President Trump plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US in 2026 with the Patriot Games, a televised four-day athletic competition featuring athletes from every state and territory. Other events include a UFC fight on the South Lawn and a new arch monument in DC. Democrats have criticized the games, likening them to a dystopian event.
The Japanese government is implementing stricter immigration controls, including requiring Japanese language proficiency for permanent residency. Permanent residency can be revoked for neglecting public obligations, and rules for part-time work by international students are being reviewed. The number of foreign residents has reached a record high, raising concerns about unskilled foreign workers.
ADB commits $4.26 billion for various projects in India, with a focus on human and social development, renewable energy, urban development, and healthcare. This includes financing for the PM-SETU skilling program and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. ADB also supports India's urban transformation agenda and provided financing for regional rapid rail and metro networks.
The latest film starring Sanjay Mishra and Mahima Chaudhary, Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi, has received positive reviews from netizens on X (formerly Twitter). The movie explores themes of love in later life, second chances, and remarriage, with a strong ensemble cast led by Mishra.
AAHL, a major airport operator, will invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five years for airport infrastructure and development. They plan to go public between 2027 and 2030, with three triggers being the start of operations at NMIA, financial self-sufficiency, and leasing a large city-side development project. NMIA will be their largest airport with a capacity of.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 7.93 crore belonging to high-profile celebrities, including Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, and Urvashi Rautela, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The probe into illegal offshore betting platform 1xBet revealed that the celebrities knowingly endorsed the platform.
Ola Electric's shares rose 10% after its founder Bhavish Aggarwal clarified that he had completed a one-time, limited monetisation of his personal shareholding. The transactions, totaling over 96 million shares, were to repay a loan and release pledged shares.
The final T20I between India and South Africa will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19. The match will start at 07:00, with the toss happening 30 minutes earlier. Fans can watch it on Star Sports Network or JioHotstar.
An anonymous tip on Reddit led to the identification of the suspect in the Brown University shooting and the killing of an MIT professor. The suspect, a former Brown University student, entered the US through the diversity lottery immigrant visa program, which has been suspended by Trump. The motive for the attacks is still unknown.
Nick Jonas and his brothers Joe and Kevin shared a video on Instagram of them dancing to a Bollywood song, "Shararat". The video went viral with over 15 million views and received love from fans. Nick, known for his connection to Bollywood through his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is now affectionately called 'Jiju' by fans. This cultural crossover has delighted fans worldwide.
Dhurandhar storm has hit recent film releases, with Ranveer Singh-starrer drawing massive crowds to theatres. Ikkis, slated for Christmas release, has been shifted to New Year due to the competition. The film, based on the true story of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, features Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda and is the last film of Dharmendra.
Elon Musk denies being fired as PayPal's CEO in 2000, calling it a "palace coup" orchestrated by the executive team and board members. A podcast claimed Thiel handled his removal, but Musk clarifies he was the largest shareholder. Reports suggest concerns about his risky decisions and a push to change PayPal's infrastructure led to his ousting.
India and South Africa will clash in the final T20I at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium with India aiming for another series win. However, doubts loom over the T20 World Cup squad, with Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill's performances being closely watched and Jasprit Bumrah's return uncertain. South Africa have a chance to level the series.
Indian-origin cricket lover Nitin Murkute tragically passed away in the US while playing a league match. The 41-year-old amateur athlete was described as a beloved friend, teammate, husband, and father. A fundraiser has been launched to support his family, who are facing financial challenges, including a mortgage. His wife, an H-4 visa holder, may face difficulties.
The 50th-anniversary re-release of Sholay, titled "The Final Cut," disappointed at the box office despite its restored 4k version and extended runtime. Despite nostalgia, the film failed to compete with modern blockbusters and only earned Rs 1.98 crores in its first week. This showcases the uncertainty of re-releases in theatres.
In 2025, Bollywood saw a shift towards action-packed dramas, with rom-coms failing to impress. The highest-grossing movies were dominated by action and thriller genres, with only two light-hearted romantic films making it to the top. The top 10 list included films like Chhaava, Dhurandhar, Saiyaara, Sitaare Zameen Par, Raid 2, Housefull 5, War 2, Sikandar, and Sky Force,
David Brooks, a long-time columnist at the New York Times, has come under scrutiny as new photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate implicate high-profile figures like Bill Gates and Noam Chomsky. Brooks, who was pictured with Google's Sergey Brin at a 2011 event, has denied any involvement with Epstein. In a recent op-ed, he condemned Democrats for their focus on the scandal.
Scientists are concerned about the H5N1 bird flu strain due to its potential to mutate and cause a global pandemic. A study in India suggests that early interventions, such as quarantining households, can effectively contain the virus, but waiting until 10 cases are reported may lead to widespread transmission.
Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) has won a Rs 901 crore contract from Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to build a 3.5-kilometre railway tunnel. The project, awarded to the HCC-VCCL Joint Venture, includes design, engineering, and commissioning services, as well as the construction of approach roads and other ancillary works.
India's second-largest software services exporter, Infosys, is set to announce its Q3FY26 earnings on January 14, 2026. The company's Board of Directors will meet on January 13 and 14 to approve the financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025. Infosys has narrowed its revenue growth forecast for FY26 to 2%–3%, while its operating margin guidance remains at 20%–22%.
Ram Gopal Varma praises Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, calling it a "quantum leap in Indian cinema" and a "carefully engineered experience." Dhar's vengeful spy-thriller explores the different conflicts India has faced over the years and has become the biggest blockbuster of 2025. Varma commends Dhar for not diluting the film or copying Hollywood.
"Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos trailer is out, directed by Vir Das and produced by Aamir Khan. The comedy-drama stars Vir Das as Happy Patel, a wannabe international spy with hidden roots in India. With a star-studded cast including Mithila Palkar and Imran Khan's comeback, the film promises to be a hilarious ride. Set for a January 2026 release, it is sure to be a hit among Bollywood fans."
Hindustan Zinc's stock fell 2.4% due to profit booking after a surge in silver prices. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 594.35 a day ago. Silver prices are expected to remain volatile but with a positive outlook, driven by industrial demand and its role as a "digital-age metal". Jefferies rates Hindustan Zinc as 'Buy'.
Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar has been a consistent performer at the box office since its release on December 5, 2025, earning over Rs 460 crores in India and Rs 700 crores worldwide in just 14 days. The spy action thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, is the first installment of a two-part series and follows an undercover agent as he infiltrates Karachi's criminal underworld.
Madhuri Dixit, the iconic Bollywood actress known for her commercial hits, has rarely taken on challenging roles with shades of grey. However, in her 40-year career, she has successfully balanced mainstream and parallel roles, solidifying her position as the queen of Bollywood.
Jake Gyllenhaal, known for his iconic roles in Hollywood, celebrates his 45th birthday today. With a net worth of $80 million, he owns a luxurious house in Tribeca, New York, worth $8.6 million. He has also owned properties in LA and a ranch-style home in Hollywood Hills. Gyllenhaal's modest but expensive car collection includes a Bentley Flying Spur, a BMW i3 EV, and a Porsche Cayenne.
9Ola Electric Mobility's share price surges over 9% after promoter loan repayment and release of pledged shares. The company clarified that the loan repayment was planned and time-bound, easing concerns about funding pressure. The release of pledged shares also supports the stock, with no dilution of promoter control.
Indian-origin Canadian man, Yuvraj Singh, was arrested in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan for driving a stolen truck. The 24-year-old was charged with receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, motor vehicle fraud, and invalid license plate. Singh, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, was found with a stolen truck and trailer that had been tampered with to hide its true identity.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash, the fourth instalment in the Avatar franchise, has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some praise its stunning visuals and original story, others criticise its repetitive plot and pacing. Despite the divided opinions, the film is expected to be a box office success. However, some viewers have expressed disappointment compared to its predecessor.
Former US President Barack Obama shared his annual list of favorite books, movies, and music on social media, including a diverse range of artists such as Lady Gaga, BLACKPINK, and Bruce Springsteen. The list also featured Chance the Rapper, Jay Som, and Drake. Obama hopes to inspire others to discover new music and welcomes recommendations for him to check out.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) have acquired an 80% stake in the iconic Peanuts franchise for $457 million. This deal will bring more content and collaborations for the beloved franchise, known for its impactful art and exploration of various themes. The remaining shares will be owned by SMEJ and Sony Pictures, solidifying Sony's hold on the cultural phenomenon.
Indian equity indices opened higher on Friday, with the NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex rising 0.37%. The Bank Nifty also opened higher, along with small and mid-cap stocks. The market will be watching the Bank of Japan's rate decision and commentary for future rate action. Early gainers include Max Healthcare, Tata Motors, and RIL, while laggards include Shriram Finance and Bharti Airtel.
Former Brown University student, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was found dead in a storage facility in Salem, NH. He was identified by Providence authorities and had access to the building where the mass shooting occurred. The FBI is investigating the motive, which may be linked to the killing of an MIT professor.
NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and six others tragically perished in a fiery plane crash near a North Carolina airport. The victims include Biffle, his family, and three others. Witnesses described the Cessna jet as a "fireball" during its failed landing attempt. The families released a statement mourning their loss and videos of the crash have surfaced online.
The 2025 Hollywood Box Office saw a variety of successful films, including big sequels, animation, and established franchises. The top 10 films that dominated the global box office included Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Jurassic World Rebirth.
The death of anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh has led to violent protests and attacks on media offices. Protesters are demanding the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who took shelter in India. Despite government appeals for peace, the situation remains tense and India has closed its visa application centres in the country out of concern.
Stocks expected to be in focus today, December 19, due to various corporate announcements including board decisions, acquisitions, legal relief, overseas deals, new contracts, and expansion plans across sectors like telecom, IT, pharma, infrastructure, and retail. Indian stock markets ended flat on December 18, with key stocks to watch being Bharti Airtel, HCLTech, Lupin, and more.
ICICI Prudential AMC's IPO, launching today, is the fourth most subscribed in India. The company's impressive performance and backing from ICICI Bank have generated high expectations, with strong equity yields and market share. It also holds a significant portion of MF sales and non-MF revenue compared to competitors.
The Lok Sabha passed the G RAM G Bill, replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA, amid opposition from the Congress. The new law aims to create permanent assets, develop model villages, and strengthen rural infrastructure. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment per household and allows states to notify no-work periods during peak farming seasons.
India and South Africa will face off in the fifth T20I in Ahmedabad with India leading the series 2-1. The previous match was abandoned due to fog, giving India another chance to win. India have a strong head-to-head record against South Africa in T20Is, winning 20 out of 34 matches. There is uncertainty over Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah's availability.
The government has presented a new higher education Bill in Lok Sabha to align with the National Education Policy 2020. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, aims to improve HEIs through coordination and standards. It suggests restructuring the regulatory system and creating three councils under VBSA. The Bill has faced opposition from MPs.
The 2025 KBS Song Festival, also known as KBS Gayo Daechukje, will take place this weekend with Jang Do Yeon, Moon Sang Min, and Minju as the MCs. The large-scale music program will be broadcasted live on KBS 2TV and YouTube, featuring a lineup of popular K-pop, band, and trot artists. Special collaborations and duets are also expected.
India's pension sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the increase of FDI limit to 100%. This is expected to attract more foreign capital, enhance global standards, and boost insurance penetration. However, regulatory challenges must be addressed before fully foreign-owned pension funds can operate under the National Pension System.
A shareholder from SOC Investment Group, who owns less than 1% of Amazon, Walmart, and Alphabet, is pressuring the companies to reveal the impact of Trump's immigration crackdown on their finances and supply chains. The group has a track record of successfully pushing for racial-equity audits and is considering legal action.
India and Oman have finalized a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) after three rounds of negotiations. The agreement covers various sectors but excludes bullion, agriculture, and labor-intensive products. India will open up 77% of its tariff lines for Oman, while receiving zero-duty access on 98.08% of its exports.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced regulations to ban gender-affirming care for minors, in line with Trump's promise to ban transgender medical care. This includes cutting off federal funding and excluding gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability. The FDA has also issued warning letters to companies selling equipment for gender dysphoria.
The US Embassy in India has a 10-month waiting period for business or tourist visa interviews, but only 0.5 months for F, M, and J visas. The US Administration considers every visa decision a matter of national security and emphasizes that a visa is a privilege, not a right. The Indian government is working with the US to facilitate safe and beneficial travel.
The War Powers Resolution, a federal law from the Vietnam War era, mandates that the president must consult Congress before committing US armed forces to long-term conflicts. Amid tensions with Venezuela, House Republicans rejected a resolution to limit Trump's military actions.
Trump reaffirms support for Jewish community at Hanukkah celebration, sparking speculation about his religious roots. Despite not being Jewish, he has a daughter who converted and has been referred to as "America's first Jewish president." Raised as Presbyterian Christian, he identifies as non-denominational and has made numerous supportive remarks for the community.
Sourav Ganguly, former India cricket captain, has filed a defamation case against the president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata, Uttam Saha, for making false allegations linking him to the chaos surrounding Lionel Messi's visit. Ganguly denies any involvement and is seeking ₹50 crore in damages and a public retraction.