SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 10    C

News

National / The Times of India

Rupee falls below 90/$ 1st time as US tariffs, FII flows take toll

The Indian rupee plunged to a historic low of 90.29 against the US dollar, breaching the 90 mark for the first time. This sharp decline, attributed to US tariffs and significant foreign investor outflows, is now impacting the broader economy. While a weaker rupee makes imports costlier, it could benefit exporters and help manage the current account deficit.

4 Dec 2025 7:20 am
Trans group barges into house, rescues kids abused by dad

A mother and son, working at a construction site, killed a contractor who allegedly attempted to rape the woman. While they faced legal consequences, their father, accused of years of abuse, allegedly raped their younger daughters. The horrific abuse surfaced when a younger son alerted neighbours, leading to the father's arrest and the children's rescue.

4 Dec 2025 6:23 am
Centre agrees to bring back Sunali, son from Bangladesh

In a humanitarian move, the Indian government will bring back a pregnant Bangladeshi national, Sunali Khatun, and her son after their deportation. The Supreme Court, emphasizing humanity over law, directed the Centre to send Sunali to her father in West Bengal for care. The court also raised questions about her citizenship based on her father's status.

4 Dec 2025 5:50 am
Guns to games: Surrendered Naxals back on the field, this time for Bastar Olympics

Former Maoists are finding new purpose in Chhattisgarh's Bastar Olympics, trading guns for sports. Surrendered cadres like Kamla and Podiyam Bhima are now training for events like tug-of-war and archery, drawn by the opportunity to rebuild their lives. This initiative, supported by national leaders, marks a significant shift in the region.

4 Dec 2025 5:42 am
12 Reds, 3 cops dead as forces push deeper into Bastar; 268 Maoists killed so far in 2025

A fierce gun battle on the Dantewada-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Maoists and three District Reserve Guard personnel. This significant loss for the outlawed group occurred as security forces intensified operations in the region. Weapons were recovered, and the search for more insurgents continues.

4 Dec 2025 5:30 am
'Spreading hate': BJP attacks Congress, points to anti-Hindu remarks by 2 CMs

The BJP has reacted strongly against remarks from two Congress Chief Ministers, which they regard as mockery of Hindu traditions. Spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi called into question whether Congress is employing tactics that demean Hindu deities, spotlighting comments by Telangana's CM Revanth Reddy and Himachal CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's exchanges with young audiences.

4 Dec 2025 4:13 am
Sanchar Saathi row: After outcry, govt drops order to pre-install its app on mobiles; Congress steps up attack

The government has withdrawn its directive mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new smartphones following widespread criticism from the industry and opposition. While defending the app's utility for cyber security, officials admitted being surprised by the strong negative reaction from global manufacturers. The decision aims to de-escalate the controversy.

4 Dec 2025 3:48 am
Water bill gives oppn ammo to attack govt on Manipur situation

The Rajya Sabha has officially passed the extension of the Water Pollution Act to Manipur through a voice vote. This decision sparked sharp criticism from opposition MPs, who slammed the government's approach to the state's ongoing crisis, accusing it of fostering centralization and neglecting democratic values.

4 Dec 2025 2:50 am
Anti-labour, pro-crony codes pose threat to job security: Kharge

Opposition MPs staged a protest against new labour codes, deeming them 'anti-labour' and a threat to job security. Concerns were raised about relaxed layoff thresholds, potential erosion of permanent jobs through contract hiring, and restrictions on striking. Leaders criticized the government's move as favoring corporations over workers' rights and demanded the codes' immediate rollback.

4 Dec 2025 1:48 am
Proof in hand, Rajnath stands by claim on Nehrus Babri plan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that Jawaharlal Nehru wished to rebuild the Babri Mosque with public funds, citing a book based on Sardar Patel's daughter's diary. Congress vehemently denied this, calling it a fabricated 'WhatsApp university story' and a distraction from pressing national issues. They challenged the minister to provide evidence.

4 Dec 2025 1:33 am
Excise on tobacco products to be shared with states, says FM

The government has reintroduced excise duty on tobacco products, not a new cess, to prevent cigarettes from becoming more affordable. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified this move aims to maintain deterrent prices, aligning with past practices. The bill, passed by Lok Sabha, also mandates retail sale price declarations on pan masala packs from February to ensure GST compliance.

4 Dec 2025 1:27 am
Panel report on new quota policy in J&K sent to LG after review

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated his government has finalized a rationalized reservation policy, forwarding it to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for approval. This move comes amid concerns from general category candidates about potential quota increases. A cabinet sub-committee, formed to address the issue, submitted its report, aiming for fairness to all communities.

3 Dec 2025 11:56 pm
Cable security agenda: Indo-EU team to assess risks; cooperation on critical infrastructure on summit table

India and the European Union are set to hold detailed discussions on bolstering the security and resilience of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean. This crucial dialogue, involving military personnel and officials, aims to identify risks and develop practical solutions for protecting vital digital infrastructure. The cooperation underscores a shared commitment to maritime security and economic stability.

3 Dec 2025 11:29 pm
Scan to report side effects: Govt orders mandatory QR codes at all pharmacies

Pharmacies across India will soon feature a QR code and toll-free number to report medicine side effects. This initiative by the CDSCO aims to empower citizens and healthcare professionals to instantly flag adverse drug reactions, strengthening India's drug safety monitoring. The move is expected to significantly boost reporting, allowing for early detection and prevention of harm to a wider population.

3 Dec 2025 11:22 pm
In Rajya Sabha, Swati Maliwal accuses Punjab govt of spending crores on ads while drug crisis worsens

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal criticized the Punjab government's drug de-addiction efforts, highlighting Enforcement Directorate findings of de-addiction centers supplying drugs. She questioned the central government's role in ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose, a concern acknowledged by the minister.

3 Dec 2025 11:16 pm
'Strong wicket': Piyush Goyal says November exports show healthy rise; merchandise trade picks up after October slump

India's exports rebounded strongly in November, surpassing October's decline and indicating renewed momentum despite global economic uncertainty. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted this recovery, alongside ongoing efforts to secure free trade agreements with several key global partners. He also affirmed the Indian economy's resilience, citing robust GDP growth and healthy financial indicators.

3 Dec 2025 11:06 pm
India takes over IIDEA chairship; CEC Gyanesh Kumar vows to share 75 years of poll expertise

India, through Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, has accepted the chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA). Kumar pledged to share India's extensive experience in transparent elections to foster more inclusive and resilient democracies globally. This significant role highlights the Election Commission of India's international credibility and innovative approach to electoral management.

3 Dec 2025 10:53 pm
Rs 302-crore penalty imposed on highway players for poor quality work, 11 officers suspended in 3 years

The government has penalized highway contractors and consultants Rs 302 crore over the past three years for poor work and infrastructure failures. Fifty firms faced bans or terminations, while 11 officers were removed from service as part of a clean-up drive.

3 Dec 2025 10:44 pm
Outdated base year: FM Sitharaman explains IMFs C grade on national accounts; says GDP growth figures not questioned

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the IMF did not question India's growth figures, attributing the 'C' grade on national accounts to an outdated base year. India will shift to a 2022-23 base year in 2026, addressing the IMF's concern. The Fund acknowledged India's healthy economic performance and resilience.

3 Dec 2025 10:30 pm
Farmers felicitate CM Dhami in Haldwani after Uttarakhand announces highest sugarcane support price in region

Farmers from various districts gathered at the programme, where they presented the Chief Minister with a specially curated basket symbolising the state's agricultural richness. The basket, offered by BJP Kisan Morcha State President Mahendra Singh Negi, contained sugarcane along with traditional hill produce such as Gaderi (colocasia), Malta (citrus fruit), ginger and honey. The gesture reflected the gratitude of the farming community for what they described as a proactive and timely government

3 Dec 2025 10:26 pm
EU rare earth push: Brussels rolls out 3-bn plan to slash China dependence; new supply hub and export curbs in pipeline

The European Union is launching a major plan to lessen its reliance on China for rare earths. This strategy involves increasing mining, refining, and recycling within the EU. The move comes amid global supply chain pressures and geopolitical challenges. The EU aims to secure its access to critical materials and protect its industries from disruptions.

3 Dec 2025 10:21 pm