‘Grandson of immigrant, even his wives…’: Mehdi Hasan slams Trump at ‘No Kings’ rally

Zeteto founder and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan attended a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, delivering blistering remarks against US President Donald Trump in Washington

US President Donald Trump, along with United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, officially launched a new immigration program on Wednesday called the “Trump Gold Card.”

The US government is implementing new rules for tourist visas, including increased social media vetting and biometric data collection, in response to an executive order. The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) will now require additional information, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and family member details, to determine eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program.

Applications for unemployment benefits in the US saw one of their biggest jumps in recent times, rising by the most since the early months of the COVID pandemic, Bloomberg reported. The jump also came right after the previous week showed the lowest number of applications in more than three years.

Imagine Marketing, the parent company of boAt, has disclosed concerns raised by its auditor in its updated draft prospectus ahead of its IPO. These include financial and regulatory compliance, liquidity, cash flow, and overseas liabilities. While corrective actions have been taken, issues like non-compliance with audit-trail requirements and excessive director remuneration have been highlighted.

Motilal Oswal Financial Services has identified 29 compounding stocks, predicting India's shift to a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity in the next 17 years. The 30th Annual Wealth Creation Study highlights the growth potential of financials and consumer discretionaries, with a focus on private banks, NBFCs, and digital onboarding in the capital markets.

PFRDA has revised investment guidelines for NPS and UPS to allow investment in gold and silver ETFs and increase equity exposure to top 250 listed firms. Private sector subscribers can invest in REITs and AIFs, with a limit of 5% of the scheme. Debt investment norms have also been simplified, allowing investment in bonds issued by AIFIs and NBFCs.

India's crude oil imports from Russia have stayed constant at 1.5 million barrels per day in December, but could potentially rise to 1.6 million barrels per day. Despite US sanctions on Russian oil companies, the market for Russian crude has not been affected, with only a 2% increase in Brent. However, some refiners have adjusted their buying patterns due to the sanctions.

India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal responded to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's comments on India's trade negotiations, stating that if the US is satisfied with India's offer, they should sign a trade agreement. Goyal did not disclose the offer but mentioned that it is the best they have ever received.

The DGCA has summoned IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers for clarifications as the airline faces operational disruptions. Monitoring teams and an audit panel have been deployed to track cancellations, crew deployment, and refunds, with inspections ordered at 11 airports. IndiGo has cancelled 4,000 flights and cut its schedule by 10%, claiming stabilization, but the regulator's actions suggest concerns.

The government is releasing a new working paper on authorship and copyright of AI-generated content, building on their previous paper about using copyrighted material in AI training. The proposed framework includes a blanket license for developers and revenue sharing with creators, but will require changes to the Copyright Act. These reforms are crucial for staying competitive.

The Game Awards 2025, hosted by Geoff Keighley, is set to take place in Los Angeles with the highly-anticipated game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, leading with a record-breaking 13 nominations. The show will feature performances by rock band Evanescence and presenters such as Neil Newbon and Miss Piggy. Fans can watch the live broadcast on various platforms.

The mutual fund industry in November saw a rise in AUM to Rs 80 lakh crore, driven by equity funds. However, debt funds experienced net outflows of Rs 25,692.63 crore. The industry remains focused on promoting investor awareness and transparency. SIP investments decreased slightly, while equity schemes saw a shift towards growth-oriented and diversified mandates.

The Indian rupee has reached a new low of 90.37 against the dollar due to foreign investments and a delay in a trade deal with the US. It has fallen 5.74% in the current financial year, making it the weakest currency in Asia. Experts forecast a continued decline, with Kotak Securities predicting a drop to 91 per dollar and Nuvama Institutional expecting a fall to 91.50 in the coming weeks.

The owners of the Goa nightclub where 25 people died in a fire have been detained in Thailand and are facing serious allegations. The state government is taking strict action against violations and encroachments in clubs and restaurants to prevent future tragedies. The Luthra brothers, who were on a business trip, are facing accusations from a "vengeful government" according to their lawyer.

Dozens of Indians applying for H-1B and H-4 visas say they are facing unexpected interview cancellations and confusing reschedules, especially after completing their biometrics. Many took to Reddit over the past few days to understand what exactly is happening, and most of them are just as lost as the next person.

The prestigious 33rd Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards took place at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel, honoring achievements in film, drama, K-pop, and musicals. The event presented five grand prizes and was attended by famous stars such as Yim Siwan, Park Hae Lin, and Yerin. K-pop idols also received trophies, with Cha Joo among the winners.

Sebi has expanded the definition of "strategic investor" for REITs and InvITs to attract more capital and improve ease of doing business. The amended criteria now includes a wider pool of institutions, such as pension funds and insurance funds, to promote higher participation. Sebi has also reclassified REITs as equity-related instruments to encourage investments by mutual funds

IndiGo offers Rs 10,000 travel vouchers to passengers affected by airport chaos, but eligibility criteria unclear. Civil Aviation Minister questions adequacy of compensation and examines unfair pricing practices. IndiGo has not disclosed number of cancelled PNRs, but ministry reports over 9 lakh cancellations. Airline expects to operate 1,950 flights, but around 100 still cancelled.

The DPIIT has proposed a hybrid statutory licensing model to address the issue of large AI models being trained on copyrighted works without consent or compensation. While this aims to provide a framework for AI developers and creators to access data and receive compensation, there are concerns about its effectiveness and impact on startups and big tech companies.

Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is pleased with the US Trade Representative's positive response to India's offer for a free trade agreement. However, Goyal does not specify a deadline for signing. The Global Trade Research Initiative urges India to prioritize balance in negotiations with the US and to be cautious about concessions on agriculture and GMO products.

Honasa Consumer has acquired the men's personal care brand Reginald Men and its parent company for Rs 195 crore. This move marks the company's entry into the men's care segment and strengthens its presence in the South Indian market. The brand offers premium products and has a strong understanding of the evolving male consumer. Honasa Consumer's stock has declined in the past month and 6 months.

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.