US visa applicants, including H-1B workers and their families, must now make social media profiles public for enhanced screening. This directive, effective December 15, extends existing measures for students and exchange visitors. The State Department views visa decisions as national security matters, utilizing all available information to vet applicants for potential risks.
China's manufacturing sector is embracing automation, with some factories already operating with minimal human intervention. While larger companies invest heavily, smaller businesses adopt a hybrid approach, integrating technology to assist workers. This shift raises concerns about job losses and the cost of modernization for SMEs.
Indian Railways is implementing significant cost-cutting measures in maintenance, procurement, and energy to bolster its finances. This proactive approach aims to absorb anticipated wage increases from the Eighth Pay Commission, projected to be substantial. The railway is focusing on operational efficiency and increased freight revenue to manage the financial impact.
The Union Cabinet has approved significant reforms for the stock market and insurance sectors. The plan includes allowing 100% foreign investment in insurance, aiming to boost penetration and consumer choice.
New York faces a potential $73 million loss in federal highway funds after an audit revealed thousands of immigrant commercial driver's licenses were allegedly issued without proper verification. The Transportation Department found over half of reviewed non-domiciled licenses were improperly issued, with New York unable to demonstrate status verification for 32,000 active licenses.
Celebrating three decades in India, Samsung is deepening its manufacturing, design, and innovation initiatives, aiming to build and innovate products for the world from India. The company, which has filed 14,000 patents from India, is focusing its future vision on AI to drive smart homes and connected living, contributing to a digitally-empowered nation.
SpaceX is reportedly exploring an IPO next year, with potential valuations exceeding $1 trillion, sparking excitement for what could be the "craziest IPO in history." Despite Elon Musk's controversial leadership and the space sector's inherent risks, investors are drawn to SpaceX's established launch business and growing Starlink network, anticipating substantial demand.
IndiGo's chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, apologized for recent flight disruptions, denying they were deliberate. He stated external experts will identify root causes to prevent future chaos. Mehta clarified that the airline followed new pilot rest rules and did not compromise safety. A combination of internal and external factors, not intentional actions, pushed systems beyond limits, causing cancellations.
US President Donald Trump has launched the 'Trump Gold Card,' a new immigration initiative offering a direct path to citizenship for qualified individuals. This program aims to retain invaluable talent for American companies, with applicants potentially contributing billions to the US Treasury. Earlier proposals indicated significant financial contributions for this expedited residency pathway.
The Federal Reserve's FOMC reduced its key interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to a near three-year low. This move aims to bolster the US economy amidst deteriorating employment conditions, though concerns about inflation persist due to trade tariffs.
In a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable transit, Indian Railways has unveiled its inaugural hydrogen-powered train. This pioneering 'Made in India' creation, the longest globally on a Broad Gauge, features a robust 10-coach design with a powerful output of 2,400 kW. With zero emissions, this innovation is a game changer for eco-friendly travel, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Microsoft is injecting a massive $17.5 billion into India, its largest investment in Asia, to bolster cloud and AI infrastructure. This significant commitment, alongside Google's plans, underscores India's growing importance as a global AI hub. The investment aims to enhance skilling and operations, positioning India as a frontier AI nation ready for transformative growth.
Mumbai airport experienced significant disruptions last week as IndiGo cancelled 905 flights and delayed 1,475 others, impacting over 40,000 passengers with cancellations and 2.6 lakh with delays. The crisis, peaking on December 4-5, stems from new crew rostering rules affecting pilot rest periods and disrupting schedules across the airline's network.
In a turbulent turn of events, IndiGo's share price has dipped by 8.3% as the government takes a hardline approach in response to the airline's ongoing operational hurdles. Investors are feeling the sting, with losses exceeding Rs 37,700 crore. Moody's has raised alarms about potential credit risks fueled by these financial setbacks.
Home loan borrowers are set to benefit as major banks, including HDFC Bank, PNB, and Bank of Baroda, have reduced lending rates following the RBI's 25 basis point repo rate cut. These adjustments to MCLR, RLLR, and RBLR will lead to lower EMIs or shorter tenures for eligible borrowers, offering significant relief on retail loan interest costs.
Indian startups are increasingly opting for public listings over large private funding rounds, as a robust IPO market offers growth capital and shareholder liquidity. While mega-deals exceeding $100 million have seen a dip, smaller and mid-sized investments are flourishing, with venture capital funds actively deploying capital. This shift indicates a maturing investor landscape eager for new-age public offerings.
Korean esports giant Krafton is investing $200 million in India over the next 3-4 years, focusing on acquisitions in digital and tech, business expansion, and global game development from its Bangalore center. The company's operations remain unaffected by the online real-money gaming ban, with its India MD viewing the move as positive for the structured growth of the esports industry.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has denied reports of advising lenders to halt financing for renewable energy projects. The ministry clarified it shared information on solar PV manufacturing capacity to aid informed financing decisions, reaffirming commitment to self-reliance in the sector.
The internet is drowning in content that looks like content but feels like chewing cardboard — tasteless, textureless, and suspiciously repetitive. Welcome to the slopocalypse.
India is sending accident investigators to Washington to review data and present their analysis on the June Air India crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will join the NTSB and Boeing representatives in a review meeting. This follows reports of tension between Indian and US authorities over the investigation's conduct.
India's Multiplex Association warns that Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery could harm the country's theatrical ecosystem. The shift threatens the supply of films crucial for cinema footfall, as Netflix prioritizes streaming over theatrical releases. While immediate impact may be limited, the merger raises concerns about content availability and theatrical windows.
Market regulator Sebi has cracked down on Avadhut Sathe Trading Academy and Avadhut Sathe, impounding Rs 546.2 crore. The entities are accused of providing unregistered investment advisory and research analyst services under the guise of education, misleading nearly 3.4 lakh investors with false claims of high returns. They are now barred from the market pending further orders.
Michael Burry, the investor famous for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, has criticized Tesla's valuation as "ridiculously overvalued." He argues that stock-based compensation, including Elon Musk's massive pay package, dilutes shareholder value and distorts true profitability. Burry believes this accounting practice, common in tech, masks recurring expenses and makes Tesla's market value unsustainable.
India's Reserve Bank has reaffirmed State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as domestic systemically important banks. These institutions must maintain higher capital reserves to ensure financial stability. The designation, based on updated RBI frameworks, requires additional Common Equity Tier 1 capital proportional to their risk-weighted assets.
The Reserve Bank of India has launched the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2025-30, aiming to expand financial access and usage across India. This strategy, guided by five key objectives known as 'Panch-Jyoti', focuses on women, households, and micro-enterprises, promoting equitable and responsible financial products.
A Karnataka High Court division bench overturned a single bench order in the Yezdi trademark dispute. The court ruled that Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd lost its trademark rights due to non-use and non-renewal since 1996. This decision allows Classic Legends and Boman R Irani to use the Yezdi mark.
December marks a vibrant end to the year in India with national commemorations like Vijay Diwas and Kisan Diwas, alongside widespread Christmas celebrations. Regional festivals and tribal events highlight the nation's rich diversity. Globally, the month emphasizes crucial awareness campaigns on health, human rights, and environmental sustainability, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility.
India received 5.4 million tonnes of Russian oil worth 2.1 billion euros via 30 vessels operating under false flags between January and September 2025, a report reveals. This highlights Russia's use of a growing 'shadow fleet' to bypass Western sanctions, with India being a major recipient of these oil shipments.
Oil India Limited has commenced its first deepwater drilling campaign in the Kerala-Konkan Basin, marking a significant step in India's energy independence. The 6,000-meter well aims to explore the basin's potential, aligning with the government's strategy to boost domestic exploration and reduce import reliance.
India's economy surged by 8.2% in the July-September quarter, driven by a strong manufacturing rebound and robust services activity. This marks the fastest expansion in six quarters, with domestic demand fueling production ahead of the festival season. Economists now anticipate full-year growth to exceed 7%, bolstered by pro-growth policies and reforms.
India's economy is set for robust growth exceeding 7% this fiscal, with the GDP projected to surpass $4 trillion in FY26. Strong second-quarter performance, driven by manufacturing and services, fuels this optimism. Stable inflation and ongoing reforms are enhancing competitiveness, paving the way for increased private investment and sustained economic momentum.
The Income Tax Department has launched a fresh campaign targeting individuals with undeclared overseas assets and income. Around 25,000 high-risk cases will be initially contacted via SMS and email. This initiative aims to encourage taxpayers to review and revise their returns by December 31 to avoid significant penalties under the Black Money Act.
The European Central Bank's October meeting minutes indicate interest rates are currently appropriate, with potential for cuts in 2026. While inflation is near the 2% target, concerns about slowing wage growth and eurozone momentum prompt openness to future easing. The ECB remains vigilant about the economy's ability to sustain the target.
Americans are gearing up for Thanksgiving with family meals and early holiday shopping as most major retailers close on Thursday, reopening for Black Friday. This week also marks a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel period, with AAA projecting 81.8 million people journeying, primarily by car, due to stable gas prices.
US visa applicants, including H-1B workers and their families, must now make social media profiles public for enhanced screening. This direc...
