ONGC and Reliance may be staring at a surprise windfall as Jefferies sees Venezuela’s oil shift as a game-changer.
A thaw in US-Venezuela ties could unlock ONGC’s $500 mn frozen payout and revive RIL’s access to cheap crude boosting refining margins and profits ahead of FY26.
Small Finance Banks (SFBs) have shown strong growth in both advances and deposits, led by Suryoday SFB with a 23.5% increase in gross advances and AU SFB with a 19.3% rise in deposits. Despite challenges in the microfinance segment, SFBs are projected to have a 18-20% growth in FY2026, rebounding to 22-25% in FY2027 with a shift towards secured lending.
The RBI has released new guidelines for lending to related parties, with relaxed provisions and exemptions for certain institutions. Equity investments are exempt, but debt instruments are still covered. The central bank has also streamlined definitions and rejected calls to increase materiality thresholds, implementing a scale-based framework.
Tata Sons seeks new leader for Air India as Indian airlines turn to foreign executives due to a lack of skilled leadership in the industry. However, Indian executives have shown potential in leading successful airlines. Critics question the perceived advantage of expats and point to successful non-aviation professionals in the industry. Change is on the horizon.
Mahindra has launched the XUV 7XO at an introductory price of Rs 13.66 lakh to Rs 22.47 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV aims to "reset" the premium C-SUV segment with its advanced technology, performance, and features.
Experts predict a cautious approach from the government for the upcoming Union Budget for FY2026-27, with estimated direct tax collection targets of Rs 27-29 lakh crore and a moderate 6-8% growth in gross tax revenue. Deloitte Tax Partner Rohinton Sidhwa suggests a conservative estimate of Rs 27-29 lakh crore, considering the impact of rate cuts. Government data shows a growth in tax revenue.
FCI to re-launch e-auction of wheat due to sufficient private stock and expected good harvest. Only 0.53 million tonnes sold in Nov-Dec, leading to discontinuation of weekly sales. Trade sources caution against selling surplus wheat as it may lower prices. Govt. plans to sell record 8 million tonnes of rice this fiscal year.
The government's plan to sell its stake in IDBI Bank worth Rs 36,000 crore may not be completed this fiscal year, causing a shortfall in non-debt capital receipts. This could impact the overall target of Rs 47,000 crore for disinvestment and asset monetisation. Delays in the process, attributed to various factors, have led to the current situation.
India Ratings predicts a slowdown in highway construction due to reduced government contracts, leading to a decline in construction and order backlogs. However, a revival is expected in FY26 with NHAI's large project pipeline. State highways will remain active with rising competition among road builders.
Dabur India anticipates moderate revenue growth in Q3 of 2025-26, with operating profit and profit after tax growing faster. Favorable economic conditions and tax changes are predicted to boost demand. The company's home & personal care sector in India is projected to experience strong growth, in line with the overall FMCG industry, which has seen a rise in sales due to GST reforms.
Bangladesh's ban on broadcasting and streaming IPL 2021 is unlikely to significantly affect the league's revenues or viewership, as data shows that only 20% of the region's viewership comes from the country. Advertisers like Mahindra, Flipkart, and Godrej benefit from reaching Bangladeshi customers.
Sleep banking is the practice of getting extra sleep to build resilience for times of insufficient sleep. It can be useful for certain groups, but has limitations and cannot fully reverse the effects of long-term sleep loss. Oversleeping can have negative consequences and napping is not a substitute for a good night's sleep.
The telecom industry is worried about the technical tests for D2M broadcasting, citing lack of stakeholder involvement and transparency. COAI urges for more inclusive evaluation with the participation of telcos and device ecosystem players. Tejas Networks continues to move forward despite concerns.
MTF, a margin trading facility, has surpassed Rs one lakh crore in September 2025 and is expected to reach Rs 1,17,480 crore by December. This growth is due to a surge in volumes, despite a brief dip during the early 2025 market correction. Experts see this as a sign of increasing interest in leveraged equity positions among Indian investors, thanks to MTF's regulated and user-friendly nature.
HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector bank, has seen a significant growth in its loan book by 11.9% on a year-on-year basis. However, deposits have slightly declined at 11.5%. The bank's loan-deposit ratio has also increased to 99.5%. The merger with parent HDFC in 2023 has resulted in a larger loan book but fewer deposits.
7 crore
Motherson Electronic Components, a subsidiary of Samvardhana Motherson International, will receive benefits from the Indian government's ECMS. The company will invest Rs 1,900 crore and create 5,000 jobs at its Kanchipuram plant. The scheme aims to promote domestic manufacturing and decrease import reliance. This is the third round of approvals, totaling Rs 41.7 crore.
Delhi government declares human rabies a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, requiring all healthcare institutions to report suspected, probable, or confirmed cases. This will help prevent rabies deaths and strengthen surveillance. India accounts for 36% of worldwide rabies deaths, with approximately 18,000–20,000 fatalities every year.
"James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash becomes the 8th fastest film to reach $1 billion at the box office, solidifying Cameron's title as 'King of the Box Office.' This makes him the first director to have four films surpass this milestone, with the Avatar franchise earning a total of $6.35 billion.
Shark Tank India Season 5 premieres tonight, January 5, 2026, at 10 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The sharks, including Aman Gupta, Shaily Mehrotra, and others, offer valuable advice for start-up founders, stressing the importance of self-belief, grit, and taking risks.
Sai Pallavi, Rashmika Mandanna, Nayanthara, Trisha Krishnan, Anushka Shetty, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu are among the highest-paid South Indian actresses in 2025. Sai Pallavi, with her role as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, earned a whopping Rs 18-20 crore, making her the highest-paid actress.
Telugu community shaken by tragic news of NRI couple's death in US road accident, leaving behind two children. Series of tragedies also include deaths of two women from Telangana in another road accident and a Telugu woman found dead in her ex-boyfriend's apartment. Arrest warrant issued for ex-boyfriend on suspicion of murder.
The ongoing tension between the US and Venezuela, along with the capture of the Venezuelan President, has raised concerns among investors about the potential impact on India. However, experts believe that the trade impact will be minimal, as India's crude imports from Venezuela have significantly decreased.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured that Hindi will not be made compulsory in Maharashtra and that the government will protect Marathi. His remarks came ahead of the upcoming BMC election on January 15, where the Thackeray brothers have formed an alliance, which will be closely watched, with a shared manifesto titled "Vachan Nama" being released.
Indian IT stocks, including Infosys, saw a significant drop in today's trade, with Nifty IT falling by 2%. HSBC believes that the IT sector is no longer a double-digit growth sector, while Jefferies predicts a slight improvement in growth by FY27. The rupee is also facing pressure due to uncertainty surrounding the US-India trade deal and Trump's warning of higher tariffs.
Trump warns Colombia's President Petro after US military operation in Venezuela. Concerns arise as Trump has a history of threatening Petro and views drug cartels as terrorists. Petro has spoken out against Trump's actions, leading to tension between the two leaders.
IndiGo and SpiceJet have issued travel advisories for Leh, Ladakh due to heavy snowfall and worsening weather, causing flight delays and disruptions. IndiGo is offering a "Plan B" for affected customers and advises travellers to stay updated on official airline communications.
Coal India's subsidiary Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL) has announced the date for its IPO, which will open on January 09 with an issue price band of Rs 21-23 per share. The company aims to raise Rs 1,071.11 crore through the sale of 46.57 crore shares. The IPO bidding will close on January 13, with allotment expected on January 14 and listing on January 16.
HDFC Bank's loan book and deposits saw steady growth in Q3FY26, supported by festive season and tax cuts. Average advances rose 9.0% YoY to Rs 28,63,900 crore, while average deposits increased by 12.2% YoY to Rs 27,52,400 crore. The bank's period-end advances and deposits also showed a consistent growth. HDFC Bank is set to announce its Q3 results on January 17, following
Malayalam actor and production controller Kannan Pattambi died at 62 due to kidney problems. His brother, filmmaker Major Ravi, announced his death on Facebook and revealed that his funeral will take place on Monday. Pattambi was recognized for his work in films like Kandahar, Odiyan, and Pulimurugan. He leaves behind a grieving family and has been honored for his versatile acting career.
A young Indian woman was found stabbed to death inside an apartment in Maryland, and her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, is now on the run in India, PTI reported. Authorities have launched an international search to find him.
South Korea is grieving the death of beloved actor Ahn Sung-ki, who died at 74 after a two-year battle with blood cancer. With a career spanning over 70 years and 160 films, he was known as "The Nation's Actor" and praised for his talent, professionalism, and humanitarian efforts. His funeral will be a prestigious "film industry funeral" to honour his contributions to Korean cinema.
Ahn Sung Ki, a beloved Korean actor and national icon, has died at 74 after a battle with cancer. His agency, Artist Company, announced the news on January 5, causing shock in the entertainment industry. With a successful six-decade-long career and close friendship with Park Joong Hoon, Ahn leaves behind a legacy as one of Korea's original "bromances."
Indian indices started Monday's trade with a positive bias, as NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opened higher, along with an increase in Bank Nifty. Small and mid-cap stocks also opened in the green. Geopolitical developments, including US action in Venezuela and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, may impact the market. Technical analysis shows a bullish trend with key support zones at 26,250 and 26,100.
Jimmy Kimmel won Best Talk Show at the 31st Critics Choice Awards, where he mockingly thanked US President Trump in his acceptance speech. Kimmel's show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was temporarily suspended in 2025 due to backlash over his comments on conservative influencer Charlie Kirk's death. Trump celebrated the suspension but the show eventually returned after pushback from viewers.
After months of feuding, Elon Musk and Donald Trump were spotted together at a dinner party, hinting at a possible reconciliation. The Tesla CEO, who had previously criticized Trump, now appears to be back on the Republican side, even declaring that the country is at risk if the radical left wins. Musk's recent actions, including attending a White House dinner, show his support for the president.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a contingency plan to leave the country if the current unrest worsens or security forces can't control protests, The Times reported. His preferred destination is likely Moscow. Khamenei's health has been declining since last year's war with Israel. He has accused the US of deceit and broken promises.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a series of major drug busts across Nigeria, seizing cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, tramadol, and cannabis, according to The Sun.
A 27-year-old Indian woman, Nikitha Godishala, who had been reported missing earlier in the week, was found dead inside the apartment of her former boyfriend in Columbia, Maryland.
A day after President Donald Trump said the United States would “run” Venezuela following the removal of Nicolás Maduro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved to calm fears of a long American takeover. Speaking on Sunday, Rubio said the US does not plan to get involved in Venezuela’s day-to-day governance.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a chart that showed how often immigrant households from different countries receive welfare and public assistance in the United States. The data was posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. While the list named nearly 120 countries and territories, India did not appear anywhere on the chart.
The queen of hearts Deepika Padukone turns 40 today and fans just cannot keep calm. Since she has made her debut in the film industry, she has built a career that few actors in Bollywood can match
The 31st annual Critics' Choice Awards are officially underway, and the energy inside the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica is electric. Host Chelsea Handler is back on stage, steering the night with her humour and charisma, as Hollywood’s first major competitive awards show of 2026 unfolds.
Kia India has launched the new Seltos in the highly-competitive midsize SUV segment with a focus on winning. The new Seltos is bigger and more aggressive, with an upgraded cabin that rivals luxury cars. It comes with a choice of three engines and five transmission options, and its main competitors are Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
The Education Minister has proposed a new Bill, Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, to merge multiple regulatory bodies and improve higher education in India. This aligns with the National Education Policy 2020's goal of promoting autonomy and quality. However, there are concerns about the impact on academic freedom and diversity. The success of the Bill remains to be seen.
International branch campuses in India are changing the landscape of higher education by offering global degrees at lower costs and with local relevance. This will benefit students and address financial barriers for Indian families. These campuses provide a safe and affordable alternative to studying abroad, with recent regulatory changes bringing in top-ranked foreign universities.
Nexi by Stuffcool is a compact, foldable 3-in-1 magnetic wireless charger that can simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It offers 25W fast charging, precise magnetic alignment, and triple-device charging in a portable design. Nexi comes with a 45W PD wall charger and 3A Type-C to Type-C cable, making it a travel-ready efficiency solution.
WZATCO's Yuva Vibe projector offers a cinema-like experience at home with its affordability and high-quality features. It has 1080p resolution, 4K HDR support, and 14,000 lumens of brightness, making it suitable for various locations. The device is easy to set up and has built-in OTT apps, wireless casting, and a certified OS, including Netflix certification.
Indian IT services companies have experienced substantial growth thanks to their skilled software engineers and efficient offshore execution. However, the rise of vibe coding, a new approach to software development using natural language, is causing a major shift in the industry. This has resulted in changes in hiring and new offerings, but also poses potential risks that require attention.
Indian professionals in Germany have the highest median monthly salary compared to other national groups, thanks to their employment in STEM fields and contributions to research and innovation. Reforms have been implemented to make it easier for skilled Indians to enter and settle in the German workforce, with a rise in the number of Indian students studying in Germany.
India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels this week to finalize the free trade agreement with the EU before the India-EU Summit on January 27. The EU's top leaders will also be the chief guests at India's Republic Day celebrations. Goyal will be accompanied by a team of officials and will address issues such as the CBAM and technical hurdles in the negotiations.