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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into IndiGo's network disruptions, citing massive flight delays and cancellations. The airline reported 1,232 flight cancellations in November due to crew constraints and ATC failures. IndiGo attributed the issues to unexpected operational problems, including technical glitches and winter schedule adjustments.

BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar stated that the Taj Mahal's protective regulations have become a curse for Agra, hindering industrial development and job creation. He argued that strict Taj Trapezium Zone and NGT norms prevent industries from being set up, leading to youth unemployment. Chahar advocated for an IT hub to balance development with preserving the monument's beauty.

Karnataka's chief ministerial post remains undecided despite meetings between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. The Congress high command faces a complex challenge involving loyalty, caste arithmetic, and the party's future in the state. Both leaders are awaiting a decision from Delhi, with potential solutions ranging from status quo to power rotation.

Wall Street saw mixed trading as corporate earnings presented a varied picture. While Marvell Technology and American Eagle Outfitters posted strong results, Macy's and CrowdStrike faced headwinds despite beating profit expectations. Bond yields dipped following softer private payroll data, fueling hopes for a Federal Reserve rate cut. Global markets showed a mixed performance.

India and Russia are set to discuss advanced BrahMos missile development during President Putin's visit. Following its success in Operation Sindoor, India seeks lighter, versatile BrahMos-NG variants for its Air Force and extended-range systems. This collaboration underscores the strong Indo-Russian strategic partnership, with further talks on next-gen hypersonic and air-to-air missiles also anticipated.

Veteran banker Uday Kotak points to persistent foreign selling by FPIs and PE funds as the primary driver behind the rupee's sharp fall past 90 against the dollar. Despite strong domestic investor buying and robust GDP growth, India's currency is Asia's worst performer this year, pressured by broad dollar outflows and a widening trade deficit.

AI assistants are evolving from tools to emotional anchors, with people forming deep, private bonds with chatbots as therapists and friends. This reliance, driven by immediacy and comfort, blurs lines between reality and imagination, leading to potential emotional dependency and even 'AI psychosis.' While AI offers a low-effort outlet for unfiltered conversations, experts warn it cannot replace genuine human connection and empathy, highlighting the profound impact on our emotional landscapes.

Beyond Type 1, co-founded by Nick Jonas and supported by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has launched #TheBeyondType campaign in India to combat type 1 diabetes stigma. The initiative highlights inspiring individuals living with T1D and partners with local organisations to improve awareness, medical support, and community networks for affected families across the nation.

Income tax refunds are significantly delayed this assessment year, with processing times extended even for routine cases. Official data shows a substantial drop in refund outgo compared to last year, attributed to late form releases, increased verification, and processing constraints. Experts anticipate a continued trend of slower processing, particularly for high-value refunds.

IndiGo has apologised for widespread flight disruptions over the past two days. The airline cited a combination of technical glitches, winter schedule changes, bad weather, airport congestion, and new crew rostering rules. To address the situation, IndiGo has adjusted its flight schedules for the next 48 hours. Affected passengers are being offered alternative flights or refunds.

ED's money laundering probe stems from two FIRs registered by the Madhya Pradesh police and Chennai's police anti-corruption branch.

IndiGo faced massive disruptions Wednesday, cancelling over 70 flights and causing widespread delays due to crew shortages following new duty norms, technology glitches, and airport congestion. On-time performance plummeted, impacting thousands of passengers. Airlines are working to restore normalcy, but a clear timeline remains uncertain.

US import tariffs on Indian goods, doubling to 50%, have caused a sharp 28.5% drop in exports over five months. Labour-intensive sectors, including textiles and gems, faced the steepest declines, leading to significant revenue losses and job concerns. India's government is urged to expedite export promotion missions and negotiate tariff reductions with the US.

The Indian Rupee hit a historic low on Wednesday, crossing the 90-per-dollar mark for the first time. This decline was driven by foreign fund outflows, rising crude oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding the India-US trade deal. Market watchers noted a lack of Reserve Bank of India intervention for much of the session.

India's services sector surged in November, driven by robust new business and easing price pressures, according to the HSBC India Services PMI. Operating conditions improved significantly, with faster expansion in business activity. While international sales saw a slowdown due to competition, domestic demand remained strong, bolstering overall economic sentiment.

IndiGo is experiencing significant flight delays and cancellations, impacting nearly two out of three domestic passengers. This disruption stems from a critical crew shortage following the implementation of new flight duty time limitations. The airline, known for its punctuality, has seen its on-time performance plummet, causing widespread inconvenience during the peak travel season.

The European Union has agreed to completely halt Russian gas imports by autumn 2027, ending new long-term pipeline contracts by September 30, 2027, and LNG deals by January 1, 2027. This move aims to enhance energy security and independence, with a roadmap also being drafted to eliminate Russian oil imports to Hungary and Slovakia by the same deadline.

Silver price today: Silver prices surged to a new high of Rs 1,84,727 per kilogram on Wednesday, driven by a weakening rupee and strong international market trends. Gold futures also climbed significantly, with both precious metals benefiting from expectations of a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week.

India's rupee hit a historic low of 90.30 against the US dollar, yet the government remains unconcerned. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran stated the depreciation hasn't impacted inflation or exports, expressing optimism for a recovery next year. Factors like FII outflows and dollar demand are influencing the currency's slide.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labelled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Nehru-Babri Masjid remark a 'distraction' from pressing public issues. Singh alleged Nehru wanted government funds for the mosque, contrasting it with Sardar Patel's opposition and secularism. Rahul Gandhi declined comment. Singh's statement precedes the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.

The Supreme Court allowed a pregnant woman and her child to enter India on humanitarian grounds after their deportation to Bangladesh. The court directed the West Bengal government to provide care and medical support, including delivery, for the woman. This decision follows the Centre's challenge to a Calcutta High Court order that deemed the deportation illegal.

Bengaluru's C-CAMP has launched a dedicated Centre of Excellence for climate action, a significant step into climate biotechnology. Partnering with Ashraya Hastha Trust, the initiative will champion biological solutions for reducing emissions and sequestering carbon. Karnataka's health minister inaugurated the centre, emphasizing the critical links between climate, health, and livelihoods, and pledging state support for practical, science-led climate responses.

Investors should focus on businesses that consistently grow sales and profits over the long term. Avoid stocks based on tips or short-term hype. Look for understandable businesses with steady growth, good profitability, reasonable debt, and positive cash flow. Strong promoter behavior and governance are crucial. Quality of the business comes before price.

Russian President Putin's India visit is crucial for trade dynamics amidst US pressure. India's energy security is now heavily reliant on discounted Russian crude, reshaping its procurement patterns. The visit aims to manage dependence in a fractured world, focusing on securing fuel, weapons, and payments.

Gold prices are soaring domestically and internationally, driven by a weakening rupee and anticipation of US monetary easing. Local rates jumped significantly as the rupee hit an all-time low. Globally, gold and silver futures firmed up, with investors betting on a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week, boosting confidence in the precious metal.

Nomura forecasts a potential 13% upside for the Nifty in 2026, projecting it to reach 29,300. This optimism stems from improving domestic and global conditions, including calmer geopolitics and stable macros. The brokerage also identified its top stock picks, anticipating a cyclical recovery in economic and corporate earnings growth.

Raipur is gearing up for a grand Sahitya Utsav from January 23-25, coinciding with Chhattisgarh's silver jubilee. Over a hundred literary figures will converge for this event, designed to boost the state's literary profile and encourage reading.

Flight operations faced significant disruptions Wednesday morning as check-in systems at multiple airports simultaneously failed. Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India Express, resorted to manual procedures, leading to flight delays. Passengers were informed of a global Microsoft Windows service outage impacting airport IT systems.

The Indian rupee has fallen below Rs 90 to the US dollar for the first time, signaling a shift in economic perception and impacting households. This depreciation, driven by trade tensions, investor exodus, and an RBI policy shift, makes imports costlier and affects education and travel expenses for citizens.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury responded to a potential privilege motion for bringing a dog to Parliament with a bark, questioning the outrage over the animal while other pressing issues are ignored. She asserted there's no rule against bringing pets and vowed to continue caring for animals, suggesting the eal dogs are in Parliament.