Top 10 News Stories of December 18, 2024 {update}

2. Amit Shah’s Ambedkar Remarks Spark Parliament Debate

Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stirred heated debates in Parliament today. Opposition parties, including Congress, criticized his comments, calling them disrespectful. The Lok Sabha session was adjourned until 2 PM as tensions rose. Shah’s comment referred to Ambedkar’s “fashion” of thinking, which didn’t sit well with many leaders.

3. Donald Trump Threatens Reciprocal Tax on India

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized India’s trade tariffs during a public event. He remarked, “If India charges us 100%, we will charge them back.” This statement has reignited debates over trade relations between the two nations. Trump has often called out India for its high tariffs on American products.

4. Stock Market Crash: Sensex Plunges Over 1,000 Points

The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp fall today as the BSE Sensex dropped by 1,064 points, while the Nifty50 slipped below 24,350. Experts cited global economic uncertainties, weak investor sentiment, and fears of U.S. interest rate hikes as the reasons. Investors are advised to remain cautious amid volatility.

5. Mahira Khan Speaks Out About Viral Ranbir Kapoor Photos

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan opened up about the tough phase in her career after her viral pictures with Ranbir Kapoor caused controversy. Speaking in a recent interview, she shared how the backlash affected her emotionally. She revealed she cried daily and even feared her career was over.

6. Vishal Mega Mart IPO Surprises with 33% Listing Gain

The much-awaited IPO of Vishal Mega Mart delivered a stellar debut on the stock market today. The shares were listed at a 33% premium, outperforming analysts’ expectations. Experts believe the company’s strong fundamentals and growing market share played a key role in the positive response.

7. Gold and Silver Prices Drop Ahead of Fed Decision

Ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s key interest rate decision, gold and silver prices in India saw a decline. The rates for 10 grams of gold dropped marginally, while silver prices also slipped. Investors remain focused on the Fed’s stance, which could impact the bullion market in the coming days.

8. Maratha Quota Row: Activist Announces Hunger Strike

Maratha activist Manoj Jarange has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting January 25, demanding a resolution to the Maratha reservation issue. The protest comes after weeks of political discussions failed to deliver a concrete solution. The movement continues to gain traction in Maharashtra.

9. NASA Extends Astronauts’ Stay on ISS

NASA has announced an extended stay for astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts were initially scheduled to return earlier but will now stay longer due to technical challenges. The agency reassured the public about the crew’s safety and the ISS’s operational stability.

10. EPFO Updates High Pension Contribution Applications

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has received over 1.7 million applications for higher EPS contributions under the revised pension scheme. This update comes after recent amendments aimed at improving retirement benefits for employees. The EPFO is working on clearing the backlog and ensuring a smooth process for applicants.

From sports legends stepping down to market crashes and global political tensions, today’s news reflects the diverse happenings shaping our world. Keep following moneyphobia for updates on such stories and more.

Pro Tip for Readers:
Stay informed about the economy and markets to make smart financial decisions. Check out moneyphobia for tips on managing investments and understanding financial trends!