The Times of India News

Nargis's return to a Kapoor family event after 24 years, following her real-life romance with Raj Kapoor, was met with her unease. Raj's wife, Krishna Kapoor, displayed remarkable grace, reassuring Nargis and fostering a sense of friendship. This chapter, acknowledged by Rishi Kapoor and Ritu Nanda, highlights familial understanding amidst past complexities.

Leslee Lewis, the singer-performer who helped shape Indias pop revolution in the 1990s, is back with Tere Bina Main, the final track in his Phir Se Rock & Roll series. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Leslee opens up about the making of the song, his enduring excitement for music, the lessons decades in the industry have taught him, and why live performance remains his biggest high.

To Be 'Enforced Strictly', Vital Services Exempt

Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible flight disruptions over the next few days. Dense fog conditions are expected in northern and eastern India, particularly affecting Delhi. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses before traveling. The airline has launched 'FogCare' to offer advance alerts and options to reschedule or get refunds for affected flights.

The US administration for children and families has urged 39 states to stop using Social Security benefits meant for foster children to offset care costs. These earned benefits belong to the youth, not government agencies. Federal authorities are working to reform practices where benefit collection continues, aiming to preserve these funds for children's futures.

The government has simplified the visa process for Indian companies to bring in foreign technical experts for production-related activities. A new online module allows digital generation of sponsorship letters for the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa), significantly reducing processing time and easing business operations for both PLI and non-PLI firms.

Geospatial technologies are a foundational pillar of India's development journey, and the government is leveraging them as a national asset for Viksit Bharat, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology on Wednesday.

Silver prices surged to an all-time high of Rs 2.05 lakh per kg in Delhi, driven by robust domestic and international demand. The white metal has seen a significant jump of 127.40% this year. Gold also edged higher, nearing record levels amid geopolitical tensions and expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts.

India's pension regulator has significantly relaxed exit and withdrawal norms for National Pension System (NPS) non-government subscribers, allowing them to withdraw up to 80% of their pension wealth. The investment horizon has also been extended to age 85 for all categories, offering greater flexibility in retirement planning.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized hosting the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow due to severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to its cancellation. He suggested Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative with significantly improved air quality. The match was called off after repeated delays due to poor visibility, impacting cricket fans.

India and Oman are set to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on December 18, aiming to deepen economic ties and expand India's trade and strategic footprint in the Gulf. The pact will cover goods, services, and investment, reducing tariffs and facilitating business, while also carrying significant geopolitical weight.

US stocks traded mostly steady as oil prices rebounded following President Trump's order to block sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. Energy stocks led gains, with US crude climbing. Asian and European markets also saw gains, supported by technology stocks and rising crude prices.

Muhammad Binghatti has recast Dubai real estate through architecture-led branding, fusing design authorship with commercial control. A trained architect and chairman of Binghatti Holding, he transformed a family business into a recognisable luxury brand, delivering record-breaking sales and landmark projects. His approach treats buildings as cultural objects, not commodities, reshaping how property is built, sold, and recognised.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers a government-backed 8.2% tax-free interest for girl children, aiming to fund their future education or marriage. While a secure fixed-income option, experts suggest combining it with equity investments for better inflation-beating returns over its 21-year maturity period.

The Parliament on Wednesday approved the new insurance bill called Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill after it got the Rajya Sabha nod. It was cleared in Lok Sabha the day before. The bill allows 100 per cent FDI in the sector, raising it from earlier allowed 74 per cent. The bill is now pending for President's assent.

India's ambitious highway expansion faces significant execution stress, with 574 projects worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore delayed. Bottlenecks like land acquisition and clearances are hindering progress even before projects begin. Despite these challenges, highway construction continues, with a target of 10,000 km set for the current financial year.

India's mutual fund industry achieved a record Rs 80.80 lakh crore in assets under management, driven by a 16% surge in monthly SIP flows to Rs 29,445 crore. Equity funds dominate AUM, and passive investments are growing, indicating a structural shift. The investor base is expanding beyond metros, with smaller cities contributing significantly to AUM.

Warner Bros urged shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance's takeover, favoring a Netflix offer they believe benefits customers and aligns with board duties. Paramount's higher bid includes cable networks, unlike Netflix's streaming-focused proposal. Both deals face significant regulatory and political scrutiny, with concerns about market dominance and media consolidation.

Average salaries in India are projected to rise by 9 per cent in 2026, with organisations placing sharper emphasis on short-term incentives, performance-linked rewards and skills-based pay frameworks. The IT, ITES and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) sector continues to lead in offering innovative benefits and progressive employee policies, reflecting its focus on well-being, engagement and future-ready talent.

India's Navy has boosted its submarine warfare and surveillance with the commissioning of its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, at Goa. This move strengthens maritime security amid a complex regional environment. The induction enhances the Navy's operational reach and deterrence, aligning with India's strategic goals for a secure maritime future.

CNG and piped natural gas users will see bills drop by about Rs 2-3 per unit from January 1, 2026, as a new unified pipeline tariff kicks in. The petroleum regulators move simplifies charges and mandates that cost savings be passed directly to consumers, improving access and affordability nationwide.

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday announced that his government is launching its own carpooling app as the pollution level rises in National capital. He also announced a Rs 2700-crore allocation over 10 years to the MCD.

Despite US sanctions on Russian oil majors, Indian refiners are maintaining robust crude imports. December shipments are expected to exceed 1 million barrels per day, driven by deep discounts from non-sanctioned entities. While some refiners are pausing purchases, others are increasing their intake, ensuring continued trade flow.

The future classroom blends AI efficiency with human insight, teaching students not just answers but how to think.

The Ministry of Culture has rejected Congress's claims of missing Jawaharlal Nehru papers from the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML). The ministry stated that 51 cartons of Nehru's private family letters were sent to Sonia Gandhi in 2008, and their whereabouts are known, asserting these documents are national heritage, not private property.

The BJP attacked the Congress over the National Herald case, accusing the Gandhi family of deceit and propaganda. While a court declined to take cognisance of a fresh FIR, it allowed the ED to continue its investigation, stating the case stems from a private complaint. Congress claimed vindication, calling the proceedings illegal.

India's Army Aviation Corps has received the final three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its contracted fleet. These advanced aircraft, set to be based in Jodhpur, significantly boost the Army's attack and reconnaissance capabilities. This delivery marks a key milestone in the growing US-India defence partnership, enhancing regional security cooperation.

India's Aadhaar database has maintained an impeccable security record since its launch, the government assured Parliament. A robust, multi-layered defense system, including advanced encryption and continuous audits, safeguards the personal data of over 134 crore citizens. International certifications further validate the system's strong protection against cyber threats and unauthorized access.

The Supreme Court is pushing for practical solutions to Delhi's severe air pollution crisis. It has directed the Delhi government to directly transfer funds to verified idle construction workers and consider providing them alternative work. The court also criticized the affluent for violating pollution norms, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the poor.

The Supreme Court has transferred the rape and murder case of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College to the Calcutta High Court for monitoring. The apex court's intervention followed nationwide outrage. While the main criminal trial is concluded, the High Court will now oversee related issues concerning doctors' safety and working conditions.

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad defended his controversial remark on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's action with a woman's hijab, citing translation issues and regional dialect differences. He claimed his comment was misunderstood and lacked ill intent. Opposition parties, however, intensified their demand for an unconditional apology, calling his statement misogynistic and undignified.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rare personal diplomatic honour in Ethiopia as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally drove him to the airport. The visit saw the elevation of India-Ethiopia ties to a Strategic Partnership and PM Modi being conferred Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, highlighting growing Indian diplomatic stature.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas, a gallery honoring India's 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. This new exhibition replaces colonial-era displays, symbolizing a shift towards celebrating national heroes and their sacrifices in defending the nation. Vijay Diwas commemorates India's 1971 victory and the liberation of Bangladesh.

As Delhi grapples with severe air pollution, the Chinese Embassy in India shared its nation's strategies for tackling the issue. China implemented ultra-strict vehicle emission controls, including phasing out old vehicles and promoting electric mobility. The country also undertook industrial restructuring, shutting down heavy industries and transforming former factory sites into public spaces and economic hubs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Ethiopia's Parliament, calling it the land of lions and feeling at home. He highlighted shared civilizational links, noting both nations revere their land as a Mother. India and Ethiopia elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in key sectors. Modi also received Ethiopia's highest civilian award.

Ethiopian singers deeply moved Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a rendition of Vande Mataram during a banquet in Addis Ababa. The performance coincided with India marking 150 years of the national song. Modi's visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, also included a visit to the Adwa Victory Memorial and addressing the Ethiopian Parliament.

Silver prices have reached an all-time high in futures trading. This surge is fueled by limited supply and anticipation of US interest rate reductions next year. Gold prices also saw an increase. Investors are closely watching upcoming US inflation data for further market direction. These developments are impacting global precious metal markets.

Apple is reportedly in early talks with Indian chip manufacturers, specifically CG Semi, for assembling and packaging iPhone components. This potential collaboration, focusing initially on display chips, marks a significant step for India's burgeoning semiconductor sector. Meeting Apple's stringent quality demands will be crucial for CG Semi's success.

Asset allocation, not the fund itself, is the critical factor in investment success. A mediocre fund within the right asset mix can outperform a top fund in the wrong one. Your personal goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance should dictate your investment split, ensuring survivability and goal achievement.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that global trade is increasingly being weaponized through tariffs and other measures. She warned India must negotiate carefully in this evolving landscape, where trade is no longer free and fair. Sitharaman emphasised that India's actions aim to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and predatory practices.