Author: Sreelatha M

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Leaders

Jared Isaacman officially named NASA Chief

Billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut Jared Isaacman has officially been confirmed as the new head of NASA, following a 67‑30 vote by the US Senate on December 17, 2025. Isaacman, known for his commercial spaceflights and ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, steps into the role at a time when NASA is planning ambitious missions to the Moon and preparing for eventual human exploration of Mars.

Isaacman’s path to NASA is unusual. Unlike previous administrators, he does not come from a traditional space agency background. He is a self-made tech entrepreneur from Pennsylvania, who founded Shift4 Payments as a teenager. He later became a prominent figure in private space travel, flying to orbit on SpaceX missions including Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital flight, and Polaris Dawn, during which he reportedly conducted the first private citizen spacewalk.

His confirmation follows earlier political twists. Originally nominated by former President Donald Trump in late 2024, Isaacman’s appointment was withdrawn in May 2025 before being renominated and confirmed in November. Some lawmakers raised concerns about his close links to SpaceX, which holds major NASA contracts, but Isaacman committed to managing potential conflicts of interest.

As NASA administrator, Isaacman will oversee roughly 14,000 employees and a multibillion-dollar budget. He inherits both opportunities and challenges, including tight budgets, workforce reductions, and growing global competition in space exploration, particularly from China.

At his confirmation hearing, Isaacman emphasized the importance of returning humans to the Moon through the Artemis program and preparing for future Mars missions. He also stressed the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating space exploration, signaling a new era where commercial and government efforts work closely together.

Isaacman’s leadership brings a fresh, bold perspective to NASA, combining his entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on spaceflight experience. For many, it represents a shift toward a more dynamic, innovation-driven approach at a historic moment in space exploration, where the next giant leap for humanity could happen sooner than ever.

Also Read: India and Oman ink historic CEPA trade deal

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Technology

Meta AI glasses get noise filter, Spotify play

Meta Platforms has released a major update for its AI-powered smart glasses, including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN models. The v21 update is currently available in the US and Canada via Meta’s Early Access Program, with a wider rollout planned. The update brings two main features: Conversation Focus and Spotify integration, aimed at making the glasses more useful for everyday life.

Conversation Focus helps users hear people more clearly in noisy environments. Using the glasses’ built-in speakers and microphones, it isolates the voice of the person in front of the wearer while reducing background noise. Users can adjust the level of focus by swiping the right temple of the glasses or via settings, making it easier to talk in places like restaurants, trains, or crowded streets.

The update also integrates Spotify directly into the glasses. Users can now ask the AI to play music hands-free, and the system can even suggest songs based on what the wearer is looking at. For instance, saying “Hey Meta, play a song to match this view” while looking at a scene can trigger a playlist tailored to that environment, combining visual recognition with music recommendations.

The v21 update also expands voice command support in English and introduces regional language options. In India, Telugu and Kannada are now supported alongside English and Hindi, making the AI glasses more accessible to local users.

With these upgrades, Meta aims to make its smart glasses more practical for daily life, improving conversation clarity, hands-free music control, and personalised experiences. The update shows Meta’s focus on blending technology with real-world usability, making AI-powered glasses not just a gadget but a helpful companion for work, travel, and leisure.

The v21 update marks a step forward in Meta’s vision for smart eyewear, offering a mix of convenience, entertainment, and enhanced interaction in a compact device worn on the face. Users can expect a smoother experience with clearer audio, interactive music, and smarter AI features as Meta continues to refine its wearable technology.

Also Read: India and Oman ink historic CEPA trade deal

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1 Minute-Read

Titagarh Rail bags ₹273 crore rail order

Titagarh Rail Systems has received a ₹273.24-crore order from Indian Railways for the supply of 62 Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs), boosting investor interest in the stock.

The contract covers design, manufacturing, testing, commissioning, training of railway staff, and after-sales support, including maintenance and breakdown services.

Deliveries are scheduled over a 48-month period. The specialised self-propelled vehicles will be used for track inspection and maintenance, helping improve safety and efficiency across the rail network.

This is Titagarh Rail’s first major order in the maintenance and safety equipment segment, marking a strategic expansion beyond its core rolling stock business.

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Beyond

India and Oman ink historic CEPA trade deal

India and Oman have officially strengthened their economic partnership with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 18, 2025, in Muscat, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. This is Oman’s first major free trade deal in nearly two decades and represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The agreement aims to make trade easier and more cost-effective for companies across both nations. By reducing or eliminating customs duties on a wide range of goods, including textiles, automobiles, food products, and jewellery, CEPA is expected to unlock new business opportunities and lower operational costs. This move benefits not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises looking to expand into each other’s markets.

Beyond trade in goods, the pact also promotes investment, collaboration in services, and cooperation in emerging sectors like renewable energy, logistics, and professional services. Experts believe this will encourage long-term projects and partnerships, strengthening the overall business ecosystem between the two countries.

Bilateral trade between India and Oman currently stands at around USD 10–11 billion annually. With the new agreement in place, trade volumes are expected to rise further, creating opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow.

Officials from both countries described CEPA as a historic step in deepening economic ties. A senior Indian trade official said that beyond tariffs, this pact is about building a stronger, more integrated economic relationship that benefits businesses and consumers alike.

The CEPA signals a new era of economic cooperation, providing companies with a framework to explore joint ventures, investments, and new markets. Analysts view it as a strategic move that strengthens India-Oman relations while offering a model for future international trade partnerships.

Also Read: Israel approves record gas export deal with Egypt

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Corporate

Meesho tops India’s 2025 IPO charts with 95% rally

Meesho has delivered one of the most remarkable stock market debuts India has seen this year, quickly emerging as the best-performing large IPO of 2025. Since listing earlier this month, the Bengaluru-based e-commerce company’s shares have surged nearly 95%, reflecting strong investor confidence in its growth story.

Priced at ₹105–₹111 per share, Meesho’s public issue raised around ₹5,400 crore and attracted robust demand across investor categories. The enthusiasm has carried over into the secondary market, with the stock witnessing sustained buying interest in the days following its listing on 10 December.

The sharp rally has translated into significant wealth creation. Meesho’s market capitalisation has climbed close to ₹98,000 crore, adding an estimated ₹47,000 crore in investor value within weeks of listing. This performance places it well ahead of other major IPOs this year, including Groww and LG Electronics India, which have posted comparatively modest gains.

Beyond the numbers, the IPO has also marked a personal milestone for the company’s leadership. Co-founder and chief executive Vidit Aatrey has entered the billionaire ranks, as the value of his stake crossed the $1-billion mark following the surge in the share price. The moment underscores how Meesho’s journey from a startup to a publicly listed company has resonated strongly with the market.

Analysts attribute the stock’s strong run to Meesho’s asset-light marketplace model, expanding user base and growing appeal among value-conscious consumers across India’s smaller cities and towns. Brokerages have highlighted improving margins and scalable operations as key factors supporting long-term growth.

At the same time, market watchers caution that the stock may see bouts of volatility in the near term. A relatively limited free float, due to lock-in restrictions on promoter and early investor holdings, could amplify price movements until more shares become available for trading in 2026.

Even so, Meesho’s post-listing performance has become a bright spot for India’s capital markets, reinforcing investor optimism around digital-first consumer businesses and setting a positive tone for the country’s IPO landscape.

Also Read: Meesho founder Vidit Aatrey joins the billionaire club

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Corporate

Ford cancels $6.5 billion EV battery deal with LG

Ford Motor Company has cancelled a $6.5 billion electric vehicle battery contract with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, just over a year after signing it in October 2024. The deal had covered battery supplies for Ford EVs from 2026 onward.

LG Energy Solution said the cancellation followed Ford’s decision to halt production of certain EV models. Ford cited shifts in government policies and lower-than-expected EV demand as reasons for ending the agreement.

The batteries were to be manufactured at LG’s plant in Poland for use in several Ford electric vehicles, including commercial vans.

Following the news, LG Energy Solution’s shares fell more than 7 percent on the Seoul stock market. Analysts warn that losing this contract may make it difficult for LG to fully utilize its European factory capacity when production was supposed to ramp up in 2027.

Industry observers note that the move reflects a broader reassessment by Ford of its EV strategy, including scaling back some fully electric models in response to slower sales and changing market conditions.

Also Read: Warner Bros rejects Paramount, pushes Netflix merger forward

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Corporate

Hindustan Zinc rises 3%, hits 52-week high

Shares of Hindustan Zinc rose sharply on Wednesday, gaining over 3 percent to touch a new 52-week high. The stock climbed to around Rs 587 on the BSE, driven by a strong rally in silver prices in both domestic and global markets. With this rise, the stock has gained nearly 30 percent in the last one month and has ended higher in six of the last seven trading sessions.

The main reason for the surge in Hindustan Zinc’s share price is the historic jump in silver futures. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures for March delivery crossed Rs 2.05 lakh per kilogram for the first time ever. Other contracts for May and July also touched record highs, crossing Rs 2.08 lakh and Rs 2.12 lakh per kg respectively. In the international market, spot silver prices moved above $66 an ounce, reflecting strong global demand.

Experts say silver prices are rising due to a mix of factors. These include growing industrial demand, increased investor interest in precious metals, and overall strength in commodity markets. Unlike gold, silver is widely used in industries such as electronics, solar energy and electric vehicles, which adds to its demand during periods of economic expansion.

Hindustan Zinc, part of the Vedanta Group, is India’s largest producer of refined silver with 99.9 percent purity. Higher silver prices directly improve the company’s revenue potential and profit outlook, making the stock more attractive to investors. The company is also a leading producer of zinc and lead, which further supports its long-term business prospects.

With silver trading at record levels, Hindustan Zinc is expected to remain in focus, especially if commodity prices stay firm in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Amazon in $10 billion investment talks with OpenAI

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Corporate

Amazon in $10 billion investment talks with OpenAI

Amazon is in early discussions to invest more than $10 billion in OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT. If the deal goes through, OpenAI’s valuation could exceed $500 billion, reflecting the growing competition among tech giants to lead the fast-expanding artificial intelligence sector.

The potential investment would allow OpenAI to use Amazon’s cloud services and AI chips, strengthening its infrastructure for AI development. OpenAI already spends billions on Amazon Web Services (AWS) but also relies on other suppliers such as Nvidia for AI chips.

Despite the investment, Amazon would not gain the right to sell OpenAI’s most advanced AI models through its cloud platform. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, holds exclusive rights to distribute these models via its Azure cloud services, giving it a significant strategic advantage.

Industry analysts say Amazon’s move is part of a broader trend where cloud providers invest directly in AI companies to gain access to cutting-edge technology. Other AI firms, like Anthropic, have also attracted investment from a mix of tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.

OpenAI has recently reshaped its partnership with Microsoft, allowing it to work with multiple infrastructure providers. This flexibility makes it easier for the company to raise funds and expand its AI offerings. Reports suggest OpenAI is preparing for a future initial public offering (IPO), which could value the company at up to $1 trillion.

No formal announcement has been made, and the terms of the investment are still being negotiated. If finalized, this deal would be among the largest in the AI industry, highlighting how cloud and technology companies are positioning themselves to dominate AI development, cloud infrastructure, and chip supply.

It is a known fact that artificial intelligence is reshaping the tech industry’s strategic partnerships and investment flows. Companies are not only competing to develop the most advanced AI but also to control the infrastructure and services that deliver it to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Also Read: World’s smallest robots sense, think and move

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Technology

US Tech Force set to boost AI and digital services

The US government is stepping up its tech game with a bold new initiative called the Tech Force. The program will bring around 1,000 skilled technology professionals into federal agencies for two-year assignments, giving the government a much-needed boost in artificial intelligence (AI), digital services, and software modernization.

Managed by the Office of Personnel Management, Tech Force roles offer competitive salaries ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 a year, along with standard benefits. Officials say the program is designed to be flexible, giving specialists hands-on experience in government while also allowing them to explore opportunities in the private sector after their tenure.

Several leading tech companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google Public Sector, Nvidia, OpenAI, Oracle, and Meta, are partnering in the initiative. They will provide training, mentorship, and temporary placements, helping participants navigate complex government projects while sharing real-world expertise from the private sector.

The initiative is non-partisan and aims to modernize government operations, improve public services, and strengthen the U.S.’s position in global technology and AI. Experts say this approach could transform how federal agencies operate, making them faster, smarter, and more responsive to citizens’ needs.

With the Tech Force, the government hopes to close the gap between private-sector innovation and public-sector execution, giving the country a strong footing in the rapidly evolving world of AI and emerging technologies.

Also Read: CEO Bhavish Aggarwal sells 2.6 crore Ola Electric shares

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Corporate

KSH International IPO subscribed 21% on day 2

KSH International’s initial public offering (IPO) has had a slow start. By the second day, the IPO was subscribed around 21%, indicating cautious investor interest. The grey market premium (GMP), which signals expected listing gains, remains low, suggesting that immediate profits after listing are unlikely.

The company aims to raise about ₹710 crore through the IPO, which includes a fresh issue of ₹420 crore and an offer-for-sale of ₹290 crore. The share price band is set between ₹365 and ₹384 per share. The IPO will remain open until December 18, with allotment expected on December 19. Listing on the BSE and NSE is planned for around December 23.

Despite the slow early response, analysts say KSH International has strong long-term prospects. The company is one of India’s largest manufacturers of magnet winding wires, used in power, automotive, renewable energy, and industrial machinery sectors. These industries are expected to grow steadily, supporting the company’s performance in the coming years.

Brokerages recommend subscribing with a medium- to long-term perspective rather than expecting quick listing gains. KSH International’s presence in key infrastructure and energy sectors provides a stable foundation for future growth.

Early investor response has been modest, but experts see potential in the company’s strong fundamentals. The IPO offers an opportunity for investors seeking steady growth rather than immediate returns.

Overall, while subscription numbers are low, the company’s sector focus and business model make it an attractive option for patient investors. The market will watch closely as the IPO closes and moves toward listing.

Also Read: Vedanta shares jump 4% to ₹405 after NCLT approves demerger