Global Business / The Economic Times
Himachal Pradesh experienced a severe cold wave. An orange alert was issued for some districts. Higher hills may receive snowfall. Temperatures plummeted below freezing in many areas. Water sources froze, impacting hydropower generation. Farmers are concerned about their crops due to frost and dry weather. Light rain and snow are expected.
Haryana increased the number of crops under its MSP program from 14 to 24. This decision was taken before the October elections. The move comes as farmers protest for guaranteed MSP. The BJP highlighted this decision during its campaign. Chief Minister Saini challenged Punjab to implement similar measures. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued his fast, demanding guaranteed MSP.
A clash erupted between the West Bengal government and BJP over the arrest of suspected terrorists. The state minister blamed the Centre for unchecked illegal immigration. The BJP accused the ruling TMC of using illegal infiltrators to gain votes. Police arrested eight suspected terrorists linked to a Bangladeshi group. One suspect reportedly had multiple voter IDs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a historic two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. The two nations elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in various sectors. Modi engaged with Kuwait's top leadership and addressed the Indian diaspora.
A Jaipur court sentenced a former postal assistant to three years in prison and fined him Rs. 10,000 for bribery. Ajay Kumar Parasar was caught accepting a Rs. 6,000 bribe in 2018 for releasing a parcel containing an Apple mobile phone. The CBI investigated and filed charges, leading to his conviction.
An illegal firecracker factory explosion in Burari, Delhi, injured four people, including a firefighter, on Sunday. Three suffered severe burns and were transferred to LNJP Hospital. The ground floor factory, spanning 500 square yards, ignited, causing chaos in the densely populated area. Five fire tenders responded, and first aid was administered on-site.
Spiritual leader Ashutosh Pandey reported receiving a death threat while traveling from Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra. A case has been filed against an unidentified caller at Vile Parle police station in Mumbai. Pandey claims he received similar threats in Uttar Pradesh. Police are investigating the incident.
Ukraine used drones to hit a key Russian fuel depot. This is the second such attack in a week. The attack targeted facilities supplying Russia's military. Russia retaliated with widespread attacks on Ukraine's power grid. Fighting intensified in Ukraine's northeast. Russia claims to have captured two settlements. Several drone strikes caused casualties and damage in both countries.
Bijaya Kumar Mohanty, a former Odisha MLA, passed away. He was 60. Mohanty represented Bhubaneswar Central constituency twice. He served as a BJD MLA. He was admitted to Capital Hospital after falling unconscious. Doctors declared him dead. Tributes poured in from leaders. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav urged Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to cancel and re-conduct the recent BPSC exams due to controversies, including alleged leaks and a candidate's death. Yadav visited protesting candidates, supporting their demand for a level playing field and raising concerns about private agencies' involvement in exam management.
At least five people were killed and three injured in a firing incident between two rival groups in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Sunday. The clash, stemming from an old enmity, occurred during a function in the Pishtakharra area. Police responded quickly, controlling the situation and raiding hideouts to arrest the suspects.
Tragedy struck the tourist city of Gramado, Brazil. A small plane crashed into shops. Ten people on board died. The plane hit a chimney and a house before crashing into a furniture store. Debris reached a nearby inn. At least 15 people suffered smoke inhalation. The city was preparing for Christmas celebrations.
Volkswagen managers will face a two-year 10% pay cut due to reduced bonuses, as part of a deal with unions to cut jobs and production. The agreement, aimed at preventing strikes, includes over 35,000 future job reductions and capacity cuts across Volkswagen's German operations.
Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated development projects worth Rs 668 crore in Tripura. A key project is the Central Detective Training Institute. It will train over 6,000 personnel annually. The institute will focus on security challenges in the Northeast. It will address issues like counter-terrorism and border management. The institute will also conduct research.
A NASA spacecraft will soon fly closer to the sun than ever before. The Parker Solar Probe will pass within 3.8 million miles of the sun's surface. It will travel at 430,000 mph. The probe will study the sun's superhot corona. Scientists want to understand the corona's extreme heat and the solar wind.
Supreme Court Justice Narasimha lectured on safeguarding constitutional bodies. He stressed protecting institutions from political influence. Justice Narasimha discussed the Election Commission and information commissions as vital. He praised the foresight of India's constitution-makers. The Justice urged a deeper understanding of these institutions' roles. He called for improvements to enhance their effectiveness.
India's Defence Ministry has established a committee to evaluate the Indian Air Force's capability development. This comes amid concerns about China and Pakistan's growing air power and the IAF's fighter aircraft shortage. The committee will explore indigenous design, development, and acquisition projects to address the IAF's needs and submit a report within two to three months.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to raise the disability pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 per month. Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated the increase aims to ease the financial strain on families caring for disabled members. Itoo made the announcement while distributing assistive devices at a camp and praised community efforts in supporting the disabled.
The Delhi High Court will soon rule on Puja Khedkar's anticipatory bail. Khedkar, a former IAS officer, faces charges of cheating and falsely claiming quota benefits. Police are investigating a potential larger conspiracy. The UPSC withdrew perjury applications but plans to file a separate one. Khedkar allegedly faked her identity to gain extra exam attempts.
China condemned the US's recent military aid and sales to Taiwan, totaling over $800 million, including tactical radio systems and gun mounts. Beijing warned Washington against playing with fire and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan welcomed the US support, reaffirming their defense commitment.
New movies and shows will be streamed on the OTT streaming giants during Christmas and Boxing Day.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Rahul Gandhi, labeling him the Leader of Propaganda, Photography, and Panga, accusing him of instigating violence against BJP MPs. BSP leader Mayawati condemned both BJP and Congress for politicizing Ambedkar's legacy. Parliamentary protests erupted over Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar, leading to a scuffle and injuries to two BJP MPs.
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda advocated for a Constitutional amendment to raise the professional tax cap. Gowda highlighted the tax's stagnation amidst inflation, emphasizing its diminished value. He and other states proposed increasing the current Rs. 2,500 annual limit to Rs. 6,000, citing decades of economic growth.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Rahul Gandhi, labeling him the Leader of Propaganda, Photography, and Panga, accusing him of instigating violence against BJP MPs. Mayawati, BSP supremo, criticized both BJP and Congress, deeming them wo sides of the same coin for exploiting Ambedkar's name for political gain.
Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai criticized the Congress, accusing them of being on the verge of collapse and humiliating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, leading to his resignation from Nehru's government. Congress leaders condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar, organizing protests and demanding his resignation.
ISRO's PSLV-C60 mission will launch twin satellites for space docking technology demonstration. The PSLV's fourth stage, POEM-4, will host 24 experiments, including seed germination, debris capture, and green propulsion tests. These experiments pave the way for future space station construction and advanced orbital technologies.
Delhi BJP leader Kuljeet Chahal criticized AAP's new schemes. The schemes offer monthly payments to women and cover medical costs for senior citizens. Chahal called them a diversion from corruption allegations. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal announced the schemes. Registration begins tomorrow. Kejriwal said teams will assist with registration. The schemes may benefit millions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's willingness to normalize relations with the US and other Western nations, contingent on these efforts not jeopardizing Russian interests. Putin emphasized that Russia's interests remain paramount in shifting international relations. He cited historical examples to illustrate Russia's resilience and ability to regain its standing.
Delhi's air quality worsened to 'severe' on Sunday, with an AQI of 409, up from 'very poor' (370) on Saturday. The maximum temperature reached 24.1 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, while the minimum settled at 7.3 degrees Celsius. Fog was observed in the morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and elevated their countries' relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership'. They discussed cooperation in sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, and security. Modi also thanked the Emir for supporting the Indian community in Kuwait and was conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Medal.
A case has been filed against AIMIM leader Imtiyaz Jaleel and 49 others for staging an unauthorized protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The protest, held on Saturday at Paithan Gate, was in response to Shah's remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament. The demonstration occurred during a curfew and without prior permission. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), but no arrests have been
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiance, Lauren Sanchez, are preparing to tie the knot next weekend in a lavish ceremony in Aspen, Colorado.
Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using an archaeological find in Sambhal to distract from farmers' struggles. Farmers continue their protest at the Punjab-Haryana border for MSP guarantee. Yadav highlighted the unavailability of fertilizers and rising prices impacting farmers. A stepwell was discovered in Sambhal during an excavation.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 22 Palestinians, including children. While Cardinal Pizzaballa held Mass in Gaza City, the Pope condemned the attacks. Ceasefire talks continue amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by winter's arrival.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole criticized recent amendments to election rules, alleging the state government's return to power involved stealing the mandate. He questioned the Election Commission's transparency, citing concerns over restricted access to electronic documents like CCTV footage.
A group vandalized actor Allu Arjun's Hyderabad residence. They protested a woman's death in a stampede at a 'Pushpa-2' screening. The group claimed to be from Osmania University Joint Action Committee. Police took the protesters away. A placard mentioned film profits versus viewer safety. The OU-JAC was known for its role in the Telangana statehood agitation.
Ozempic and Wegovy, used for diabetes and weight loss, show a link to NAION, a rare eye disorder causing blindness. A study found semaglutide users had a higher risk. Diabetes patients had a four-fold increase, while weight loss patients had a seven-fold increase in risk. Researchers advise caution, not discontinuation, of these medications.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi thanked the Lieutenant Governor for highlighting city issues and pledged the AAP government's commitment to addressing them under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership. Atishi's statement follows the LG's approval for the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Kejriwal in the liquor policy case.
The NYT word game Connections has captivated countless players, turning into a daily ritual with its engaging blend of logic, vocabulary, and pattern recognition.
The National Conference (NC) vehemently denied rumors of rejoining the BJP-led NDA, calling a media report suggesting such a move a latant lie. NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq challenged the report's author to provide evidence of the alleged meetings between NC leader Omar Abdullah and op BJP leadership.
BSP chief Mayawati criticized Congress's protests over alleged disrespect to B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament, calling it deceptive. She accused both Congress and BJP of exploiting Ambedkar's name for votes. Mayawati asserted that only BSP governments truly honored Ambedkar, while other parties, including the SP, actively undermined his legacy.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari accused AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal of copying BJP's welfare strategies by offering financial aid to women just before elections. Kejriwal announced the 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana', providing 2,100 per month to women, and the 'Sanjeevani Yojana' covering medical costs for senior citizens, with registrations starting soon.
Merry Christmas 2024 Wishes: Christmas arrives, bringing joy, generosity, and unity. Streets twinkle with lights, homes display festive decorations, and carols fill the air. The holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus and embodies kindness, giving, and the magic of Santa Claus. Fifty heartwarming wishes and quotes are shared to spread the Christmas spirit.
Javed Munshi, a suspected Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen member, was arrested in West Bengal near the Bangladesh border. Police granted transit remand until December 31st. Munshi, an IED expert with alleged ties to LeT, is accused of working to revive the Muslim League and is linked to a 2011 murder. He reportedly used fake passports to travel to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Two women have filed lawsuits accusing Sean Diddy Combs of sexual assault. One alleges an incident at a 1991 City College basketball game shortly before a deadly stampede, while the other claims Combs drugged and assaulted her at a 2006 party. Combs' lawyers deny the allegations, calling them pure fiction and opportunistic fabrications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) on Monday, marking the first time a prime minister will participate in such an event at the CBCI Centre. During the event, Modi will interact with key Christian leaders, including Cardinals, Bishops, and lay leaders.
A police car in former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's convoy overturned. The incident happened in Pali district on Sunday. The car tried to avoid a motorcycle. Seven policemen were in the vehicle. Three policemen received minor injuries. Raje was traveling to offer condolences. A BJP leader assisted the injured.