The Times of India News

Indian travelers are diversifying New Year destinations beyond Thailand and Cambodia due to border violence. Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, and West Asia are gaining popularity. While Thailand sees a slight dip in bookings, Cambodia faces a stronger reaction. Rising airfares also influence choices, favoring shorter, visa-on-arrival destinations.

Tesla's ex-AI chief, Andrej Karpathy, warns software engineers face a seismic shift as AI reshapes coding. He admits feeling behind, highlighting a new 'programmable layer' of AI tools. While some studies show mixed productivity gains, industry leaders like Google and Anthropic remain optimistic about AI's role in development.

Chile's state-owned Codelco, the world's leading copper producer, and private miner SQM, which features Chinese capital, announced Saturday the creation of a giant company to exploit lithium, a lightweight metal used in batteries for electric vehicles. The Chinese firm Tianqi holds a 22 percent stake in SQM. The new company will carry out lithium exploration, extraction, production, and commercialization activities in the Atacama salt flat until 2060, Codelco said in a statement.

Nothing seems to deter cybercriminals from striking at will and defrauding unsuspecting victims. Diffused networks and transnational cartels put them virtually beyond the reach of police across states. Now, SC has asked CBI to crack down on fraudsters. The hope is that the central agency has the reach and teeth to make an impact 22,846 cr

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old engineer in Mumbai. A speeding MSRTC bus struck him while he stood by his parked scooter. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal ordered the transport corporation to pay over Rs 2.21 crore to his grieving family, citing driver negligence.

A 17-year-old domestic violence case took an unexpected turn when a woman's current husband testified, confirming her second marriage. This revelation led a Borivli court to rule she was no longer entitled to maintenance from her ex-husband, effectively ending her claim for protection and monetary relief initiated in 2009.

A group of over 70 Indians, defying age and physical limitations, are embracing adventure. From skydiving and scuba diving to trekking in Antarctica, these seniors are living life to the fullest. Couples like the Kotharis, Thakors, and Vakils are proving that age is merely a number, prioritizing experiences and curiosity over potential hardships, with their bucket lists still growing.

A nine-year-old boy, Ajay Raj Nishad, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his bravery after saving his father from a crocodile attack in the Chambal river. Armed with a stick, Ajay struck the predator's eye, forcing it to release his father. Inspired by the award ceremony, Ajay aspires to join the defence forces.

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura tragically died after confronting men who hurled racial slurs at him and his brother in Dehradun. The brutal stabbing occurred when the victim asserted his Indian identity. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with protests erupting across the northeast and student organizations demanding a national law against racial hate crimes.

BJP alleges Congress is a mouthpiece for anti-India global forces, citing Sam Pitroda's confirmation of the party's membership in George Soros-linked Global Progressive Alliance. Rahul Gandhi's role in its presidium is highlighted, questioning his foreign visits and meetings with anti-India entities. BJP demands answers on Congress's priorities.

The CBI has urged the Supreme Court to overturn a Delhi High Court decision that excluded MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar from being prosecuted under the POCSO Act. Citing the L K Advani case, the CBI argued that lawmakers, as public servants, should face stricter penalties for offenses involving children, emphasizing their public trust and authority.

Himachal Pradesh government hospitals saw services halt Saturday as doctors struck indefinitely. They demand the reinstatement of a doctor sacked for assaulting a patient, arguing his side was ignored. While emergency care continues, non-urgent procedures are postponed, causing significant patient hardship. Officials are working towards a resolution.

Rural development minister Shivraj Chouhan has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about the VB-G RAM G law, alleging they previously cut MGNREGA's budget and froze wages. He stated the new act ensures transparency and tangible benefits for workers, countering claims of removing Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Chouhan asserted the VB-G RAM G Act embodies Gandhian principles for rural development.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess, highlighting Modi's grassroots rise, sparked internal debate during a CWC meeting. Singh advocated for decentralization within Congress, criticizing its over-centralized structure. The BJP seized on his remarks to attack the Congress leadership, contrasting their approach with Modi's rise.

CWC chalks out campaign from January 5 to force restoration of scheme

Tragedy struck on the Srinagar-Jammu highway as CBI prosecutor Sheikh Adil Nabi, 35, lost his life in a collision near Banihal. His car was struck from behind by a speeding Scorpio. Police have apprehended the Scorpio's driver, Mohammad Shafi, in connection with the incident.

Sajad Lone criticized Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's decision to remove his Hurriyat chairman title from X, calling it a surrender for protocol and security. Lone accused the cleric of double standards, recalling past vilification. Mirwaiz cited UAPA bans and restricted communication as reasons for his Hobson's choice. PDP and NC supported Mirwaiz, blaming authorities.

Protesters in Jammu demanded the cancellation of MBBS admissions at SMVDIME, citing that 42 out of 50 seats went to Muslim candidates. Activists, joined by BJP members and trade leaders, argued for Hindu-only reservations. The Sangharsh Samiti vows to continue the protest until their demands, linked to faith, are met.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns regarding the definition of the Aravali Range, which has sparked debate over mining and environmental protection. A three-judge bench will hear the matter, as environmentalists fear the current definition could weaken conservation efforts for the ancient mountain system.

A Kashmiri shawl seller suffered severe injuries, including fractures, after an alleged assault in Himachal Pradesh. The J&K Students Association condemned the incident, marking it as the 16th targeting Kashmiri traders in the state this year. They urged the Himachal CM for immediate action. A similar harassment case in Haryana is also being addressed.

IndiGo has cancelled 13 flights on Sunday due to forecasted bad weather and operational reasons, impacting major city routes. This follows earlier cancellations due to pilot duty norms and stricter fog operating rules. Air India also warned of potential disruptions in northern India due to dense fog.

The Supreme Court will hear the CBI's appeal against the Delhi high court's decision to suspend former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. This comes after the survivor alleged the investigating officer colluded with a judge to ensure Sengar's victory, days after his bail was granted.

Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks, leads India's richest tech executives for 2025. She has surpassed Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella. Ullal's net worth is $5.7 billion. Her company's revenue was $7 billion in 2024. The AI and software services boom has boosted her wealth. Ullal is an exemplary leader in a male-dominated industry. Read here to know more!

In a significant move towards enhancing law enforcement, chief minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh unveiled the innovative YAKSH app powered by AI, alongside inaugurating 'Police Manthan'a two-day summit tailored for senior police officials. This pivotal event aims to redefine modern policing, addressing pressing issues such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and the complexities of social media.

Quick e-commerce firm Zepto has filed preliminary papers with SEBI for an IPO, aiming to raise Rs 11,000 crore. The company, founded by Stanford dropouts, is utilizing a confidential filing route for its planned stock market debut next year. Zepto's move follows successful listings of rivals Zomato and Swiggy.

Sanyal said a healthy economic system must allow for continuous churn, where old companies shut down, and new ones emerge to take their place. He stressed that constant change is necessary for long-term economic strength.

Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard, a decorated player and manager, has achieved significant success in football. His wife, Christine Lampard, is a highly recognized and versatile TV presenter. Despite their public profiles, the couple prioritizes their children, maintaining a combined net worth estimated at 100 million through their respective careers and investments.

India's economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, achieving 8.2% GDP growth amidst global trade wars and tariffs. A rare 'Goldilocks' phase of low inflation and accommodative monetary policy, coupled with GST 2.0 and tax relief, bolstered domestic demand. The year concluded with mixed stock market trends, record FIIs, rupee pressure and tariffs highlighting ongoing global uncertainties.

India now has a national standard, IS 19445:2025, for testing bomb disposal systems, developed at the Home Ministry's request. This voluntary standard aims to ensure uniform testing, improve manufacturing quality, and boost confidence in equipment used by security forces against various explosive threats. It addresses local realities and draws from global practices.

Taiwan Electrical & Electronic Manufacturers' Association (Teema) is considering Uttar Pradesh's Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida) region for its proposed Indian facility. This initiative, led by Foxconn chairman Young Liu, aims to create AI-integrated, ESG-focused global manufacturing hubs, leveraging Taiwan's tech park experience and expanding its electronics supply chain internationally.

In 2025, Gulf states intensified enforcement of migrant labour laws, leading to the deportation of thousands of Indian workers, particularly from Saudi Arabia. Most cases stemmed from visa overstays, permit violations, and misleading recruitment practices. The trend underscores growing regulatory scrutiny and highlights the urgent need for better pre-departure awareness, ethical recruitment, and migrant legal literacy.

The National Consumer Helpline has become a vital platform for resolving consumer disputes, successfully recovering Rs 45 crore in refunds for thousands between April and December. E-commerce and travel sectors saw significant resolutions, with the helpline's pre-litigation approach offering a cost-effective and swift alternative to formal legal action, empowering consumers nationwide.

Rabindranath Tagore's patriotic song, 'Jana Gana Mana' was sung publicly for the first time at a 1911 Congress session. It ultimately evolved into becoming India's National Anthem. Initially met with controversy regarding its inspiration, Tagore clarified it honored a timeless guiding spirit, not a monarch. Adopted in 1950 as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana became a unifying national voice.

Indian Railways' Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for FY26-27 is expected to remain stable, with current allocations sufficient for infrastructure upgrades. While overall GBS may be steady, internal allocations will be rejigged to prioritize projects like the bullet train, track safety, and decongestion initiatives.

India's startup scene experienced a stable year in 2025 with fewer shutdowns. However, notable companies like BluSmart, Dunzo, and Hike Messaging ceased operations. The decline in closures reflects a broader trend across the ecosystem. This shift offers a new landscape for emerging ventures.

Consumer goods companies are stabilizing operations after GST rate cuts, with supply chains and inventory levels returning to normal. Production has resumed at full capacity as firms rebuild stock to meet anticipated demand. Executives expect a demand recovery and sales growth from the next quarter onwards.

Silver prices have surged to a record high, outperforming gold with a staggering 158% rise over the past year. This rally, fueled by tight supply, industrial demand, and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, has propelled other precious metals like gold, platinum, and palladium to new peaks. Analysts foresee continued upward momentum, with silver potentially reaching $90 and gold nearing $5,000.