US stock market today: US equities showed little movement Wednesday morning as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement. S&P 500 edged down 0.1% but stayed close to its record levels, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained unchanged and the Nasdaq fell 0.3%. Treasury yields also showed little change as traders prepared for the Fed’s decision, reported AP.Before the market opened, S&P 500 and Dow futures dipped slightly, under 0.1%, while Nasdaq futures decreased by a similar margin. Market participants widely expect the Fed to reduce its main interest rate for the third time this year in a bid to support employment. Attention is also focused on signals about rate moves in 2026, with many anticipating a more cautious approach to future cuts.Several companies experienced notable premarket activity. Cracker Barrel dropped 8% after reporting a 4.7% decline in same-store sales for the first quarter and lowering full-year revenue guidance following an unsuccessful effort to update its branding and restaurants.PepsiCo climbed 1.4% after unveiling plans to reduce prices and remove almost 20% of its product lineup under an agreement with an activist investor. The company intends to redirect the savings toward marketing and enhancing value for consumers. GameStop lost nearly 7%, even after surpassing profit expectations, as revenue came in below forecasts, reported AP.Oracle, a major player in the AI industry, is scheduled to release its quarterly results after trading hours. Despite shares rising more than 30% this year, they have fallen by a similar magnitude since early September amid concerns over cash flow from its AI investments.Global markets displayed mixed results. In Europe, the CAC 40 in France fell 0.4%, Germany’s DAX declined 0.5%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 gained 0.3%. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 decreased 0.1% to 50,602.80, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.1% to 8,579.40, and South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.2% to 4,135.00. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.4% to 25,540.78, Shanghai’s Composite slipped 0.2% to 3,900.50, and Taiwan’s Taiex surged 0.8%.In commodities, US crude oil fell 30 cents to $58.55 a barrel, while Brent crude declined 26 cents to $62.20 a barrel. Silver reached a new high, trading above $60 per ounce.Investors are now closely monitoring the Fed’s announcement, weighing the potential benefits of lower interest rates against the risk of higher inflation, which continues to exceed the central bank’s 2% target.

Microsoft will invest $17.5 billion in India. Chief executive Satya Nadella said in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The investment comes as software giant races to build infrastructure in one the world’s fastest growing digital markets. Microsoft CEO called it the company’s largest investment in Asia. “Today we are announcing our largest investment in Asia — $17.5 billion over four years (CY 2026 to 2029) — to advance the country’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, skilling and ongoing operations. This investment builds on the US$3 billion investment announced earlier this year, which we are on track to spend by the end of CY2026,” Microsoft said in a statement.Also read | ‘When it comes to AI …’: PM Modi hails Microsoft’s $17.5 bn investment; claims ‘youth will harness this opportunity’

Microsoft CEO meets PM Modi

Microsoft’s announcement follows Satya Nadella’s meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the company’s India AI tour. In their meeting, both leaders are said to have discussed the country’s AI roadmap and growth priorities. Microsoft said that the company’s investment in India focuses on three pillars — scale, skills and sovereignty — aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a comprehensive ecosystem that drives AI innovation and access at a national scale.

“Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on India’s AI opportunity. To support the country’s ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5B—our largest investment ever in Asia—to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India’s AI first future. @PMOIndia,” Satya Nadella wrote.Responding to Nadella, PM Modi wrote, “When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India! Had a very productive discussion with Mr. Satya Nadella. Happy to see India being the place where Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in Asia. The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate and leverage the power of AI for a better planet.”This is Microsoft CEO’s second visit to India this year. Speaking on Microsoft investment, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, said, “As AI reshapes the digital economy, India remains committed to innovation anchored in trust and sovereignty. Microsoft’s landmark investment signals India’s rise as a reliable technology partner for the world. This partnership will set new benchmarks and drive the country’s leap from digital public infrastructure to AI public infrastructure.”Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia, said, “Microsoft has been part of India’s fabric for more than three decades. As the nation moves confidently into its AI-first future, we are proud to stand as a trusted partner in advancing the infrastructure, innovation and opportunity that can power a billion dreams. Building on the $3 billion investment announced in January 2025, our new $17.5 billion commitment and deep partnership across India’s technology ecosystem are focused on turning India’s AI ambition into impact for every citizen..”

Microsoft: Will have the largest hyperscale presence in India

Microsoft announced that the company’s new investment will be used to continue to scale its cloud and AI infrastructure, skilling initiatives and ongoing operations across India. This includes company’s workforce of more than 22,000 employees across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurugram, Noida and other cities.Software giant shared its plans to have the largest hyperscale presence in India with its new datacenter going live mid-2026. “This will be our largest hyperscale region in India, comprising three availability zones — roughly equivalent in size to two Eden Gardens stadiums combined,” it said in a statement.Earlier this year, during his visit to India, Nadella had announced plans to invest $3 billion in India on AI and cloud infrastructure over the next two years.

Nagpur: Amid allegations of mismanagement and corruption by the opposition in the Ladki Bahin scheme, deputy CM Eknath Shinde asserted in the assembly on Wednesday a decision would be taken at the right time to increase payout under the Ladki Bahin Yojana to Rs 2,100 per month. So far, 2.5 crore women have completed eKYC for the scheme. The deadline is Dec 31. The work of recovering money from those who are taking advantage of the scheme despite being ineligible will be completed within two months, and action will be taken against them, women and child welfare minister Aditi Tatkare clarified in the Legislative Assembly. The opposition walked out demanding a white paper on the scheme, alleging corruption of Rs 5,136 crore in this scheme, and men, govt employees, and others had taken advantage of it. Tatkare clarified out of the list of 26 lakh beneficiaries provided by the IT department, 22 lakh are eligible, and 4 lakh will be re-verified.Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs Sunil Prabhu and Manoj Jamsutkar had moved a calling attention motion alleging ineligible beneficiaries and large-scale corruption. Tatkare said 2.63 crore applications were received, out of which, 2.43 crore were accepted. “The list of beneficiaries who benefited under schemes of other departments was sought. Eight thousand govt employees and semi-govt employees have taken advantage of the scheme and are not eligible as per rules. Work is underway to recover money from ineligible beneficiaries for 5-6 months,” Tatkare said.NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil asked whether cases would be filed against those who availed of benefits despite being ineligible. “After launching the Ladki Bahin Yojana, the target was set to register more and more beneficiaries. Therefore, against whom will cases be filed now?” Congress MLA Nana Patole asked. Shinde clarified the govt would take a decision at the right time on raising the payout to Rs 2,100 per month, and this scheme will never be shut down.

The 2nd T20I between India and South Africa is set to take place at the brand new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Following a decisive victory in the series opener, India carry a 1-0 lead and strong momentum into this crucial encounter. Their team is balanced and boasts several players in excellent form, spearheaded by their returning all-rounder. South Africa, on the other hand, will be under pressure to execute their plans better, particularly with the bat, and force a series-leveling win to keep the competition alive.

India: Riding the momentum with commanding win in the opening game

India come into this match with confidence, having secured a clinical all-round victory in the series opener. The returns of key players like Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill have instantly bolstered the squad. Pandya’s sensational return to international cricket, highlighted by a match-winning half-century and his contributions with the ball, gives India immense balance at number five. Gill, who returned to the side following injury, will be under the spotlight to find his rhythm in the shortest format.

South Africa: Searching for a response

The Proteas will be desperate to bounce back and level the series. Their T20 squad, led by Aiden Markram, features a mix of established hitters and young talent. The return of pace ace Anrich Nortje after a long injury lay-off is a huge boost, but they need their batting unit to fire collectively. The combination of Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen offers serious heat, but they must execute their plans better in the powerplay and at the death against a powerful Indian batting lineup.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Hardik Pandya propels India to emphatic win over South Africa in the first T20I

Mullanpur Pitch Report

The surface is expected to be a balanced contest between bat and ball, with a quick outfield favouring stroke play in the powerplay. Spinners are expected to come into play as the match progresses, particularly in the later half of the innings. Overall, the pitch is likely to assist batters more than bowlers.

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium T20I Stats and Records

This match marks the first-ever Men’s International T20 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, the new home ground for Punjab Kings in the IPL. In the 11 IPL matches played here, the team batting first has won 6 times, indicating a slight advantage for setting a target. The average first innings score is around 169.

Also READ: 5 bowlers with 100+ wickets in all formats ft. Jasprit Bumrah

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NEW DLEHI: Home minister Amit Shah’s remarks during the Lok Sabha debate on election reforms sparked strong protests from Congress MPs on Wednesday, after he listed three instances across different eras in which he alleged the party engaged in “vote chori”, naming former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and referring to a case involving Sonia Gandhi over voter registration.Shah countered the Opposition’s accusation of “vote theft” by citing what he described as “three phases” of electoral malpractice linked to the Congress, including a pending case in a Delhi court that, according to him, disputes whether Sonia Gandhi was registered as a voter before acquiring Indian citizenship.“ … when you’re not eligible, still you become a voter. A while back, a case was brought up in a Delhi court where the dispute is that Sonia Gandhi became a voter even before she became a citizen of the country,” the home minister said. “There are three instances of vote-chori, first when Jawaharlal Nehru became PM even after losing the vote to Sardar Patel to choose the country’s first PM … second when Indira Gandhi’s election from Rebareli was set aside in 1975 by Allahabad HC and to cover it up she brought in bill in Parliament to provide immunity to PM’s – that no case can be brought against the PMs … third, when you’re not eligible still you become a voter. A while back, a case was brought up in a Delhi court where the dispute is that Sonia Gandhi became a voter even before she became a citizen of the country,” he said.The opposition benches erupted, prompting Shah to respond, “I have just said what is a fact that there’s a case in court, Sonia ji needs to respond in court why they’re replying here?”Congress MP KC Venugopal raised a point of order, insisting the allegation was baseless. “The case from the 80s that was filed against Ms Sonia Gandhi, the Rouse Avenue court dismissed that case; there is no substance in that case. Ms Gandhi didn’t even vote in that election and I’m challenging HM, Ms Sonia Gandhi didn’t even vote in that election. Can you prove it otherwise? HM is making misleading statements,” he said.Shah clarified that he had drawn no conclusions and merely spoke a fact. “I haven’t said anything like that, I haven’t made any conclusion. The conclusion would come out once she responds to the court order, and then I’ll discuss it again. I only said, a case has been registered in which a notice has been issued to Ms Gandhi. What is there to be so angry about?”The heated exchange marked yet another flashpoint in the ongoing debate on electoral reforms in Parliament.