UPSC's Civil Services Examination, one of India's toughest exams, opens top government positions such as IAS, IPS, and IRS. With a 0.1% success rate, it involves prelims, mains, and interviews. Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 21-32 with a graduation degree. Effective strategies include studying past papers, choosing appropriate materials, creating a realistic timetable, and practicing writing skills.
ICICI Pru Strategic Metal and Energy Equity FoF delivered a -2.61% return over the last nine months, while DSP Global Clean Energy FoF posted a -2.23% return. Aditya Birla SL PSU Equity Fund lost 1.84%, and Mirae Asset Global Electric & Autonomous Vehicles ETFs FoF declined by 1.71% during the same period.
IIT Kanpur achieved its highest annual total with 152 IPR filings in 2024, including patents, design registrations, copyrights, and trademarks. The institute’s cumulative filings reached 1,200, and notable innovations included a transdermal drug delivery patch and a contactless automated tool for measuring crack growth.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to cut policy rates by 50 basis points in the first half of 2025 after easing liquidity and reducing the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). While the rate cuts may support growth, they could temporarily compress banks' Net Interest Margins (NIMs) and impact asset quality, especially for public sector banks and smaller lenders.
European stocks dipped at the end of a holiday-shortened week, with traders focussed on economic data for clues on the path of interest rates as well as potential changes in U.S. policies under a Donald Trump presidency.
An Air India Express flight from Dubai made a precautionary landing at Karipur Airport on Friday after the pilot suspected a hydraulic system failure. The flight, IX344, carrying 182 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at 8:30 am. A full emergency was declared, but was later withdrawn after the safe landing.
HMPV virus China: China is witnessing a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, sparking concerns of another health crisis after COVID-19 pandemic. HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory issues, especially among children and vulnerable groups. Check symptoms, treatment options and all other key details of HMPV virus.
The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others on an appeal of the CBI against their acquittal in a 2002 murder case. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued notices, seeking the responses of those acquitted in the case.
A record-breaking 47,566 spectators attended the opening day of the fifth India-Australia Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This attendance marked the highest-ever opening day turnout for a Test match between the two teams at the venue. It also set a new attendance record at SCG for nearly 50 years, surpassing the previous record set in 2003/04.
HDFC Mutual Fund has filed with Sebi to launch two passive funds: HDFC Nifty100 Quality 30 Index Fund tracking Nifty100 Quality 30 Index and HDFC CRISIL-IBX AAA Bond Financial Services Index – Sep 2027 Fund, focusing on debt securities for moderate risk.
The Punjab government has dismissed DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu for misconduct after conducting a controversial interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in custody. His actions were cited as damaging to the reputation of Punjab Police, leading to his suspension since October 2024 and subsequent dismissal after an inquiry.
The stock traded at a P/E multiple of 40.73, while the price-to-book value ratio stood at 11.32.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the baffling reactions from "misguided" people towards references of Sanatan and Hindu. He highlighted the irony of dismissing Vedanta and Sanatani texts as regressive, attributing such reactions to perverted, colonial mindsets and dangerous ecosystems threatening society and individuals.
GlobalFoundries bought IBM's semiconductor plants in 2015. IBM sued the Malta, NY-based company in New York state court in 2021 for allegedly breaking a $1.5 billion contract to make high-performance chips for IBM.
Polycab, Lupin, Sun Pharma, Abbott India, and Atul saw significant long unwinding on January 3, with stock price declines.
India's palm oil imports in December hit a nine-month low at 503,000 metric tons due to soaring prices, driving refiners to switch to cheaper soyoil. Soyoil imports rose to 420,000 metric tons, while sunflower oil imports decreased 22%. Total edible oil imports fell 25% to 1.19 million tons.
Major altcoins posted gains, with XRP up 3.6%, Solana rising 2.7%, Cardano surging 11.5%, and Stellar increasing 9%. The global crypto market cap grew 1.5% to $3.41 trillion. Stablecoins dominated, with a 24-hour trading volume of $108.1 billion, making up 92% of the total crypto market volume, according to CoinMarketCap.
It definitely is a surprise for everybody for 2025 because nobody expected such a sharp move in just last three trading sessions. But definitely the December auto sales numbers were positive and that is something helping it out right now in terms of price performance.
Kotak Institutional Equities has initiated a "sell" rating on Bajaj Housing Finance, citing expensive valuations and a potential 21% downside risk. The brokerage expects 25% earnings growth over FY2024-27E but projects flat margins and moderate RoE. Despite strong asset quality, competition and rising rates pose risks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates 1,675 newly constructed flats for JJ cluster dwellers and several development projects in Delhi. These include the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar, GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSE's Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka, and foundation stones for new projects in Delhi University.
Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper batsman, adjusted his play on the opening day of the fifth Test against Australia due to the SCG pitch conditions. He batted cautiously, scoring 40 runs from 98 balls, to secure India’s position. Pant is learning to balance his natural aggression with strategic defense. Australian debutant Beau Webster shared similar views on the pitch.
CISF has reduced its suicide rate by 40%, bringing it below the national rate with comprehensive measures focusing on mental health, work-life balance, and personalized engagement. Policies like choosing job postings and the Project Mann helpline have contributed to this significant decline in suicides among personnel.
