Direct tax collections jump 8.8% in FY 2025–2026 so far; lower refunds lift government revenues

Countdown to budget day begins as Union Budget 2026 date is announced

Cold wave grips North India as IMD issues alerts; Rajasthan schools extend holidays, Delhi shivers near 3°C

Planning to buy an AC? Prices may rise up to 8% this season due to this reason

Tata Elxsi Q3 Results Preview: Tata group firm likely to stage strong performance, margin seen rising by 47 bps

Dixon Technologies falls 30% in three months — is this a buy-the-dip moment?

What sent gold & silver soaring to record highs: Key things to track in precious metals

Tata Punch facelift set to launch in India tomorrow: Here's what we know so far

No RAC, no waiting list: How Vande Bharat Sleeper will change overnight train travel from January 17?

Hydrogen in gas pipelines? India’s PNGRB, Germany’s DVGW sign key cooperation pact

Did you know the budget wasn’t always presented on February 1? Traditionally, since colonial times, it was presented on the last working day of February.

Colonial Era To Reform: Why The Union Budget Date Was Shifted From February End To Feb 1

Amul has issued a formal rebuttal to a viral video by YouTuber Trustified claiming Masti Dahi fails quality tests. The dairy giant clarifies that its products meet all FSSAI standards and undergo more than fifty stringent tests. Amul dismissed hygiene concerns about the pouch variant, confirming both packaging types follow the same processing steps. The company branded the video as misinformation intended to spread unnecessary concern among consumers while questioning the handling of tested samples.

Amul Labels Viral Dahi Quality Testing Video as Misinformation for Public Fear

WhatsApp has launched a suite of New Year features for 2026 including animated sticker packs and festive video call effects like fireworks and confetti. Users can now react to messages with visual triggers and add animated stickers to their Status updates for the first time. The update also highlights event planning tools such as RSVPs and polls to help friends and family coordinate their celebrations on one of the busiest days for global communication.

WhatsApp Unveils 2026 Festive Update With New Video Call Effects and Animated Stickers

For years, your Gmail address was a permanent part of your digital identity. If you had an outdated username, the only solution was to create a whole new account. Now, Google is gradually rolling out the ability to change your actual @gmail.com address. This major shift helps users update their identity without the frustration of starting over. Check your account settings to see if this long-awaited feature is available for you to update your digital handle.

Finally! You Can Now Change Your Gmail Username: Here Is What You Need to Know

 The FSSAI has clarified that only beverages derived from the Camellia sinensis plant can legally be marketed as tea. This directive effectively bans the term for herbal or flower-based infusions, as using it is considered misleading misbranding. All food businesses and e-commerce platforms must now comply with these strict branding rules to avoid legal action under the Food Safety Act.

FSSAI Bans the Term Tea for Herbal Blends: Only Camellia Sinensis Qualifies as Tea.

Google has activated its Emergency Location Service on Android devices in India, starting with Uttar Pradesh. This built-in feature automatically shares a caller's precise location with 112 responders during an emergency call or SMS. By using GPS and Wi-Fi, the service pinpoints locations within 50 meters, even if the call disconnects. Designed with strong privacy protections, ELS sends data directly to responders, ensuring help is dispatched accurately without storing any information on Google servers.

Google Launches Emergency Location Service in India: UP Becomes First State to Integrate

Indian Railways has introduced a rationalised fare structure starting December 26, 2025. While suburban services and season tickets remain unchanged, long-distance journeys in Mail and Express trains will see a marginal price hike. Sleeper class fares rise by 1 paise per km, while AC and non-AC Mail/Express increase by 2 paise per km. These changes apply only to fresh bookings made from today.

Indian Railways Hikes Fares from December 26: What Every Passenger Needs to Know

Google has provided a fresh update on the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini. The upgrade is now scheduled for 2026 to prioritize system stability and a smooth user experience. Starting in March 2026, Gemini will begin replacing Assistant on phones and tablets. While users currently have the option to switch, Gemini will eventually become the primary AI-powered assistant for everyone.

Google Assistant to be Fully Replaced by Gemini AI on Android Devices by 2026.

Indian Railways has introduced regional cuisines on Vande Bharat trains to offer passengers culturally relevant and authentic local flavours. Travelers can now enjoy iconic dishes such as Maharashtra's Kanda Poha, Bihar's Champaran Chicken, and Kerala's traditional Paratha spreads. This initiative brings India's diverse culinary heritage directly to high-speed rail journeys, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience. From Gujarati Methi Thepla to Kashmiri Kesar Phirni, the Vande Bharat menu now celebrates the distinct tastes of every state it crosses.


From Poha to Champaran Chicken: Explore India’s Culinary Heritage On Vande Bharat Express.

You can now integrate Adobe apps like Photoshop and Acrobat directly into ChatGPT to streamline your creative workflow. By navigating to the Apps and Connectors section in your settings, you can easily browse and connect your preferred Adobe tools. Once enabled, simply use the plus icon in the prompt bar to access these apps. This integration allows you to edit images and manage documents seamlessly within a single conversation window without switching tabs.


How to Connect and Use Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat Directly Inside ChatGPT.

 Bharat Taxi, operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, is set for a major January rollout in Delhi and Gujarat. This homegrown mobility service disrupts the market with a zero-commission model, allowing drivers to retain 100% of their earnings. For commuters, it offers transparent, fixed-fare structures without surge pricing, even during rush hours. With features like real-time tracking, 24/7 support, and Delhi Police integration, Bharat Taxi aims to provide a safer and more equitable ride-hailing experience.

Bharat Taxi to Launch in Jan: World's Largest Driver-Owned App with Zero Surge Pricing.

X is implementing major changes to its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy effective January 15, 2026. The updates focus on legal transparency, stricter content moderation in regions like the EU and UK, and clearly defining user responsibility for posts and AI-generated prompts. Additionally, the platform may now collect and verify age-related data to comply with global safety laws. Users staying on the platform after the deadline are considered to have accepted these new legal conditions.


X Updates Terms of Service: New Rules for Privacy and Content Responsibility Start Jan 15.

<p>December 31, 2025, is the final deadline for filing your belated ITR and linking your Aadhaar with your PAN. Missing the belated ITR can lead to a late fee of up to 5,000 rupees and loss of tax refunds. Additionally, an unlinked PAN card may become inoperative, affecting your banking and investments. Taxpayers are urged to complete these essential tasks on the official e-filing portal within the next 13 days to avoid penalties and legal notices.</p>


Last 13 Days! File Your Belated ITR and Link Aadhaar-PAN Before the December 31 Deadline.

The Indian Rupee hit an all-time low on Tuesday, closing at 91.01 against the US Dollar. This decline is attributed to uncertainty regarding a trade deal with the U.S. and continued foreign capital outflows. Analysts suggest that without intervention from the RBI or a finalized trade agreement, the Rupee remains under pressure and may cross the 92 mark this month. Currently, technical support is seen at 90.50 amidst a 6% year-to-date decline.

Rupee Depreciation: 5 Key Reasons Why the Indian Rupee Could Slide to 92 Against the Dollar

IRCTC has initiated meal trials on select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains to provide hygienic, restaurant-quality food to passengers. By partnering with renowned brands like Haldiram’s, ISKCON, and Sarovar Portico, the railways aims to separate the cooking and serving processes for better quality. From Satvik meals to flight catering services, this initiative focuses on local delicacies and branded menus, ensuring a premium dining experience for travelers based on positive initial feedback.


IRCTC Partners with Top Brands Like Haldiram's and ISKCON for Premium Train Meal Trials.

 Tata Motors has announced the complete pricing and features for all Tata Sierra variants, ranging from ₹11.49 lakh to ₹17.99 lakh. The SUV offers over 230 features, including Level-2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and a triple-screen infotainment setup. With 6 standard airbags and multiple engine options, the lineup includes Smart+, Pure, Adventure, and the top-spec Accomplished+ trims, providing a premium experience with 360-degree cameras and JBL sound systems across six color options.


Tata Sierra Variant Prices Revealed: Level-2 ADAS and 230+ Features Starting at ₹11.49 Lakh.

Kia India unveiled the all-new 2026 Kia Seltos, positioned in the mid-SUV segment. It features a segment-first 30-inch Trinity panoramic display and a dual pane panoramic sunroof. Built on Kia’s K3 platform, the SUV is the longest in its segment and includes 24 standard safety features, plus the ADAS Level 2 suite. Booking for the new Seltos opens at midnight on December 11 for an initial amount of ₹25,000.

2026 Kia Seltos Unveiled with 30-Inch Panoramic Display and ADAS Level 2 Safety.

<p>Ola Electric has commenced mass delivery of the S1 Pro+ scooter equipped with the indigenously developed 4680 Bharat Cell. This makes Ola the first Indian company to manufacture battery packs and cells completely in-house. The new in-house battery promises significant improvements in the scooter's range, performance, and safety. The S1 Pro+ (5.2kWh) is the first model to feature this technology, marking a key milestone for India’s EV sector.</p>


Ola Electric Becomes First Indian Company to In-House Manufacture EV Battery Cells.

Google introduced Workspace Studio, a new hub for creating, managing, and sharing AI-powered agents to automate routine work across Workspace apps without coding. Users describe tasks in plain language, and the Gemini model builds the workflow. These agents understand context, handle complex tasks like triaging requests, and connect to third-party services like Jira and Asana. The tool begins rolling out to domains starting December 3, 2025.

Google Launches Workspace Studio: Build AI Agents to Automate Complex Work Without Code.

NPCI International (NIPL) partnered with ACLEDA Bank Plc. to enable UPI acceptance in Cambodia and KHQR acceptance in India. The collaboration will allow Indian travelers to make seamless QR payments at over 4.5 million KHQR points in Cambodia using UPI apps. This move strengthens the digital payment corridor, supporting trade and tourism by offering secure and interoperable cross-border payment options.


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