The Times of India News

David Sacks, Trump's AI and crypto advisor, warns Silicon Valley faces repercussions for its past political funding of left-leaning causes. He argues that years of financial support for progressive initiatives have not shielded the tech industry from rising populist anger, increased regulation, and new tax proposals.

Karoline Leavitt's quiet announcement of her second pregnancy highlights the unusual intersection of political power and motherhood. While pregnancy is common, its open presence in high office remains rare, exposing how political systems often penalize bodies requiring flexibility. This moment underscores the slow adaptation of institutions to realities millions navigate daily.

Barron Trump made a rare public appearance at Mar-a-Lago's Christmas gathering, weeks after reports linked him to figures associated with controversial online personalities. Seen with family, his sighting follows a New York Times expos detailing his reported friendship with an influencer connected to the Tate brothers, who face serious allegations.

Mora Namdar, an Iranian-American lawyer and beauty salon owner, takes on a key role in the Trump administration. She will now lead the Bureau of Consular Affairs, overseeing vital services like visas and passports. Namdar's appointment follows her previous roles within the State Department and the US Agency for Global Media.

A Florida man, fueled by alcohol and an NFL game dispute, fatally shot his wife and critically wounded his teenage stepdaughter before taking his own life. The 12-year-old son escaped to a neighbor's, hearing the gunshots. Authorities found a note from the wife urging him to seek help for substance abuse. The surviving children are safe with grandparents.

Elon Musk criticized Zohran Mamdani's appointment of Lillian Bonsignore as FDNY commissioner, warning of potential public safety risks. Musk argued that proven firefighting experience is crucial for leadership, while supporters highlight Bonsignore's extensive EMS background and managerial expertise. The debate centers on whether direct firefighting experience or broader emergency management is more vital for the role.

Tech mogul Chamath Palihapitiya warns California faces a deepening crisis as major companies depart, costing billions in lost tax revenue. He blames a hostile political climate towards innovation, citing Elon Musk's move to Texas. Palihapitiya argues this exodus weakens the state's job market and tax base, urging reforms to avoid severe financial stress.

Mora Namdar, a Texas-based beauty salon owner and former government official, has been appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. This influential role grants her significant control over US passport issuance and visa approvals. Namdar previously served in a similar capacity and has ties to Project 2025, a conservative policy initiative.

The idea that Coca-Cola invented Santas red suit persists every Christmas, but history tells a different story. Long before 20th-century advertising, writers and artists across Europe and America had already shaped Santa as a rotund, red-clad figure. Coca-Cola didnt create the image; it amplified and standardised an existing tradition.

USAID's mission to make survival routine faced a devastating setback when its global health programs were dismantled. Surgeon Atul Gawande, who championed systems over heroics, witnessed the erosion of vital health infrastructure. This deliberate dismantling, driven by political choice, highlights how progress, built on consistent, unglamorous work, is tragically fragile and easily mistaken for waste.

A casual chat about weight loss between a US envoy and Belarus's leader, Alexander Lukashenko, unexpectedly paved the way for releasing over 120 political prisoners. The personal exchange, involving a prescription drug, helped break the ice for crucial negotiations on sanctions relief and prisoner swaps, ultimately reuniting families and easing US restrictions on key Belarusian exports.

A Hindu factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched in Bangladesh following unverified blasphemy accusations. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer highlighted the incident, warning of spreading Islamist hatred and urging international attention. The killing has reignited concerns for religious minorities in Bangladesh, with critics questioning the current leadership's response to such attacks.

Thousands of Indian truck drivers in California are suing the state after their commercial licenses were slated for cancellation due to federal audit findings on expiry dates. Drivers, many of whom are Punjabi Sikhs, argue the state's errors are punishing them and threatening their livelihoods and families. Advocacy groups warn of increased profiling and wider economic disruption.