In 1998, Jeff Bezos expressed interest in acquiring Netflix as part of Amazon's video market expansion, but co-founders Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph declined the exploratory proposal, which suggested a price in the low eight figures. Hastings also recounted their unsuccessful attempt to sell Netflix to Blockbuster, aiming to avoid future competition, but Blockbuster showed no interest in the acquisition.
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This year, the UK royals celebrated Christmas at Sandringham without Prince Harry and Meghan. Prince Harry was replaced by Prince George in the traditional pre-Christmas football match, signifying the strained relationship between Harry and his family. Prince George participated alongside Prince William, highlighting healthy father-son bonding moments.
The Centre aims to bolster the MSP procurement mechanism to benefit more farmers instead of offering a legal guarantee. An inter-ministerial team will engage farmer groups in discussions on the new national agriculture marketing framework. Talks with protesting farmers will focus on ensuring MSP and resolving road blockades, encouraged by renewed farmer unity and recent dialogue announcements.
Vrindavan's Banke Bihari temple has rejected calls from right-wing groups to boycott Muslim artisans following the Pahalgam attack. Temple authorities emphasized the significant contributions of Muslim weavers and artisans, who have been crafting the deity's attire and accessories for decades.
Eyewitnesses recounted the terror in Jammu & Kashmir's Kathua, where a gunfight erupted between security forces and heavily armed terrorists. Anita Devi narrowly escaped after terrorists held her husband at gunpoint. Intense gunfire ensued, with around '250 rounds' heard. The operation was based on intelligence indicating terrorist presence near the Pakistan border.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin called for a meeting of registered political parties to discuss the Union government's proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies in 2026. Stalin expressed concern that TN's successful population control measures could reduce its representation in the Lok Sabha by eight seats, affecting the state's rights.
The Supreme Court settled a 20-year-old excise duty debate, deciding that pure coconut oil's classification depends on its branding. If labeled and regulated as edible oil, it falls under that category, even in small packaging. The court rejected the revenue department's argument that small containers automatically meant hair oil, emphasizing the need for clear labeling to distinguish between uses.
The Income Tax Department is set to launch a nationwide action against nearly 40,000 taxpayers who have failed to deposit their TDS/TCS. A 16-point strategy has been devised, leveraging data analytics to identify and investigate defaulters. Non-intrusive approaches and monitoring trends will ensure fair enforcement.
A study led by the University of Birmingham found that vancomycin, a commonly used antibiotic for diarrhea, could effectively treat a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) linked to autoimmune liver disease. After four weeks, 80% of patients achieved clinical remission, and all demonstrated mucosal healing. Further trials are being planned to explore this treatment’s potential.
The world welcomed 2025 with grand celebrations. China showcased a spectacular drone show, London had mesmerizing fireworks despite stormy weather, and UAE’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai lit up the sky. Singapore’s Marina Bay and New Zealand’s Auckland hosted stunning displays. Sydney impressed with its iconic fireworks, while New York, Pasadena, Nashville, and Mumbai celebrated with traditional and vibrant festivities.
Rohit Sharma's underwhelming performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring only 31 runs in five innings, coupled with unsuccessful captaincy decisions, may prompt his retirement post-series. The Indian selectors are already aware, focusing now on the transition to the next generation of players.