India marks a new milestone in space exploration as IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly to the ISS in May 2025 as part of Axiom Mission 4. Selected for this NASA-approved private spaceflight, Shukla will be the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.
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Before their IPL 2025 match in Hyderabad, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins and Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya conveyed their condolences to the families affected by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Pandya, after winning the toss and choosing to field, condemned the attack. Addressing the Pahalgam tragedy, Cummins said: "(On the Pahalgam terror attack) It has been heartbreaking for us as well, our thoughts are with the victims and their families."
The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court order that directed Wikimedia to remove all allegedly defamatory content about ANI, deeming the order too broad and impractical. The court allowed ANI to file a new application in the High Court for the removal of specific content.
Vijay's final film before entering politics, 'Jana Nayagan,' is progressing swiftly, with an expected release by end of this year or early next. It features stars like Pooja Hegde and Shruti Haasan. Veteran actor Nizhalgal Ravi reunites with Vijay after 25 years, adding nostalgia and excitement among fans.
The GST Council waived taxes on cancer gene therapy and reduced levies on fortified rice kernels. Decisions on ATF inclusion, insurance rates, and food delivery services were deferred. Used cars will face 18% GST, while pre-packed popcorn and voucher transactions saw clarifications. A new GoM will address state-level disaster levies.
Sanjay Malhotra, the incoming RBI chief, is expected to focus on growth and technology adoption within the banking sector. Brokerages are divided on whether he will prioritize faster interest rate easing. While some anticipate a more accommodative monetary policy given his finance background, others believe the chances of a rate cut have diminished.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist, has become Syria’s interim president after leading the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Despite distancing himself from al-Qaeda and rebranding his group, his past leadership of the suppressive HTS raises concerns about his governance approach.
Pune residents Kaustubh Gunbote and Santosh Jagdale tragically lost their lives in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam during their first family vacation together. The lifelong friends were shot in front of their families, leaving behind wives and children. Jagdale's daughter, Asawari, recounted the horrific event, stating terrorists shot her father after demanding he recite the kalma.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pulled Rs 4,285 crore from Indian equities in the first three days of January due to apprehensions about the third-quarter earnings season, high stock valuations, and global economic uncertainties. December 2023 had seen a net inflow of Rs 15,446 crore, highlighting current investor caution.
Sharmistha Mukherjee criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's proposal for a separate memorial for Dr Manmohan Singh, pointing out that the Congress did not convene a condolence meeting for her late father, former President Pranab Mukherjee. She mentioned other leaders neglected by Congress due to not being part of the 'Gandhi' family, highlighting an ongoing issue.
India's IPO market witnessed a historic year in 2024, raising a record Rs 1.6 lakh crore through 90 issues, driven by favorable conditions and economic growth. Hyundai Motor India's Rs 27,870 crore IPO was the largest. With 34 companies already approved and 55 awaiting clearance, 2025 is poised to continue this momentum, potentially surpassing Rs 2.5 lakh crore.