HSBC Global Research has named HDFC Bank, SBI Cards, and ICICI Bank as the top choices in the credit card industry due to their dominant market share and consistent growth in card spending. These banks have successfully managed credit card spending despite obstacles and are expected to maintain their dominance through strategic cost management while smaller players merge.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, a former conservative commentator and Secret Service agent, is resigning after less than a year on the job. He thanked President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, and his fellow Americans. His departure comes before the deadline to release government files on Jeffrey Epstein.
Stocks in focus today include Paytm, HCL Technologies, AstraZeneca Pharma, Cyient, Power Grid Corporation of India, Titagarh Rail Systems, NTPC Green Energy, UGRO Capital, Axis Bank, and KPIT Technologies. Paytm has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India for its subsidiary to operate as a payment aggregator for offline and cross-border transactions.
India's job market saw a 23% increase in hiring activity in 2025, with both metro and Tier-2 cities driving the surge. Bengaluru and Hyderabad remained top hiring hotspots, but Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and Ahmedabad also emerged as high-growth talent hubs. The rise of non-traditional sectors like non-profits, consumer electronics, healthcare & pharmaceuticals also contributed to job market.
In 2026, the enterprise AI landscape will focus on ROI and data. Forward deployed engineering teams will be essential for AI adoption, and interoperability between AI agents will bring new efficiencies. Data will be a key competitive advantage, used to create unique AI solutions. AI agents will be integrated into the workforce, continuously learning and evolving alongside humans under mentorship.
AI-powered browsers are revolutionizing internet browsing by acting as intelligent companions, summarizing web pages, and performing tasks for us. However, this increased autonomy also brings new security risks, as attackers can target the "thinking" layer. By 2026, the use of AI-driven browsing is expected to accelerate three major risks: automated attacks, data breaches, and privacy concerns.
SEBI introduces major changes in mutual fund expense ratio, stock broker regulations, and debt issuers' incentives. Implementation of conflict of interest report delayed for further discussion. Mutual fund investors to receive lower expenses and brokerage fees. New regulatory framework simplifies operations and compliance.
Telecom exports have increased by 72% in the last five years, reaching ₹18,406 crore in 2024-25. This growth highlights India's shift from a major importer to a competitive manufacturing and services hub. 767 out of 778 districts are already connected to the 5G network, with 36 crore subscribers expected to reach 100 crore by 2030.
In December, foreign investors withdrew from government securities after five months of inflows due to factors such as no more rate cuts, global yields, and a declining rupee. For inflows to resume, a stable rupee and clarity on the trade deal are needed.
The Delhi government has approved the deployment of 32 new high-capacity cleaning machines, including two multipurpose dredgers from Finland, to tackle the pollution in the Yamuna river. The move comes after BJP's promise to clean the river within three years in their manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
9% of Oman's non-oil sector
India and Oman are expected to sign a free trade agreement, allowing for increased trade and investments in various industries such as textiles, automobiles, and renewable energy. The CEPA will be signed by the Commerce and Industry Minister and Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, with Prime Minister Modi in attendance.
Equities are predicted to experience growth in the final five trading days of 2021 and the first two days of 2026, with small-cap and mid-cap stocks expected to perform better. According to data from SAMCO Securities, small caps have a 100% success rate and mid-caps have a 90% success rate in delivering positive returns during this time over the past ten years.
The Indian rupee recovered by 66 paise in a single day, the biggest gain in two months, after the Reserve Bank of India intervened with dollar sales to curb speculation. The rupee has hit multiple record lows in the past week, but the RBI's intervention has prevented it from sliding further. However, experts warn that the currency may continue to face pressure due to trade tensions and outflows.
The NCLT has approved the merger of eight Flipkart entities, which will help the e-commerce giant obtain an Indian domicile and potentially go public in India. This involves merging eight Singapore-based companies into Flipkart's Indian arm, simplifying its structure and making it more appealing for an IPO. However, government and Singapore court approval are still needed.
PL Capital rates ICICI Prudential AMC as 'Buy' with a target price of Rs 3,000. The company has the highest net equity flow market share, low distributor payout, and a strong track record. It also benefits from ICICI Bank's support and is expected to continue its strong performance.
SEBI approves major reforms for companies raising funds, mutual fund transparency, and debt issuers. Changes include simplified offer documents, incentives for debt issuers in public issues, revised lock-in rules, and increased threshold for identifying high value debt listed entities.
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal announced a demerger plan, approved by NCLT, to create five independently listed companies by March 2026. These companies will focus on zinc, aluminium, oil and gas, power, and iron ore and steel, with potential to grow to the scale of the parent company. The aim is to unlock growth potential and reallocate debt based on cash.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, based on 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is receiving praise on social media. Survivor Rajita Bagga's viral post about her experience at Taj Hotel is featured in the film. The chilling scene with real attacker conversations has left a lasting impact.
Naveed Akram, a Pakistani man, was wrongly linked to the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia. His images were shared on social media, causing him distress and fear. He released a video to clear his name and discourage the spread of misinformation. The real shooters were identified as a father-son duo with ISIS ties, while other innocent individuals were also falsely accused.
PowerGrid Corporation, a state-owned company, has approved a capital expenditure of Rs 1,226.93 crore for refurbishing the Bhadrawati High Voltage Direct Current installation. The company has also commenced commercial operations for the Western Region Expansion Scheme-XXV project. It has been declared the successful bidder for an interstate transmission system project.
The Hyundai Creta remains the top-selling mid-size SUV in 2025, but is facing tough competition from new launches and updates from rivals. Despite strong sales, the Creta is feeling pressure from models like the Kia Seltos, Maruti Victoris, Toyota Hyryder, and Tata Sierra. With more competitors entering the segment, the Creta will need to stay ahead with frequent updates.
Tata Motors' new Sierra SUV has been a hit, receiving 70,000 bookings on its first day. Priced between Rs 11.49 lakh and Rs 21.49 lakh, it boasts a variety of powertrain options and key features such as Level 2 ADAS, connected-car capabilities, and a panoramic sunroof. The Indian Women's Cricket Team were gifted the first units to celebrate their victory at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has become one of the biggest Bollywood releases of 2025, grossing nearly Rs 600 crore at the box office. However, it faced backlash in six Gulf countries for its alleged 'anti-Pakistan' sentiments. In response, Pakistan announced its own film 'Mera Layari' to showcase the true story of Lyari, a small town in Pakistan portrayed as a violent neighbourhood in Dhurandhar.
21-year-old Coco Gauff topped the Forbes highest-paid athlete list for the second year in a row with estimated earnings of $33 million. She made nearly $8 million after her Grand Slam singles title, and her off-court income of $25 million surpasses Serena and Venus Williams. Gauff also owns a luxurious real estate portfolio, a $1 million car collection, and partnerships with luxury brands.
India and South Africa are battling it out in the fourth T20I at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. With India leading the series 2-1, a win today would secure their victory. However, concerns have been raised about Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav's performance ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urges states to lower their debt levels in order to achieve India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. She emphasizes on transparency in fiscal management and states that the debt-to-GDP ratio has decreased since the post-COVID period. She also calls upon states to prioritize accountability and reduce their stock of debt.
K-pop idol and SHINee member Key's agency, SM Entertainment, has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged "injection auntie" scandal. Key himself has apologized for causing concern and announced that he will be stepping down from all scheduled appearances. SM Entertainment also explained that Key was unaware of the doctor's lack of license.
Suzlon Energy receives 306 MW wind turbine order from Yanara for Rajasthan projects. Order includes 102 turbines with hybrid lattice towers, showcasing strong partnership. Q2 FY26 sees 539% profit growth and 84.6% revenue growth for Suzlon Energy due to high order book and record deliveries.
A techie with an IIM MBA degree turned to Reddit for advice after receiving a job offer of Rs 38 lakh per annum. He questioned whether he should accept the offer as he felt he might be underpaid compared to his peers with similar experience and qualifications. The post received a lot of responses from the community, with some offering reassurance and others suggesting he may be overthinking.
Siddhartha Bhaiya, Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer of Aequitas Investment Consultancy, cautions about the Indian markets being in a bubble, with Nifty at a high valuation and certain companies contributing to it. He also highlights concerns about overvalued small and midcap stocks and corporate governance issues in recent IPOs.
Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 for registered construction workers affected by the pollution-battling measures GRAP III and GRAP IV. The minister also mandated that 50% of government and private institutions switch to work from home, with exemptions for essential services. He also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for politicizing the issue of pollution.
US immigration attorneys issue urgent travel warning for non-immigrant visa holders planning to travel outside America. Emily Neumann and Rahul Reddy advise against traveling, citing recent policy changes and proclamations by the Trump administration. They highlight the risks of cancellation of visas and appointments, as well as the $100,000 fee for H-1B applications.
Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos is set to acquire Warner Bros Discovery for $82.7 billion, making him one of the highest-paid CEOs in the media industry with a net worth of $200 million. He and his wife Nicole Avant live a lavish lifestyle with a $60 million real estate portfolio and a vast art collection in their Hancock Park mansion, featuring rare and historically significant pieces.
Indian Railways has made great strides in implementing solar power, with 2,626 stations now using it. This has led to lower energy costs and a push towards cleaner operations. The government plans to commission 898 MV of solar power by 2025, a significant increase from 3.68 MV in 2024. This aligns with Indian Railways' goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Team Niall's Aiden Ross wins The Voice Season 28 after delivering impressive renditions of "Fishin' in the Dark" and "Golden Hour." The two-night finale featured past winners and special guests, with Ross taking home a cash prize of $100,000 and a recording contract with UMG. The night also included powerful performances and Christmas celebrations.
Motilal Oswal initiates positive view on Vishal Mega Mart with a 'Buy' rating and target price of Rs 170, citing steady store-level growth, increasing contribution from in-house brands, and operational efficiencies. The company's reliance on private labels, customer loyalty, premiumization, cost control, and expansion strategy in southern India and quick commerce add optionality for future growth.
Ola Electric Mobility's share price dropped by 1% as founder Bhavish Aggarwal sold part of his equity to repay a loan. The Rs 92 crore transaction will release pledged shares and remove concerns about the company's future. The promoter group will still hold 34% of the company, with no change in control or business direction. Despite this, the stock continues to struggle.
The US CDC has ended the 30-year recommendation for all newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The decision now lies with parents, in consultation with a healthcare provider. Experts fear this could expose infants to the virus, which can lead to serious liver disease.
Longtime US sports reporter Christina Chambers and her husband were found dead in their Alabama home, with their infant unharmed. The police are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. Chambers was a beloved member of WBRC News and a dedicated teacher at Thompson High School's Broadcast Academy. She leaves behind a legacy as a mother, journalist, and educator.
Elon Musk has re-entered US politics, potentially reigniting his friendship with President Trump. He is reportedly funding the GOP's House and Senate campaigns for the 2026 midterms, contradicting his previous statements about cutting down on political spending. This comes after his previous war of words with Trump and his promise to focus on his companies.
Delhi's air quality improved slightly on Wednesday, but still remained in the "very poor" category with thick smog covering major parts of the city. The overall AQI was 328, better than Tuesday's 354. However, areas like Anand Vihar, IGI Airport, and AIIMS still had "very poor" air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management has taken strict measures, including a ban on vehicular emissions.
Delhi government has implemented a ban on non-BS VI-compliant vehicles to combat air pollution. Fuel will not be provided to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. GRAP-IV is, in effect, restricting the entry of construction vehicles into Delhi. Neighbouring cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad have a significant number of non-compliant vehicles.
Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles are standing by each other after her interview with Vanity Fair stirred up backlash for her comments on Trump's "alcoholic personality." Trump admits to having a "possessive and addictive personality" but clarifies he doesn't drink. Wiles defends herself against the portrayal of going against Trump.
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife, along with six others, have been sent to judicial custody for their involvement in a Rs 30 crore fraud case. Their plea for interim bail on medical grounds was rejected and they will now be sent to the Central Jail in Udaipur. The fraud involved fake bills and promises of a biopic.
"Homebound, a Bollywood film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and co-produced by Karan Johar, has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Starring Ishan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, it won second runner-up at TIFF and has advanced to the next round of Oscar voting. The film portrays the intense caste-based struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Indian equity indices opened with a positive bias, but small and mid-cap stocks opened in the red. NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opened higher, while Bank Nifty opened flat. FIIs may turn buyers in India by 2026, leading to a possible stock rally. Early gainers include Shriram Finance, Eicher Motors, and SBI, while Bharti Airtel and Axis Bank are among the top performers.
Vedanta's share price is in focus as NCLT approves its demerger plan to split India operations into five entities. The decision is deemed fair and all requirements have been met. Certain conditions need to be fulfilled before the scheme is effective, and shareholders will receive one share in each of the four new entities.
President Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, citing concerns of terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. This follows the U.S. seizing a sanctioned oil tanker and has led to a decrease in Venezuelan crude exports. The U.S. has also labeled Venezuela's government as a foreign terrorist organization.
IndiGo has cancelled 50 flights today, following the cancellation of 172 flights on Monday. The airline has issued a travel advisory warning passengers to expect delays and schedule adjustments due to foggy conditions in North and East India. Passengers are advised to factor in extra travel time, and the aviation department has instructed all offices to monitor passenger inconvenience.
IndiGo and Delhi airport issue travel advisories due to dense fog in North and East India, causing possible flight delays and schedule changes. Passenger safety is prioritized, and travelers are advised to check flight status and plan accordingly. Hazardous pollution levels add to reduced visibility in the early morning.
Indian benchmark indices closed lower on December 16. Investors are monitoring global cues, currency movements, and upcoming data releases, as well as the SEBI board meeting where regulatory reforms will be discussed. Asian and US markets showed mixed trends, while the Indian rupee weakened and the US dollar and crude oil prices were volatile.