Aadhaar to UPI, key policy changes that shaped your money in 2025

As 2025 ends, India rolled out wallet-shaping reforms: Aadhaar went fully digital with online updates, QR verification and NRI-friendly rules; UPI added balance-check caps, biometric/MFA, AI fraud alerts and fees on high top-ups; taxes were simplified—0% to ₹12L, lower slabs, plus an extra ₹50k sta

RBI’s OMO purchase auction drew ₹1.39 trillion in bids versus ₹50,000 crore on offer, with cut-offs as expected. The RBI has infused ₹1.45 trillion in December via OMOs and FX swaps. Analysts see scope for more OMOs to aid transmission, flatten the steep yield curve, and ease bond supply.

India is rolling out major financial reforms—100% foreign ownership in insurance and pensions, looser bank/M&A rules, and lower market fees—to deepen capital markets and fund growth toward 2047. Japanese-led deals and FDI are climbing, though stocks lag amid outflows, tariffs, and a weak rupee.

With Diwali festivities back in full swing, gifting takes center stage. L’Opéra and Comfort by Cafe Delhi Heights unveil festive hampers, inviting patrons to visit outlets and savor fresh breads, buttery croissants, and creamy cakes—spreading joy, lights, and hopeful celebration this season.

The rupee has fallen about 2.5% in a month to record lows near 91/USD, diverging from broader Asian FX gains. Weakness reflects dollar flow imbalances, no US‑India trade deal, importer hedging, and cautious FPIs. With bearish momentum building, banks expect firmer RBI support signaled by spot/NDF.

DRDO handed over seven TDF-developed technologies to the armed forces, including a seawater battery, waterjet propulsion, VLF systems, and high‑voltage jammer power supplies, boosting indigenisation. An empowered committee cleared 12 projects under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

At counterterror talks in New Delhi, India and the U.S. urged tougher UN steps—asset freezes, travel bans, arms embargoes—against LeT, JeM and ISIS/al‑Qaida affiliates, seeking more 1267 listings. They condemned attacks, warned of drone/AI misuse, and vowed cooperation via the UN, Quad and FATF.

Trump’s National Security Strategy seeks a free, open Indo-Pacific by deepening US‑India commercial ties and Quad cooperation to counter China, protect sea lanes, and expand naval power. It revives a Monroe Doctrine focus in the Western Hemisphere, enlisting India and allies to sustain US primacy.

India urged its nationals to exercise discretion when traveling or transiting through China after a Nov 21 case where an Arunachal Pradesh woman was detained at Shanghai airport over her Indian passport. New Delhi seeks assurances against selective targeting and for respect of travel rules.

India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said “democracy and Pakistan don’t go together,” adding India is monitoring developments. He condemned civilian deaths in Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes and backed Afghanistan’s sovereignty amid Pakistan’s unrest, Imran Khan’s jailing, and PTI protests.

Timeless wardrobe staples that blend elegance and versatility: the Little Black Dress for instant sophistication; a crisp white shirt for effortless polish; classic blue jeans as a style foundation; and a tailored blazer to elevate any look. Mix, match, and stay chic anytime.

India’s geography is bounded by northern mountain arcs and seas; the Himalaya are diverse. Borders mark sovereignty, frontiers are fluid. India faces militarised disputes with China (LAC) and Pakistan (LoC, terrorism), and a porous Myanmar border under FMR fueling insurgency and trafficking.

Eeksha unveils Regia, a couture collection for modern brides and grooms blending regal tradition with trend. Opulent zardozi and threadwork on silk and satin elevate sherwanis, lehengas, saris and gowns—think corset tops, capes, detachable wings—in burgundy, royal blue and ivory.

East Coast Jazz Movement: Session II returns, presented by The MK Network with The Palomar. Featuring Moa Guevara, Gaby Echevarría, Maarten Visser, Aravind Murali and Manukrishnan in a cross-cultural, improvisational set. Nov 22, 7:30 pm, The Spotted Deer, Akkarai. Rs 400+

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will miss the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna due to swelling in his right hamstring/sciatic area, announced days after beating Jannik Sinner to win the ATP Finals. With Sinner already withdrawn to rest, the event and Spain lose star power and a potential rivalry clash.

On Oct 31, Kolkata came alive for Halloween as Cal-On, the rocking lounge at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge, hosted a spirited bash with themed food, drinks, and a live DJ. The city celebrated the undead in style—here are glimpses from the night. Coverage by Anindita.

Star-studded glimpses from the cityplex premiere of Pratim D Gupta’s new culinary drama, Ranna Baati. Cast, crew, and industry friends—including Sohini—joined to celebrate, serving up a flavorful first look with red-carpet moments and behind-the-scenes camaraderie.

Model and fashion influencer Nicola Gomes celebrated her birthday with a boho-chic themed party, surrounded by friends and family. The evening featured stylish decor, candid moments, and special guests, including Nysa, offering warm, festive glimpses from the celebration.

SEBI penalized 11 entities a total of Rs 55 lakh (Rs 5 lakh each) for non-genuine reversal trades in BSE’s illiquid stock options. The trades inflated volumes and misled the market, breaching PFUTP norms against fraudulent and unfair practices.

House hushing is a decluttering reset: clear a room of non-essentials into boxes, live in the pared-back space for 1–2 weeks, then only return what you truly use or love. The pause quiets visual noise, eases decisions, curbs impulse buys, and often leads to selling or donating the rest.

The MIND diet merges Mediterranean and DASH patterns, focused on 10 brain-healthy foods: leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. Emphasizing greens and berries, it’s linked to slower cognitive decline, better memory.

A visual glimpse of the Bijoya Sammelani hosted by the Honorary Consul General of Kenya in Kolkata, highlighting festive moments, warmth, and camaraderie. Featured snapshots include attendees Rina and Roshni.

At a cityplex premiere, Anilava Chatterjee’s film Bela, starring Rituparna Sengupta as revered writer and radio icon Bela Dey, debuted to fanfare with cast and crew in attendance. They also met legend Anupam Kher and his Tanvi The Great co-star Shubhangi Dutt. Here are highlights from the evening.

Festive jewellery picks: Senco’s Shagun and men’s Aham; B.C. Sen’s Dhanalakshmi in 22K; Auram’s nature-inspired pieces; Caratly’s dainty 18K edit; Nemichand Bamalwa’s Diwali Edit; Kulthiaa’s Shubh Nivesh; M.B. Sons’ Dhanteras curation—gold, diamonds, polki and gemstones, heirloom-ready.

PVR INOX will open Cinemagic, a luxury six-screen multiplex at NSP’s Elegante Unity One Mall in Delhi, featuring a gaming zone, nail bar, perfumery corner and curated gourmet menu. After India’s first dine-in cinema in Bengaluru, it targets post-pandemic Gen Z/millennial.

Glimpses from the intimate premiere of actor-turned-filmmaker Rupsha Guha’s directorial debut, How Are You Feroz? Friends and family gathered to celebrate, offering a warm first look at the film and its team, marking a proud milestone for Guha. Photos by Ratasree.

Designer Amit Sachdeva’s Meera ke Dupatte honors the dupatta as a statement piece, inspired by Meera’s devotion and reimagined for today. Tissues, organzas, nets and silks span ivories to kokum/peacock, with hand embroidery—zari, gota, and resham. For mix‑and‑match minimalists and collectors.

Produced by Pankaj Tripathi (producer debut) and Ajay Rai’s JAR Pictures, Perfect Family’s trailer unveils a quirky Punjabi clan in an 8-episode dramedy about therapy and mental health. Premiering Nov 27 on JAR’s YouTube, it’s India’s first long-format pay debut: 2 episodes free, rest for INR 59.

India's military is rapidly integrating drones, driven by global trends and regional security needs. The market's projected $10.29 billion expansion (2024-2029) reflects this growing importance. Drones' use in operations like Operation Sindoor showcases their value in intelligence gathering, precision strikes, and minimizing casualties, even in challenging terrains. To maintain a competitive edge, India needs to prioritize superior drone capabilities across all forces, ensuring resilience against electronic warfare and adopting modular, AI-enabled systems. Boosting indigenous production, reducing reliance on foreign components, and creating sustained demand through government

Yaahvi’s Lagori Collection by Nikita Bansal turns the childhood game into lighting—chandeliers, floor, table (oval/spherical), hanging, and wall lamps. Diamond-cut double-cast glass meets repoussé aluminium in black-white with gold/orange accents. Modular, customizable 

Titan Smart launches Evoke 2.0, a premium 43mm smartwatch blending analog-inspired design with modern tech: 1.32-inch Super AMOLED (466×466, 1000 nits), slim 11mm case, magnetic dual-tone straps, 3D faces, 24/7 health tracking, syncs with Android/iOS. In three colors, priced at ₹8,499.

Orlando’s Walt Disney World held its first Diwali fest Oct 9–12, featuring Mickey in a sherwani and Minnie in a lehenga. Highlights included the Jashn‑E‑Magic Mela with DJ, mehendi and bazaars, an international dance showcase with 450 performers and Zarna Garg, a grand parade and fireworks.

Aditya Dhar’s Ranveer Singh–led spy thriller Dhurandhar trailer sparks controversy for graphic violence. Dhruv Rathee likens it to ISIS beheading videos and urges CBFC scrutiny, accusing glorification of gore. Meanwhile, many fans praise the dark tone, music, and raw intensity, predicting records.

Hardik and Natasa had posted a joint statement which said, "After four 

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul is set for Dec 19 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, live on Netflix. A full pro bout (8x3, 10oz gloves), AJ capped at 245lb. The shock matchup pits the ex two-time heavyweight champ, 36, against the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer, with both vowing knockouts.

Black Ops 7 splits opinion: players slam it (1.7/10) for a fantasy, always-online, unpausable campaign, odd boss fights, and AI-made assets, while critics (83/100) praise superb gunplay, engrossing multiplayer, and classic round-based Zombies. Great for MP/co-op fans, weak for story seekers.

Namrata Shirodkar celebrated sister Shilpa’s 52nd birthday with a heartfelt Instagram selfie, calling her her “first best friend” and praising her comeback to screens. The close-knit duo often share tributes; Shilpa debuted in 1989, rose in ’90s hits, and later appeared on Bigg Boss 18.

Dry brining seasons meat by rubbing with salt (plus optional spices), which draws out moisture, dissolves, then reabsorbs as brine to tenderize and boost flavor. Chill uncovered: steaks/chicken 1–4h, whole chicken 12–24h, turkey 24–48h. Results: juicy meat, crisp skin, minimal mess; cook as usual.

Welcoming winter at Kyma’s Feast of Korea: we savored bulgogi gimbap, a gochujang highball, tableside Dak Galbi bulgogi wrapped in lettuce with ssamjang, comforting manduguk from bubbling dumplings and glass noodles, and punchy Dakdoritang with rice—layered, hearty, and delicious.

At JP Nagar’s Bombay Chapter 003, Rehana Contractor and Arpitha Rai bring Mumbai’s glorious chaos to Bengaluru: sabudana and Russian chicken cutlets, Bohri farcha, baida roti, paneer akuri, tawa pulao, kheema and dum biryani, with cutting chai, rare Pallonji’s soda, and a star caramel custard.

Pune’s Kalagram hosts Dastkari Haat Samiti’s 11th Craft Bazaar till Nov 9, 2025, inaugurating the new cultural hub with PMC on Oct 30. 120+ stalls and 30 new crafts, Kolhapuri, Kosa silks, Pichwai; workshops (Gond, Madhubani, block printing), folk performances, and regional foods.

With Diwali’s rich spreads, nutritionist Naaznin Husein urges “intelligent indulgence”: skip crash diets, practice portion control, stay active, and pick water over sugary drinks. Snack on California walnuts to curb cravings; their ALA omega-3, protein and fiber support heart, brain and gut health.

SEBI has fined 13 entities a total of Rs 65 lakh (Rs 5 lakh each) for non-genuine “reversal” trades that created artificial volumes in BSE’s illiquid stock options. The penalties, issued via separate orders after a probe of April 2014–Sept 2015 activity, span actions announced on Wed and Thu.

Overview of Delhi’s top luxury residential micro-markets—Greater Kailash, Jor Bagh, Golf Links, Vasant Vihar and Sunder Nagar—praised for prime location, connectivity, infrastructure and amenities. Highlights include DLF King’s Court, proximity to landmarks, parks, markets, metro and airport.

BCCI ended its jersey sponsorship with Dream11 after the Online Gaming Bill, 2025 banned promotion of real-money gaming. The move hits cricket revenues and India’s sponsorship market, leaving a gap once filled by fantasy platforms and pushing both BCCI and Dream11 to rethink strategy.

Valentine’s Day is shifting beyond flowers and chocolates to fitness-centric dates, wellness retreats, and premium, tech-led gifts. Luxury hampers, wearables, smartphones, and personalized jewelry surge, while online fresh flowers, chic home décor, and private-chef dining gain traction.

Diwali feasting can add 2–5 kg in 1–2 weeks via excess calories, water retention and slower digestion—especially in diabetics, hypothyroid, sedentary and peri‑menopausal women. Risks: gastric upset, cavities, high lipids/glucose. Reset with moderation, hydration, and light activity.

Bihar polls Phase I today (Nov 6): voting in 121 of 243 seats, 37.5m voters (1.07m new) at 45,341 booths (36,733 rural). 1,314 candidates incl Maithili Thakur, Khesari Lal Yadav. Key fights: Raghopur, Tarapur, Mahua, Mokama (Anant Singh vs Veena Devi). Digha 458k; Barbigha 232k.

ICICI Prudential Life posted Q2 FY26 consolidated net profit of ₹296 crore, up 18% YoY (₹251 cr) but slightly lower QoQ (₹301 cr), driven by growth in non‑market‑linked products and cost control. Net premium income rose 10.1% YoY to ₹11,843 crore and 39% QoQ from ₹8,503 crore.

Home pools add luxury and value. Options: small (~500 sq ft), lap (8x40 ft), typical 30x15x4 ft ~Rs 13 lakh. Fill once, then top up; build in 8–12 weeks. Cleaning/AMCs matter. Indoor: private but costlier, needs humidity control; outdoor: cheaper, weather‑dependent.