Author: Sarita Jena

  • Nitish Reddy’s Maiden Century Rescues India in 4th Test vs Australia

    Nitish Reddy’s Maiden Century Rescues India in 4th Test vs Australia

    In an exciting match on Saturday, December 28, 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy showed off his amazing skills as he made his first Test century. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he stepped in to bat when India was in big trouble at 191-6, chasing Australia’s tall score of 474 runs. But with a brilliant innings of 105 not out off 176 balls, Reddy turned the game around!

    After reaching his century, Reddy struck the famous ‘Baahubali’ pose, celebrating his special moment. He became the first No. 8 batter to score a hundred at the MCG, beating the previous record of 92 runs set by Mitchell Johnson in 2012.

    Reddy teamed up with Washington Sundar, who also played well with a solid 50 runs from 162 balls. Together, they built an important partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket, which helped India reach 358-9 by the end of the day. This was crucial because it reduced the gap to 116 runs and kept India from the follow-on.

    Reddy’s innings showcased how determined and aggressive he can be. He hit ten fours and one six, bringing up his century with a beautiful shot over mid-on off the bowler Scott Boland. Earlier in the innings, he impressed everyone with a fantastic cover drive against Mitchell Starc, showing he can handle tough bowlers.

    Starting the day at 164-5, India faced more challenges as Rishabh Pant scored only 28 runs and Ravindra Jadeja got out for 17. With the team’s top players already out, Reddy and Sundar proved to be the heroes, lifting the spirits of Indian fans at the MCG.

    This knock from Reddy, in only his debut series, has been one of the biggest highlights for India. So far, he has scored 282 runs in just six Test innings with an average of over 70, making him an exciting addition to the team. The day ended early due to bad light, but Reddy stood strong, giving India hope for the next day.

  • Gold Soars 21% in 2024: How Trump’s Win Could Shape Prices!

    Gold Soars 21% in 2024: How Trump’s Win Could Shape Prices!

    Gold has been shining bright this year, giving about a 21% return so far! This means it has done much better than popular Indian stock indexes like Nifty 50, BSE Sensex, and Bank Nifty, and has even outpaced inflation.

    With Donald Trump winning the US elections again, many are wondering how gold will react. In 2024, gold prices went up mainly because of global tensions, making it a safer investment choice for many.

    Experts believe that Trump being back can lead to more trade conflicts, which might worry investors. They might turn to gold, thinking it’s a safer bet. Anuj Gupta, the Head of Commodity & Currency at HDFC Securities, mentioned that during Trump’s second term, stock markets might face difficulties due to these rising tensions—and usually, gold prices go up when that happens.

    However, Gupta warned that the increase in gold prices might not be huge because the US dollar should stay strong. In 2025, Indian stock indexes like Nifty 50, BSE Sensex, and Bank Nifty will also face challenges from rising US Treasury yields, the strong US dollar, and other digital assets like Bitcoin.

    So, what can we expect for gold prices in 2025? Gupta shares that, in the short term, gold might face some tough resistance at around ₹76,800 for every 10 grams. If it breaks through that price, it could rise further to reach ₹78,000!

  • Ukraine’s Assassination Plot Foiled: Bomb Hidden in Music Speaker

    Ukraine’s Assassination Plot Foiled: Bomb Hidden in Music Speaker

    On Saturday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that they had stopped a plan by Ukraine to kill a high-ranking Russian officer and a pro-Russian blogger. The plan included a bomb hidden in a portable music speaker. The FSB, which is similar to the old KGB from Soviet times, stated that a Russian citizen contacted an officer from Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence using the Telegram messaging app. Following the officer’s orders, this person found a bomb in Moscow.

    The bomb weighed as much as 1.5 kilograms of TNT and was filled with sharp ball bearings, making it very dangerous. The FSB did not reveal the names of the officer or the blogger who were supposed to be attacked. Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence could not be reached for comments immediately.

    Ukraine claims that Russia’s war against it is a serious threat to its country and believes that targeted killings of certain people are acceptable. They think these attacks could help lower the enemy’s spirits and bring punishment to those they find guilty of war crimes. Russia, on the other hand, describes these actions as acts of terrorism and talks about how Ukraine has killed innocent people, like Darya Dugina in 2022.

    On December 17, Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service reportedly killed Lieutenant General Kirillov, who was in charge of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops. This happened right outside his apartment. Ukraine accused him of supporting the use of banned chemical weapons, something Russia denies.

    A retired U.S. General and former envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, told Fox News that these actions seemed unwise and excessive. Russia has vowed to take revenge for Kirillov’s death.

  • Investment Insights for 2025: Nimesh Chandan’s Top Stock Picks!

    Investment Insights for 2025: Nimesh Chandan’s Top Stock Picks!

    Nimesh Chandan, who manages money for Bajaj Finserv AMC, recently shared his thoughts on investing. He believes that investors should be careful when choosing where to put their money, especially in big projects.

    Chandan is very optimistic about the power infrastructure sector. He sees it as a global trend that has the potential for strong growth in the coming years. He is also optimistic about the pharmaceutical (pharma) sector, online businesses, and real estate.

    Market Mood: Bullish or Bearish?

    Chandan explained that the mood of the stock market can change very quickly. For example, from September to November, we saw a big shift in market behavior. Right now, he feels positive about large companies since they seem safer in terms of value compared to mid and small companies.

    He pointed out that it’s essential for investors to think long-term. With global trends like renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more significant, finding the right investments could be rewarding down the line.

    Expectations for 2025

    Looking ahead to next year, Chandan believes that both the Sensex and Nifty indices could rise, even amid outside issues like global conflicts and slow earnings growth this year. Historically, the Nifty has delivered solid returns for multiple years, so there’s a chance of seeing growth again in 2025.

    Chandan noted that many investors have made changes to their portfolios recently, anticipating an increase in government spending. He expects earnings to improve as the year continues.

    Capex Themes and PSU Stocks

    As the government may increase spending on big projects, Chandan sees a chance for public-sector companies (PSUs) and capex themes to shine again in 2025, but he advises being selective with investments.

    Starting Fresh with Rs 10 Lakh

    For those looking to start investing with Rs 10 lakh, Chandan recommends using a dynamic investment fund or a multi-asset fund. Large-cap funds, which focus on established companies, also present a good option because they balance risk and reward well.

    Chandan’s Favorite Sectors

    Chandan is particularly bullish on the pharma sector, believing it will continue to grow. The same goes for hospitals, diagnostics, and wellness trends. He also feels positive about online businesses, power infrastructure, and real estate.

    Key Risks to Watch Out For

    Chandan warns about potential risks that could disrupt the current market growth. He is concerned about rising prices in the mid and small-cap sectors, which have gained popularity in recent years. If the economy doesn’t grow as expected, it could be challenging for these smaller companies.

    Additionally, changes in the value of the Indian Rupee (INR) due to global events could also affect the Indian stock market.

  • Slight Gains in Market: Key Stocks and Investor Insights

    Slight Gains in Market: Key Stocks and Investor Insights

    This week, the stock market ended almost the same as it started, with a slight positive vibe. The banking and pharmaceutical sectors did really well and helped balance out losses in the tech sector.

    Only 13 small companies saw their stock prices jump by 10% or more this week, and three of them went up by over 20%. The biggest winner was Intellect Design Arena, which gained nearly 25%. Amber Enterprises followed with a 22% rise, while Greaves Cotton and Aarti Pharmalabs saw increases of 21% and 19%, respectively. About 10 other companies, like PTC Industries and Devyani International, also provided returns between 10% and 20%.

    In the midcap category, Adani Wilmar was the only one to have a large gain, at 13%. Among the big companies in the Sensex group, Mahindra and Mahindra led with a 5% gain, followed by Adani Ports at 4% and Tata Motors at 3.7%.

    Overall, the mid and small-cap indices stayed flat. Investors are worried about foreign investment outflows and the rupee losing value, as well as concerns about tariffs and fewer hopes for interest rate cuts in 2025.

    What should you do now? Analysts believe that uncertainty around the economy and high stock prices may affect the market soon, especially in growing economies. Although foreign investment outflows are happening because of a stronger US dollar and rising US bond yields, the slowing rate of these outflows is a bit comforting. Looking forward, market reactions to earnings reports in the third quarter will be key, and investors may adjust their portfolios based on what they expect from the budget. Important upcoming data points, like PMI figures and US jobless claims, will also shape how investors feel, says Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

    From a technical point of view, analysts say the Nifty index is showing a sideways movement with a slight upward trend. If it breaks above 24,000, we could see a quick rise to 24,500. Until that happens, it’s wise to “buy on dips,” according to Dhupesh Dhameja from SAMCO Securities.

    Disclaimer: Recommendations or opinions in this article are solely those of the experts and do not represent the views of NiftyStat.

  • Join the NYT Connections Challenge: Daily Word Game Tips!

    Join the NYT Connections Challenge: Daily Word Game Tips!

    Are you ready for a cool word game? NYT Connections is a daily puzzle where you group 16 words into sets of four. Each word connects in some way. This game is easy to play and perfect for anyone who loves words! It’s made by Wyna Liu and has become popular all over the world. You can enjoy it on different devices and even share your results with friends!

    How to Play NYT Connections:
    Your goal is to find four groups of words that are related to each other. These words might fit categories like literature, geography, and technology. Sometimes, the answers seem obvious, but watch out—there might be tricky options! Use your brainpower to spot patterns and think critically as you play.

    Hints for December 28:
    – Yellow: Something easy
    – Green: Items from Greek stories
    – Blue: Things to kick
    – Purple: Words that say ‘belonging to me’

    Categories for December 28:
    1. “NOTHING TO IT!”: EASY, NO SWEAT, PIECE OF CAKE, SURE THING
    2. OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH: AEGIS, APPLE OF DISCORD, GOLDEN FLEECE, PANDORA’S BOX
    3. PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK: CAN, HABIT, HORNETS’ NEST, TIRES
    4. STARTING WITH POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS: HERSHEY, HISTAMINE, ITSY, MINEFIELD

    Have fun and enjoy solving today’s puzzle! If you ever get stuck, you can come back here for help.

  • 83-Year-Old Surya Narayan: Bengaluru’s Selfless Street Cleaner

    83-Year-Old Surya Narayan: Bengaluru’s Selfless Street Cleaner

    In a bustling neighborhood in Bengaluru called HSR Layout, there lives an 83-year-old man named Surya Narayan. Instead of resting like most elderly people, he has taken on a surprising role as a local hero. For a long time, he and his wife have lived in this area, but the city’s waste management services, known as BBMP, have not been doing their job well.

    Seeing the dirty streets, Narayan decided to act. He started cleaning the roads and picking up trash himself, making sure his neighborhood stayed clean and tidy. Narayan works hard every day, sweeping the streets and clearing out clogged drains, especially since the rainy season makes it worse. When asked why he does it, he explained, “BBMP hardly comes here to clean.”

    What makes Narayan special isn’t just his cleaning; he also collects fallen leaves and turns them into compost for his small garden. This shows how much he cares about the environment!

    His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Many people in Bengaluru admire him. One neighbor shared, “I see him when I run in the mornings, and he always smiles at me.” However, people are also frustrated with BBMP’s lack of action, feeling it’s unfair for an elderly man to do their job. One commenter said, “It’s not his job to clean the streets!” Others suggested that fines from traffic violations should help pay for street cleaning.

    Despite these complaints, Narayan continues his work, and many hope the city officials will recognize his dedication.

  • Nikki Haley’s Take on H1B Visas and Investing in American Workers

    Nikki Haley’s Take on H1B Visas and Investing in American Workers

    Nikki Haley, the former Governor of South Carolina, is speaking out about H1B visas in the United States. This discussion comes as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican leader, talk about expanding the visa program that allows skilled workers from other countries to work in the U.S. Haley pointed out that during her time as Governor, South Carolina’s unemployment rate fell from 11% to 4% because the state invited foreign companies to invest here instead of just bringing in foreign workers. She believes that South Carolina residents were trained for the new jobs that these companies created, helping people to build planes and cars.

    Haley stressed the need to support American workers. She said, “If the tech industry needs more workers, we should invest in our education system and in our American workforce. We must prioritize Americans before looking abroad.”

    According to CNN, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s social media posts about expanding the H1B visa program have sparked a debate among Trump supporters about how to handle immigration in the new administration. This discussion started after Trump announced Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence. Krishnan faced criticism for suggesting changes to immigration policies, including getting rid of caps on green cards for specific countries. Currently, Indian workers make up 72% of H-1B recipients, and by law, only 7% of green cards can go to applicants from one country each year.

    Despite the pushback, some Trump supporters in the tech industry are backing the idea of bringing in more skilled foreign workers. David Sacks, a Trump ally, defended Krishnan’s position, explaining that he wants to eliminate the per-country caps on green cards while still keeping some limits in place.

    As immigration becomes a hot topic in the 2024 U.S. Presidential elections, Trump promises to tackle illegal immigration but also faces questions about legal immigrants, revealing deeper issues surrounding immigration views in America.

  • Teenagers Tragically Killed in Scooter Crash on Devanahalli-Kolar Highway

    Teenagers Tragically Killed in Scooter Crash on Devanahalli-Kolar Highway

    Two teenagers lost their lives in a heartbreaking road accident on the Devanahalli-Kolar highway in Bengaluru Rural on Friday morning. The boys, named Arbaz Pasha (18) and N Manoj (16), were riding a scooter when they crashed into a canter truck.

    Pasha, who had just turned 18, borrowed a Honda Dio scooter from his neighbor in Rahmat Nagar, Vijayapura. He brought along his friend Manoj from Gurappana Mutt for a joyride. Around 11 am, Pasha started doing stunts on the scooter, trying to ride on one wheel near the town’s bypass in Doddaballapur.

    Sadly, the fun turned to tragedy when a truck showed up in front of them. Pasha lost control of the scooter and hit the truck head-on. The crash was so powerful that the scooter broke into two pieces, and both boys were thrown about 30 meters away from the accident site. Pasha died on the spot, while Manoj was taken to a private hospital but sadly passed away from his injuries before getting treated.

    Police shared that neither of the boys was wearing helmets during the ride. CCTV footage from nearby shops captured the awful moment of the crash. So far, investigators believe the boys’ reckless riding was a cause of the accident, although they are also looking into what the truck driver was doing. The Vijayapura police have filed charges against Pasha for dangerous driving, and investigations are still ongoing.

  • PayU’s Leadership Changes: Vijay Agicha Resigns, New Growth Plans Ahead

    PayU’s Leadership Changes: Vijay Agicha Resigns, New Growth Plans Ahead

    Vijay Agicha, who was the Chief Investment and Transformation Officer at PayU, has stepped down from his job. People familiar with the situation say he might start working with an investment company to focus on fintech. His resignation comes shortly after Suresh Rajagopalan, the former CEO of Wibmo, another company owned by PayU, also left.

    PayU has seen many leadership changes since it sold its global business to Rapyd, a fintech company from Israel, in August 2023. In September 2023, Laurent Le Moal, who was the global CEO of PayU since 2016, decided to step back from day-to-day operations but will continue as an advisor for both PayU and its owner, Prosus. Anirban Mukherjee took over as CEO in October 2023. During this time, Akash Moondhra, who was the Chief Financial Officer, and Prashanth Ranganathan, the CEO of PayU Finance, also left the company.

    In addition, Bob van Dijk, the CEO of Prosus and Naspers, resigned unexpectedly in September 2023 after being with the company for ten years, and Fabricio Bloisi became his replacement in March 2024.

    Vijay Agicha also serves on the boards of several companies, like BriskPe, DotPe, and Fisdom. Recently, BriskPe secured $5 million in funding from PayU. In India, PayU is working hard to grow its consumer services through the LazyPay mobile app. Although merchant payments are important, the company wants to use LazyPay to create a complete consumer payment and credit service, as mentioned by Mukherjee in a conversation.

    Originally, PayU started as a platform for online merchant payments, but it has now become a full-service fintech provider in India. Their growth strategy has included buying Paysense in 2020, launching LazyPay, and developing fintech solutions through Wibmo, which was acquired in 2019. The key services, LazyPay and Wibmo, continue to operate separately.

    In November, Ervin Tu, president and chief investment officer of Prosus, shared that they plan to list PayU on the Indian stock exchanges in 2025. PayU reported a revenue growth of 11% in India, reaching $444 million in the fiscal year 2024, up from $399 million the year before. On April 24, PayU got permission from the Reserve Bank of India to work as a payment aggregator, allowing them to bring on new merchants