India's strategic autonomy and sovereignty are under threat due to US sanctions and tariffs. Despite being a counterbalance to China, India was excluded from a key initiative and saw a decline in foreign investments. However, the country's political and financial stability in 2026 presents an opportunity for bold reforms to boost economic growth and attract investors amidst global challenges.
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.
State governments are allocating a large portion of their budgets to subsidies, particularly for power and agriculture, which can hinder fiscal sustainability and capital investment. Energy subsidies, including free or discounted electricity for farmers and households, make up the majority of support. While necessary for welfare, subsidies also create fiscal rigidity and vary widely among states.
Elon Musk's social media platform X has implemented strict measures to combat illegal content, specifically child sexual abuse material. The platform will collaborate with local governments and law enforcement agencies. However, MeitY has issued a notice to X for not complying with due diligence requirements.
The government is set to introduce the Seed Bill in the upcoming budget session to ensure quality and traceability in the seed industry. The draft bill, which received over 9,500 comments, aims to incentivize R&D and regulate the sector. It will replace the decades-old Seed Act and Seed Control Order.
The government's capex for FY26 is at risk of exceeding the budget estimate of ₹11.21 lakh crore if spending pace is not slowed down. Currently, 58.7% of the target has been spent, leaving only ₹4.62 lakh crore for the remaining spending. Economists have differing opinions on whether the target will be breached, with some expecting a slight increase in allocation.
Economist Arvind Virmani emphasizes the importance of addressing inverted duty structures, improving supply chains, and promoting labour-intensive production to enhance India's competitiveness. He suggests rationalizing customs duties, lowering tariffs, and supporting domestic production and exports.
The stock market this week will be impacted by macroeconomic data, global trends, and foreign investors' trading. Domestic institutional investors have helped the positive trend. Key announcements like HSBC Services PMI and earnings season will be in focus, with attention on major index players. The market outlook is optimistic, with a focus on domestic growth and global economy.
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.
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.
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.