The Times of India News

The World Bank has approved $599.66 million in financing for two major clean air programs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. These initiatives aim to improve air quality, reduce health impacts, and strengthen both states as attractive business destinations. The programs will invest in clean cooking, electric mobility, and cleaner industrial practices.

The Supreme Court has ruled that acid-attackers who force victims to ingest acid must face charges of attempt to murder, not just grievous hurt. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that such perpetrators pose a significant threat to society. This ruling came during a hearing on a PIL by an acid-attack survivor advocating for broader recognition of victims.

Tragedy struck in Arunachal Pradesh as at least 22 Assam labourers are feared dead after their mini truck plunged into a deep gorge near the Indo-China border. A lone survivor, severely injured, alerted authorities after a perilous journey. Rescue operations are underway, with specialized teams and the Army working to retrieve bodies from the treacherous terrain.

A Delhi court has granted interim bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid from December 16 to 29. This temporary relief allows him to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid, arrested under UAPA in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, will return to custody after the permitted period.

The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew members for illegally operating within Indian waters. This decisive action underscores India's commitment to protecting its maritime frontiers and upholding international maritime law. The operation highlights the Coast Guard's sustained vigilance and proactive approach to national maritime security.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on vendors selling non-veg food at a Gita recital event, stating such intimidation won't be tolerated in the state. She criticized the BJP for attempting to import communal division and questioned the need for public religious events for political mobilization.

President Droupadi Murmu commenced a two-day visit to Manipur, her first since taking office and since the ethnic conflict began. Her itinerary includes attending a polo event, offering prayers at a temple, and participating in Nupi Lan celebrations. Security has been heightened due to a militant-called shutdown.

A parliamentary exchange saw Congress MP Jairam Ramesh present Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Maniben Patel's diary. Ramesh stated the diary entries do not support Singh's recent claim regarding Jawaharlal Nehru and the Babri Masjid. Singh indicated he had an English version. The incident follows Singh's remarks in Gujarat, which Congress has challenged, citing Patel's daughter's writings.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused TMC MPs of vaping e-cigarettes in Lok Sabha, prompting Speaker Om Birla to state that no permission was granted and strict action would be taken if confirmed. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and assured action upon a formal written complaint.

Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of appearing nervous and using foul language during his Lok Sabha speech on electoral reforms. Gandhi challenged Shah to a debate on his press conference allegations, but Shah stated Parliament would not function according to Gandhi's wishes.

Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, causing nearly 70% of the 1.24 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh reported alarmingly high numbers of speed-related deaths, highlighting a persistent challenge in road safety.

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reported significant investor interest from Japan and South Korea following a 10-day visit. Discussions focused on industrial progress, clean energy, electric vehicles, and skill development, aiming to boost employment. Several major companies expressed openness to exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in Punjab, setting the stage for future growth.

Visa seekers in India are navigating a maze of frustration after appointments get pushed back to March 2026. This unprecedented delay stems from a new US regulation that requires social media screening starting December 15, 2025. With some applicants traveling from US to India for these appointments, anxiety is mounting over potential job losses and stalled career progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. Modi lauded Mukherjee as a owering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, highlighting his dedication and intellectual contributions to Indian democracy. Shah emphasized Mukherjee's profound constitutional understanding, stating his life and work will continue to inspire the nation's democratic path.

A carpooling photo of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin became a talking point in the US Congress, highlighting concerns over the Trump administration's India policy. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized past actions, stating that coercive partnerships damage crucial alliances. She emphasized the urgent need to mend the US-India partnership for mutual prosperity and global leadership.

India's economic growth forecast for this year has been boosted to 7.2% by the Asian Development Bank, a significant upgrade from its previous projection. This upward revision is attributed to a stronger third-quarter performance, with tax cuts playing a key role in stimulating consumer spending. The ADB also anticipates a robust regional economic expansion.

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.