India's fintech sector raised a total of $2.4 billion in 2025, marking a 2 per cent increase from $2.3 billion in 2024, and ranked third globally behind the US and the UK, a report said on Friday.

The report from market intelligence platform Tracxn said that early‑stage funding showed a huge surge to $1.2 billion in 2025, up 78 per cent from $667 million in 2024 and up 56 per cent from $762 million in 2023.

India ranks fourth globally in public confidence that the country is headed in the right direction, with 81 per cent respondents showing optimism, compared to 48 per cent global average, a report showed on Friday.

With strong awareness, understanding and interest in responsible business and ESG, India holds organisations to high standards, with 89 per cent respondents ranking it as highly important, versus global average of 80 per cent, according to the fifth annual global study by SEC Newgate - the global strategic communications, advocacy and research group.

After "Maharaj" and "Loveyapa", Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan will be seen romancing Southern beauty Sai Pallavi in the forthcoming romantic entertainer "Ek Din".

Adding to the excitement for the project, the makers have unveiled the gripping teaser of the drama on social media, with the caption, "Some stories don’t need time (red heart emoji) Watch EK DIN only in theatres, 1st May 2026. (sic)".

The teaser of "Ek Din" opens with a heartwarming dialogue.

With the arrest of one more person by the security forces, the total number of accused apprehended in connection with the bomb explosion at a petrol pump in Manipur’s Bishnupur district has risen to two, officials said on Friday.

A police official said that security forces arrested Pukhrambam Bimol Meitei alias Inaobi (41) from the Lamphel Sana Keithel area under Imphal West district.

Pukhrambam Bimol Meitei, a resident of Kakching district, is an accomplice allegedly involved in causing the explosion at a fuel station at Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district on January 8.

A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death on Sindhu Farm Road in the Jaitpur police station area of southeast Delhi, said police on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Krishna Sahu, a resident of Shukra Bazar Road, Hari Nagar Extension.

Officers and staff of Jaitpur Police Station have apprehended two individuals, including one juvenile, in connection with the violent stabbing incident that occurred late on Thursday night (January 15), resulting in the death of one person and injuries to two others.

The World Bank on Friday approved a loan of $286 million for a new programme to enhance access to healthcare for over 90 million people in West Bengal.

The West Bengal Health System Reform Programme Operation will support delivery of personalised healthcare services across the state for people over 30 years through digital tracking measures for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.

Your mouth bacteria can significantly affect your gut health, and predict the risk of chronic liver disease, finds a study.

Each year, more than two million people die from advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD).

A robber was arrested during an encounter with cops in Patna, police said on Friday.

The encounter occurred late Thursday night while attempting to apprehend the accused persons involved in a robbery case.

During the operation, one criminal sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and was arrested.

The makers of director Puri Jagannadh's eagerly awaited upcoming film, featuring actor Vijay Sethupathi in the lead, announced the title of the film as 'Slumdog - 33 Temple Road' on the occasion of the actor's birthday on Friday.

Actress Ishita Dutta has commenced shooting for the much-anticipated film “Drishyam 3.”

Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Ishita posted a picture of the film’s clapboard, followed by another snapshot of herself standing next to her vanity van.

Captioning the post, she wrote: “Do I need to say more…..#Drishyam3.”

Gold and silver prices fell on MCX and global markets on Friday as the US dollar strengthened, following weaker‑than‑expected weekly jobless claims.

Further, a softer tone from US President Donald Trump on Iran reduced safe‑haven demand for the precious metals.

MCX gold February futures dipped 0.26 per cent to Rs 1,42,743 per 10 grams in morning trade, while MCX silver March futures eased 0.94 per cent to Rs 2,88,824 per kg.

The minimum temperature showed improvement across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, attributed to a night of continuous cloud cover. The Meteorological (MeT) office indicated that three consecutive Western Disturbances are expected to bring rain and snow to the union territory.

Sonam Lotus, Director of Ladakh MeT Department, told, “Three Western Disturbances are likely to become active over J&K from January 16 to January 24. The first one is a feeble Western Disturbance and is presently active over J&K and Ladakh. This is likely to bring some rain/snow in the higher reaches, with less chance of rain/snow in the plains."

The central government's fiscal deficit is expected to be set at 4.2 per cent of GDP for FY27 in the upcoming Union Budget (against the target of 4.4 per cent in FY26) — corresponding to moderation in debt to 55.1 per cent of GDP, a Morgan Stanley report said on Friday.

The pace of consolidation will be consistent with central government debt reduction to 55.1 per cent of GDP from 56.1 per cent in FY26.

One day after flu epidemic measures were introduced in Bulgaria's Varna District for the first time this season, neighbouring Dobrich District decided to follow suit.

The measures in the northeastern Bulgarian region will be in effect from January 19 to January 23, local media reported on Thursday.

During the five-day period, in-person classes in all schools will be suspended. Hospital visits, planned surgeries, child immunisations, and pediatric consultations will also be halted.

The Indian benchmark indices traded with gains on Friday, buoyed by crude oil prices falling overnight and indication of the European Union (EU) and India signing a free trade agreement (FTA) later this month.

As of 9.25 am, Sensex added 239 points, or 0.29 per cent to reach 83,622 and Nifty advanced 50 points, or 0.2 per cent to 25,715.

Main broad cap indices performed in line with benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 adding 0.35 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 adding 0.11 per cent.

The air quality deteriorated sharply on Friday morning in Delhi-NCR, with several areas recording Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the “very poor” category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The worsening pollution coincided with cold wave conditions and dense fog across the city, adding to health and travel concerns.