The Times of India News

In a significant move, the DGCA has formed an eight-member team to daily monitor IndiGo's operations, including flights and crew availability, following widespread cancellations. Two officials will track cancellations, refunds, and compensation, while two pilots will be stationed at the airline's Gurgaon office. This comes as IndiGo scrapped 25% of its domestic flights from December 1-9, causing airport chaos.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Home Minister Amit Shah's response on electoral reforms as defensive, asserting that key opposition questions went unanswered. Gandhi highlighted concerns regarding transparent voter lists, EVM architecture, and alleged dual voting by BJP functionaries, noting Shah's silence on these points and the removal of the Chief Justice from the EC selection collegium.

BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Kangana Ranaut strongly defended Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Lok Sabha, dismissing calls to return to ballot papers as a move backward to booth capturing. They highlighted court validations for EVMs and the Election Commission's challenge for parties to hack them. Ranaut criticized the opposition's defeatist attitude and disruptive parliamentary behavior.

Opposition leaders slammed the Election Commission, calling it compromised and accusing the BJP of vote chori. Congress MP K C Venugopal highlighted the freezing of party bank accounts and the EC's inaction on PM Modi's alleged poll code violations.

Home Minister Amit Shah strongly refuted opposition claims of vote chori, attributing Congress's defeats to leadership failures. He defended electoral roll revisions and challenged allegations of institutional capture by the RSS. Shah highlighted past instances of alleged vote manipulation by Congress leaders and accused the opposition of opposing national interests.

IndiGo's chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, apologized for recent flight disruptions, denying they were deliberate. He stated external experts will identify root causes to prevent future chaos. Mehta clarified that the airline followed new pilot rest rules and did not compromise safety. A combination of internal and external factors, not intentional actions, pushed systems beyond limits, causing cancellations.

President Murmu emphasized ensuring human rights for everyone, highlighting India's shift from entitlement to empowerment and charity to rights over the past decade. She noted government efforts to provide essential services like clean water, electricity, and healthcare, securing dignity for all households.

US trade representative Jamieson Greer highlighted India's est-ever offers in ongoing trade talks, calling the nation a ough nut to crack due to resistance on certain agricultural imports. Senior US officials are in New Delhi to advance negotiations for a mutually beneficial trade agreement, with India now seen as a viable alternative market for US commodities.

Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, responsible for nearly 70% of the 1.2 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. Despite some dips, these dangerous behaviors continue to pose a major challenge to road safety across the nation.

Specialised tribunals, designed for swift justice, are overwhelmed by over 5.24 lakh pending cases, primarily due to significant member vacancies. Debt Recovery Tribunals lead with 2.5 lakh cases. Seven tribunals lack chairpersons, and 18% of member posts are unfilled, hindering efficient case resolution despite government efforts and technological adoption.

US President Donald Trump has launched the 'Trump Gold Card,' a new immigration initiative offering a direct path to citizenship for qualified individuals. This program aims to retain invaluable talent for American companies, with applicants potentially contributing billions to the US Treasury. Earlier proposals indicated significant financial contributions for this expedited residency pathway.

India's ISRO is set to launch its heaviest American commercial satellite, the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6, on December 15 from Sriharikota. This marks a significant boost to Indo-US space cooperation. The LVM3 rocket will carry the satellite, designed to provide direct-to-device mobile broadband in areas with poor network coverage, aiming to bridge the digital divide.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a significant $17.5 billion investment in India over four years, focusing on AI and cloud. He acknowledged India's need for sovereign control and local resilience in technology deployment. Nadella lauded India's unique virtuous cycle of policies, digital infrastructure, and market, highlighting the launch of Sovereign Public Cloud for enhanced governance and control.

The Supreme Court has overturned a Bombay High Court order sentencing a woman to jail for contempt. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta emphasized that mercy and forgiveness are crucial judicial principles. They stated that sincere remorse and an apology, even if qualified, should be accepted, particularly when a contemnor acknowledges their mistake and seeks atonement.

A Chinese national, apprehended for visiting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh without proper authorization, has been sent back to New Delhi. The 29-year-old tourist allegedly violated visa norms by traveling to restricted areas after arriving on a visa permitting only specific Buddhist pilgrimage sites. He was questioned for several days before his return.

The Federal Reserve's FOMC reduced its key interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to a near three-year low. This move aims to bolster the US economy amidst deteriorating employment conditions, though concerns about inflation persist due to trade tariffs.

Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency (SIA) attached the property of Zahid Hussain, a Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen commander, in Doda district. Hussain, who illegally crossed to Pakistan in 2000, was involved in radicalizing and recruiting youth via social media. This action is part of a broader crackdown to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.

In a groundbreaking achievement for sustainable transit, Indian Railways has unveiled its inaugural hydrogen-powered train. This pioneering 'Made in India' creation, the longest globally on a Broad Gauge, features a robust 10-coach design with a powerful output of 2,400 kW. With zero emissions, this innovation is a game changer for eco-friendly travel, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

As India enters pivotal trade talks with the United States, experts are advising a careful approach regarding the potential reduction of tariffs on American agricultural exports. There is a recommendation for New Delhi to hold off on any commitments until the US Supreme Court has ruled on tariff authority.

India has rolled out tougher pilot duty regulations in a bid to enhance safety standards, yet this has thrown a wrench into IndiGo's operations, affecting countless travelers. According to IATA's Willie Walsh, the initial turmoil can be traced back to inadequate preparation, suggesting that as time passes, the system will find its rhythm again.

India's investment landscape is transforming, with mutual fund assets projected to surpass Rs 300 lakh crore by 2035. Mass and mass-affluent investors outside major cities are driving this growth, alongside a rise in long-term investment habits. Younger generations and women are increasingly participating, fueled by digital platforms, indicating a more inclusive and resilient domestic investor base.

The IMF chief urges China to rebalance its economy, warning that relying solely on exports is unsustainable for its size and risks global trade friction. Despite US tariffs, China's exports are growing, with its trade surplus exceeding $1 trillion. Weak domestic demand and property woes hinder a shift towards consumer spending, prompting concerns from trading partners.

Indian electronics industry leaders are urging the government to permit joint ventures with Chinese firms under the automatic route, capping their equity at 26%. This move aims to boost advanced component manufacturing by replacing case-by-case approvals with clear guidelines, potentially unlocking significant FDI.

In response to the recent flight disruptions, IndiGo's chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, extended his sincerest apologies, emphasizing that these disruptions were not intentional. He confirmed that the airline will engage external experts to delve into the root causes and implement measures for improvement. Mehta reassured that compliance with new pilot rest regulations was strictly upheld, prioritizing passenger safety.

Elon Musk downplayed the achievements of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative he led for Donald Trump, stating it achieved only limited gains before folding. Musk expressed regret over the role, citing backlash against him and Tesla, and indicated he would not repeat the experience.

Goa nightclub proprietors Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra whisked themselves away to Phuket mere hours after a catastrophic fire claimed 25 lives. This abrupt exodus has raised eyebrows among law enforcement, who view it as an attempt to dodge accountability.

US stocks saw minimal movement Wednesday morning as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's policy announcement. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edged down, the Dow remained flat. Traders are anticipating a third interest rate cut this year, with attention also on future rate guidance.

India is a tough nut but offers 'best' proposals in trade talks with the US, according to USTR Jamieson Greer. Discussions are underway for a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to resolve tariff issues and boost trade to $500 billion by 2030. Both nations are negotiating a framework deal and a comprehensive agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation, emphasizing the robust India-Israel strategic partnership. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and pledged to bolster bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on the West Asia situation, with PM Modi reiterating India's support for a just and lasting peace, including the Gaza Peace Plan.

Home minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of vote chori in Lok Sabha, citing alleged instances involving Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and a pending case against Sonia Gandhi regarding voter registration. Congress MPs protested, with KC Venugopal asserting the case against Sonia Gandhi was dismissed. Shah maintained he stated a fact about a court case.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations of vote theft in Haryana. Shah clarified that a house listed with a single number housed multiple families and that duplicate voter entries are a result of systemic issues, not manipulation by the BJP or Election Commission.

The National Stock Exchange has introduced a 15-minute pre-open session for equity derivatives, a significant structural change aimed at enhancing stability and transparency. This move follows concerns over retail trader losses and volatility in India's hyperactive derivatives market, with the goal of improving price discovery and preventing erratic trades.

Rahul Gandhi met PM Modi and Amit Shah to finalise key appointments for the Central Information Commission and Central Vigilance Commission, submitting a dissent note. This meeting occurred as Gandhi's upcoming Berlin visit for an Indian Overseas Congress event drew criticism from the BJP, accusing him of prioritizing foreign trips over parliamentary duties.

Two schools in Delhi's Sadiq Nagar and Laxmi Nagar received a bomb threat on Wednesday, said Delhi Police.

Gold prices experienced a mixed trend on Tuesday, with domestic futures seeing a slight increase while international rates declined. February gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange rose by Rs 173 to Rs 1,30,280 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, Comex gold for the same month traded marginally lower at $4,234.3 an ounce.

In response to recent flight disruptions that have left many passengers stranded, the Civil Aviation Ministry has established a specialized oversight team to oversee IndiGo's operations. This proactive step aims to mitigate the inconvenience caused by extensive delays and cancellations.

Everyday beverages can significantly impact blood sugar levels, offering subtle yet effective ways to manage glucose. Studies highlight how drinks like coffee, black tea, green tea, milk, and tomato juice can help stabilize post-meal responses and potentially lower fasting glucose. These accessible options provide a simple starting point for those seeking to support their sugar management.

Elon Musk's Starlink is set to launch satellite internet in India, with prices expected between Rs 2,500-3,500 monthly for consumers. The company has secured necessary licenses for various sectors, though official pricing awaits regulatory approvals and spectrum allocation.

Silver futures hit a new record high on Wednesday, fueled by investor optimism for US Federal Reserve rate cuts and tight supply. Gold prices also saw a slight increase. Analysts point to expectations of a 25-basis-point rate reduction, despite persistent inflation concerns, as a key driver for silver's surge. Global markets are closely watching the Fed's decision.

India and the European Union are moving closer to a free trade agreement. A preliminary outline is ready. Both sides are keen on an early deal. Discussions have been positive. An announcement on the agreement's conclusion is anticipated soon. Negotiations cover trade in goods and services, investment, and intellectual property. This pact could boost bilateral trade significantly.

Nvidia is set to introduce a pioneering location verification tool for its AI chips, an initiative influenced by US calls to restrict advanced technology sales to certain countries. This optional software update, utilizing state-of-the-art confidential computing, will monitor chip activity and location through the analysis of communication delays.

India and the US are actively pursuing a bilateral trade agreement, with a US delegation currently in Delhi for crucial discussions. Both nations aim to finalize the initial phase of the deal, addressing tariff challenges for Indian exporters. This progress follows recent talks and underscores the commitment to boosting bilateral trade significantly.

Forty-four former judges have condemned a campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over his Rohingya migrant case comments. They stated critics twisted a routine judicial query about legal status into accusations of bias, distorting the court's affirmation of human dignity and rejection of torture.

Nearly 24 lakh households now have rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme aims for one crore installations by FY 2026-27, with over 19 lakh systems already commissioned. Strict quality checks, including vendor maintenance and third-party assessments, are in place to ensure reliability.