Elise Stefanik, a senior Republican leader and ally of former US President Donald Trump, has withdrawn from the New York governor's race citing family considerations and a difficult political climate. Stefanik, who was initially set to leave Congress after being nominated for US ambassador to the UN, is now uncertain about her political future. Trump has praised her and expressed his support.
US lawmaker Ro Khanna raised concerns over incomplete disclosure and compliance with a federal transparency law as two crucial documents were missing from the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. The initial batch of documents, published under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, fell short of the legal requirement, with excessive redactions and the absence of key documents.
Trump's social media posts have repeatedly impacted financial markets, with tariffs being the biggest market movers. In April, his post about buying stocks triggered a spike that added back $4.3 trillion in value in a single session. In October, a single post about rare earth metals wiped out $2 trillion in market value.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has ended his association with pro-immigration group FWD.us, as his philanthropy CZI shifts its focus from political advocacy to science. CZI's chief of staff has also left FWD.us' board, leaving the group without CZI representation. This shift is evident in Meta's dismantling of diversity programs and changes to hate speech policies.
2026 will be an exceptional year for film, with the comeback of renowned directors, major franchise expansions, and highly awaited sequels. From the revival of MCU to the end of Dune, the biggest releases include Cillian Murphy's return in 28 Years Later, a modern Wuthering Heights adaptation, and the biopic Michael featuring Jaafar Jackson as his uncle.
AOC, a Democratic lawmaker, may run for US Presidency in 2028 and took a jab at potential rival JD Vance. A recent poll showed her narrowly ahead. Republican strategist believes AOC's campaign may focus on appealing to the younger generation with her progressive policies. Vance is seen as a potential successor to President.
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad marks a clear shift from the 2024 champions, with seven players missing. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is after the 2024 title win, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Siraj have not been selected.
Legendary actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan passed away at 69, leaving behind a void in the Malayalam film industry. With a net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million, he was known for his wit and social satire. He co-founded a production house and had a successful career in writing, acting, and directing.
The 2025 Melon Music Awards was held in Seoul with top celebrities present. The theme was "Play the Moment" and music released between October 2024 and November 2025 was eligible for awards. EXO's DO joined his group for their first performance in eight years, along with other K-pop idols like BLACKPINK and IVE who also graced the red carpet.
The James Webb Telescope has discovered a strange gas giant, PSR J2322-2650b, with a unique atmosphere and oblong shape. Orbiting a pulsar, it lacks key elements and has a helium and carbon-based atmosphere, making it red in color with a diamond core. Experts are questioning whether it truly qualifies as a planet.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga praises Aditya Dhar's spy-thriller 'Dhurandhar' for its box office success and powerful storytelling. The film, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has grossed Rs 800 crore worldwide and continues to dominate the box office. Vanga commends Dhar's direction, screenplay, and the actors' performances, while Dhar thanks him for his fearless approach to cinema.
South Korean actors Kim Woo Bin and Shin Min Ah are getting married after 10 years of dating. The couple's agency, AM Entertainment, announced that the wedding will take place at the luxurious and renowned Shilla Hotel in Seoul, which has hosted many other celebrity weddings.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 17 years in prison and fined Rs 10 million each for corruption related to state gifts from Saudi Arabia. The case involves the purchase of a cheap jewellery set. The couple's legal team will appeal the ruling, citing political bias. The UN has expressed concerns about Khan's detention conditions.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui returns as Inspector Jatil Yadav in 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders', a fast-paced mystery that has received rave reviews from social media users. The OTT release features an impressive cast, including Radhika Apte, Chitrangada Singh, and Deepti Naval. The well-etched characters and gripping narration have made it one of the best Bollywood sequels.
Even in its third week, Dhurandhar continues to defy the usual box office drop-off. With strong day-wise occupancies, steady overseas growth, and a Rs 22.50 crore India net on Day 15, the Ranveer Singh-led action thriller has not only outpaced recent competitors but also rewritten the actor’s personal box office record books.
The US Department of Justice has released redacted files on Jeffrey Epstein, drawing attention to former President Bill Clinton's involvement. Clinton's deputy chief of staff accuses the DOJ of scapegoating him. The release has sparked a debate between MAGA and Clinton supporters.
BCCI to announce India's squad for T20 World Cup and New Zealand series on Saturday, with a focus on continuity and potential inclusions of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ishan Kishan. Gill is expected to retain his place despite form concerns.
In 2025, Bollywood lost several legendary actors who had dedicated their lives to the Indian film industry. The deaths of Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar were particularly heartbreaking for fans. Other actors who passed away this year include Deb Mukherjee, Rakesh Pandey, Mukul Dev, Dheeraj Kumar, Pankaj Dheer, Govardhan Asrani, Satish Shah, and Dharmendra.
Zhang Xueqiang, also known as the 'Order King', has earned a staggering Rs 1.42 crore in just five years as a Chinese delivery worker. Working 13 hours a day, seven days a week, he paid off his debts and saved 1.12 million yuan. His colleagues call him the 'Great God' for his dedication and thriftiness. He aims to open his own business with his savings.
A $1.3 million bet on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua boxing match has sparked debate on whether to cash out or stick with the prediction. The Netflix fight, set for December 19, is generating buzz and being called a "career-defining super fight."
James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash had a successful worldwide release, grossing $43.1 million on its opening day. In India, it had a Rs 20 crore opening day, competing with Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar. In the US, it grossed over $37 million and is predicted to surpass Avatar: The Way of Water.
The Recording Academy has announced its Special Merits Awards for 2026, honoring names like Fela Kuti, Whitney Houston, and Cher for their immense contribution to culture and arts. Kuti, known as the 'architect of Afrobeat,' will receive his first recognition from The Grammys. The event will also honor other icons like Chaka Khan, Carlos Santana, and Jerry Ragovoy.
BESTIU and India Foundation have launched the School of Global Leadership (SoGL) with a one-year PGP-GL program that offers international residencies and a curriculum focused on systems thinking, ethical responsibility, and real-world decision-making. The institution aims to shape inclusive leaders for the 21st century through a practical and academic approach to leadership.
Starbucks has found its new chief technology officer, Anand Varadarajan, who will also serve as executive vice president starting January 19, 2026. Varadarajan has a strong background in technology and operations, with 19 years at Amazon, and will report directly to CEO Brian Niccol. His appointment comes amid the company's tech-focused "Back to Starbucks" initiative and a digital overhaul.
Filing a revised return is crucial to ensure compliance with tax laws and prevent discrepancies, even if there are no tax dues under Section 143. Freelancers earning up to Rs 50 lakh can benefit from presumptive taxation, resulting in no tax under the new regime. Tax deduction for education loan interest is available for up to eight years from the year of repayment.
Parliament passed the Insurance Amendment Bill, capping agents' commissions to promote needs-based advice and reduce policy lapses and claim disputes. The regulator gains more authority to regulate commissions and impose higher penalties. A policyholders' education and protection fund will reduce mis-selling. The Bill also allows 100% foreign direct investment, promising more choices.
Several airports in northern and eastern India are experiencing flight disruptions due to dense fog and low visibility. Major airlines have issued travel advisories and urged flyers to stay alert during the holiday travel season. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have released advisories and are working to mitigate disruptions.
The US Justice Department has released the first set of records from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, as mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. President Trump, who previously dismissed the scandal, signed the law pushing for the release. The files, which include over 300,000 pages, have redacted victim names. Trump is barely mentioned.
Disney+ and Hulu have built a life-size gingerbread replica of the Home Alone house in LA to celebrate the film's 35th anniversary. Made with 5,700 pounds of flour and 4,200 eggs, visitors can see the 25.6 foot tall house and donate toys for Toys for Tots. The franchise continues to surprise, with a script written in just 9 days.
The markets have been quiet this week, with the Nifty closing below the 26,000 mark. Despite a mix of strong profits and sharp misses from companies, brokerages have fine-tuned their outlook on key stocks. UBS initiated coverage on Meesho with a ‘Buy’ rating, Motilal Oswal on Aditya Birla Real Estate, Jefferies on Hero MotoCorp, PL Capital on ICICI Prudential AMC, and more.
As we reach 50, a quiet sense of loneliness sets in due to empty nests, aging parents, and distant friends. Our society no longer provides built-in communities, leaving us emotionally depleted. To combat this, we must actively seek connections through activities like walking, reading, and volunteering.
The MINI Convertible is India's most affordable open-top car, priced at Rs 58.5 lakh. Its unique design, tight cabin, and small boot are compensated by a standout round OLED display and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It offers three driving modes and a soft top roof that can be opened in 18 seconds, providing infinite headroom.
Winter poses challenges for both conventional and electric cars, with cold temperatures causing battery failures, reduced range, and longer charging times. Neglected maintenance can result in rejected insurance claims, making it important to regularly check battery health and maintain correct tyre pressure.
India's crude import bill for April-November 2026 decreased by 11% to $80.9 billion, thanks to lower prices. The country imported 163.4 MT of crude oil, with a reliance of 80.2% on imports. Domestic production declined by 1.5%, while imports from Russia peaked in November due to US sanctions on two Russian oil firms.
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company had a strong debut, settling at Rs 2586.70, slightly lower than its opening price. The stock climbed as much as 23% intraday to Rs 2,662 apiece. The Rs 10,600 crore IPO was third in terms of listing gains among large IPOs. Its overall subscription was 39.17 times. The company received bids of nearly Rs 3 lakh crore.
The Reserve Bank of India has granted permission to Russia's SBER Bank to import gold for domestic use, adding it to the list of authorized banks. SBER Bank plays a key role in currency trade between Russia and India and has plans for expansion in India after President Putin's visit.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national gun buyback scheme following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people. Increased patrols and policing have been implemented to prevent future violence. The scheme, similar to one after the Port Arthur massacre, will target surplus, banned, and illegal firearms with costs shared between federal and state governments.
The MPC voted unanimously for a 25-basis-point cut in the policy repo rate at the December meeting due to signs of a slowdown in economic momentum. While Q2 FY26 GDP growth was strong, members warned of a potential peak and loss of traction. Concerns over growth moderation were highlighted, with trade disruptions and external risks being a key factor.
Syrian refugee Ahmed al-Ahmed bravely stopped a shooter in the Bondi Beach attack, earning him hero status. He received a generous AU$2.5 million donation from 43,000 people, including a large contribution from an American. Despite being injured, Ahmed's message is to keep going and save lives, as he believes Australia is the best country in the world.
Indian electronics exports to China have surged by 90% this financial year, thanks to the government's push for local manufacturing. However, the trade imbalance between the two countries is a cause for concern, with a projected record deficit in 2025. There are suspicions of under-invoicing to evade customs duties, which requires further investigation.
80 Tibetan villagers were allegedly abducted by Chinese officials in Kashi village after protesting illegal gold mining. The arrests were marked by a communications blackout, increased security, and intrusive searches. Residents were warned against discussing the incident and reportedly faced physical and psychological trauma during intense questioning.
The 2025 Melon Music Awards, South Korea's biggest K-pop awards show, will be held this weekend, hosted by Kakao Entertainment. Fan favorites like BLACKPINK's Jennie, EXO, and G-Dragon will perform under the theme "Play the Moment." Presenters include actor Park Eun Bin and figure skater Cha Jun Hwan. The four Daesang prizes will be awarded, and the show can be watched on Melon's YouTube channel.
Centre spends only 10.5% of PMGSY budget, resulting in savings of Rs 15,000 crore. Underspending due to states' limited capacity to utilize funds and delays in fund transfers. New RBI-routed mechanism aims to prevent fund diversion and ensure timely releases. PMGSY nearing saturation in some areas, receiving less attention from states.
The Centre's direct tax receipts for Q3 of FY26 increased by 4.27% but fell short of Budget projections. Corporate tax grew by 8%, while non-corporate tax declined by 6.5%. Experts predict a shortfall in personal income tax collections due to tax relief measures. ICRA suggests that higher dividends could offset some of the missed tax collections.
RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra advocates lower real interest rates to boost demand and aid growth, leading to a 25 bps rate cut by the MPC. Inflation is expected to remain at 2% for the year, while the growth projection has been revised to 7.3%. Delaying the rate cut could negatively impact GDP growth.
India's pulses imports to decrease by 45% in current fiscal year due to sufficient stocks and strong domestic crop prospects. Data shows a 33% decline in imports and 45% drop in value during April-October 2025-26. Government aims to increase pulses production to 35 MT by 2030-31 under 'mission for Aatmanirbharta'.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels and Liechtenstein to push negotiations on the free trade agreement with the EU before the India-EU Summit next month. The EU's top leaders will attend India's Republic Day celebrations and co-share the summit with PM Modi. Talks on the FTA, which began in 2022, are at a crucial stage with issues like carbon tax and technical deadlines.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faces controversy as a top appointee, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, resigns due to her past antisemitic online posts. Da Costa was the director of appointments and promised to create a diverse government. Mamdani has condemned her remarks and expressed his commitment to making the city safe for all residents, including Jews.
In 2025, unconventional sleeping techniques were popular due to the growing need for self-care and the rise of insomnia. A global sleep survey revealed that people only experience 4 nights of good sleep per week, with stress, anxiety, and financial pressure being top disruptors. Crazy trends like mouth taping and potato bed sleep emerged, but also the concept of sleep divorce for couples.
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.