The Times of India News

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.

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.

Forget quick tips; a decade-long investment requires a structured approach. The article outlines a five-step checklist, starting with fund category based on goals and risk tolerance. It emphasizes long-term track records, consistent performance, behavior during market downturns, and finally, costs and fund hygiene.

IndiGo faces potential competition law investigation following thousands of flight cancellations due to crew shortages. India's competition watchdog is considering probing the airline for misusing its dominant market position.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declined the Veer Savarkar Award, calling organizers irresponsible for announcing his name without consent. He learned of the award through media reports and stated he neither knew about nor accepted it. HRDS India, however, claims they notified Tharoor and visited him to extend the invitation.

In a bid to streamline the rollout of solar initiatives, a parliamentary committee has recommended the establishment of a 'single-window clearance' system aimed at reducing land acquisition bottlenecks. To tackle regional disparities, the committee suggests tailored awareness drives in each state, along with support from central authorities for those trailing behind.

SpiceJet is significantly boosting its winter operations, adding up to 100 daily flights to meet surging demand amid IndiGo's widespread cancellations. This expansion, supported by reactivated aircraft, aims to capitalize on market gaps. IndiGo's pilot shortage led to over 5,000 flight cancellations and a government-mandated schedule reduction, creating an opportunity for competitors and potentially rebalancing market share.

The Delhi high court questioned the Centre's failure to prevent IndiGo's flight cancellations and soaring airfares, demanding to know immediate measures taken for stranded passengers. The court also sought explanations on arrangements made to manage travellers and prevent harassment, as hundreds of flights were scrapped, leaving lakhs stranded nationwide.

Singapore's former Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean spoke in Delhi about the deep historical ties between Singapore and India. He mentioned Singapore's name originates from Sanskrit, reflecting India's early influence. The Indian diaspora has significantly shaped Singapore's economy and culture. He also praised India's sustainable development vision. Diplomatic relations were established in 1965.

Despite recent operational disruptions and flight cancellations, HSBC maintains a 'Buy' rating on InterGlobe Aviation, citing the airline's strong fundamentals and cost advantage over rivals. While acknowledging increased expenses and temporary reputational damage, the brokerage believes the airline's long-term prospects remain intact, with no structural damage to its competitive position.

Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking the 16th Indian tradition to receive this honor. This recognition occurred during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted by India in New Delhi. The committee is reviewing 67 nominations from 79 countries.

Goa police are pursuing nightclub owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, who fled to Thailand after a fire killed 25. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice, and India's extradition treaty with Thailand is now central to bringing the brothers to justice. The treaty obligates both nations to surrender individuals wanted for serious offenses.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly tore up new MGNREGA norms, accusing the Centre of imposing 'valueless' conditions and withholding funds. She highlighted her state's Karmashree scheme as an alternative, vowing to increase workdays and asserting Bengal's fight for dignity and federal rights amidst upcoming elections.

Amazon has pledged a massive $35 billion investment in India by 2030, building on its existing $40 billion. This significant capital infusion will focus on AI-driven digitization, boosting exports to $80 billion, and creating one million new jobs. The move follows Microsoft's substantial AI investment announcement, signaling a major tech push in the country.

E-commerce platform Meesho debuted on Dalal Street after a Rs 5,421.20 crore IPO, which saw an overall subscription of 79 times. The company reported strong revenue growth and narrowing EBITDA losses in FY25, with significant user expansion outside major cities. Despite positive operational metrics, risks related to cash-on-delivery and competition persist.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to trade sideways as analysts anticipate a Federal Reserve rate cut already priced in. Silver, however, shows a positive bias, nearing all-time highs driven by industrial demand and tightening inventories. Investors are closely watching the Fed meeting for potential volatility, while China continues to boost its gold reserves.

Asian markets declined, mirroring Wall Street's sluggishness, as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's policy decision. While a rate cut is expected, focus is on the Fed's statement and future projections. Tech earnings from Oracle and Broadcom are also under scrutiny amid AI bubble concerns.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Wednesday. While Nifty50 was above 25,850, BSE Sensex was up over 100 points.

Miami has a new mayor, Eileen Higgins. She is the city's first female leader and the first Democrat in nearly thirty years. Higgins, a former county commissioner, defeated Republican Emilio Gonzalez. Her victory marks a significant shift in Miami's political landscape. She pledged ethical leadership and delivering results for residents.

The data reveals a shifting landscape where private banks and digital channels draw the most customer ire, while territories like Chandigarh and Delhi report disproportionately high complaint loads per lakh accounts.

BJP criticizes Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Germany visit, calling him 'Videsh Nayak' and 'leader of paryatan' as it coincides with Parliament's Winter Session. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, is scheduled to meet German lawmakers and the Indian community in Berlin. This trip follows his previous overseas visits where he raised concerns about India's democracy.

President Trump asserted that consumer prices are significantly decreasing, dismissing concerns as a 'hoax' while campaigning. Simultaneously, he voiced alarm over a potential Supreme Court ruling that could curb his authority to impose tariffs, warning of dire national security and financial consequences for the United States.

The government is launching a pilot project to link subsidized fertilizer allocation to farmers' land size, aiming to curb diversion and pilferage. This initiative comes as India faces high chemical nutrient use impacting soil health. Meanwhile, fertilizer imports are projected to rise significantly due to increased domestic demand.

Stock market recommendations: Anand Rathi's Mehul Kothari highlights three top stock picks for investors: Hindustan Copper, Hindustan Petroleum, and Shaily. These selections are based on technical analysis, including breakout retests and strong structural formations, suggesting potential for significant gains over the coming months and up to a year.

India's IPO market is set to hit a record $23-$25 billion this year, driven by new-age tech companies. These startups, along with healthcare and consumer firms, are expected to dominate the market next year. Early investors are seeing significant exits, with domestic capital playing a crucial role in this robust IPO surge.

BlackRock is injecting Rs 3,000 crore into Aditya Birla Group's renewable energy arm, Grasim, valuing the business at Rs 14,600 crore. This significant investment, made through BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners, signals strong investor confidence in India's clean energy sector. The group aims to expand its renewable capacity to over 10GW, leveraging this partnership for accelerated growth.