Police have arrested Sudarshan Chandrabhan Ghule and Sudhir Sangle in connection with the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and murdered for stopping an extortion bid on an energy firm. The arrested accused were handed over to the special investigation team probing the case.
The Indian Army has introduced a merit-based promotion policy for Lieutenant Generals, involving a quantified assessment system to align with the Navy and Air Force. Effective March 31, it aims to facilitate merit-driven selection for top roles in tri-service theatre commands. However, it excludes the vice chief and commanders-in-chief.
Last month the International Energy Agency scrapped its forecast for peak coal consumption, saying use of the world’s dirtiest fuel will continue to break records until at least 2027.
The Islamic State group maintains global influence through sophisticated media, inspiring lone-wolf attacks despite losing its caliphate. This influence is propagated via a centralised media operation including weekly newsletters, promoting violence and terrorism, with easy access on social media platforms.
The 119th US Congress includes the largest representation of Hindu lawmakers to date, with Suhash Subramaniam, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, and Shri Thanedar. Christianity remains dominant, with Jews as the second largest group. There are also four Muslim members, three Buddhists, and three Unitarian Universalists.
Sikka served as the chief executive and managing director of Infosys from 2014 to 2017, and was the first non-founder to helm the IT giant. He resigned from the company in 2017 due to differences with the company's founders and board members.
Uber India taxi: After booking confirmation a Uber taxi failed to turn up causing a doctor to miss his flight. State Consumer Commission said, "While it is true that the Appellant provides a platform for connecting riders and independent driver-partners, it is equally true that the Appellant, by offering such a platform and facilitating transportation services, assumes an obligation to ensure that the services offered through its platform are delivered as promised and in a timely manner."
Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal has retired from AIIMS, Delhi, concluding a notable 46-year career in eye care and medical education. Colleagues bid him an emotional farewell. Dr. Titiyal started as an MBBS student in 1978, eventually becoming head of the RP Centre.
A report by Motilal Oswal highlights the resilience of developed Asian markets and the US, contrasting with the challenges faced by emerging markets.
The growing influence of Chinese companies and the Chinese government over shipping and global ports, including the Panama Canal, has become a concern for U.S. officials.
InCred healthcare portfolio offers a structural investment product that invests in 5 different baskets of businesses like Branded Generics, Hospitals, Diagnostics, CDMO/API, Generics. The investment framework follows a bottom-up strategy to prepare a concentrated portfolio of 15-20 stocks, which are expected to deliver high double-digit earnings growth with a potential for valuation multiple expansion.
Fifty smallcap stocks posted double-digit weekly returns, with three surpassing 25%. Apollo Micro Systems led with a 41% gain, followed by ITI Ltd at 39% and Manoj Vaibhav Gems at 25%. Additionally, Epack Durable, Lloyds Metals, and JSW Holdings delivered returns ranging from 20% to 25%, showcasing robust performance in the smallcap segment this week.
Zepto plans to file for an IPO around March-April 2024 after securing approval to move its holding entity to India from Singapore. The National Company Law Tribunal will hear its reverse merger application on January 17. Zepto aims to become the first standalone quick-commerce firm to go public, amidst competition from Zomato-owned Blinkit and Swiggy's Instamart.
UPI new features: UPI introduced several features in 2024, enhancing its utility for transactions both in India and abroad. Some of these include allowing WhatsApp users to perform UPI payments, enabling transactions with RuPay cards internationally, and more. UPI is now accepted in many countries around the world. Know more about how UPI features that you can utilise this year to your benefit.
In 2025, Nifty's returns are expected to be muted due to high valuations and global uncertainties, including Trump's policies and rising dollar. CLSA favours commodities and insurance while being underweight on IT, discretionary, industrials, and healthcare. Tata Motors, NTPC, Nestle, and Britannia have been added to its India focus portfolio, with HDFC Bank removed.
Investors await the U.S. jobs report next week, aiming for data indicating a stable economy to sustain stock gains in 2025. A balanced trend is vital, as overly strong or weak labor data could impact market stability and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.
Even with ambitious climate policies, food prices for consumers in lower-income countries are expected to increase significantly by 2050, making healthy food less affordable. The study by PIK researchers highlights the disparity in how rising food costs due to climate policies impact poorer nations compared to wealthier ones.
India bowled out Australia for 181, securing a narrow four-run first-innings lead on day two of the fifth Test. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Reddy combined to take Australia's final five wickets quickly. Beau Webster top-scored with 57 for Australia, while India's top bowlers excelled in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
The dollar dipped on Friday but was set for its best weekly performance in a month. Expectations are that the U.S. economy will outperform globally this year. U.S. interest rates are expected to stay relatively higher. New policies under the incoming Donald Trump administration may boost growth and add to price pressures.
The government has released the draft executive rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and is seeking stakeholder comments by February 18. The rules require data fiduciaries to obtain verifiable parental consent before processing children's personal data and conduct annual Data Protection Impact Assessments.
Oil prices rose on Friday, driven by cold weather in Europe and the U.S., and economic stimulus from China. Brent crude futures reached $76.51 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate hit $73.96. The gains were supported by increased demand for heating oil, a drop in U.S. crude stockpiles, and a fall in the U.S. oil rig count.
Gold prices fell from a three-week high, pressured by a strong dollar amid potential economic and trade changes under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Spot gold dropped 0.6% to $2,641.52 an ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled 0.5% lower at $2,654.70.
