Persistent heavy rainfall in August has damaged kharif crops in Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Punjab and Rajasthan are facing major crop losses, while other states have localized impacts. The floods have damaged paddy, sugarcane, cotton, and horticulture crops. Inflation risks may arise if the damage continues.
US lawmakers and foreign policy experts believe that America’s partnership with India is now “a defining relationship of the 21st century,” IANS reported. They warned that China’s growing aggression makes it even more important for Washington and New Delhi to work together, not only on defence, but also on trade, technology, the economy and other sectors.
The United States has said that its trade talks with India are moving faster than they have in years. Jamieson Greer, their top trade official, has said that Washington is ready to extend the same “no-tariff” treatment it gives to other partners, but only to countries that are willing to “play ball.”
The Trump administration has introduced the 'Trump Gold Card' and 'Platinum Card' visas, targeting wealthy individuals and businesses. The Gold Card offers a fast-track to citizenship with a $1 million investment, while the Platinum Card will allow tax-free stay in the US for up to 270 days. The program aligns with Trump's 'America First' agenda and is expected to generate billions in revenue.
Days after the IndiGo crisis left Indian travellers frustrated by mass cancellations, Vikram Singh Mehta, the chairman of IndiGo’s board, said the airline did not create the flight chaos on purpose. In his first address, Mehta told people that the trouble came from a mix of factors, including minor technical issues, winter schedule changes, bad weather and new crew-rest rules (FDTL).
Actress Wenne Alton Davis, known for her role in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, was hit by an SUV in Midtown Manhattan and pronounced dead at the hospital. The 60-year-old had bit roles in other shows like Blindspot and Girls5eva, and worked as a security officer at JFK airport. Her agent described her as a talented and beloved member of the acting community.
Kotak Securities predicts a 13% growth for Nifty 50 by December 2026 and has a positive outlook for gold and silver. The Indian market is expected to perform well due to better earnings and lower risks. The BFSI, IT, healthcare, and hospitality sectors are favored. However, the primary market is struggling to maintain higher levels due to outflows and focus on IPOs.
India and the European Union are in the final stages of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, with the Commerce and Industry Minister expressing confidence in reaching a deal soon. The FTA covers 23 policy areas and talks are ongoing for agreements on Geographical Indications and Investment Protection. India is also pursuing FTAs with Chile, New Zealand, and other countries.
Meesho and Aequs had successful IPO listings, with Meesho rising 46% and Aequs rising 13%. Vidya Wires debuted flat but closed with a 2% increase. Meesho's co-founders shared their vision for the company, which has seen a 38-time return on investment for its investors. The e-commerce platform operates in over 3,000 cities and has over 13 million resellers and 100 million customers. Analysts
Ever wondered which writers turned their stories into staggering fortunes? While most authors struggle in an oversaturated market, a select few have built global empires through blockbuster book sales, film adaptations, and smart publishing deals.
The Indian Consulate General in New York is taking steps to protect Indian nationals, diaspora, and foreign travelers from digital scams. Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan warns against fraudulent calls impersonating Consulate officials and introduces a mandatory e-Arrival Card. OCI cardholders' privileges remain unchanged, dispelling rumours of policy shifts.
IFFCO, India's top cooperative and fertiliser major, is planning to set up joint venture manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, Jordan, and Senegal to secure a steady supply and cut costs amid global conflicts. This will also help in exploring rock phosphate mining and expanding phosphoric acid-making capacity.
Senior officials from the aviation regulator, airports authority, and Ministry of Civil Aviation met with the PMO to discuss IndiGo's flight disruptions. The PMO was updated on measures taken, including a mandatory 10% schedule cancellation and an investigation team. The PM expressed concern for passengers and the airline faces a possible investigation for violating antitrust rules.
The US has pledged $1.25 billion to fund the Reko Diq mining project in Balochistan, Pakistan, which is predicted to bring in billions in export revenue and create numerous jobs. This venture is seen as a promising example of future US-Pakistani collaborations and has the potential to transform Balochistan's economy, despite the region's past struggles with its valuable mineral reserves.
IndiGo is seeking to hire 160 pilots by February 10 to comply with new flight duty time limits. The airline plans to hire foreign pilots and has asked for expedited government approvals. They have submitted a plan to hire a total of 900 pilots by December 2026 to address their current shortage of 2,422 captains and 2,290 first officers.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes that the winners of the global AI race will be determined by adoption speed, not invention. He stressed the role of advanced technology in driving innovation and Microsoft's goal to upskill 20 million Indians in AI by 2030.
DGCA has directed IndiGo CEO to present comprehensive data and updates on severe disruptions in flight operations. Elbers must appear with senior officials and provide information on restoration of flights, recruitment plans, passenger refunds, communication, and re-routing arrangements. IndiGo cancelled 220 flights despite CEO's claims of operations being back on track.
Four Afghan men were arrested by Taliban for wearing 'Peaky Blinders' outfits in Jibrail. They were accused of promoting foreign culture and sent for rehabilitation. Taliban's takeover has led to a crackdown on un-Islamic behavior, including barring girls from education and imposing strict dress codes, causing fear among Afghan youth.
JioStar's potential exit from the ICC deal reveals the increasing disparity between cricket content expenses and profits. The broadcaster is reevaluating the $3 billion agreement due to financial losses caused by the rising dollar and falling rupee.
The Asian Development Bank has upgraded India's growth outlook for 2025-26 to 7.2%, citing strong performance in the July-September quarter and recent tax cuts. The region's growth projection has also been raised to 5.1%, with India's robust domestic consumption being a key factor. The country's economy continues to lead the way, supported by policy measures and alignment of institutions.
US Vice-President JD Vance addresses the viral photo of him allegedly arguing with his wife, stating that he always wears an undershirt when publicly arguing with her. The photo sparked rumors about their marriage, fueled by Vance's recent comments on 'mass migration' and his wife's faith.
Brookfield India REIT has successfully raised Rs 3,500 crore through a QIP, which was oversubscribed by three times, indicating strong investor demand. The funds will be used to acquire a prime property in Bengaluru, further enhancing the REIT's portfolio. This is the third successful institutional placement for Brookfield India REIT, showcasing its solid position in the market.
Kia has launched the second-generation Seltos in India, with a focus on reclaiming leadership in the mid-size SUV segment. The segment has seen a 9% YoY growth in India's FY2025, making up 14.2% of the PV market. The new Seltos features India-focused engineering, including ADAS localization and a 30-inch digital cockpit.
Shahrukhz by Danube, a luxurious tower in Dubai named after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, sold out for over Rs 5,000 crore on launch day. The 55-storey tower will be completed by 2029 and will feature 488 units with top-notch facilities. Plans for similar towers in New York, London, Delhi, and Mumbai were also announced at a star-studded ceremony with Shah Rukh Khan in attendance.
President Trump is contemplating removing federal taxes on gambling winnings, which would align with his previous elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. This could affect federal revenue and reporting requirements for the majority of Americans who have gambled in the last year. The current tax rate for gambling winnings over $5,000 is 24%.
Food delivery platform Swiggy raised Rs 10,000 crore through a QIP, which was oversubscribed 4.5 times. The funds will be used for scaling up infrastructure, technology upgrades, marketing, and potential acquisitions. Swiggy's cash burn for the September quarter was at Rs 740 crore, higher than Zomato's Rs 543 crore.
Tata Steel has acquired majority stake in Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd and formed a partnership with Lloyds Metals to enhance its supply chain and promote sustainable growth in the domestic steel sector. The acquisition includes a pellet plant and a slurry pipeline, while the partnership will explore cooperation in greenfield steel projects and iron ore mining.
IndiGo's operations are recovering after 6 days of chaos, but 220 cancellations were still reported on Wednesday. Crisil Ratings has put parent company InterGlobe Aviation on 'Rating Watch with Developing Implications' due to the ongoing struggle, which could affect financial and operating performance.
A small plane made a dramatic emergency landing on a busy highway in Florida, colliding with a moving car during rush hour traffic. The 27-year-old pilot and his passenger escaped unhurt, but the 57-year-old woman driving the car sustained minor injuries. The incident was captured on a dashcam and is under investigation by the FAA.
SBI Mutual Fund, a joint venture between State Bank of India and Amundi, is planning to launch an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 12 months. The fund house manages assets worth Rs 12 lakh crore and its two promoters plan to sell a combined 10% stake through the IPO. SBI Mutual Fund is the largest asset management company in India, with a market share of 15.55%.
December is off to a great start with Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar and a lineup of promising releases for movie-lovers. From war films like Ikkis and Anaconda, to romcoms like Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri and Avatar Fire and Ash, there's something for everyone.
Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju's, had a USD 1 billion damages ruling reversed by a US bankruptcy court. A new phase will begin in early 2026 to determine damages. Raveendran plans to take further action against GLAS Trust and others for their conduct and file a USD 2.5 billion lawsuit against relevant parties, providing evidence to disprove false allegations.
Priya Sachdev Kapur challenges Delhi High Court’s authority over Sunjay Kapur’s foreign assets worth Rs 30,000 crore. His children with ex-wife Karisma Kapoor have accused her of forging the will and approached the court. The ongoing legal battle has intensified with Priya arguing that the court has no jurisdiction over the assets in the US and UK.
SBI MD Ashwini Kumar Tewari expressed concerns over the Account Aggregator's mechanism of obtaining a single consent from customers for all financial services products. He highlighted that most customers do not read the fine print and often sign up without understanding the details. Tewari also mentioned the importance of privacy in the era of GDPR
Indian tech stocks face challenges with weak demand, layoffs, and investment in AI. Jefferies predicts uncertain growth for the IT sector in 2026, citing concerns such as earnings downgrades, muted outlook, and valuation slide. Mid-sized IT companies have outperformed, but the sector's performance is dependent on earnings and demand.
Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize 2025 winner Maria Corina Machado will not attend the award ceremony due to her unknown whereabouts. Her daughter will accept the prize on her behalf and give the speech Machado wrote. She had dedicated the prize to US President Donald Trump, thanking him for his support in their fight for democracy in Venezuela.
SpiceJet is set to add 100 daily flights in its winter schedule to meet the high demand for travel. The expansion is driven by seasonal demand and will require regulatory approvals. The airline has added 17 aircraft to support the increase in operations, providing more flexibility and connectivity. This comes as a result of ongoing disruptions at IndiGo.
Reliance Infrastructure, led by Anil Ambani, has been ordered by the Enforcement Directorate to freeze Rs. 77.86 crore in their bank accounts due to alleged FEMA violations. The investigation dates back to 2010 and is related to a domestic project. Anil Ambani's son, Jai Ambani, has also been booked by the CBI for a separate case of bank fraud.
Manish Tiwary, the new chairman and MD of Nestle India, aims to revamp the company's strategy by prioritizing consumer-centricity, volume-led growth, brand investment, and technology-driven efficiency. He believes in focusing on volume growth over pricing and utilizing technology, including AI, to drive growth.
Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, sparked controversy after winking at a female journalist during a press conference. The journalist, Absa Komal, had questioned Chaudhry about his allegations against ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan. Chaudhry called Khan a "mental patient" in response to his remarks against the Army Chief.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant has promised an inquiry report on the Arpora nightclub fire, which claimed 25 lives, in 8 days. The state is providing compensation to victims' families and ramping up safety measures at entertainment venues. A special panel is conducting safety audits and 5 arrests have been made. Interpol has issued a notice against the absconding restaurant owners.
Unisem Agritech's SME IPO aims to raise Rs 21.45 crores through a price band of Rs 63-65 per equity share. The IPO will close on December 12, with allotment on December 15 and listing on December 17. The company plans to use the funds for working capital, loan repayment, and general corporate purposes. Net profit of Rs 4.27 crore reported in the previous year.
India and the EU are on track to finalize a free trade agreement, with a December-end deadline set. The pact will cover 23 areas, including trade, services, and intellectual property. The EU's attendance at India's Republic Day parade as chief guest further emphasizes the significance of their trade relations. Both sides are committed to a swift conclusion of the deal.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer launched a personal attack on FBI Director Kash Patel, making a racist comment about Patel’s Indian background. In a post on X, she told Patel that Qatar “makes Indians like you slaves,” referring to the Gulf nation’s labour system.
Many Indians heading home for the holidays now find themselves stuck in a very stressful visa situation. The US State Department postponed thousands of H-1B visa interviews in India, leaving workers confused, angry, and searching for answers.
The Park Medi World IPO has opened for investors to apply at a price band of Rs 154-162 per share until December 12. The company aims to raise Rs 920 crore for reducing debt and expanding its hospital base. Its market debut is set for December 17 on NSE and BSE, but the grey market premium has decreased.
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, India's largest active mutual fund manager, will enter the stock market with a Rs 10,602 crore offer for sale on December 12. The IPO, which is purely an offer for sale, will see the promoter selling shareholder receive the funds. The company has a strong leadership team and a 30-year track record, making it a major player in the mutual fund space.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, admitted that the Department of Government Efficiency project he led under President Trump's administration was only "a little bit successful" and he would not do it again. His involvement in the project sparked backlash and concerns from investors about his focus on Tesla. The project has now disbanded with no public accounting of its work.
IndusInd Bank Chairman Sunil Mehta will step down in January after facing criticism over governance and accounting failures. The bank is undergoing an organizational overhaul and aims to achieve a 1% return on assets. Mehta's previous experience includes chairing Yes Bank and Punjab National Bank. The board plans to appoint new directors as part of a restructuring process.
Salman Khan plans to build a Rs 10,000 crore township in Telangana with a film studio, luxury residences, commercial zones, and entertainment spaces. The project has government support and aims to boost tourism and create jobs. It will also include a golf course, race course, and other amenities. Khan is currently undergoing a physical transformation for his upcoming film.
Mammootty's latest release, Kalamkaval, has become a certified blockbuster within just days of its release. The crime mystery has impressed audiences with its thrilling plot, authentic performances, and stellar direction. The film has earned Rs 22.20 crore in India and Rs 50 crore worldwide, with strong regional loyalty and nationwide interest. \