Indian-origin millionaire Beri Vikram was arrested for trying to set fire to a winery in California. He fled the scene in a Tesla and crashed into two cars. When confronted by winery staff, he threw a wine bottle and intentionally crashed into two parked cars. He will be charged with assault and resisting arrest.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde plans to create a new regulatory framework to abolish the 'pagdi' system in Mumbai, protecting the rights of landlords and tenants. This will aid in fair redevelopment of 'pagdi' buildings, which have been a challenge for migrants. The framework includes granting FSI to landlords and incentive FSI for reconstruction of homes.
Orkla India, owner of MTR and Eastern spice brands, aims to expand its portfolio and cater to the growing demand for ready-to-eat meals by acquiring companies that align with local culture and offer convenience foods. The company is also experiencing success in online sales and fast delivery apps, driven by the rise of e-commerce and the need for convenience among young adults
The ED conducted raids at 25 premises in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad in connection with a money laundering investigation against an illegal cough syrup trade racket in Uttar Pradesh. The main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, is believed to have fled to Dubai. The ED has booked a case under PMLA and a total of 30 FIRs have been registered.
OpenAI and its major investor, Microsoft, are facing a new lawsuit after a tragic murder-suicide case in Connecticut was linked to ChatGPT, Bloomberg reported. According to the lawsuit, the mother was killed by her son, who had been spending months in long, delusion-filled conversations with ChatGPT.
The 2025 Game Awards, hosted by Geoff Keighley in Los Angeles, celebrated the top video games of the year. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 received 13 nominations and won Best Independent Game and Best Debut Indie Game. It is a strong contender for Game of the Year, but faces stiff competition from titles like 'Death Stranding 2: On The Beach', 'Donkey Kong Bananza', and 'Hades II'.
Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar, a global box office success, has been banned in Gulf countries for its 'anti-Pakistan' content. The star-studded film has been lauded for its patriotic theme, but has also been met with backlash for its depiction of culture and tradition. Speculations about its real-life inspiration have sparked controversy.
IndiGo has been ordered to pay a GST penalty of Rs 58.74 crore for alleged violations, but plans to contest the order. This comes amid financial strain for the airline due to flight disruptions and a PIL filed against them. The financial impact of the case is still uncertain.
Indian girl Arti Singh, with roots in Patna, is in a coma after being hit by a car in San Jose, California. Her father, who has no access to her devices or finances, is by her side. The Indian diaspora and community in the US have come together to raise funds for her treatment. The driver's identity has not been revealed, and the family is seeking justice.
Taylor Swift wows fashion world with maroon velvet dress on Stephen Colbert's show. She celebrates album release and engagement to Travis Kelce. Swift desires a simple home without reminders of her pop-star life. Her real estate empire worth $150 million includes luxurious properties in the US, like a $47.7 million share of NYC and a 12,000 sq ft mansion.
Dhurandhar, featuring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has a successful first week with over Rs 200 crore in India. Despite controversy, the film maintains steady collections and faces competition in its second week from Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon 2 and regional cinema, but its loyal fan base and high occupancy rate keep it strong.
Mammootty’s latest action thriller Kalamkaval is proving unstoppable at the box office. After delivering the actor’s fastest-ever Rs 50 crore milestone, the film continues its strong weekday run, with day 7 pushing its worldwide total to nearly Rs 60 crores. With solid footfalls across Kerala and strong overseas earnings, Kalamkaval is on track to become a certified blockbuster.
James Fishback, former DOGE architect and now running for Florida governor, is back to making bold claims. After previously calling for a complete H-1B ban and vowing to fire every foreign skilled worker in Florida if elected, Fishback is now targeting foreign students.
Sholay, the legendary film, is being re-released with a new version to mark its 50th anniversary. The restored film will include never-before-seen footage, including an alternate ending and two deleted scenes. This will give fans a fresh experience and allow new audiences to experience the magic of the film.
Motilal Oswal recommends buying Tata Steel stock with a target price of Rs 210, citing a potential 27% increase. The brokerage report highlights Tata Steel's recent acquisition and long-term strategy for India, including plans for expansion. The acquisition secures raw material needs and strengthens the supply chain.
2025 saw unprecedented success in global markets, but renowned market expert Ruchir Sharma warns of a potential AI bubble burst and a shift towards quality stocks in 2026. He predicts international markets to outperform US and highlights 4 key factors to watch for in identifying a bubble. Sharma also discusses impact of AI on US markets and foresees a renewed focus on quality stocks in the future.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls must include a thorough verification of citizenship, rather than simply copying previous lists. It questioned the Election Commission's role in determining citizenship and criticized their suspicion towards voters.
Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned, effective January 2026, after a successful seven-year tenure. The stock prices have surged by 12%, and interim CEOs have been appointed while the search for a new head is underway. McDonald expressed pride in the company's achievements but sources indicate potential issues within the company.
American musician Camryn Magness, who rose to fame at the age of 8 through YouTube videos and opened for popular artists like One Direction and Fifth Harmony, died at 26 in a fatal electric scooter accident. Her death was confirmed by People and announced on social media by her team. Further details on the accident are still unknown.
Indian equity indices opened higher on Friday, with NSE Nifty 50 up by 0.31% and BSE Sensex up by 0.29%. Bank Nifty also opened higher by 0.34%. Small and mid-cap stocks also opened in the green, with Nifty Midcap up by 0.29%. Retail investors' steady inflow into mutual fund SIPs has strengthened DIIs in the FIIs vs DIIs tug of war.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering revoking the visas of two high-profile European green card holders, according to documents seen by Zeteo, the news outlet run by journalist Mehdi Hasan, formerly of MSNBC. Both individuals are well-known critics of X (formelrly Twitter) the social media platform owned by Trump ally and Tesla boss, Elon Musk.
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