Fintech startups, including Aye Finance, InCred Holdings, and PhonePe, are preparing to go public in 2026, along with other companies like Innoviti, PayNearby, and Niyo. This reflects the stable funding environment and a shift towards profitability and long-term growth. Ze and other startups are also expected to join the trend of dominating the IPO market.
The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon's one-day music festival featuring K-pop greats like NCT's Taeyong, NCT DREAM, Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, ATEEZ and more concluded on X-mas Day. However, the year-end celebrations are far from over as there are at least 8 more musical festivities and awards ceremonies yet to kick off.
In 2025, the Indian stock market experienced mixed results as the secondary market faced challenges while the primary market flourished. Despite modest gains in benchmark indices, the primary market saw a record-breaking amount of IPO fund-raising, with 103 companies raising Rs 1.8 lakh crore.
India's exports are expected to reach $850 billion in 2025-26, with goods exports staying flat and services exports increasing to $400 billion. The US and EU pose challenges with tariffs and carbon taxes, but India is diversifying to other markets. The focus for growth will be on upgrading product quality, moving up the value chain, and lowering costs in electronics, engineering, and textiles.
Several bank-owned brokerages, such as HDFC Securities, SBICap Securities, and Axis Securities, have reduced their broking charges for equity and derivatives transactions to match those of discount brokers, with some even eliminating account-opening fees. Kotak Securities charges the lowest at Rs 10 for intra-day and F&O orders.
In November, engineering exports from Europe, China, and Southeast Asia increased by 23.7% to $11.01 billion. The US, the top market, saw an 11.4% growth. Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Spain had the highest growth rates, while Italy, UK, and Germany were major buyers. The sector's growth surpassed overall merchandise exports, emphasizing its strength and importance.
Indian domestic airlines are anticipating a significant rise in aircraft deliveries in 2026, adding 130-140 planes to their fleet. This will enhance services and extend their reach to remote areas. The increase in deliveries follows a slower year in 2025 due to supply chain disruptions. The addition of more aircraft is expected to alleviate capacity shortages and boost regional connectivity.
India's foodgrain and horticultural output continued to rise in 2025 due to good monsoon and government measures such as cash transfers, crop insurance, and guaranteed purchase at remunerative prices. However, liberalized imports and higher production have kept farmgate prices low, causing rural income to stagnate.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport has officially opened, providing much-needed capacity to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's aviation network. IndiGo operated the first arrival and departure, with 15 scheduled departures for the day. The airport can handle up to 24 daily departures to 13 destinations and will operate for 12 hours a day.
Pennsylvania's 'Money Match' program, launched in 2024, is returning over $22 million to nearly 100,000 residents through automatic cheques for unclaimed property up to $500. Treasurer Stacy Garrity clarified that these are legitimate payments from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and rebates. However, manual claims are still required for larger amounts or complex cases.
Zepto, a fast-growing quick commerce platform in Bengaluru, will file its DRHP on December 26 through a confidential route. This makes it one of India's youngest startups to go public, just 6 years after its inception. With a recent private funding round valuing it at $7 billion, Zepto's IPO pricing is yet to be revealed. Its listing will place it among top startups in India.
Despite a decrease in short-term portfolio capital, longer-term foreign investment in India remains stable in 2025. This indicates that global investors are being cautious in their investments, but not completely abandoning India. The decrease in equity outflow can be attributed to high interest rates and currency depreciation.
Government imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese R-134a and Calcium Carbonate Filler Masterbatch from Vietnam to protect domestic industry. The decision comes after an investigation by DGTR found that both products were being exported at lower prices, causing dumping. The duty will be in effect for five years and aims to remove injury to the domestic industry.
Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, a unit of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, is recalling over 17,000 units of an antifungal medication in the US due to manufacturing issues. The affected product is Ciclopirox Shampoo, used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. The recall was initiated due to failed impurity/degradation specifications.
Kiccha Sudeep's highly anticipated action-thriller, Mark, released on December 25, 2025, to a lot of hype among fans. The film, which marks the second collaboration between Sudeep and director Vijay Kartikeyaa, has already collected Rs 4 crore within a few hours of its release in India.
A 44-year-old Indian man died in a Canadian hospital after waiting 8 hours in the emergency room for chest pain. Despite being given Tylenol, his condition worsened and he collapsed. The hospital has referred the case to the Chief Medical Examiner and offered condolences to the family.
The Christmas release of Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri has received mixed reviews, with some praising its picturesque locations, Kartik's comic timing, and a blend of humor and emotion, while others criticizing its run-of-the-mill storyline.
Kumail Nanjiani and Hasan Minhaj, both Pakistani-Americans, discussed their shared South Asian heritage and conflicting feelings about their American identity in a recent podcast interview. Nanjiani shared his emotional journey to becoming a US citizen and how his perception of the country has evolved. He also addressed the challenges of immigrating to the US.
India Inc. saw a significant number of corporate deals in 2025, with over 649 mergers and acquisitions worth $25 billion. Adani Enterprises acquired Jaiprakash Associates for $1.53 billion, while ONGC-NTPC bought Ayana Renewables for $2.3 billion. MUFG acquired a 20% stake in Shriram Finance for $4.4 billion, while JSW Energy acquired KSK Mahanadi Power for $16.08
LNJ Bhilwara Group has acquired Mandakini Jal Urja, which is constructing a 76 MW hydro project in Uttarakhand, through its subsidiary Bhilwara Energy. The acquisition is subject to customary conditions and upon completion, Bhilwara Energy will become the sole owner of the project. The group aims to strengthen its hydropower portfolio and focus on environmentally responsible power infrastructure.
TSA warns against wearing sparkly clothing at airports during holiday travel to avoid extra screening. Sweaters may need to be removed during security checks. Passengers should also remove items from pockets to avoid pat-downs. Brass knuckles are not allowed in carry-on, but can be checked. Wedding dresses may require alternate screening.
Mora Namdar, an Iranian-American, has been sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs to implement President Trump's priorities, including promoting policies that make America safer and stronger. She previously served as Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and has a background in national security and human rights.
In 2025, Kerala experienced a surge in rare and fatal brain infections, mainly caused by brain-eating amoeba. This resulted in 170 cases and 42 deaths. Factors such as climate change, poor mosquito control, and low vaccination rates contributed to the rise of Japanese encephalitis.
The idea of returning to India after building a life abroad is usually framed as a compromise, a step back, or at best, a trade-off. But for many NRIs, the real shift happens long before the boxes are unpacked. For Zeel Shah, returning to India after spending 10 years in Canada rewired her life in ways she didn’t realise.
USCIS and DHS have approved a rule to reform the H-1B visa program, benefiting high wage earners and addressing abuse by companies. Chamath Palihapitiya supports the change, acknowledging the negative impact on American workers. The new rule will prioritize skilled and well-paid applicants, replacing the random lottery.
Kim Young Dae, a prominent South Korean music critic and author, died at 48 on December 24. The cause of his death remains unknown. His final video with NCT's Haechan was released on December 19. His funeral is scheduled for December 27. Kim was known for his early recognition of BTS' potential and was a member of the Selection Committee for Korean Music Awards.
The Pentagon report to the US Congress emphasized China's "core interests" such as sovereignty claims over Taiwan and Arunachal Pradesh, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Senkaku Islands, and efforts to strengthen ties with Pakistan. It also warned of China's attempts to prevent deepening of India-US relations due to reduced tension along the LAC.
An Indian-American student from the University of Texas at Dallas has been arrested in Collin County. The arrest comes after charges were filed that include arson at a place of worship and making a terroristic threat, The Dallas Express reported.
TikToker Tea Tyme, real name Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, was arrested on Christmas Eve for allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian while livestreaming in November. The victim, 59-year-old Darren Lucas, was walking home from work. McCarty-Wroten was charged with reckless homicide and aggravated use of an electronic communication device.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spent part of Christmas Eve speaking with children from across the country, joining the annual NORAD Santa Tracker calls as Santa Claus made his way around the world.
As Christmas 2025 draws near, let's spread love and joy by sending heartfelt wishes to our loved ones through WhatsApp, Facebook, or text. Take a break to be with family and reflect on the past year. Let's make this Christmas memorable with gratitude and faith. Here are 50+ Merry Christmas 2025 wishes to share and spread the holiday spirit.
Ro Khanna, Democratic Congressman, slammed far-right activist Nick Fuentes for repeatedly targeting Indian-American Republican leaders Vivek Ramaswamy and Usha Vance. Khanna condemned Fuentes’ comments targeting Ramaswamy for his Hindu faith and Indian heritage, calling the attacks “chilling.”
Indian-American leaders dominate US politics despite anti-Indian hate and online trolling in 2025. Leaders like Zohran Mamdani, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Vivek Ramaswamy, Harmeet Dhillon, and more have made significant contributions in various fields and have helped put the Indian-American community on the US politics map.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties due to severe weather conditions on Christmas eve. Heavy rains and flash flood warnings were issued, with a looming threat of tornadoes. A video showed a major freeway submerged in water, prompting closures and warnings from experts to avoid flooded roadways.
The US Justice Department announced on Wednesday that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI have uncovered more than one million additional documents 'potentially' related to Jeffrey Epstein.
A New York Times investigation has detailed how Donald Trump’s second-term presidency pulled in almost $2 billion in 2025, with several donors later gaining access or benefits from the administration. Among the more than 300 wealthy donors, at least six are Indian-origin Americans
The US decision to replace the H-1B visa lottery with a new “wage-weighted” selection system marks a major shift from the way visas have been given for years, Indian IT industry body Nasscom said on Wednesday, according to PTI.
India is making significant progress in its AI journey, with strong digital infrastructure and a growing market. The government's investment in AI development reflects their determination to become a leader in this field. Collaboration between technology providers, enterprises, and the public sector is crucial for unleashing the full potential of AI.
A Virginia family is suing Delta and KLM for $200,000 after a bed bug infestation on their flight to Serbia. The lawsuit claims they were bitten and told to stay quiet by flight attendants. Delta denies responsibility, while KLM cannot comment on the allegations.
The US Pentagon has cautioned India about China's strategy of reducing tensions along the LAC while strengthening military ties with Pakistan. The report analyzes China's increasing capabilities and their impact on regional stability. It also raises concerns about Pakistan's close military relationship with China, including the transfer of fighter jets and joint counterterror exercises.
IndiGo has successfully resumed flying over 1 million passengers every three days and is now operating 2,100-2,200 flights daily across 138 destinations. Despite challenges, the airline remains committed to connecting India with key destinations and is preparing to induct India's first Airbus A321X.
Gold remains a reliable safe haven asset during global geopolitical turmoil, as stated in the RBI's December Bulletin. A simulation-based sensitivity framework reveals that crude oil is most affected, while silver is more volatile due to industrial demand but less sensitive than oil. US Treasury securities also experience increased volatility, serving as a flight-to-safety asset during uncertainty
Vijay Thirumalai, an Indian-origin CEO, sparked online debate by addressing the disruption in H-1B visas, leaving many Indians stuck in their home country. He advised getting out of the H1B quagmire and obtaining a Green Card. Netizens had mixed reactions, criticizing the priority given to foreign workers over American citizens, highlighting the frustrations of skilled workers.
Mustard acreage sees a 4% increase in the current rabi season, with significant growth in crop area reported in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal. Standing crop conditions are normal with low pest incidence, and if weather conditions continue, higher yields are expected.
The RBI's liquidity measures caused a rally in the bond market, with the 10-year G-Sec yield falling 9 bps to 6.54%. Plans to purchase government securities and a USD-INR buy-sell swap were announced, addressing a liquidity deficit of Rs 66,653 crore. Market participants anticipate continued rally and stable yields.
Indian Railways' capital expenditure budget to rise by 3.7% in FY27 to Rs 2.75 lakh crore. Despite high capex utilisation in H1 of FY26, full-year spending likely to be 80-85% due to project delays. Railways looking to attract investments through PPP mode for track expansion. Experts say more budgetary support needed to catch up with road infrastructure.
The New York Times has uncovered that redacted information in the Jeffrey Epstein files can be easily recovered, exposing the identities of alleged victims and survivors. While the Justice Department claims all redactions are necessary by law, concerns about privacy and political motives remain.
NHAI's second platform for highway monetisation, Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT), has received approval from SEBI as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT). This public InvIT will allow retail and domestic investors to subscribe to the equity of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that will acquire highway assets from NHAI.
As Christmas approaches, Americans are preparing to celebrate by visiting outlets for shopping and food. While some stores will be closed, several fast food chains, drugstores, grocery stores, and retailers will remain open on Christmas Eve. Customers are advised to check store websites or social media for specific hours.
