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WHAT’S BREWING: The Scene
The AI Iceberg & Genesis Mission: The Genesis Mission (AI Manhattan Project) is officially live to outpace China, while MIT’s Project Iceberg dropped a chilling stat: AI can now replace 11.7% of the US workforce.
Farewell to the He-Man: Bollywood mourns its original iron man. Dharmendra passed away at 89, marking the end of an era for Indian cinema.
Udaipur Breaks the Internet: US billionaire Rama Raju Mantena’s daughter’s wedding was a fever dream. Donald Trump Jr., J.Lo (who performed), and Justin Bieber were all spotted at Jagmandir Palace.
Ranveer Pours Shots: Ranveer Singh launched Rangeela, his "unapologetically Indian" vodka. For a fancier pour, Gymkhana Las Vegas finally opens Dec 3rd at the Aria.
350 Years of Light: A massive drone show at Anandpur Sahib honored the 350th Shaheedi Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur, a stunning high-tech tribute to resilience.
Holiday Karma: Gurinder Chadha’s Christmas Karma is out, giving Dickens the Bollywood musical treatment. In New York, the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade dazzled crowds (featuring the debut of the viral "Labubu" character), while a new a two-story carousell officially opened on 34th Street.
Brown Hollywood Thriving: Nora Fatehi crushed her Tonight Show debut, Chamkila missed the Emmy win but made history with the nomination, while Karan Aujla & Nav shut down Rolling Loud India.
Solemn Salutes: We mourn the tragic loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force pilot lost in Dubai, and Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, the National Guard member killed in D.C. Our prayers are with Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition fighting for his life.
MONEY MOVES
Fed Pivot is Back: Following dovish comments from Fed President John Williams this week, markets have repriced the odds of a Dec 2025 rate cut, soaring from ~30% to ~80%. Investors are betting the Fed will cut rates to save the labor market.
Japan’s "Widow-Maker" Trade: Japan’s 30-year bond yield spiked to 3.38%, a two-decade high. This is putting pressure on global bond markets as investors fear a loss of liquidity from Japan.
Crypto Volatility: Bitcoin is trading around $92,000, attempting to recover after a steep correction from its October peak of ~$126,000. The "Trump Trade" is still active, but volatility is high.
The Rupee (INR) Stress: The Rupee is currently hovering near a record low of ~$89.50. It has been battered by the strong dollar, forcing the RBI to intervene to prevent it from crossing the psychological 90 level.
$AEO ( ▲ 0.69% ): The "Martha" Pivot: After the "Great Jeans vs. Great Genes" controversy with Sydney Sweeney earlier this year, AEO has pivoted to a "wholesome nostalgia" campaign featuring Martha Stewart.
$COIN ( ▲ 2.96% ) & $MSTR ( ▲ 0.88% ): The Crypto Proxies: With Bitcoin swinging wildly, these two stocks are acting as "leveraged bets" on crypto.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cricket: T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule Out: India has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia, kicking off their title defense against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.
NFL: The Cowboys stunned the Chiefs 31-28 and the Packers topped the Lions 31-24, while Joe Burrow led the Bengals to a decisive 32-14 win over the Ravens. Weekend Watch: Action continues today with Bears vs. Eagles (3:00 PM EST) followed by key Sunday clashes, Texans vs. Colts and Broncos vs. Commanders.
NBA: Hoops Return: The NBA is back in action after the Thanksgiving break with a massive 10-game slate tonight. Prime Time: Catch the Knicks vs. Bucks (7:30 PM EST) followed by a heavyweight Western Conference clash between the Mavericks and Lakers (10:00 PM EST).
F1 (Post-Vegas Drama): The championship battle has turned chaotic heading into this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix after a shocking "double disqualification" for McLaren in LV due to skid block irregularities. This technical breach erased a 1-2 finish, shrinking Lando Norris's lead to just 24 points and vaulting Max Verstappen back into serious title contention with only two races left.
RAISING ROOTS: The Reverse Migration Dilemma
Are We Actually Moving Back? It’s the conversation dominating dinner parties and WhatsApp groups lately. The 1.5 generation is aging, our parents are getting older, and the pull of the "homeland" is stronger than ever. But there is a new layer: With MIT’s Project Iceberg predicting white-collar displacement, the H1B golden handcuffs are starting to feel a lot less golden. Is moving back to India, Dubai, or Singapore no longer just an emotional decision, but a career survival strategy? We’re diving deep into the reality of the "Reverse Brain Drain." Read more
LIVING WELL: The Diaspora Après-Ski Vibes
The Alps, No Passport Required: Flight prices are wild and the jet lag isn’t the vibe this year. We found the top three domestic "dupes" for a European winter escape. From a literal Bavarian replica in the PNW to the Vermont estate founded by the actual Sound of Music family, here is where to find fondue, fur coats, and cobblestones without the customs line. →See the 3 Local Gems Here
COSMIC CHAI: Weekly Horoscope (Nov 28-Dec 5)
Mood: High Definition. The static of the retrograde clears, and the Full Moon turns the brightness up to 100%. Weekly Wisdom: Clarity is a form of power. Now that the confusion has lifted, you are responsible for what you know. Use the truth to build bridges, not walls. Speak clearly, listen closely, and don't be afraid to change your mind when the facts change. Full Horoscopes
Key Dates:
Nov 29: Mercury Direct. The "Undo" button is gone; we move forward.
Dec 4: Full Moon in Gemini. A crescendo of communication and connection.
EDITOR'S PICK: Project Cardamom
This digital dossier archives 20 distinct culinary "anomalies", fusion dishes that defy traditional borders, born from the history of migration. From the tanneries of 1910s Calcutta to the fields of 1920s California, explore the edible evidence of human resilience.
UPCOMING WEEK
Nov 29: Small Business Saturday
Dec 1: Cyber Monday
Dec 2: Giving Tuesday
Dec 4: Indian Navy Day
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