What does Samay Raina has to say about the controversy?
and Uber's smart move
Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the week, and while some are busy dodging deadlines, Samay Raina is dodging controversy - sort of.
Meanwhile, UPSC hopefuls get an extra shot at the prelims, Pokémon Go might be going Saudi, and Uber is rewriting the auto-rickshaw game in India.
So, let’s dive into the top headlines!
📌 Top Headlines of the Day
Samay Raina: ‘Maybe my time is bad now, but remember…’He addressed the Ranveer Allahbadia controversy during his latest live show at the Myer Horowitz Theater in Edmonton, Canada. A fan, Shubham Dutta, shared an emotional Facebook post titled “The Show Must Go On…”, detailing his experience at the event.
Dutta described how Raina stepped onto the stage wearing a dust-covered black hoodie, with dark circles under his eyes and an exhausted face, before opening with the sarcastic remark: “Thanks for paying my lawyer’s fees.”
During the performance, a heckler attempted to provoke him, to which Raina responded in his signature style: “There will be many moments where I could say something funny, but remember BeerBiceps during those times.”
Dutta recalled that for two straight hours, the audience couldn't stop laughing, despite Raina's personal struggles.
UPSC further extends last date to apply for CSE prelimsYou can now apply for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 to February 21 (6 PM), marking the second extension from the original deadline of February 11.
A correction window will be open from February 22 to 28. The exam, scheduled for May 25, will fill approximately 979 vacancies, including 38 for persons with benchmark disabilities.
The extension follows technical glitches in the online application process. Candidates can apply at upsconline.gov.in.
‘Pokémon Go’ maker nears $3.5 billion dealNiantic Inc., the creator of Pokémon Go, is in talks to sell its video game business to Saudi-owned Scopely Inc. for around $3.5 billion.
The deal, which may include Pokémon Go and other titles, could be announced in weeks but isn’t guaranteed.
Niantic struggled to replicate its 2016 success, cutting staff and canceling games. Scopely, owned by Savvy Games Group, is expanding its mobile gaming portfolio.
Niantic previously partnered with Savvy to expand in the Middle East, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify through gaming investments.
📌 Startup News
Bira's name change costed it Rs 80 croreB9 Beverages Ltd., maker of Bira 91, lost ₹80 crore in product write-offs after a name change disrupted operations for months.
Dropping "Private" to prepare for a 2026 IPO led to compliance delays, halting sales and causing a 22% revenue drop in FY24.
Founder Ankur Jain said, “We had to re-register labels and re-apply across states, resulting in literally no sales for several months.”
Despite a ₹748 crore net loss, Bira expects a rebound, aiming for profitability next quarter. Meanwhile, competition from United Breweries and Carlsberg intensifies in India’s growing craft beer market.
Uber introduces a zero-commission model for auto drivers in IndiaUber has introduced a subscription-based model for auto drivers in India, eliminating commission fees and letting drivers keep the full fare.
Under this system, Uber acts solely as a tech platform, with drivers and riders negotiating fares independently.
Inspired by competitors like Rapido and Namma Yatri, this move aims to reduce driver dissatisfaction and improve service reliability.
By removing commissions, Uber hopes to attract more drivers, decrease cancellations, and enhance the overall ride-hailing experience.
📌 Global News
US wants India's help in Adani bribery caseThe US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sought India’s assistance in its probe against billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani over allegations of paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials from 2020 to 2024 to secure solar-energy contracts.
The SEC alleges that Adani Green Energy misled investors by hiding these bribery claims while raising $2 billion.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has also launched a criminal investigation.
The Adani Group has denied all allegations, calling them "baseless" and reaffirming its commitment to compliance.
LIC takes a massive ₹84,000 crore hit in portfolio wipeoutThe ongoing market correction has hit LIC hard, with its stock holdings losing ₹84,247 crore (5.7%) in value over 1.5 months, dropping to ₹13.87 trillion as of Feb 18, 2025.
The biggest losses came from ITC, L&T, and SBI, accounting for 29% of the total dip.
Financials, IT, and infrastructure sectors saw significant declines, while stocks like Bajaj Finance and Reliance Industries gained value.
Analysts expect continued volatility, with India's valuation under pressure amid weak earnings and FIIs shifting focus to US assets.
📌 Now, Bolly News
‘Pushpa 2’ final box office collection Pushpa 2: The Rule has officially grossed ₹1,871 crore worldwide since its release on December 5.
The Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna starrer set records with a ₹294 crore opening day, crossing ₹500 crore in three days and ₹1,000 crore in six.
Declared an industry hit, the Sukumar-directed film was produced by Mythri Movie Makers with music by Devi Sri Prasad.
While still running in select cinemas, it is now also available for streaming on Netflix.
Chhava box office collection Day 4Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's historical action film has crossed ₹165 crore in five days but is witnessing a slowdown.
After opening at ₹31 crore, it peaked at ₹48.5 crore on day 3 but dropped to ₹24.50 crore on day 5.
The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, features Akshaye Khanna and Diana Penty and is based on the life of Maratha king Sambhaji.
Despite praise, reviews highlight issues like excessive dramatization.
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
