The Times of India News

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has apologized for the IndiGo passenger disruptions and vowed strict action, potentially including the CEO's removal. The probe will scrutinize the airline's operations and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) oversight. The minister acknowledged passenger distress, including exorbitant surge pricing, and assured accountability.

Holiday travel plans for countless domestic flyers face disruption as IndiGo slashes 200-400 flights daily. This significant capacity cut by India's largest airline is creating a sharp demand-supply gap, making new bookings difficult and potentially leading to cancellations for existing Yuletide travel. Other airlines are operating at maximum capacity, unable to fill the void quickly.

CBI has registered an FIR against Jai Anmol Ambani in a Rs 228 crore bank fraud case linked to Reliance Housing Finance. Searches were conducted at his residence. The agency is investigating allegations of cheating and criminal conspiracy causing wrongful loss to Union Bank of India. A second FIR targets RCFL and its officials for a Rs 57.

The Congress-led coalition of opposition parties is making strong demands for the reinstatement of ballot papers alongside a transformed collegium responsible for appointing election commissioners. Their criticisms target the Election Commission, claiming it has lost credibility, especially regarding electoral roll updates and those pesky model code infringements.

Key NDA allies JDU and TDP slammed the opposition for 'double standards' on EVMs, questioning why machines are deemed faulty only after electoral losses. Shiv Sena (Shinde) pushed for lowering the voting age to 18, advocating for remote voting for migrants and simultaneous polls. Allies emphasized voter maturity and dismissed manipulation claims.

US President Trump's threat of new rice tariffs is unlikely to significantly impact India, as exports to the US are a small fraction of global sales and already face high duties. Experts suggest this is a negotiation tactic amid ongoing trade deal talks, with India aiming to lift existing US tariffs.

The Supreme Court has mandated all states to provide robust security for booth-level officers during voter enumeration, warning of severe action against any threats or obstructions. The court emphasized that non-cooperation with the Election Commission's work is a serious matter, extending beyond West Bengal to all states, and stressed the need for BLOs' safety to prevent anarchy.

A crucial meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi set to select the next Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners. The Central Information Commission has been operating with a significantly reduced staff since September, with eight commissioner posts vacant. This selection process is vital for the functioning of the CIC.

India is boosting its European ties, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set to visit New Delhi soon. This engagement follows President Putin's visit and precedes the India-EU summit. Discussions will focus on trade, technology, and sustainable development, building on existing partnerships. Germany's support for Ukraine and shared concerns over the Indo-Pacific will also be key topics.

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has taken suo motu notice of a two-day paralysis in cardiac care services at Govt Super Speciality Hospital, Jammu. This occurred after vendors halted supplies of emergency cardiac devices due to unpaid dues of nearly Rs 30 crore under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, putting vulnerable patients at risk.

A doctor from Baramulla has been arrested as the eighth suspect in the November 10 Delhi car blast, which claimed 15 lives. The NIA identified him as a co-conspirator who allegedly provided support to the suicide bomber. This arrest is part of a larger investigation into a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module involving professionals.

Jammu and Kashmir government has directed all five government medical colleges to increase MBBS seats, with Baramulla, Doda, and Kathua receiving 50 additional seats each, and Srinagar and Jammu adding 20 each. Principals are also urged to apply for more seats and strengthen super-specialty care, with SKIMS planning to seek around 130 postgraduate and 50 undergraduate seats.

The US Federal Reserve is poised for a quarter-point rate cut this week, but internal disagreements signal future reductions will be challenging. Despite rising unemployment, inflation remains a concern, creating a complex economic landscape. Analysts anticipate significant dissent among policymakers, making consensus building difficult as the Fed navigates mixed economic signals.

Mumbai airport experienced significant disruptions last week as IndiGo cancelled 905 flights and delayed 1,475 others, impacting over 40,000 passengers with cancellations and 2.6 lakh with delays. The crisis, peaking on December 4-5, stems from new crew rostering rules affecting pilot rest periods and disrupting schedules across the airline's network.

Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra AMC predicts capital markets will soon surpass bank lending in India, signaling a significant shift in economic financing. He emphasized the need for wiser investment habits, urging Indians to avoid unproductive savings and improve financial literacy. Radhika Gupta of Edelweiss Mutual Fund advocated for early-age investing incentives, including lock-in periods, to foster long-term wealth creation.

US job openings held steady in October, indicating a cooling labour market. Layoffs saw an uptick, while quits declined, suggesting employers might lean towards job cuts over natural attrition. This data emerges as the Federal Reserve considers another interest-rate cut amid mixed economic signals, with inflation still a concern but job market softness bolstering rate cut expectations.

The Indian rupee is experiencing significant pressure, hitting record lows against the US dollar due to trade deficits, US tariffs, and capital outflows. The Reserve Bank of India is reportedly employing a sophisticated, unpredictable intervention strategy, communicating confidential directives to dealers to manage volatility without depleting reserves or hindering growth. This approach aims to curb speculation while maintaining market stability.

Airlines are projected to earn a meager $7.90 per passenger in 2026, a profit margin so low that Apple makes more selling an iPhone cover. Despite connecting economies and supporting millions of jobs, the aviation industry faces persistent headwinds like supply chain issues and delivery delays, capping profitability.

Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved a remarkable feat by crossing Rs 100 crore at the box office within its opening weekend. The film saw impressive growth, with Sunday collections soaring to Rs 43 crore. This strong performance marks one of Ranveer Singh's most successful opening weekends to date.

US stocks traded cautiously on Tuesday, with major indices showing mixed movements ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Investors are closely watching for future policy cues, especially regarding potential rate cuts amid a weakening jobs outlook. Stock-specific news, including Nvidia's AI chip sales and CVS Health's raised forecasts, also influenced intraday trading.

Renault and Ford are joining forces. They will build affordable electric cars and vans for Europe. This move aims to compete with fast-growing Chinese automakers. The first new electric car is expected in 2028. This partnership will also focus on commercial vans. Both companies want to strengthen their position in the European market.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged banks to fully transmit policy rate cuts to borrowers, aiming to support sustainable growth and improve customer outcomes. He emphasized the need for lower intermediation costs and higher efficiency, while also flagging rising risks from digital fraud and calling for stronger safeguards.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Dr Bilal Naseer Malla for allegedly destroying evidence and harbouring a deceased accused in connection with the Red Fort car blast. This marks the eighth arrest in the case, which is being investigated as a terrorist strike linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed module.

Aviation authorities have slashed IndiGo's winter flight schedule by 10% following widespread passenger disruptions. The airline, which previously faced a 5% cut, will now operate significantly fewer flights due to internal mismanagement of crew rosters and inadequate communication. This move aims to stabilize operations and reduce cancellations, with IndiGo submitting a revised schedule soon.

Skin cancer is common globally. Early detection significantly improves treatment success. Dr. Jeffrey Nesbell and Dr. Evan Levine highlight key warning signs. Look for sores that don't heal, pearly bumps, rough patches, firm red nodules, and scar-like areas. Melanoma signs include asymmetry, irregular borders, varied color, large diameter, and evolving moles. The 'Ugly Duckling' sign is also important.

US consulates are canceling and rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments for late 2025 to March 2026 due to new mandatory online presence reviews. Applicants must now make social media accounts public for assessment, leading to reduced interview slots and extended vetting processes. These changes, alongside other H-1B policy tightenings, are expected to delay approvals and impact workforce planning.

Advocate Rakesh Kishore reported an attack at Karkardooma Court. He stated 100-150 individuals assaulted him with slippers. They cited his previous shoe-hurling incident against former CJI B R Gavai. Kishore also mentioned they accused Gavai of insulting Sanatan Dharma. A video of the incident is circulating online. Kishore's license was suspended pending inquiry.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted in Rajya Sabha that the division of 'Vande Mataram' for appeasement politics fueled India's partition. He emphasised the song's enduring relevance in fostering cultural nationalism and driving the nation towards a developed future. Shah criticised the opposition for linking the debate to West Bengal elections, highlighting the song's historical significance during the freedom struggle.

India's education loan schemes are failing deserving students, a parliamentary panel revealed. Despite promises of easy access, red tape, high interest, and unequal distribution plague the system, particularly impacting northern and rural students. The report highlights significant processing delays and the severe mental health toll of mounting debt, urging urgent reforms for equitable higher education access.

India's primary market is establishing a new normal with annual IPO issuances projected to exceed $20 billion. This trend is driven by a robust pipeline of new-age businesses and large offerings, with consumer tech expected to significantly increase its share of IPO demand.

Days after a devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane claimed 25 lives, authorities demolished a section of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Goa's Vagator area. The structure, owned by Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, was found to have encroached on the beach. Officials confirmed a 198-square-meter area was cleared.

Tennis star Anna Kournikova and music icon Enrique Iglesias boast a combined net worth of $160 million in 2025. While Kournikova's fame transcended her $4 million prize money through lucrative endorsements, Iglesias' wealth stems from over 130 million record sales and global tours. Both have strategically invested in Miami real estate, contributing to their substantial shared fortune.

Goa Police have issued Look Out Circulars against the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub where 25 people died in a fire, as they are currently abroad. Authorities are seeking their return with Interpol and CBI assistance. Meanwhile, a co-owner has been accused, and four staff members have been arrested.

IndiGo's parent, InterGlobe Aviation, saw its stock plummet nearly 17% following widespread flight disruptions caused by revised pilot duty norms. Over 1,000 flights were cancelled in a single day, with the airline acknowledging operational strain from new FDTL rules and minor technical glitches. The DGCA is reviewing IndiGo's response to a show-cause notice.

India's middle class is embracing SIPs, with record contributions flowing into mutual funds. However, this financial sophistication masks a growing reliance on debt, as liabilities outpace asset growth. Many families are using credit to fund lifestyles and investments, creating a fragile financial situation despite the SIP boom.

Jake Chasan and Will Conte are MBA candidates at Stanford Graduate School of Business and former investment bankers at Goldman Sachs. They recently completed research on pharmaceutical supply chain resilience under the guidance of Stanford faculty Scott Brady (MS 00), Brett Jordan (MBA 16), and Garth Saloner (MS 81, PhD 82).

Rajya Sabha session on Vande Mataram's 150 years turned combative as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP's predecessors of working for the British. Home minister Amit Shah rejected claims of political timing, urging members to view the song's significance beyond elections.

Gold prices have surged significantly, prompting investors to reconsider their asset allocation strategies. Experts advise a disciplined approach, recommending gradual accumulation on price dips rather than chasing peaks. Gold's historical performance and its role as a safe-haven asset support its inclusion in diversified portfolios for long-term wealth creation. Investors should align their gold exposure with risk appetite and liquidity needs.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejected claims that the Vande Mataram debate was politically motivated for the West Bengal elections. He stated the discussion was to highlight the national song's importance, especially as it marked its 150th anniversary. Opposition leaders, however, linked the timing to the upcoming polls, accusing the government of distraction.