The Times of India News

VIPs Surround Stars, Block View From Stands

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday participated in the 47th All India Public Relations Conference-2025 held at Hotel Emerald Grand on Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun.

West Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose was denied entry to Salt Lake stadium after chaos erupted during a Lionel Messi event. He deemed the incident an affront to his constitutional office and sought an explanation, vowing to inspect the site to finalize his report. The Governor also demanded accountability for the mismanagement and police failures.

Indian Railways is implementing significant cost-cutting measures in maintenance, procurement, and energy to bolster its finances. This proactive approach aims to absorb anticipated wage increases from the Eighth Pay Commission, projected to be substantial. The railway is focusing on operational efficiency and increased freight revenue to manage the financial impact.

The much-talked-about spy thriller Dhurandhar is set in the Lyari, the Karachi neighbourhood known for gang wars. Sociologist Nida Kirmani, who has studied marginalisation on both sides of the border and made a documentary on Lyari, speaks to Sneha Bhura about the reality of the area often dubbed as Karachis Wild West

Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday congratulated Beena Kurian, Sini Antony and Smitha Luke on their victory in the Kerala local body elections, calling it a reflection of the growing trust of the people in the party's politics of honesty and public service.

Wall Street firms are advising investors to diversify beyond the Magnificent Seven tech stocks as their market dominance appears to be waning. Strategists are recommending sectors like health care, industrials, and energy for 2026, citing concerns over elevated valuations and AI investment returns. Market data indicates a shift, with smaller indices outperforming megacap tech.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has provided government jobs to 39 next of kin of terror victims, offering long-awaited rehabilitation and dignity. This initiative aims to support families who suffered immense hardship and emotional trauma after their loved ones were killed by terrorists, restoring their faith in the system.

Oil tanker movements into and out of Venezuelan waters have almost come to a standstill, Al Jazeera's sources stated, after the US announced that it would seize more vessels as part of its military pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

SpaceX is reportedly conducting an internal share sale valuing the company at $800 billion, with a potential 2026 IPO in the works. This valuation, nearly double its previous figure, surpasses OpenAI's record and positions SpaceX as the world's most valuable private firm. Funds will fuel Starship development, AI data centers, and lunar base initiatives.

The CBI opposed Rabri Devi's plea to transfer criminal cases, arguing it constitutes forum-shopping and aims to demean the judge. The agency stated that Special Judge Vishal Gogne acted within judicial procedures and that the application seeks to stall the trial. The court will hear the matter further on December 15, 2025.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat has urged President Murmu to intervene against the Uttar Pradesh government's move to withdraw charges in the 2015 Dadri mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. Karat termed the governor's approval of the withdrawal a politically motivated attempt to subvert justice, questioning the governor's constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law.

Delhi-NCR faces emergency curbs as air quality plummets to 'Severe+' levels, triggering Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan. Authorities have enforced strict restrictions across the region due to pollution crossing critical thresholds. This comes after the city's Air Quality Index surged overnight, leading to dense smog and reduced visibility, impacting public health.

Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain claimed D K Shivakumar will become Chief Minister on January 6, urging CM Siddaramaiah to step down. This follows a dinner meeting hosted by Shivakumar with over 30 legislators and ministers, fueling speculation about a leadership transition pact made after the 2023 election victory.

The Nifty experienced a mild correction this week, consolidating within a downward pattern and closing negative despite a Federal Reserve rate cut. The index faces resistance near recent peaks, with key levels at 26,200 and 26,300. A cautious approach is advised until a breakout above this resistance is confirmed.

Indias long-hour work culture now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with hard-grind economies like Bangladesh, Mongolia, and Iran, underscoring why the demand for boundaries between work and personal time is growing louder.

GST reforms are projected to reduce retail inflation by up to 35 basis points in 2025-26, with an estimated 25 basis points decline already observed between September and November 2025 due to rate adjustments. While Kerala faces higher inflation driven by specific commodity prices, national CPI is expected to average 1.8% in 2025-26.

The BJP-led NDA achieved significant gains in Kerala's local body elections, securing a majority in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation after 45 years of Left rule. The NDA also retained Palakkad municipality and wrested Thrippunithura Municipality from the Congress-led UDF, signaling a potential shift in the state's political landscape ahead of the assembly elections.

India's primary market is gearing up for a busy week with four new IPOs totaling Rs 830 crore, led by KSH International's Rs 710 crore offering. Investors are keenly awaiting listings from prominent names like ICICI Prudential AMC, Corona Remedies, and Park Medi World, with strong grey market premiums indicating positive sentiment.

India is experiencing a rare economic phase with near-zero inflation and robust growth exceeding 8%. While this 'Goldilocks' moment benefits borrowers and large corporations, farmers face significant losses due to falling food prices. Savers might see reduced returns as interest rates decline, highlighting a complex economic landscape where benefits are unevenly distributed.

India is actively engaging with Mexico over a unilateral tariff hike of up to 50% on a wide range of products. New Delhi seeks solutions beneficial to both nations while protecting Indian exporters' interests, as the increased duties are set to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Modern offices are a melting pot of Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z, each with distinct communication styles and work philosophies. While generational differences create unique workplace dynamics, from email etiquette to work-life balance, collaboration and innovation thrive. HR professionals now navigate these diverse expectations, fostering an environment where all generations contribute effectively.

Chaos erupted at Salt Lake stadium during Lionel Messi's visit, sparking a sharp BJP attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of gross mismanagement and demanded Banerjee's resignation, citing fan disappointment and alleged exploitation. Banerjee has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

Copper prices are soaring towards $12,000 a ton, fueled by booming AI data infrastructure demand and global supply worries. With a 35% surge this year, the metal's electrical properties make it vital for data centers, EVs, and clean energy. Despite rising inventories, a market deficit is projected, intensifying supply concerns and driving investor interest.

Following the RBI's repo rate cut, State Bank of India has slashed its lending rates, including MCLR, EBLR, and RLLR, effective December 15th. This move aims to lower borrowing costs and EMIs for both retail and corporate clients. The bank also revised its BPLR and base rates, offering significant relief to borrowers.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly gatecrashed a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after waiting over 40 minutes. This incident occurred as Sharif continues efforts to strengthen ties with Moscow, despite acknowledging Russia's close partnership with India.

India has eased visa regulations for Chinese professionals, allowing them to obtain business visas for short-term assignments, a move aimed at streamlining approval processes. This relaxation follows recent efforts by both nations to improve people-to-people engagement and mend relations strained by the 2020 border standoff.

Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's brief visit, with angry fans throwing projectiles after being unable to see the football icon due to mismanagement. The BJP criticized the Trinamool Congress for the otal embarrassment on an international stage, highlighting wasted fan efforts and zero planning for the highly anticipated event.

SBI has reduced interest rates on specific deposits and lending benchmarks following a 25 basis points repo rate cut. The bank adjusted deposit rates to maintain its net interest margin, with changes affecting 444-day deposits and those between two to three years. This move occurs as bank credit growth outpaces deposit expansion.

The Indian government has launched a Rs 476.03 crore, six-year development program to modernize the makhana sector. This initiative, overseen by the National Makhana Board, focuses on research, quality seed production, farmer training, and enhancing value addition, branding, and export promotion across the country.

The Supreme Court expressed dismay over the Madhya Pradesh High Court condoning a four-year delay in an appeal by the state government. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Prasanna B. Varale questioned the High Court's awareness of apex court rulings on delay condonation, setting aside the order and remanding the case for reconsideration.

Over 5,900 Indians were brought home from the Middle East in three years due to safety concerns, including Operation Ajay in Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed 1,474 evacuees hailed from Uttar Pradesh. The government also repatriated mortal remains of 45 Indians from Kuwait. No fresh evacuations are currently anticipated.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund's massive Rs 10,600-crore IPO saw robust demand on its opening day, with institutional investors oversubscribing their portion. While high net worth and retail investors showed moderate interest, the IPO is set to close on December 16. Prudential Corp Holdings is divesting a significant stake in this offering.

Haryana has launched its most ambitious environmental initiative, the 'Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development,' in collaboration with the World Bank, with a Rs 3,600 crore corpus. This project aims to significantly improve air quality over five years through sweeping interventions, including industrial upgrades, e-bus procurement, and enhanced monitoring infrastructure.

Indian Railways is piloting a new on-board catering model, separating meal preparation from service. IRCTC is partnering with established food brands and industrial kitchens to supply fresh, hygienic meals on select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. Initial passenger feedback is positive, with trials focusing on improving meal quality and offering diverse, restaurant-style menus.

Automakers experienced a record-breaking November with strong factory dispatches to dealerships, indicating sustained consumer demand. Passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers saw significant double-digit growth year-on-year, with Maruti Suzuki reporting its best November in 40 years. Despite a dip in two-wheeler registrations, industry leaders remain optimistic for continued growth into 2026.

President Trump touts rising government revenues and investment pledges as proof of his economic strategy's success. However, many Americans face affordability pressures, creating a disconnect between headline growth and personal finances. Critics argue that while tariffs have increased, they haven't significantly eased cost-of-living strains for households.

RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar warned that stablecoins pose significant macro-financial risks, including currency substitution and weakened monetary policy. He argued they lack the essential features of modern money, such as fiat status and singleness, and could undermine India's financial architecture. Sankar highlighted that their purported benefits are largely unproven, with domestic systems already offering superior payment solutions.

US lawmakers are pushing to remove steep tariffs on Indian imports, arguing they harm American jobs and consumers. A resolution seeks to end President Trump's national emergency declaration that led to duties up to 50%. This bipartisan move aims to mend the vital US-India partnership and boost economic ties, citing disruptions and increased costs for Americans.

A California jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $40 million to two women who claimed its talc-based baby powder caused their ovarian cancer. The women testified that decades of use led to major surgeries and chemotherapy. Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal, stating the verdict is aberrant and lacks evidence.

Investor sentiment surged on Dalal Street, propelling the Sensex back above the 85,000 mark following a record-breaking rally on Wall Street. This boost was attributed to the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, which improved global risk appetite and liquidity optimism, despite foreign fund outflows and a weakening rupee.

Brookfield is set to invest over one billion dollars in Mumbai. This investment will establish Asia's largest Global Capability Centre. The project is scheduled for completion by 2029. It is expected to create over 30,000 jobs. This development highlights India's growing importance as a hub for multinational corporations.

Linking Fastag with motor insurance could significantly boost GST revenue by an estimated Rs 18,000 crore and drastically cut down uninsured vehicles, according to Tapan Singhel. He highlighted that insurers have clear visibility of uninsured vehicles, and integrating with Fastag would enhance compliance and combat fraud.

'Real-Term Rise In Air Ticket Prices Negative'

Air India Express pilots are protesting the recruitment of new A320 captains, fearing reduced flying hours and pay. Around 100 pilots have written to management, questioning external hiring when internal utilization is low. They worry this will further impact their ability to meet contracted flying hours and affect their overall compensation.