U.S. stocks rebounded on Friday, closing the holiday-shortened week with gains driven by megacap growth companies like Tesla and Nvidia. Despite a recent multi-session selloff, investors remain optimistic as the Federal Reserve hints at possible rate cuts. Economic data shows signs of growth, hinting at a positive U.S. economic outlook.
India faced a setback as their captain and key bowler Jasprit Bumrah left the stadium for precautionary scans after experiencing discomfort following an over bowled post-lunch on day two of the fifth Test. Bumrah, with figures of 2/33, was seen leaving the venue with team officials.
Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, assures the public that there is no need for alarm regarding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. Emphasizing preparedness, he advises taking general precautions for seasonal respiratory infections, while NCDC monitors the situation closely with international agencies.
US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday denounced a judge's decision to set a sentencing date in his hush money trial before his January 20 inauguration as an "illegitimate political attack."
Delhi faced significant delays in flights and trains due to dense fog on Saturday morning, with temperatures recorded at 10.2°C at 5:30 am. The air quality remained 'very poor' with an AQI of 385. Night shelters were fully occupied, and nearby North Indian states experienced similar weather, while Shimla recorded its highest-ever January daytime temperature.
Amid strong local protests, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav decides to halt the disposal of 337 tonnes of toxic waste in Pithampur until further court orders. The chief minister claims safety measures were followed, but acknowledges public concerns and plans to seek further guidance from the courts before proceeding.
Senior India batter Rohit Sharma clarified his retirement rumours, stating that he stood down from the ongoing Sydney Test against Australia due to poor form. He handed over leadership duties to Jasprit Bumrah, allowing Shubman Gill's inclusion, as he believed the team needed players in better form for the crucial match.
President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel citing national security concerns, impacting the companies' plans to form the world's third-largest steelmaker. The decision faces opposition, with Nippon Steel considering legal action, while alternative buyers like Cleveland-Cliffs may re-emerge. The move also raises potential tensions in U.S.-Japan relations.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit India to discuss strategic technology cooperation, including defense, space, and AI. He will meet with Indian officials and highlight the significance of the US-India partnership. The visit builds on a 2022 technology initiative, strengthening ties amid regional tensions involving China.
The FBI stated on Friday that the suspected driver of the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, which occurred near the Trump International Hotel, had no animosity towards President-elect Trump. The deceased, Matthew Livelsberger, likely suffered from PTSD and acted alone in a tragic case of suicide.
A New York judge has decided to proceed with sentencing in Donald Trump's hush money case, scheduled 10 days before the White House inauguration. Trump's spokesman says this violates presidential immunity. Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
The Biden administration has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms deal with Israel, including munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, and air-to-air missiles. This deal, which requires House and Senate committee approval, is intended to support Israel's defense against threats from Iran and proxy organizations.
Google said Friday it had paid Can$100 million to Canadian news outlets to use their content on its platform, as part of a deal with the government to offset loss of advertising revenues. Google and Meta, which together control about 80 percent of all advertising revenue in Canada, had been accused of draining cash away from traditional news organizations while using news content for free.
A grieving orca named Tahlequah, who famously carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018, is now seen carrying another dead calf. This comes as a significant blow to the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population, which is already struggling due to scarce prey and environmental pollutants.
Microsoft president Brad Smith on Friday said the company is on track to pump about $80 billion into artificial intelligence (AI) this fiscal year. For its part, Microsoft is on pace to invest about $80 billion this year to build out AI datacenters, train AI models and deploy cloud-based applications around the world, according to Smith.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit New Delhi from January 5-6 to discuss the impact of Chinese dams with Indian officials. Topics such as civilian nuclear cooperation, artificial intelligence, space, military licensing, and Chinese economic overcapacity are also expected to be discussed. American officials will not meet the Dalai Lama during the visit.
Veteran music star Brenton Wood who was at the peak of popularity and success in the late '60s, passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy for Latino music. However, the reason of his death has still not been confirmed, as per reports.
President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced on January 10 for hush money payments to a porn star, but is unlikely to face jail time. Trump plans to appeal the sentence. The judge rejected motions to dismiss the case despite Trump’s recent presidential election victory.
Saturday bank holiday: Banks in India are open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month (if applicable) and closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. Banks in January 2025 will observe holidays for various festivals and regional celebrations.
Indian airports use a range of tools to deter birds and ensure flight safety. Bird hits have increased significantly in recent years. Following a crash investigation abroad, airports in India are reassessing their strategies. Measures include grass trimming, scare tactics, community awareness programs, and dedicated monitoring teams to reduce wildlife threats near runways.
Zepto is preparing to file for an IPO by March-April 2025 and has received approval to move its holding entity from Singapore to India. The company is also finalising independent directors and deliberating on IPO size and bankers. It aims to become the first independent quick commerce firm to go public amid scrutiny over local FDI compliance.
India plans amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act for easier funding of overseas acquisitions and mine expansion. Changes also include broadening the mandate of the National Mineral Exploration Trust and enabling sale of legacy mineral stock.
Reliance Industries has secured $3 billion in a loan deal from 11 banks. The five-year loan includes $450 million in yen and will be used to refinance loans due in 2025. Major banks involved include Bank of America, DBS Bank, and HSBC. More banks may participate in the syndication later this quarter.
