EPFO is making it easier for members to withdraw their PF by increasing the auto settlement limit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Officials in the Ministry of Labour and Employment have already approved this recommendation which is likely to benefit crores of members. The new system will soon allow for withdrawals through UPI and ATM with reduced formalities.
Immigrants who had gone through a rigorous process to attain US citizenship were unexpectedly pulled out of line at a Boston oath ceremony due to their connection with their home countries. This comes after the Trump administration ordered a halt on immigration applications and asylum requests from certain countries. Similar incidents have been reported from across the country.
IMD issues cold wave warning for parts of central and eastern India, with temperatures expected to sharply decline on December 8 and 9. Citizens advised to take precautions and stay warm. Dense fog predicted in Odisha, West Madhya Pradesh, and northeastern states. Sub-zero temperatures reported in Jammu and Kashmir, with Delhi experiencing below-normal temperatures.
A tragic fire at the popular nightclub Birch By Romeo Lane in North Goaās Arpora on Saturday night has claimed 25 lives and injured six others. The fire broke out during a āBollywood Banger Night,ā where about 100 tourists were enjoying the event.
Glen's Ultra Tuff Mixer Grinder is a powerful and efficient kitchen appliance with a 1000W motor, reduced noise levels, and three stainless steel jars. As a trusted Indian brand, Glen offers a stylish and innovative design with safety features. When choosing a mixer grinder, look for powerful motors, stainless steel jars, sharp blades, and safety features.
IQOO has launched the iQOO 15, targeting cost-conscious consumers who seek value in their mobile phones. With good specs, sturdy build, and long-term value, the iQOO 15 is a well-packaged phone that offers smooth performance, good battery life, and a high-quality camera system.
The digital medium has revolutionized shopping by offering product information, comparisons, and ratings. AI-powered virtual try-on allows consumers to try products before buying. Fashion, jewelry, and cosmetics industries are embracing this technology. Smart mirrors and AR are also enhancing the shopping experience.
As AI and digital technology continue to shape the finance and accounting industry, the role of accountants is shifting towards strategic insights and value creation. The ACCA is adapting to this change by incorporating future-facing skills, such as AI-enhanced learning and digital fluency, in its professional qualification.
The Telangana government plans to name a road after US President Donald Trump to boost the city's status as a tech hub and attract investments. Other roads will also be named after global icons and tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The Chief Minister aims to make Hyderabad a leading tech powerhouse. US officials have not responded to the proposal.
The government has granted a one-time relaxation for flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms, causing major disruptions for IndiGo flights. The DGCA has guidelines for pilot and flight attendant rest, with new FDTL norms being implemented in phases. IndiGo faced issues due to inadequate preparations and underhiring of pilots.
Sahaja Reddy Udumala, a 24-year-old Indian student, died from severe burns sustained in a house fire in Albany, New York. She had moved to the US in 2021 for her Master's degree and was living in a shared residence. Four adults were rescued, but Sahaja passed away due to organ failure despite intensive care. A fundraiser has been launched in her memory.
Mumbai-based woman Kirti Poonia shared her experience of moving back to Mumbai from Goa due to poor air quality, garbage burning and construction crisis. She also highlighted the state's educational system and drug problem. Netizens were glad about the reverse migration from Goa and found her experience relatable.
EU trade negotiators, led by Director General for Trade Sabine Weyand, are in India to discuss the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The talks aim to speed up the deal, which covers 20 chapters and is challenging for India. Key issues include duty cuts on automobiles and medical devices, and duty-free access for labor-intensive goods.
The Indian government plans to re-register 300 foreign-owned ships under the Indian flag by 2030, with 50 ships to be completed in the next 3 months. This will enhance exports, lower logistics expenses, and increase the competitiveness of Indian goods globally. Incentives have been offered to attract international shipping companies, and many have committed to re-flagging their vessels.
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's plan to stop clearing homeless encampments has sparked controversy. Supporters see it as a compassionate approach, prioritizing permanent housing without conditions, similar to successful models in Houston. However, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly warns it could jeopardize public safety.
In 2026, passenger vehicle manufacturers will prioritize incremental improvements and facelifts for existing models over new product launches. The compact and midsize SUV categories will experience the most activity, with a focus on electric vehicles. The industry's cautious approach is influenced by the expected CAFE 3 norms and the development of new platforms and powertrains.
A 21-year-old student, Constantine Demetriades, was arrested for possessing an unloaded AR-15 rifle and 1,500 rounds of ammunition in his dorm at Rollins College in Florida. He claimed to have no ill intentions and was unaware of the strict no-weapons policy. The college has banned him from campus and is conducting an investigation. He has been released on pretrial conditions.
The US Department of Justice is investigating an IT firm for discrimination against Americans by only hiring H-1B visa holders. Derrick Evans raised awareness of the issue on social media, prompting Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon to assure concerned citizens of their efforts. The Trump administration is also addressing discrimination in hiring practices.
A recent study by INRIX's 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard revealed that Chicago is the most congested city in the US, surpassing New York City. Rising housing costs, lagging infrastructure upgrades, and a drop in public transit use have contributed to the city's traffic woes, with residents wasting three full workdays in gridlock.
A pepper spray attack at London's Heathrow Airport has left five hospitalized and 16 treated at the scene. One person has been arrested and police say it is an isolated incident not related to terrorism or protest. The incident occurred during an argument between known individuals. Heathrow Airport is working with emergency services and advising passengers of potential delays.
IndiGo has resumed its regular schedule with 1,650 flights and 137 destinations reconnected after six days of disruptions. The airline has also processed Rs 610 crore in refunds and advanced its stabilization timeline. A crisis management group has been formed by the board, and regulatory changes have been implemented to assist the airline in regaining capacity.
Akash Tiwari, a non-resident Indian, returned to India after 3 years in Ireland. However, he faced challenges with electricity, air pollution, and traffic. Despite this, he remains optimistic and focuses on more important things in life. He works as a manager at Coursera and plans to stay in India to take care of his family.
The Union government's food subsidy budget for FY26 is expected to surpass the budget estimates by over Rs 22,000 crore due to the high cost of storing excess grains. FCI has revised its projected expenditure to Rs 1.72 lakh crore for 2025-26, mostly due to surplus rice stocks. The PMGKAY subsidy burden is set to exceed Rs 2.25 lakh crore, the highest since FY23, with additional funds talks.
IndiGo is facing a major problem as multiple pilots have reported health issues due to extreme fatigue during flights. Six pilots have experienced panic attacks and high blood pressure while on duty. The airline has also faced scheduling and pilot shortage issues due to new regulations.
At the 2025 Streamer Awards, India Love caused chaos by interrupting FaZe Adapt's speech to declare her own picks for Breakout Streamer of the Year. This sparked backlash and comparisons to Kanye West's infamous interruption of Taylor Swift. While some defended her honesty, others saw it as a desperate cry for attention. The incident overshadowed the event and sparked online criticism.
US Fed's interest rate decision and global cues will drive the Indian equity market this week, with the rupee and foreign fund flows also being closely monitored. The spotlight will be on the upcoming US Federal Open Market Committee meeting and key economic data, which could impact risk appetite globally.
Tezpur University in Assam faced a tense situation as students blocked an Education Ministry delegation, demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. The team was stuck for three hours and only allowed to leave after giving a written assurance for an inquiry.
Tylil James, known as @thetylilshow__ on TikTok, made headlines at the Streamer Awards in LA on December 6 when he shut down the host Fan-Fan's Diddy joke directed at Kai Cenat. Tylil defended his friend and called out the host for not being funny. The incident went viral, with many comparing Tylil to Will Smith's infamous Oscar Slapgate.
An employee has praised his boss for telling him to prioritise health and well-being in a now-viral post on Reddit. The boss advises the employee to take extra time if needed. The employee has expressed gratitude towards his boss. The post has received over 600 upvotes and has started a discussion on toxic work environments and the importance of empathy in management.
The 10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards celebrations may be over, but the Festa ACON 2025 is set to continue today with a star-studded lineup. Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, RIIZE, ATEEZ, IVE, and actors Moon So Ri, Lim YoonA, Park Bo Gum, Lee Junho, and IU were among the Grand Prize winners at the main event. The special festival will feature over 50 performances.
A fire at Goa's Birch by Romeo Lane killed 25 people and raised concerns about fire safety standards. The popular party spot, part of the Romeo Lane chain, had various levels and zones, including a dance floor and private tables. The incident exposed inadequate emergency exits and access for fire tenders, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures.
Last week, the combined market valuation of the top-10 most valued firms increased by Rs 72,284.74 crore, with TCS and Infosys as the biggest gainers. While Bharti Airtel, TCS, ICICI Bank, Infosys, and Bajaj Finance saw an increase in valuation, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, SBI, Larsen & Toubro, and LIC faced a decline. TCS and Infosys saw the strongest weekly
Aamir Khan, a popular Bollywood actor, is vocal about his opinions on talk shows and podcasts. In a recent interview, he spoke about the negative effects of releasing Bollywood movies on OTT platforms too soon. He also discussed the success of his film 'Sitaare Zameen Par' released on YouTube instead of a major OTT platform.
The Streamer Awards, the first-ever streamer-oriented awards show, returned for the 2025 edition. Hosted by QTCinderella and Maya Higa, the event featured performances by Good Kid, VTuber Ironmouse & MarcoMeatball, and Ty Dolla $ign. Kai Cenat led with the most nominations and won multiple awards, but IShowSpeed took home the biggest honor of Streamer of the Year.
The Jindal family, one of India's wealthiest and most powerful, recently made headlines for a candid moment at a wedding. The family's net worth is estimated at $36 billion, with four brothers leading the conglomerate. The wedding is between Yashaswini Jindal, daughter of BJP MP Naveen Jindal, and Shashwat Somani, son of an industrialist. Yashaswini is a Yale graduate and trained in Kuchipudi
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, is living a life of luxury that puts even billionaires to shame. With multiple palaces, a $300 million private jet, a $1 billion royal estate, and a floating palace worth $500 million, Sheikh Tamim's wealth is measured not just in currency but in abundance. He also owns lavish homes in London and Oman, and a fleet of expensive jets.
Indian-origin Uber driver, Satwinder Singh, was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months in prison for raping a 17-year-old passenger in New Zealand. His request for leniency was rejected by the judge, despite his lawyer arguing that his Sikh religion and upbringing should be considered. The victim's traumatic experience has affected her ability to attend university and caused her to live in fear.
A promotional food offer at a popular pub in Bengaluru's Hebbal area caused chaos as thousands of customers flocked to the venue, leading to traffic congestion, police intervention, and early closure of the offer. Poor crowd management and lack of communication left many visitors frustrated and disappointed.
Senator Ruben Gallego criticizes the Trump administration for the misuse of the H-1B visa program by big companies, leading to the displacement of American workers. He urges the administration to improve monitoring of the program and prioritize the interests of the US economy and workers.
Ministry of Civil Aviation caps airfares to prevent surge in prices following IndiGo's service breakdown. Fare limits set at Rs 7,500 for distances up to 500 km, Rs 12,000 for 500-1,000 km, Rs 15,000 for 1,000-1,500 km, and Rs 18,000 for distances above 1,500 km. IndiGo instructed to clear all pending refunds and set up dedicated support cells
The DGCA has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's CEO and COO for violating flight duty time limitations, resulting in over 2,700 flight cancellations. The regulator found issues with planning, oversight, and resource management, and held the CEO directly accountable. IndiGo faces potential regulatory action and a four-member committee has been formed to review the disruptions.
Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson have introduced new models and variants, including the X440 T with advanced technology and improved safety features, and the ultra-premium CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide. This launch solidifies their position in the premium market and caters to both mid-weight and core enthusiast segments.
Simone Tata, a pioneer in the Indian beauty, fashion, and retail industries, passed away on December 5. She was admired for her contributions to the country's economy, including building the LakmƩ brand and founding Trent Ltd. Her legacy will be remembered for her acumen, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit, making her a hero to many.
IndiGo resumes operations with 95% network connectivity and lifts hiring freeze for captains and senior first officers. Air India caps economy fares on non-stop domestic flights to control surging airfares.
LanceSoft, a global IT staffng firm, faces criticism for a job ad seeking only H-1B visa holders for a technical support role in Santa Clara, California. The ad was posted on Nvoids, a platform for IT job listings, and explicitly stated "No USC/GC for this role." Despite claiming to value diversity and inclusivity, LanceSoft's actions have sparked controversy.
Ankush Mitra, a 30-year-old software engineer at Amazon, tragically lost his life in a road accident in Bengaluru's Whitefield area. The accident was caused by a pothole on Channasandra Main Road, which threw him into a concrete structure. Mitra was an IIT Delhi and IIM Kozhikode alumnus and had been living with his mother, who had lost her husband a year ago. The incident has sparked outrage over
Professional golfer Rahil Gangjee emphasizes the overlooked impact of injuries in golf and shares his own struggles with ankle injuries. He stresses the need for rest and self-care in the sport, drawing inspiration from other golfers who have made successful comebacks. Gangjee vows to do the same and urges others to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
PM Modi denounces the derogatory term "Hindu rate of growth" and pledges to eradicate it in a decade. He blames previous governments for economic mismanagement and boasts of India's progress under his leadership, with inclusive reforms and poverty reduction. He stresses India's self-assurance and resilience in the face of global obstacles, emerging as a strong nation.
The week-long Journeying Across the Himalayas festival in Delhi showcases cultural and ecological practices from the region. It features a mandala, installations, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and talks centered around the theme 'Ours to Tell'.
California is implementing a ban on all plastic grocery bags, including thicker "reusable" ones, starting January 1, 2026. The aim is to promote the use of reusable bags and reduce plastic litter. Stores can sell paper bags for at least 10 cents, with some exceptions. Critics argue that the ban has not been effective.
Congress criticizes Centre for not fulfilling promise of "ease of air travel" as IndiGo cancels 2,500 flights, leaving passengers stranded. Pilot shortage, rostering failures, and new FDTL blamed for crisis. Government accused of favoring airline and neglecting transparency and competition. IndiGo instructed to provide passenger support.