Asian markets opened on a mixed note on Christmas Eve, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Korea's Kospi down while the Asia Dow was up. US stocks closed higher, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones all recording gains. The US Dollar Index and Indian rupee saw slight changes, while WTI and Brent crude prices rose. Foreign institutional investors sold while domestic institutional investors bought.
Bhavitha Mandava, a 25-year-old architect turned fashion star, made history as the first Indian to open a Chanel show at the decommissioned Bowery subway station in NYC. Her unexpected journey, from being scouted on a subway platform to walking for Bottega Veneta and eventually becoming a muse for creative director Matthieu Blazy, is a testament to the power of serendipity and hard work.
Over 650 private hospitals in Haryana have withdrawn from the Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme as they are owed Rs 490 crore in unpaid dues. This issue is not limited to Haryana, as hospitals across India are facing financial strain due to delayed reimbursements. The Indian Medical Association estimates that there are over Rs 1 lakh crore in pending claims.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has imposed upper limits on airfares to regulate the spike in prices caused by IndiGo's cancellation of over 400 flights. The government has also directed the airline to process all pending refunds and instructed other airlines not to charge rescheduling fees. Any delay in refunds will result in regulatory action.
Former US President Joe Biden received the Chris Abele Impact Award for his administration's advancements in LGBTQ+ rights during a speech at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference. He stumbled over the country's name, urging officials to continue fighting for equality and accusing the Trump administration of trying to derail their progress.
Meesho, an e-commerce firm backed by SoftBank, saw its IPO close with a final subscription of 79.02 times. The share allotment is expected to take place on December 8, with the market debut scheduled for December 10. The IPO received bids for 21,96,29,80,305 shares against 27,79,38,446 shares on offer. Meesho is raising Rs 5,421 crore in IPO and has fixed a price
Joe Liemandt, a successful tech entrepreneur, challenges the value of traditional MBAs for entrepreneurship, questioning the logic of investing in a degree when the same money could fund a startup. He believes practical experience is key for business success. While MBA degrees hold value in corporate leadership, many successful founders have reached the top without completing them.
Indian astrophysicist Mayukh Panja recently shared his decision to not apply for German citizenship despite being eligible for it. He explained that becoming a citizen would require him to adopt German values and ethos, which he felt was not aligned with his Indian identity.
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal in a case that could determine if President Trump can end birthright citizenship for some children born in the country. This right, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, has granted citizenship to anyone born in the US for the past 150 years.
ICICI Prudential AMC, a subsidiary of ICICI Bank, will launch its IPO on December 12 with an expected issue size of Rs 10,000 crore. The IPO will end on December 16 and is an offer for sale of 4.89 crore equity shares by Prudential Corporation Holdings. ICICI Bank will maintain majority shareholding even after its partner's partial divestment.
Indian businesses are under pressure to prioritize sustainability, as discussed by sustainability expert Dr Mukund Rajan. This includes a growing focus on ESG ratings and the impact of climate change on financial stability. The government and regulators are taking action through measures to promote renewable energy and stronger disclosures, while Indian companies are responding
The 10th edition of Asia Artist Awards 2025 (AAA) took place at Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan, with beloved K-pop stars walking the red carpet and showcasing showstopping fashion looks. Hosted by IVE's Jang Wonyoung and Lee Junho, the event also saw stunning outfits from Lim YoonA and IU. The lineup included popular performers such as MONSTA X, Stray Kids, and i-dle. ATEEZ's
Biocon is merging Biocon Biologics Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary to create a valuable opportunity for investors. This will enable the company to cater to patients' needs in diabetes care and improve its global position in diabetes, oncology, and immunology. The acquisition of remaining stakes and additional capital will further boost growth.
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ED files chargesheet against Anil Ambani's Reliance Group company, 10 others in Rs 68 crore money laundering case. Other accused include subsidiaries of Reliance Power, former CFO, executives, shell company, and trade financing consultant. Chargesheet filed under PMLA, reveals fake bank guarantee, fraudulent endorsements, and attempts to shift blame.
Jay Nagy, a former lead engineer at SpaceX, is running for Congress in Texas. He is the only builder in the race and values Western civilization. Nagy, of Hungarian and Hispanic descent, aims to bring technological prosperity to the district and has asked for Elon Musk's support.
The relationship between employers and employees has been a hotly debated topic in India and globally, with the focus on working hours and leisure time. The 19th century labor movements have influenced the current 48-hour work week in India. Private Members' Bills proposed in the Lok Sabha aim to establish the right to disconnect from work after hours and protect employee rights.
Renowned architect Frank Gehry, known for his innovative designs, has died at 96. His iconic works, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, have left a lasting impact on the world. His legacy as a visionary and award-winning architect will continue to inspire generations to come.
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to bring back Sunali Khatun and her son from Bangladesh, where they were wrongly deported. Sunali, who is pregnant, crossed the border through West Bengal and the court has directed the government to provide medical services and ensure the welfare of her son. Sunali's long legal battle to return to India has come to an end.
Indian Railways has taken measures to increase capacity and ease travel during the disruption caused by flight cancellations. 116 extra coaches have been added to 37 trains across multiple zones, with a focus on high-demand routes. Additionally, four special trains have been introduced to support travellers.
Brazilian Harvard Law professor arrested by ICE for shooting pellet gun at synagogue, chooses to leave US instead of facing deportation. Visa revoked and plea agreement settled after claiming ignorance of synagogue's presence. He was initially placed on administrative leave.
Ranveer Singh's much-awaited film, Dhurandhar, has exceeded all expectations by opening near the Rs 30 crore mark on its first day. It has even surpassed the first-day collections of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's Saiyaara. The film has also become Ranveer Singh's highest opener of his career, beating the records of his previous blockbusters like Padmaavat and Simmba.
Mammootty makes a strong comeback with his role as a serial killer inspired by Cyanide Mohan in Kalamkaval. The film has grossed Rs 4.75 crore on its opening day, with a 7.8 IMDb rating and positive reviews for its intense theme and masterclass performances. Occupancy rates have been higher than the big Bollywood release Dhurandhar, with the Mammootty-Vinayakan duo praised.
Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in heavy cross-border fire, blaming each other for the attack. This comes amidst failed peace talks and ongoing tensions. Regional efforts to ease tensions have been ongoing, but Pakistan's main concern is the presence of Afghan-based militants launching attacks. The recent violence, the deadliest since the Taliban's rise to power, resulted in multiple casualties.
Donald Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize trophy from Gianni Infantino at the World Cup draw. Trump, a self-proclaimed "peacemaker," was recognized for his efforts towards global peace. The prize, introduced by FIFA, honors individuals promoting peace and unity.
Maruti Suzuki is launching its first EV, the eVitara, to compete with Hyundai Creta Electric. The two cars have similar sizes but differ in battery, range, and acceleration. The Creta Electric has a pixelated-pattern front grille, unique alloy wheel design, and an EV-specific user interface. The eVitara has a striking front fascia, closed grille, and thin LED headlamps.
India Inc is making progress in renewable energy as the Ministry of Renewable and New Energy introduces new policies to drive implementation. Adani Green and KPI Green secure large contracts, while NTPC and Suzlon also make significant moves towards meeting the 2030 target.
VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, is expanding its facility in Tamil Nadu to introduce electric scooters and buses in India. The scooters will be available in three segments with a total of nineteen models. Initial reviews suggest they may not be as good as top Indian models, but VinFast will need to compete with them to succeed in the Indian market.
India Bike Week, the largest biking festival in the country, has moved from Goa to Panchgani, Maharashtra due to changes in the election schedule. The new venue offers a stunning view of the Ghats and the organizers are confident about accommodations and road conditions. This move also opens up the opportunity for IBW to become a travelling event.
The 10th Asia Artist Awards 2025 ceremony is set to take place today, featuring top K-pop and K-drama stars. Lee Junho and Jang Wonyoung will be the main MCs, with 23 teams performing and collaboration stages. The event, organized by Star News, will be broadcasted on MTN and SET, with international fans able to watch on Weverse. The lineup includes artists like ATEEZ, MONSTA X, and Stray Kids.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin believes Trump should be awarded a Nobel Prize for bringing India and Russia closer together. The recent State visit of Russian President Putin to India, warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Modi, has sparked discussions about their strengthened friendship. However, Rubin questions if this is due to animosity towards Trump's criticism.
In the early 1970s, UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer Anthony Barber implemented a "dash for growth" strategy, which involved easy credit terms and massive tax cuts. However, this backfired due to an unexpected oil shock and miners' strike. Similarly, in 1995-1997, Bank Indonesia's rate cuts led to a record low growth of -13% during the Asian crisis.
The middle phase of life, typically around 50 or 60, is often ignored but it is a crucial time for self-discovery. As external pressures lessen, a new inner voice emerges, prompting deeper reflections on what truly matters. This is an opportunity to break away from societal expectations and pursue a more authentic and fulfilling life.
TVS Motor Company's fifth edition of TVS MotoSoul attracted over 8,000 riders worldwide, featuring new motorcycles, custom builds, and immersive experiences. The event debuted the Ronin Agonda and unveiled the TVS Apache RTX Anniversary Edition, celebrating the iconic Apache nameplate's 20-year legacy.
Incubate Fund Asia is set to launch Fund IV in early 2026, aiming to invest in 10-15 startups in India and Southeast Asia. The fund has a sector-agnostic approach but is keen on grassroots-level scale segments like health-tech, agritech, fintech, and e-commerce.
India and Russia have signed an MoU to build a large urea manufacturing facility in Russia, with an annual production capacity of 1.8 to 2 MT. This will secure a stable supply of soil nutrients for India and lower import expenses. Discussions are ongoing for the technical and financial aspects, and the JV will rely on ammonia supply from Togliattiazot JSC.
Civil Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu expects flight operations to return to normal within three days as new FDTL rules are put on hold. An inquiry has been ordered into IndiGo's crew shortage crisis and the airline has been directed to reduce passenger inconvenience.
ALPA warns DGCA against compromising safety for commercial pressures, urges withdrawal of waivers granted to IndiGo. The association reminds the regulator that safety cannot be weighed against commercial pressures and calls for investigation into whether a pilot scarcity narrative is being created to weaken the rules.
Brands are capitalizing on the popularity of content platforms, with consumers spending 125 minutes daily on them. Vishal Saga of Pocket FM emphasizes the importance of entertainment in this trend. Balaji Telefilms' Nitin Burman shares their strategy for brand partnerships on their mobile-first platform.
Indian Railways' punctuality has improved with 80% on-time performance across the network and 25 out of 70 divisions recording over 90% punctuality. This surpasses the punctuality levels of many European networks, including Germany's Deutsche Bahn.
India has the potential to increase exports to Russia by seven times if it can tap into the markets for food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery. However, the current trade relationship is heavily reliant on oil, leading to a trade deficit. To boost exports, India and Russia must establish a modern rupee-rouble settlement system and improve ease of trade in competitive sectors.
The government's decision to reduce GST on micronutrient fertilisers from 12% to 5% has lowered production costs for small and marginal farmers, according to fertilizer minister JP Nadda. This reduction in taxes on critical raw materials and bio-pesticides will also promote sustainable and residue-free agriculture, while encouraging the adoption of precision agriculture techniques.
The Lok Sabha passed the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill, 2025, which will impose a dedicated cess on pan masala manufacturing units to fund national security and public health systems. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the cess will be shared with states and will not affect GST revenues.
India and Russia have committed to strengthening economic ties until 2030 by removing trade barriers and promoting connectivity. They have signed an MoU for a urea plant and agreed to use national currencies for trade. Putin promised uninterrupted energy supplies and discussed a potential second nuclear power plant.
Equity benchmarks extend gains for second day, Nifty closes at 26,186.45, up 0.59%, Sensex at 85,712.37, up 0.52%. RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%, maintains neutral stance. Banks and financial services stocks lead rise. Nifty down 0.08% for the week, Sensex flat. Experts say rate cut and liquidity infusion will boost market confidence. Global markets
Air India surpassed IndiGo in the first week of December thanks to their timely adherence, moderate goals, and practical approach to new FDTL norms. IndiGo's extensive cancellations were due to their high utilization and insufficient staffing.
SEBI has banned Avadhut Sathe and his wife from the securities market and ordered the impounding of ₹546.16 crore for providing unregistered investment advice through their equity training venture. The couple is also restrained from offering any investment advisory or related training activities.
As the year ends, it's crucial to not only prioritize work and future plans, but also your employee benefits. Don't forget to use any remaining benefits, like LTA and paid leaves, before they expire. Other perks, such as telephone reimbursements and health check-ups, can also save you money. Make sure to review and understand your benefits before the year ends.
The NHCX is a digital platform that aims to simplify health insurance claims by uniting insurers and hospitals. Tapan Singhel, CEO of Bajaj General Insurance and chairman of General Insurance Council, believes that the common framework and NHCX will speed up claims and increase transparency.
Despite a 25-basis-point repo rate cut by RBI, banks are facing challenges in reducing deposit rates. Public sector banks will not change deposit rates immediately, but may cut them in January. The credit-deposit ratio is high, indicating strong credit demand and slow deposit growth.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced measures to inject Rs 1.5 lakh crore into the system, including bond purchases and a USD/INR Buy Sell swap, to provide short-term relief to the bond market and support the rupee.