponsive at a hotel. She had a troubled past with arrests and a history of domestic violence and elder abuse. While the cause of her death is unknown, it is suspected to be an overdose. The family has requested privacy during this tragic time.
"Dhurandhar", starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has set the Bollywood box office on fire in 2025 and continues to dominate in 2026. With a record-breaking Rs 1000 crore franchise and a highly anticipated sequel, the spy thriller has become a top contender against regional giants. With a strong opening and consistent Rs 20+ crore collections for 17 days.
India has warned its citizens against traveling to Venezuela due to the US's capture of President Maduro and his wife. The MEA has urged citizens to stay away and stay in touch with the embassy in Caracas. Trump has commended the operation, saying Maduro will face US justice. The move has caused turmoil in Venezuela and has been condemned by powerful nations like Russia and China.
The electric two-wheeler market is changing as established manufacturers surpass startups. Sales trends reveal the importance of reliability, financing models, and service coverage. Ola Electric's slowdown is due to service backlogs and slower innovation, while legacy manufacturers like TVS and Bajaj are expanding and enhancing ownership experience.
Gen Alpha, born between 2010 and 2025, is the biggest generation ever, making up 24% of the world's population. They are shaping consumer trends and will soon dominate the market as the largest consumer group. This tech-savvy and socially conscious cohort, also called Gen AI, will revolutionize the workforce and businesses with their entrepreneurial and creative mindset.
Golfers worldwide start the new year with ambitious goals to enhance their game, but often lose sight of them as time passes. They tend to blame their equipment or busy schedules, but it's vital to prioritize enjoyment and not obsess over perfection. This January, aim high and set resolutions, but don't forget that golf is about the experience too.
The race for the Pune civic polls has brought the spotlight on the declared wealth of key contenders. According to an Instagram post by LetsUpp, BJP's Surendra Pathare leads the chart with assets worth Rs 271.85 crore, followed by Sayali Wanjale with Rs 77.65 crore. Prithviraj Sutar, son of former minister Shasikant Suttar, has assets worth Rs 42.51 crore, while BJP's Chandrashek
The increasing use of AI in medicine, particularly chatbots, has revolutionized the way people seek medical advice. While doctors recognize the benefits of AI in improving patient care and detecting diseases, they also warn against relying solely on chatbots and excessive automation in healthcare. The use of AI in medicine is rapidly growing and has become an integral part of modern healthcare.
The rise of AI in the workplace has brought about significant changes, with an estimated 92 million jobs at risk by 2025. Major companies like Microsoft and Amazon are already integrating AI into their operations, while India is investing heavily in AI infrastructure. While this shift has improved efficiency, there are concerns about accountability and oversight for workers and managers.
In India, the smart home market is expected to reach $6 billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 25% between 2020 and 2026. Gaurav Burman, VP & country president, 75F India, a smart building automation company, says, "The smart home market in India is still at a nascent stage, but the pandemic has accelerated the need for intelligent homes, and we are seeing rapid growth.
US raids on Venezuela have caused concerns about the impact on crude oil prices, which are currently low due to US sanctions. However, Venezuelan oil production and refining were reported to be normal on Saturday, and the country's oil exports have been increasing. India's oil imports from Venezuela have also rebounded, with a 500% increase in 2024.
"Vigil: A Novel" by George Saunders explores the themes of corporate greed, capitalism, and the environment. In "On Morrison," Namwali Serpell delves into the literary experiments of Toni Morrison. "The Acrobat: Essential Poems" by Wislawa Szymborska tackles war, history, and the fragility of human existence.
Passengers at Delhi airport protest over repeated delays of IndiGo flight to Purnea. The airline initially blamed bad weather, but some passengers were later told that a pilot was not available. IndiGo issued weather-related travel advisories and apologised for the inconvenience. This comes after a series of cancellations faced by the airline due to adverse weather and pilot duty rest regulations.
India's film industry is utilizing AI in projects like Maharaja in Denims, Mahabharat: Ek Dharmayudh, and Mahavatar Narsimha to showcase its potential. The global AI market in media and entertainment is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with Hollywood already experiencing improved efficiency and cost savings.
The rise of AI in music has led to AI artistes making it to the Billboard charts, but concerns have been raised about its impact on human creativity and the potential for homogenization of music. While some believe AI can enhance music, a balance must be struck to ensure human artistry is not undervalued. Ultimately, music should evolve while respecting and rewarding its creators.
The US launched a "large-scale attack" on Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and his wife. This follows months of military build-up in the region, with the goal of forcing Maduro out of power and gaining access to Venezuela's oil reserves. This is part of a history of US meddling in Latin America and accusations of attempting to overthrow Maduro.
In Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, 14 Maoists, including a high-ranking leader, were killed in two separate encounters with security forces. The operations, based on intelligence inputs, also resulted in the recovery of a weapons cache. These encounters are part of a larger campaign to weaken Maoist structures and align with the government's goal of eliminating Maoism by 2026.
Despite facing rejection from her family due to societal norms, Kanika Tekriwal's passion for aviation never wavered. She went on to found JetSetGo, India's largest private aviation company, at just 21 years old. Despite facing challenges initially, she persevered and now has a net worth of Rs 420 crore.
Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old resident of Mint Hill, North Carolina, has been arrested for planning an attack on a grocery store and restaurant in support of ISIS. The FBI stopped his plan and seized weapons from his home. Sturdivant had a history of attempting attacks and faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Bollywood as all three Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir - are set to release their highly anticipated movies. While Shah Rukh's comeback film 'King' is predicted to be a top-grossing film, Salman's 'Battle of Galwan' and Aamir's 'Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos' also have high expectations.
BTS, the famous K-pop group, is making a comeback in 2026 after a four-year break for military service. BigHit Music confirmed the news on their new website, revealing a new logo symbolizing harmony and a post-struggle comeback. The group plans to release a new album and possibly tour the world, including a potential stop in India. Fans and critics are excited for their return.
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has allegedly used an AI chatbot for crisis public relations over his gig workers' comments, and it has caused quite an uproar on social media. Software engineer Deedy Das accused Goyal of manipulating the chatbot for PR, but acknowledged its effectiveness. “Most don’t notice AI writing in the wild, but it’s changing how humans communicate before our very eyes.”
IMD forecasts extended period of dense fog and cold weather in northern, eastern, and northeastern India. Delhi to have minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius and maximum of 18 degrees Celsius with dense fog in the morning. Cold wave, fog, and thunderstorm alerts issued for several regions until early January 2026.
Jaishankar, speaking at IIT Madras, sends a strong message to Pakistan that India will no longer tolerate terrorism and will not separate regional cooperation from security concerns. He emphasizes the need for a recalibrated foreign policy that focuses on humanitarian aid while also taking a firm stance on security.
The PRAGATI platform, praised by Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan, has successfully accelerated projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore by using technology-driven coordination. It has resolved over 90% of flagged issues and has been directly reviewed by the Prime Minister. The platform has also been recognized by Oxford University as a global benchmark in digital.
Hollywood actor Tommy Lee Jones' daughter, Victoria Jones, was found dead at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on New Year's Eve. The 34-year-old was reportedly receiving CPR and the 911 dispatch audio suggested a possible overdose. Jones had a troubled past, with previous arrests for misdemeanours. The investigation into her death is ongoing.
Jio's dominance in active subscriber base and Airtel's losses in C-circles signal a shift in India's telecom market. Jio also leads in home broadband, while Airtel's growth is slow. But high churn rates may increase costs for both.
As we age, time becomes more important, but we should not fear its limitations. Instead, we should focus on how to make the most of it by being mindful of where our attention is going. By dedicating one hour a day to something that energizes us, we can find joy in the little moments and transform our days.
Indian selectors to announce squad today for ODI series against New Zealand, including eight matches from January 11 to 31. Senior players like Kohli and Sharma expected to return, increasing chances for 2027 ODI World Cup. Selection committee to finalize squad during online meeting, with announcement not broadcasted. BCCI has already named T20I squad and schedule for both series released.
India's manufacturing activity in December saw a decline with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index at its lowest in two years. Despite this, the sector is still growing due to increased new business and low inflation. However, exports and employment are weakening, and manufacturers are worried about competition and market uncertainty.
Nifty and Sensex reach record highs, driven by strong global cues and improved earnings expectations. Consumer discretionary and financial sectors expected to perform well in 2026. Wealth of investors rises by Rs 4.33 lakh crore. Positive market breadth with gains in banking, metal, realty, and auto stocks.
Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced a technology roadmap to strengthen market infrastructure and promote investor confidence. He emphasized on governance and capital for market development, proposing new guidelines for corporate governance and risk management. A phased rollout of a new net worth requirement for merchant bankers was also proposed.
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is causing difficulties for Indian steel exporters, potentially leading to a 15-22% increase in export prices and affecting profitability and market share. While the CBAM aims to equalize carbon costs, Indian mills may struggle to pass on the costs due to their higher emissions intensity.
The government has introduced two measures worth Rs 7295 crore to lower the cost of credit for small exporters. The interest subvention scheme has been reinstated for MSMEs in labor-intensive sectors with a cap of 2.75%. Collateral support has also been raised by 10% for working capital loans, with a maximum limit of Rs 10 crore per exporter.
Favourable weather and soil moisture have increased sowing of key rabi crops like wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. Sown area is slightly higher than last year, with wheat and chana sowing showing significant growth. Recent rains in Gujarat and Rajasthan have also aided standing crops. Another bumper crop may lead to a lift on wheat export ban by the government.
Government withdraws mandatory probate clause, allowing validly executed Wills to be acted upon directly by heirs and institutions. This reduces dependency on courts and cuts down administrative bottlenecks, making succession faster and more predictable.
The Indian government has warned and directed Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) to take immediate action against obscene and sexually explicit content on its AI tool Grok. Failure to comply could result in losing legal immunity and facing criminal charges. The ministry has received complaints and demands a review of Grok and strict enforcement of user policies.
Ola Electric's shares jumped 10% on Friday, following a strong month-on-month growth in sales and market share in December 2025. The stock reached its highest level in a month, after facing pressure due to concerns around after-sales service and non-vehicle businesses. The company attributed the improvement to new service centre options, a dedicated rapid-response team.
Maruti Suzuki's Dzire remains the best-selling passenger vehicle in India in 2025, beating the trend of SUV dominance. Its affordable price, efficiency, and ownership benefits contribute to its success. SUVs, led by Hyundai Creta and Tata Nexon, make up a significant 55.3% of the market, but hatchbacks like Wagon R and Swift still hold a strong position while SUVs are quickly gaining ground.
Ancient rocks, estimated to be 340-670 million years old, were found during car shoots in the deep Aravalli Range near Udaipur. Despite withstanding wind erosion for millions of years, these rocks face the threat of bureaucratic 'erosion' as a proposed definition would only protect hills taller than 100 metres.