Puneet Chandok, president of Microsoft India and South Asia, foresees AI transforming jobs into tasks and driving businesses to constantly innovate. He envisions AI as a teammate, enhancing human potential. Chandok predicts a shift from choosing a cloud platform to an AI model and emphasizes the need for businesses to establish their own AI factory.
The 30th Consumer Day KCA Culture & Entertainment Awards were held this week, honoring the best in film, drama, and variety. Lim YoonA, Jo Jung Suk, and Joo Won won awards for their performances, while Lee Sun Bin and BTOB's Yook Sungjae were recognized for their popularity. The event, hosted by the Korea Consumer Agency, also celebrated Consumer Rights Day.
This Friday, get ready for a variety of high-profile releases on OTT platforms. From a thrilling F1 movie starring Brad Pitt to a concert film of Taylor Swift's successful tour, there's something for everyone. Also, a comedy about single parenthood and a murder mystery with a star-studded cast. Don't miss out on these exciting new releases on Apple TV+, JioHotstar, Netflix, and ZEE5.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will have a luxurious tower named after him in Dubai, developed by Danube Properties and set to be completed by June 2029. With 488 units and top-notch amenities, 'Shahrukhz' is a highly sought-after project due to its prime location, unique design, and the global appeal of SRK.
The Union Cabinet is set to approve the India-Oman free trade agreement after Oman's parliament gave its approval. The agreement will be signed during PM Modi's visit to Oman in December and will grant India access to 98% of its products in Oman. This will greatly enhance bilateral trade between the two countries, with India's key exports being a major focus.
The government clarifies that there is no official global ranking for air quality and India has its own standards for 12 pollutants. The country conducts an annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan to assess and rank 130 cities, with top-performing cities recognized on National Swachh Vayu Diwas. WHO guidelines are used as advisory values for protecting public health.
The RBI has completed its first bond purchase for December, totaling Rs 3.16 trillion in debt buys this year. The central bank bought $5.53 billion of bonds at higher-than-expected prices, resulting in a drop in secondary-market yields. More purchases are planned for next week, and traders anticipate a further decline in the 10-year bond yield due to the RBI's aggressive liquidity push.
Tata Power has received a letter of intent from REC Ltd for the acquisition of Jejuri Hinjewadi Power Transmission, a project SPV on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer basis. The project involves the construction of 115 km of 400 kV double-circuit line, with an annual transmission charge of Rs 155.78 crore. Tata Power has also commissioned a 400 kV transmission line
Ather Energy's Rizta electric scooter has achieved 2 lakh sales in six months, making up 70% of the company's total sales. The popular family-oriented scooter competes with TVS iQube and Ola S1 Pro and has driven demand with its new variants and performance. The model has also aided Ather's expansion and market share growth, with 524 retail outlets.
Alia Bhatt receives Golden Globes Horizon Award at Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Encourages girls to chase their dreams. Rekha honored for her cinematic legacy. Alia talks about upcoming female-led action film, Alpha, and the challenges in the industry.
India aims to become a major global manufacturing player by 2047, with a 25% contribution to GDP. Key sectors like electronics, defence, automotive, and electric vehicles could generate a $25 trillion industrial opportunity. The country's focus on self-reliance and innovation has led to rapid growth in electronics and semiconductors, with a projected demand of $117 billion by 2030
Akasa Air has received its first purpose-built Boeing 737 Max 8-200, becoming the 31st aircraft in their fleet. This is the first aircraft to be built from scratch to the airline's specifications, with 226 more on order. The Max 8-200 is a high-density variant with additional emergency exits and 197 Safran Z200 Slimline seats equipped with charging ports.
Former ISI chief Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for violating army laws, breaking the belief of immunity for spy chiefs in Pakistan. He was found guilty on four charges, including political involvement and misuse of power. While he can appeal the verdict, this decision serves as a warning against political interference in the military.
Mammootty's action crime thriller Kalamkaval released on December 5th 2025 and has already become the fastest of his movies to cross Rs 50 crores worldwide, earning praise for its direction, cinematography, and performances. Directed by Jitin K Jose, the film has earned Rs 24 crores in just 6 days and has a budget of Rs 25 crores.
The Gallivanter's Guide has awarded The Postcard at the Durrung Tea Estate in Assam with the prestigious Editor's Choice Award for 'Hotel of the Year 2025.' The property spans 1,400 acres and offers 12 ultra-luxury accommodations, blending experience and luxury. Its colonial architecture and contemporary interiors provide a unique and exclusive stay, complete with an outdoor experience.
Intelligence agencies have issued a high alert to border states as a group of terrorists from Pakistan, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, plan to infiltrate into Bangladesh. Evidence suggests their intention is to train and carry out bomb blasts in India. The agencies have also uncovered ISI-backed activities in Bangladesh, involving top leaders of both terror groups.
In 2020, India faced challenges like the Covid pandemic and celebrity deaths. Amidst this, Rhea Chakraborty faced intense media scrutiny. She launched a podcast and clothing line, Chapter 2, inspired by her experience. It has now reached a valuation of Rs 40 crore, showcasing her journey to rebuild her life and create a successful business.
The Indian markets are performing well, with both the Sensex and Nifty showing gains in afternoon trade. Small and midcaps are also attracting buyers. Market expert Ajay Bagga attributes this to positive developments from the RBI and US Fed, expected earnings growth, and the upcoming Union Budget.
Darshan Thoogudeepa's much-awaited film, The Devil, finally hit theatres on December 11 despite the lead actor's incarceration in the Renukaswamy murder case. Directed by Prakash Veer, the film also stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Sharmiela Mandre, and others.
Shakti Pumps (India) has received a Rs 443.78 crore order from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company for supplying and installing 16,025 off-grid DC solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. The pumps, with capacities of 3 HP, 5 HP and 7.5 HP, will be used for Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana and PM Kusum B Scheme. The project must be completed within 60 days and there is
BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused an unnamed TMC MP of smoking e-cigarettes in the Lok Sabha, prompting chaos in the house. Thakur urged Speaker Om Birla to take action and clarify if e-cigarettes are allowed in the house. The Speaker responded that no member is allowed to carry any kind of cigarette in the house. The use of e-cigarettes is banned in India since 2019.
Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is now the fourth-richest person in the world with a net worth of $240 billion. This comes after Google Cloud's Gemini was selected by the US Department of Defence for their "AI-first" workforce initiative, in response to President Trump's call for AI superiority. This will give the American military unprecedented analytical and creative capabilities.
The Bombay High Court has ordered Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and husband Raj Kundra to either deposit Rs 60 crore or provide a bank guarantee from a nationalised bank. This decision was made after a Look Out Circular was issued against them, preventing them from travelling to London to visit Kundra's sick father. Kundra's plea for travel will be heard in three weeks.
India’s pension regulator has shaken up NPS investing.
For the first time, PFRDA has allowed NPS funds to buy gold and silver ETFs, along with AIFs, REITs, InvITs, municipal bonds, and AT1 bank bonds.
The move opens new doors for retail and HNI investors to diversify their retirement portfolios beyond traditional debt and equity.
The Park Medi World IPO opened on December 10, aiming to raise Rs 920 crore through new shares and an offer for sale. By Day 2, it had been subscribed 0.79 times. The company plans to use the funds for debt reduction and hospital expansion. The GMP is at Rs 12, suggesting a potential listing price of Rs 174 per share.
Kaynes Technology India's stock has rebounded by 4% after a 40% decline, but is still down 50% since January. Despite this, the brokerage maintains a Buy rating with a target price of Rs 6,400. Concerns about disclosure gaps, rather than financial damage, have caused the sell-off.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar series, is releasing on December 19 and is expected to dominate the Indian Box Office. With over 1.3 million interests on BookMyShow and high ticket prices, the film is predicted to make over Rs 500 crore. This could pose a threat to Dhurandhar, which has already earned Rs 180 crore, as it may face competition from the Na'vi.
As the US government tightens social media checks for visa applicants, it’s important to know exactly how to fill out your DS-160 or DS-260 form. A new section on social media requires applicants to share their online presence from the last five years. Here’s a guide for applicants to go through the process without stress.
Salman Khan joins the list of Bollywood celebrities seeking legal protection for their personality rights in the wake of deepfakes and generative AI. Other stars like Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kumar Sanu, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have also approached the Delhi High Court for similar relief.
IndiGo has adjusted its Q3 projections for capacity and passenger unit revenue due to a 10% reduction in domestic winter schedule ordered by the DGCA. The airline anticipates a high single to early double-digit growth in capacity and a mid-single-digit decline in passenger unit revenues. The company is also facing challenges from 4,500 flight cancellations and increased expenses.
North Goa administration bans fireworks in clubs and restaurants following deadly fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub. Prohibition applies to all tourist establishments, including nightclubs, bars, hotels, and resorts. Preliminary inquiry suggests electric fireworks as cause of fire, with owners fleeing to Thailand. Probes reveal club did not implement fire safety measures.
A major US Congressional hearing on the US–India partnership on Wednesday opened with lawmakers criticising the Trump administration’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, a move that several said hurts the very people who keep the relationship strong.
The 13th edition of the prestigious Seoul Global Movie Awards was held in December 2025, honoring directors and actors for their outstanding work in movies released between August 2024 and November 2025. Beloved South Korean entertainers attended the ceremony, and films like Love in Vietnam made history by winning multiple awards.
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, is facing operational challenges and has lowered its guidance for passenger revenue and capacity growth. Despite this, Emkay Global remains optimistic and predicts a 27-30% increase in the stock's value. The airline has faced issues with regulations and passenger complaints, which could impact revenue and profit.
Amazon’s latest announcement has set the tech and economic world abuzz. The e-commerce giant plans to invest over $35 billion in India’s cloud and AI space by 2030, building on nearly $40 billion it has already poured into the country since 2010. The investment is expected to create 1 million jobs and boost exports to $80 billion.
Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal criticized President Trump's tariffs for harming the US-India relationship. She emphasized the negative effects on both countries and shared a personal example. Jayapal also expressed concerns about Trump's immigration policies and the potential loss of India's support.
The Met Gala 2026, fashion's biggest night, has announced its co-chairs and host committee, including Beyonce and Anna Wintour. The theme is 'Costume Art', exploring the body-clothing relationship. Tickets are priced at $50,000 and the event serves as a fundraiser for the Met Museum. Amazon's Jeff Bezos and his wife are among the attendees.
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.