In Japan, the “Rent a Family” service is trending online. People can hire actors as friends, parents, or relatives to reduce loneliness or for events. These actors act like real family—laughing at weddings, crying at funerals. The service costs around 10,000 yen per person, offering companionship when needed.
Swiggy Instamart’s 2025 report revealed unusual shopping habits, including a Chennai user spending over Rs 1 lakh on condoms through 228 orders. Condoms appeared in one of every 127 orders, peaking in September. The report also highlighted big spends on gadgets, pet supplies, tips for delivery partners, and gifting spikes across Indian cities.
The Telangana High Court refused to stay the state govt’s decision to reorganise the GHMC. It dismissed petitions against ward delimitation and the merger of 27 urban local bodies. The court accepted the govt’s claim that objections were invited and data was shared online. GHMC wards will rise from 150 to 300, expanding the city’s […]
PM Narendra Modi welcomed the BJP–MGP alliance’s victory in the Goa Zilla Panchayat elections, calling it support for good governance. BJP won 30 seats, while MGP secured two. Modi thanked Goans for their trust and said the mandate would strengthen efforts toward Goa’s development and people-centric governance.
The Delhi High Court protected actor Madhavan’s personality rights and ordered the removal of fake trailers, obscene AI videos, and unauthorised merchandise using his image. The court barred websites from using his name or face without consent. Fake trailers of non-existent films were cited. The court will review broader AI-related legal issues in May 2026.
Apple warns iPhone users to stop using Google Chrome. It advises using Safari instead for better privacy protection. A new report supports this, ranking Chrome as the worst mainstream browser for tracking. Safari scored much better in privacy tests. This warning comes as Apple updates iOS with enhanced anti-fingerprinting features.
Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Corporation was surprised after receiving applications from poor Brahmins seeking funds to open mutton shops, which the body does not support. Chairman Bucchi Ram Prasad called it strange, suspected a political conspiracy, and ordered an inquiry. He reaffirmed welfare commitments and transparency under the TDP-led government.
Bigg Boss Telugu 9 began on September 7, 2025, hosted by Nagarjuna Akkineni, featuring celebrities and six commoners. Contestants are paid weekly, with payouts after elimination. Commoners earn Rs 15,000–20,000 daily, while top celebrities earn up to Rs 40,000 per day. Finalists can earn up to Rs 50 lakh, excluding prize money and endorsements.
Telangana is set to face a cold wave as temperatures drop sharply across the state. The IMD issued alerts for 11 districts and warned of cold nights in Hyderabad. Minimum temperatures may fall 2–3°C below normal, with foggy mornings expected. Several districts recorded temperatures below 10°C, with Kohir being the coldest.
Kashmir’s 40-day harsh winter period, Chillai Kalan, has begun with fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains, ending a long dry spell. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam received season’s first snow, delighting tourists, skiers and the travel industry. Chillai Kalan replenishes water sources, improves air quality and offers travellers peak winter charm.
UNICEF’s Photo of the Year 2025 honours a moving image highlighting the education crisis faced by girls in Afghanistan. Taken by French photographer Elise Blanchard, the photo shows 10-year-old Hazira secretly studying at home. UNICEF said the image shows how education restrictions are hurting children’s dreams across the country today severely.
Indians are elevating house parties by hiring bartenders and mixologists at home. For as little as Rs 3,000, professionals bring bar setups, craft bespoke cocktails and handle guests effortlessly. Popular across metros and smaller cities, the trend offers comfort, control and value, helping hosts avoid crowded clubs while delivering premium, drinking experiences.
Delhi government may unveil a new EV policy in early January, offering ₹35,000–40,000 subsidies for petrol-to-electric two-wheelers, incentives for three-wheelers and cars up to ₹20 lakh. The plan includes stricter ₹10,000 PUC fines, no waivers, new e-rickshaw rules, rationalised DTC routes, and talks with Ola-Uber to reduce congestion and curb pollution.
A Christmas tree made of empty beer bottles in Kerala caused controversy. Set up near the AKG Memorial Gate, Congress and UDF members opposed it during a municipal meeting. They argued that using alcohol bottles for a sacred festival sends the wrong message and disrespects Christian religious sentiments, sparking public debate and criticism.
Hundreds of H-1B visa holders who travelled to India for visa renewals are stranded after US consulates postponed December interviews to next year due to new social-media vetting rules. Law firms warn of job risks. Google and Apple advised staff to avoid travel amid re-entry delays. Appointments were pushed to March, impacting mostly Indian professionals.