Namaste! Aaj ka news roundup, Newswala style!

MARKETS

Markets: The Sensex soared 1,078 points, while the Nifty jumped 308 points to close at 22,658, marking a strong market rally. Banking stocks led the charge, shining brightly amid the upbeat trading session.

TOP STORIES

Turning Fans into Fortune 💰

What Happened

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) is shifting gears by transforming its iconic shows — like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Dance India Dance, and Zee Cine Awards — into money-making machines. 

They want to create a ₹200–250 crore revenue stream next fiscal by monetizing live events, digital amplification, and fan engagement.

Zee’s Chief Growth Officer, Ashish Sehgal, revealed that these shows are no longer just TV programs; they are now 360-degree platforms blending television, on-ground events, and digital experiences.

Why It Matters

In a world where brands crave more than just TV ads, Zee is offering the full package — visibility on stage, online buzz, and up-close fan interactions. 

With 40–50 ground events annually, Zee is positioning itself as a go-to for brands seeking experiential marketing. These properties are being compared to IPL-level brand association — pretty bold, right?

A Bold Move

Interestingly, Zee’s fan-first strategy is turning heads. The Zee Cine Awards, now in its 23rd year, is being revamped as “Fantertainment” with audience interaction and even a heart-shaped trophy. 

Zee also plans to expand its regional award shows, like Zee Gaurav Puraskar, into South Indian markets.

PAISON KA KHEL

Goli Soda is Popping on World Shelves 🥤

Remember the good old Goli Pop Soda with its iconic glass-ball lid? Well, it’s no longer just a nostalgic Indian memory — it’s now fizzing up international shelves! 

Thanks to APEDA’s support, Goli Pop has landed in the USA, UK, Europe, and Gulf countries.

A strategic tie-up with Fair Exports India has stocked thousands of bottles in Lulu Hypermarket, one of the Gulf’s biggest retail chains.

🏦 SEBI Doubles FPI Disclosure Limit   

The capital market regulator SEBI has doubled the FPI disclosure threshold from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore.

So, if you’re an FPI with equity assets under management (AUM) over ₹50,000 crore, congratulations — you now need to reveal your stakeholders’ details on a full look-through basis.

Why the change? Trading volumes have doubled since FY 2022-23, making the old limit look like yesterday’s news.

GROWTH GULLY

💰 Life-Changing Bet: Vijay Kedia’s 16,400x investing success in one stock

🧠 Likability Check: Psychological signs you’re becoming less likable

🏋️‍♂️ Strength Legend: Charles Poliquin’s 10 weightlifting secrets for peak performance

🥛 Milk King: From humble milkman to selling 36 lakhs litres daily

🚀 Career Hacks: 5 hidden paths that actually work!

TOP STORIES

Is Vodafone Idea Finally Out of the ICU 🩸

What Happened?

The Indian government is planning to waive Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) for airwaves bought before September 2021. 

This means telecom giants like Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance Jio could save thousands of crores — a much-needed boost as they push to expand their 5G services.

Why It Matters

For telecom companies, SUC is like that unwanted service charge on your restaurant bill — annoying and expensive. 

They currently pay 3-4% of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) as SUC, along with an 8% license fee. By waiving this charge for older spectrum, the government is giving these companies a much-needed breather.

Picture Abhi Baki Hai

With Starlink (Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture) gearing up to enter the market, competition is heating up faster than a Delhi summer afternoon. 

However, unlike local telecom giants, Starlink won’t get a free pass. It will still have to pay SUC since its spectrum comes directly from the government. 

Looks like Musk isn’t getting a “free ka wifi” deal here.

GLOBAL NAZARA

China’s Trick to Bypass U.S. Tariffs 🇺🇲

Chinese exporters have found a clever way to sidestep U.S. tariffs by routing goods through Mexico and Canada.

By taking advantage of the U.S. de minimis rule, which allows duty-free imports for packages valued under $800, Chinese sellers ship products in bulk to warehouses in these neighboring countries. 

There, items are repackaged into smaller parcels and sent across the U.S. border, each slipping under the tariff radar.

This tactic not only avoids hefty duties but also speeds up delivery times to 3-7 days, compared to the 10-30 days direct-from-China route.  

Casinos to Go Legal? ♠️

Thailand is rolling the dice on casinos — legally this time. With 80% of public hearing participants on board, the government plans to legalise casinos within large entertainment complexes.

A 30-year casino licence will cost a hefty 5 billion baht ($144M), plus 1 billion baht annually. 

The $263B global gaming industry has heavyweights like Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. eyeing Thailand amid Macau’s uncertainties.

TOP STORIES

Google Tax Gets the Axe 🪓

What Happened

The Indian government has proposed an amendment to the Finance Bill 2025, aiming to scrap the 6% equalisation levy on online advertising services, commonly known as the “Google Tax.” 

This levy was introduced in 2016 to ensure foreign digital service providers paid taxes on revenue generated from Indian users. 

Over time, it expanded to cover e-commerce transactions. The latest proposal seeks to eliminate the tax starting April 1, 2025, if Parliament gives the green light.

Why It Matters

Removing the 6% levy could significantly lower costs for companies buying digital ad space, particularly benefiting tech giants like Google and Meta.

The U.S. has long criticized this tax as discriminatory against American companies, pressing India for a complete rollback.

Interestingly, India had already scrapped the 2% equalisation levy on e-commerce services in August 2024. 

The Expert Opinion

Experts believe this latest move indicates a shift toward a more cooperative stance with global trade partners, particularly the U.S.

By reducing digital taxation, India might ease trade tensions while also lowering the digital ad costs that often trickle down to consumers.

While this decision could smoothen trade relations, it also raises questions about how India will compensate for the lost revenue

MIRCH MASALA

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💸Cash Scandal: Burnt notes found near Justice Varma’s home

🫧 Foam Frenzy: ‘Surf Excel spill?’ Bengaluru’s snowy streets baffle netizens

🏡 Solo Survivor: 9-year-old lived alone for 2 years after mom left

🏏 Batting First?: Rishabh Pant’s fun toss banter with Axar Patel