A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to bar children living in the US illegally from enrolling in the Head Start program. The ruling was issued nationwide and praised by the ACLU. The case was filed by Head Start agencies and parent groups, challenging the HHS directive that expanded eligibility criteria for government benefit programs.
In 2025, cars and bikes stand out with unique features amidst the market's focus on fuel efficiency, horsepower, range, and acceleration times. Highlights include Hyundai's mass-market EV with active air flaps and in-car payments, Kia's sub-4 metre SUV with ventilated rear seats and boxy styling, and KTM 390 Adventure with factory cruise control.
December saw a flurry of IPOs in India, including major companies like ICICI Prudential Asset Management and Meesho. The smaller IPOs of Wakefit Innovations and Aequs also garnered significant investor interest. These IPOs received high bids and were listed on the stock market in December. They were among the most searched and trending IPOs
US President Donald Trump has led a vehement crackdown against immigration over the past year --- imposing a whopping $100,000 visa fee for H-1B applicants and replacing the longstanding lottery system with wage and skill-based selection.
Akshaye Khanna, the actor behind the villainous role of Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar, has quit the superhit Drishyam franchise due to remuneration issues. After his success in Dhurandhar, Khanna reportedly demanded a whopping Rs 21 crore for his role in Drishyam 3, which was not approved by the makers. As a result, he has been replaced by Paatal Lok actor Jaideep Ahlawat, who
2025 has been a year of self-care trends, from bare minimum Mondays to regenerative care and gut glow. Gen-Z has prioritized healthy habits, while the job market has focused on stability. AI has become a part of skincare routines, but experts warn against relying on it. Nervous system hacks, such as breathwork and lymphatic drainage, have also gained popularity.
Prince Harry received both applause and backlash on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert when he made a controversial comment about President Trump. A royal expert believes this may have been intentional as Harry's strained relationship with Meghan Markle has been speculated. His US visa status, possibly an A-1 Head of State visa, has been questioned due to past drug use.
Oracle's stock price soared by nearly 200% in less than six months, thanks to its involvement in the AI boom. However, the rally was short-lived as investors began to reassess the company's margins, capital expenditure, and concentration risk. This shift in perspective led to a revaluation of the company's worth.
Delhi Police's Operation Aaghat 3.0 resulted in the arrest of over 200 criminals and 500 preventive measures ahead of New Year celebrations. The crackdown focused on enforcing NDPS, Gambling, and Excise Acts, leading to the seizure of illegal items. Other cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also strengthened their policing for New Year's.
In a bizarre incident, a woman received a termination email from a company she had never worked for. Her heart sank, but she soon realised it was a mistake. The incident, shared on social media by her husband, highlights the need for human resources teams to double-check recipient details. The post went viral, with many sharing similar experiences.
Holiday travellers faced dire reality as snowstorm caused mass flight delays and cancellations in New York. Over 1,200 flights were cancelled, with major airlines and airports impacted. JetBlue was the most affected carrier, while United, Delta, and American Airlines had over 700 delayed flights. New Jersey declared a state of emergency, urging travellers to avoid travel during the storm.
More than 24,600 Indians were deported from 81 countries in 2025, according to the latest data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha. While 2025 was all about the US tightening its immigration rules, cracking down on visa violations, and mass deportations, it surprisingly wasn’t the biggest contributor.
Bollywood star Salman Khan celebrated his 60th birthday with a grand celebration attended by fans and a special projection on the Worli Sea Link. With a net worth of Rs 2900 crore and a per-film fee of Rs 100 crore, Khan also has a successful lifestyle brand and media production house. His extravagant real estate portfolio includes a 150-acre farmhouse, beach house, and luxury car.
Vijay Thalapathy's last film before entering politics, 'Jana Nayagan', has a budget of Rs 300 crore and a star-studded cast. The audio launch event in Malaysia will stream on ZEE5 Tamil today. The political thriller, with Thalapathy's mass action, will release on January 9 and compete with other big releases. It will also release in Hindi.
The holiday season in Japan started on a tragic note after a massive road accident on the Kan-Etsu Expressway on Friday, which claimed one life. According to AP, the crash left 26 others injured in a chain of collisions involving more than 50 vehicles.
Bangladesh singer James was scheduled to perform at Faridpur Zilla School's 185th anniversary, but the concert was cancelled due to violence caused by a mob. 25 people were injured, and projectors had to be installed outside for those unable to enter. Taslima Nasreen spoke out against the incident, shedding light on the hostility musicians face in Bangladesh.
Tuberculosis, once known as "consumption," was seen as wasteful and sinful, but in economics, consumption is necessary for success. The US has a high consumption rate, while China focuses on investment. India's attempt to shift towards investment-led growth has been disappointing.
2026 is expected to be a busy year for India's primary market, with a strong pipeline of IPOs from well-known consumer and digital brands. These include Reliance Jio, Flipkart, NSE, PhonePe, Zepto, OYO, boAt, and Hero FinCorp. Other companies, such as Fractal Analytics and Clean Max Enviro Energy, have received regulatory approval and are waiting for the right market window.
A Canadian journalist has raised serious concerns about the safety of Indians in Canada after two Indians were killed within just one week. In recent times, racial attacks against Indians, especially in Canada and the United States, have seen a sharp rise.
An officer-involved shooting outside the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office in Wallace, Idaho, resulted in the death of a suspected shooter after a standoff with authorities. Two civilians were also injured. Reports of an "active shooter" were confirmed by the Mineral County SO. The suspected shooter's identity has not been officially released, but social media rumors have been refuted.
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma accused Congress of damaging the fragile Aravalli ecosystem and vowed to protect its integrity. The Supreme Court's 100-meter rule for defining protected hills has left many areas without safeguards, sparking concerns about mining. The Centre has frozen new mining leases and ordered stricter oversight.
Far-right influencers and Trump supporters, such as Nick Sortor and Eric Daugherty, criticize India's handling of US visa program changes. The Indian government acknowledges delays in H-1B visa appointments, but supporters dismiss concerns and call for hiring Americans over foreign nationals. Trump's administration continues to crackdown on both illegal and legal immigration.
Coinbase CEO has confirmed the arrest of an ex-customer service agent in Hyderabad for involvement in a hacking scheme. The company has zero tolerance for bad behaviour. The arrest came after prosecutors charged a Brooklyn man with an impersonation scheme targeting Coinbase customers. Hackers bribed customer support reps for sensitive user data and demanded $20 million ransom.
Oppo's Find X9 is a top-tier Android phone with a slim profile and polished metal frame for durability and aesthetic appeal. Its AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and good contrast ratios, while the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset and 16GB RAM ensure smooth performance.
Welspun One, the industrial real estate and warehousing arm of Welspun Group, aims to strengthen its presence in markets with high demand and robust infrastructure. They will prioritize flagship developments and targeted expansion in key logistics markets. The importance of early market entry is highlighted by diverging land prices.
China announced sanctions against 20 US defence companies and 10 top executives on Friday --- the latest in a series of tit-for-tat measures. The announcement came soon after the Trump administration approved a major weapons sale to Taiwan.
Mr. A, a retired 62-year-old who sold his business, faced an identity crisis despite having enough money. He realized that the real risk after 60 is not the market, but confusion, fear, and lack of purpose. By redefining his goals and aligning his portfolio, he found clarity and purpose in life, emphasizing the importance of having a purpose beyond wealth accumulation.
New travel and immigration rules brought in by the US Department of Homeland Security are now officially in force. The changes took effect on December 26, 2025, according to the Federal Register, and they affect non-US citizens, including people who already hold green cards.
Billionaire Elon Musk slammed the Canadian healthcare system on Friday after an Indian-origin man died while waiting for treatment. 44-year-old Prashant Sreekumar was rushed to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton with severe chest pain on December 22.
Dhurandhar, the blockbuster starring Ranveer Singh, has crossed Rs 1,000 crore in worldwide collections and has helped Bollywood end 2025 on a high note. Theatrical revenues are expected to reach Rs 12,500 crore, surpassing the previous record of Rs 12,200 crore in 2023. Despite competition from regional films and OTT content, Dhurandhar has had a solid run.
AI's potential in the insurance sector was proven in 2025, and 2026 will focus on establishing trust. Digital adoption, regulations, and customer expectations will converge to make AI the core of insurance operations. Responsible governance, ethical practices, and strict adherence to data quality and regulatory compliance will be crucial in building trust with policyholders and customers.
AI is rapidly changing the business landscape, with a focus on tangible outcomes and a shift towards agentic AI. Dell is helping companies embrace AI by providing infrastructure, expertise, and education. The move towards operational integration and sovereign AI will shape enterprise innovation, and Dell is prepared with secure, scalable, and sovereign-ready infrastructure.
Parents need to plan for their children's education abroad as the rupee continues to weaken. A 5% depreciation in the rupee can increase the cost of a $50,000 fee by over Rs 2 lakh. To mitigate this risk, parents should hedge against currency fluctuations using a forward contract and a forex card. These tools allow them to lock in exchange rates and protect their budget from currency shocks.
Gift deed transfer to a 21-year-old son is not taxable, but any income or capital gains from the property will be. Transferring shares to a private limited company may result in capital gains and income tax. Selling equity mutual funds bought 5 years ago will be taxed at 12.5% if profits exceed Rs 1.5.
A chartered accountant's post on a credit card related income tax notice has caused a stir online. The case involves a taxpayer who spent over Rs 50 lakh on credit cards without filing tax returns, resulting in a demand notice from the income tax system. This issue is becoming more prevalent, especially when cashback or rewards exceed Rs 50,000 in a year.
In 2025, the highway sector underwent significant changes, including revised awarding and construction targets, implementation of Asset Monetisation Strategy, and addressing execution delays. While the pace of awarding has slowed down due to strict guidelines, experts anticipate a pickup in the last quarter of the fiscal year.
India's exports of petroleum products saw a decline of 7.9% year-on-year, reaching $26.6 billion in April-November of FY26. Imports of refined oil products also decreased by 1% to $14.7 billion during this period. The country's consumption of petroleum products increased by 1.4% in the first eight months of FY26, with a projected demand of 252.9 million tonnes for the entire fiscal year.
The 'Kanda Express' initiative by the government has successfully controlled the annual spike in onion prices by transporting a record-breaking 85,719 tonnes of onions through dedicated rail rakes. The initiative has expanded its coverage and increased the number of rakes, leading to a significant impact on the market.
A winter storm hit California during Christmas, causing severe damage and fatalities. Several counties declared a state of emergency, with thousands evacuated and evacuation orders issued for flood-prone areas. The National Weather Service warned of ongoing hazardous conditions and advised residents to avoid flooded roads and stay updated on emergency alerts.
Kochi-based start-up airline Alhind Air has placed 120 employees on a "no work, no pay" basis due to delays in securing its AOC from the DGCA. The company's monthly expenses of Rs 2 crore have caused significant financial losses. Employees have been told not to work until the AOC is obtained and to return any company assets.
Many Indian professionals who work remotely have long looked at places like Bali or Thailand as work-from-anywhere hubs. Now, a European country is joining that list.
The CRIF-SIDBI report showed a 16.2% increase in small business credit exposure, reaching Rs 46 lakh crore in 2025. Government credit schemes for MSMEs and improved portfolio quality were also noted. Private banks and NBFCs are top lenders, and working capital loans are the most popular. Formalization has also risen, with 23.3% new borrowers.
Warren Buffett, renowned investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, will retire and hand over control to Vice Chairman Greg Abel. His wise decision-making and balanced lifestyle, rooted in simplicity and clarity, highlight the importance of self-care and healthy habits for managing stress and protecting mental health.
The Indian government has raised concerns about the challenges faced by Indians in obtaining US visa appointments, including long wait times and family hardships. The US has implemented mandatory social media screening for all visa applicants, leading to cancellations and rescheduling of appointments.
The trade dynamics between India and Russia are evolving, with a decline in India's crude oil imports from Russia expected by December 2025. However, A report bu Rubix noted that the Russian oil will still be present in India's market. The trade relationship is expanding beyond energy with defence cooperation remains a key aspect.
A video of an office Christmas party in Canada has gone viral, sparking racist backlash online. The clip, allegedly from an Amazon warehouse, shows a predominantly Indian workforce celebrating the holiday season. Some netizens questioned how this was possible, while others blamed discriminatory hiring practices or immigration programs.
Japanese company AICA Kogyo has acquired a 40% stake in Stylam Industries for Rs 1,525 crore, resulting in changes to the board of directors. The deal includes purchasing shares from promoters and making an open offer to public shareholders. While the stock initially declined, it has seen an overall gain in the last 5 trading sessions.
A mass stabbing at a factory in Japan's Mishima City left 14 injured, with eight rushed to the hospital for treatment. The suspected attacker has been arrested and is being investigated for attempted murder. The Yokohama Rubber Mishima Plant, where the incident occurred, covers 112,000 square meters and produces tires for cars and trucks.
Stray Kids dominates the K-pop scene, surpassing BTS and SEVENTEEN as the top live act with their 'Dominate World Tour' earning $185.7 million. Their success is credited to their talented members and loyal fans. Even during hiatus, BTS members j-hope and Jin ranked in the top 10.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has made history by entering the Rs 1,000 crore club worldwide. It has given tough competition to James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash and has joined the ranks of other Bollywood blockbusters like Dangal, Baahubali 2, Pushpa 2, RRR, KGF Chapter 2, Jawan, Pathan, and Kalki. These films have not only achieved commercial success but also made a permanent
Discover the perfect budget-friendly destinations for Indians in 2026 with our visa-free country guide. From Nepal's mountains to Sri Lanka's beaches and Bhutan's cultural charm, there is something for everyone. With flights starting at Rs 15,000, explore Vietnam's cities and indulge in local cuisine. History lovers can escape to Cambodia's ancient sites.