

Get ready to save big this holiday season as Black Friday, the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas shopping season, is just around the corner. Originating in the United States during the late 1960s, this day has evolved into a global phenomenon, with retailers worldwide offering massive discounts and special deals. Despite its humble beginnings, Black Friday is now a shopping tradition celebrated by millions, with e-commerce platforms playing a crucial role in its popularity. Find out more about the history, significance, and global impact of this highly anticipated shopping extravaganza.
Black Friday, the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season, is a day marked by massive discounts and special deals offered by retailers around the world. Originating in the United States during the late 1960s, this day has evolved into a global phenomenon, with e-commerce platforms playing a crucial role in its popularity.
History and Significance:
The term "Black Friday" originated in the early 20th century, referring to the day after Thanksgiving when shops would offer discounts to get rid of excess stock. However, it gained widespread popularity in the 1960s when Philadelphia police officers coined the term to describe the heavy traffic and crowds on the day after Thanksgiving.
Over the years, Black Friday has become synonymous with post-Thanksgiving sales, attracting millions of shoppers eager to secure the best deals on everything from electronics and clothing to home appliances and toys. This day is not only a major shopping event but also a cultural phenomenon that brings people together to kick off the holiday season.
Global Impact:
Black Friday is no longer limited to the United States. It has become a global shopping tradition, celebrated in over 20 countries worldwide. Retailers in Europe, Asia, and Australia offer significant discounts and promotions on this day, attracting shoppers from all over the world.
E-commerce has played a pivotal role in the globalization of Black Friday. Online retailers offer exclusive deals and discounts, making it convenient for shoppers to participate from the comfort of their homes. This has led to a surge in online spending, with Black Friday becoming one of the busiest online shopping days of the year.
Top 5 FAQs:
Black Friday is the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season, characterized by massive discounts and special deals offered by retailers worldwide.
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, it is on November 25, 2023.
Retailers offer a wide range of discounts on everything from electronics and clothing to home appliances and toys. Some of the most popular categories include televisions, smartphones, laptops, and kitchen appliances.
Research different retailers and compare prices before the big day. Sign up for email lists and follow social media for exclusive deals and promotions. Consider using price comparison websites to find the lowest prices.
Be aware of scams and fraudulent activities. Stick to reputable retailers and avoid clicking on suspicious emails or links. Shop early to avoid crowds and secure the best deals. Bring plenty of water and snacks if you plan on shopping in-store for extended periods.

BR and Bar & Bench have joined forces to introduce India's pioneering Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) programme for legal professionals. Renowned economist David Deming highlights the increasing role of AI in routine lawyer tasks, making it essential for lawyers to acquire AI skills for future success. The highly in-demand skills can enhance precision, speed, and strategy for Indian lawyers, with over 25 AI tools at their disposal. With the 3rd batch starting soon, only limited seats are available for this exclusive 3-month programme, including live sessions and access to session recordings. Secure your seat now to stay ahead in the rapidly changing legal world.

Amid struggles in ratings and ad dollars, CBS News' parent corporation, Paramount Global, announced layoffs and programming changes in an effort to cut costs. The changes include the cancellation of two companion programs and the scaling back of a unit focused on race and culture coverage. The company also plans to have weekday producers take over the operations of the Saturday morning broadcast.

In response to the rising demand for air travel, India's aviation regulator DGCA is introducing revised regulations for wet-leasing of aircraft by domestic airlines. The move aims to provide better oversight and facilitate smoother functioning for carriers managing leased fleets. With airlines facing delays in aircraft deliveries due to supply chain challenges, wet-leasing has become a popular option, but the current regulations have limitations. Through consultations with stakeholders, DGCA is making changes to address these limitations and support the growth of the aviation sector.

In 2025, Bonk, Inc. underwent a major transformation, clearing its debt and establishing new, high-margin revenue streams. As a result, the company is projecting 100% year-over-year revenue growth in 2026, with contributions from its digital asset platform, BONK.fun, and profitable beverage division, YerbaƩ. Bonk, Inc. also sees potential for exponential growth due to favorable legislation and a clearer regulatory framework, which could unlock institutional demand and increase transaction velocity in the digital asset sector. These factors, along with the company's planned IPO, make for a bright future for Bonk, Inc.

Silver prices on the MCX have skyrocketed for the third consecutive session, with futures hitting a lifetime high of Rs 1,94,000 per kg. The US Federal Reserve's recent rate cut and strong global cues have contributed to renewed bullishness in the market. In 2025 alone, silver has seen a remarkable increase of 122.07 per cent, indicating a strong rally for the precious metal. As for gold, it has also seen an uptick, rising to Rs 1,30,641 per 10 grams on MCX. Analysts attribute silver's surge to high industrial demand and tightening global supply conditions.

Mutual Funds are a popular form of investment and the Nippon India Large Cap Fund has just crossed the Rs 50,000-crore assets under management (AUM) mark. Despite the recent market rally and festive season, equity mutual funds have seen lower inflows, but large-cap funds have still managed to perform well. With the stability and resilience of large-cap companies and consistent returns over the long term, experts say that large-cap mutual funds are a safe choice for investors looking to grow their wealth. This fund follows the philosophy of investing over indexing, utilizing Nippon's extensive research and diversifying investments across multiple companies and sectors.

India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a 4.5-generation fighter jet designed for the Indian Air Force, is making headlines in the business world with its advanced features and impressive performance. As the smallest and lightest aircraft in its class, the Tejas utilizes composite structures for enhanced manoeuvrability and efficiency. Protocols like an in-flight refuelling probe and an open-architecture mission computer make it a versatile weapon in modern warfare. With its cutting edge technology and proven reliability, Tejas is cementing its position as a game-changing fighter jet in the aerospace industry.

In a move to make borrowing cheaper for Americans, the Federal Reserve cut its influential interest rate by a quarter point, making it the third cut this year. However, this decision comes with the risk of stoking inflation, which has yet to fall to the Fed's preferred levels. Chairman Jerome Powell stated that the decision was made due to a gradually cooling labor market, but emphasized the Fed's obligation to prevent any one-time increase in prices from turning into an ongoing inflation issue.

The Federal Reserve announced its final rate decision of 2020, cutting its key lending rate by 25 basis points in line with market expectations. The US central bank also revealed its latest outlook, indicating one rate cut in each of the upcoming years. The decision was closely watched, as policymakers weigh the need for growth support against the risk of inflation. Despite initial caution, US stocks rose after the Fed's announcement. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that the economy is seeing moderate growth, but inflation remains at elevated levels.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign to help Indians reclaim their unclaimed funds has brought back approximately Rs 2000 crore to its rightful owners, with efforts to reach even remote areas through facilitation camps and web portals. The campaign, launched in October 2025, has revealed that approximately Rs 78,000 crore is lying untouched in bank accounts, Rs 14,000 crore with insurance companies, Rs 3,000 crore in mutual funds, and Rs 9,000 crore in unclaimed dividends. PM Modi appeals to the public to check the portals for any unclaimed funds, which could bring significant changes to countless lives in the country.