The Sen Times

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) Opposing Lalu Prasad Yadavs petition to quash its FIR in the land-for-jobs scam case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday said the RJD supremo had no role or public duty in the matter of appointment as a railway minister. Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the CBI, argued before Justice Ravinder Dudeja that the power to take such a decision or make a recommendation was with the general managers and therefore there was no need to obtain prior sancti

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) Silver prices surged by Rs 6,000 to hit a fresh lifetime high of Rs 2,71,000 per kg in the national capital on Tuesday, and gold climbed to yet another record of Rs 1,45,000 per 10 grams amid sustained buying by the stockists. According to the All India Sarafa Association, the white precious metal extended its gains for the third consecutive day by jumping Rs 6,000, or 2.3 per cent, to Rs 2,71,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). On Monday, the metal had surged by R

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) A new study into why women experience more severe gut pain suggests that oestrogen, the female sexual hormone, increases the release of a gut hormone that promotes satiety, boosting serotonin production, and sensitising nerves in the gut that trigger pain response. A comparative study of male and female mouse models conducted by researchers from South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and University of California, San Francisco, revealed an oestrogen-depend

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, Jan 13 (Reuters) Indias basmati rice exports to Iran have slowed to a near standstill amid the protests gripping the Gulf country, with suppliers wary of new deals due to the risk of non-payment and potential additional U.S. tariffs, trade officials said. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country trading with Iran would face a 25% tariff on its commerce with the U.S., a move exporters say has made Indian suppliers even more reluctant to sign new contracts wit

Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI) The rupee declined 4 paise to close at 90.21 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, weighed down by higher crude oil prices, a firm American currency and incessant outflow of foreign funds. Analysts said geopolitical tensions and weak equity markets also put pressure on the Indian currency. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 90.24 and touched the intra-day low of 90.30 against the greenback. The currency ended the session at 90.21 (provisional) a

Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Tuesday after a days breather, tracking unabated foreign fund outflows and selling in blue-chip stocks amid global tariff-related concerns. Market sentiment was also sluggish due to a weak start to the earnings season, according to traders. In a volatile trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 250.48 points, or 0.30 per cent, to settle at 83,627.69. During the day, it declined 615.38 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 83,262.

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the Centres attempt to block Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan is an attack on Tamil culture, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will never succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people. Gandhis remarks come on a day he is on a visit to poll-bound Tamil Nadu where the row over actor-turned-politician Vijays Tamil film has snowballed into a major issue. The producer of the film approached the Supreme Court, challengin

Jan 13 (Reuters) Indian carmakers sales to dealers jumped 26.8% in December, their biggest monthly rise of 2025, as tax cuts made several models more affordable and spurred demand, industry data showed on Tuesday. Carmakers sold 399,216 units in the final month of 2025, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers said. For the full year, sales grew about 5%, faster than 4.2% growth in 2024. Car sales in the country are on a tear since the government in September implemented tax cuts that low

New Delhi, Jan 13 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of a 2018 provision of the anti-graft law which mandates prior sanction before initiating a probe against a government servant in a corruption case. While Justice BV Nagarathna said Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act is unconstitutional and needs to be struck down, Justice KV Viswanathan held the provision as constitutional while stressing on the need to protect honest offic

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 13 (ANI): Nationalist Congress Party chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday condemned the Brihanmumbai Municipal Elections (BMC) being given a communal angle. As he reaffirmed that he has a secular mindset, he said that in such a diverse country like India, everyone is equally a citizen. I do not like this at all, I have a secular mindset. The ideology of Ambedkar does not teach us this. I just have to say that our country is so big,

WASHINGTON, January 13, 2026 (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its crackdown on protesters that activists said had killed at least 646 people. Iran had no direct reaction to Trumps comments, which came after the foreign minister of Oman long an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran traveled to Iran this weekend. It also remains unclear just what Iran could promise, particularly as Trump has s

New York/Washington, Jan 13 (PTI) US President Donald Trump announced that any country doing business with Iran will have to pay a 25 per cent tariff on its trade with Washington, a move that could impact Tehrans major trading partners such as India, China and the UAE. Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25 per cent on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive, Trump s

Mumbai, Jan 13 (PTI) The rupee weakened by 5 paise to 90.22 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, amid a strengthening American currency, higher crude oil prices and incessant outflow of foreign funds. An unprecedented geopolitical concern and global trade uncertainties have accelerated the dollar demand worldwide, adding strength to the greenback and putting pressure on the Indian currency, analysts said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 90.24 and gained slightl

HONG KONG, January 12, 2026 (AP) China and the European Union said Monday they have agreed on steps toward resolving their dispute over the blocs imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles. A guidance document released by the EU on Monday gives instructions for Chinese EV manufacturers on making price offers for EV exports, including minimum import prices and other details. The EU had imposed tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese EV imports in 2024 following an anti-subsidy investigation. The EU sai

NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (Reuters) Indias key inflation rate rose at its fastest pace in three months in December as the decline in food prices slowed, data showed on Monday, amid expectations that prices could continue inching up this year. Annual retail inflation quickened to 1.33% in December from 0.71% in November, government data showed. A Reuters poll had projected retail inflation at 1.5%. The print was below the RBI (Reserve Bank of India)s target range of 2% to 6% for the fourth straight mont

New Delhi, Jan 12 (PTI) In a first, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the general budget in Parliament on Sunday, February 1, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced on Monday. This will be Sitharamans ninth budget presentation, one short of the record 10 budgets presented by the then finance minister Morarji Desai. The Budget session of Parliament begins on January 28 with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha members assembled in the Lok Sabha chambe

New Delhi, Jan 12 (PTI) Retail inflation rose to a three-month high of 1.33 per cent in December 2025 mainly due to higher prices of kitchen essentials, including vegetables and protein-rich items. The inflation was at 0.71 per cent in November. The previous high was 1.44 per cent in September. The food inflation, based on Consumer Price Index (CPI), remained negative for the seventh consecutive month at (-) 2.71 per cent, though up from (-) 3.91 per cent in November. The increase in headline in

Mumbai, Jan 12 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty found firmer ground on Monday after facing a massive drubbing in the past five trading sessions, propelled by bargain hunting in energy, banking and metal stocks. However, escalating geopolitical tensions and unrelenting foreign fund outflows capped the sharp gains, traders said. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 301.93 points, or 0.36 per cent, to settle at 83,878.17. During the morning trade, it tumbled 715.17 points, or 0.85 per cen

NEW DELHI, Jan 12 (Reuters) India and the U.S. will discuss trade issues in their next call scheduled for Tuesday, Washingtons newly-appointed ambassador to New Delhi, Sergio Gor, said on Monday, at a time when failure to secure a trade deal has roiled their ties and pushed the rupee to a record low. India will also be invited to join Pax Silica next month, Gor said, referring to a U.S.-led initiative to build a silicon supply chain from critical minerals to semiconductors and AI. Trade talks b

Jan 12 (Reuters) President Donald Trump said the U.S. may meet Iranian officials and was in contact with the opposition, as he weighed a range of strong responses including military options to escalating unrest posing one of the biggest challenges to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution Trump said Iran called to negotiate its nuclear programme, which Israel and the U.S. bombed in a 12-day war in June. Trump has warned Irans leaders that the United States would attack if security forc

New research from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), published in the journal Sleep Advances, found that poor sleep may shorten life expectancy more than other lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and loneliness. The study indicates that sleep plays an even greater role in longevity than many people understand. Lifestyle Surveys To draw these conclusions, the researchers examined a large amount of national data from across the United States. They compared life expectancy data with h

Jan 9 (Reuters) Indias markets regulator on Friday eased compliance requirements and exempted smaller brokers from rules for technical glitches at brokerages. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said the streamlined framework will exclude stock brokers with fewer than 10,000 registered clients from compliance. These brokers will now be exempt from paying penalties or reporting requirements in case of technical glitches. As a result of new eligibility criteria, approximately 60% of

New Delhi [India], January 9 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday said that the BJP (Bhartiya Janata Party) thinks of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department (I-T), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as its personal army. He claimed that the ED only conduct raids in selected states, which are not led by the BJP. The moment we see a news flash about an ED raid, we know it has happened in a select few states only. We have been saying that the BJP thinks of the ED

NEW DELHI, Jan 9 (Reuters) Indias trade pact with the United States stalled last year because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make a telephone call to President Donald Trump ahead of a deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Friday, giving an account of events that New Delhi has denied. Trade talks between India and the U.S. fell apart and Trump then doubled tariffs on Indian goods in August to 50%, the worlds highest rate, including a levy of 25% in retaliation for Indias purchase

New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Gold and silver prices declined for the second straight day in the futures trade on Thursday, tracking weak global trends as investors booked profits ahead of the key US jobs data. Analysts said the employment numbers will offer fresh cues on the Federal Reserves monetary policy outlook. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for February delivery decreased Rs 896, or 0.65 per cent, to Rs 1,37,113 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 14,957 lots. Silver futu

New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday said the India-US relationship is going through turbulent times and each day is a fresh challenge as US President Donald Trump backed a sanctions bill that could impose 500 per cent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the India-US ties are seeing a new abnormal, notwithstanding posts of appeasement from the Indian prime minister. Senator Lindsay Graham, a close ally of P

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, January 8, 2026 (AP) Protests in Iran sparked by economic woes have now gone nationwide in the Islamic Republic, activists said Thursday, signaling both their staying power and intensity as they challenge the countrys theocracy. Wednesday saw the most-intense day of demonstrations, reaching rural towns and major cities in every province though still localized enough for daily life to continue in Tehran, Irans capital, and elsewhere. So far, violence around the demon

New Delhi [India], January 8 (ANI): JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) vice chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit on Thursday described the institution as the most nationalistic in the country, amid ongoing controversy over slogans raised against PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the university campus. Pandit added that the matter has been resolved and asserted that Vande Mataram is sung at the institution, asking which other university does so. It has been totally resolved. You see J

New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a plea of Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma challenging the legality of the parliamentary panel probing corruption charges against him. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma reserved its decision after hearing senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi, Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Varma and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing both houses of Parliament. During the hearing, Rohtagi and Luthra questione

New York/Washington, Jan 8 (PTI) US President Donald Trump has backed a sanctions bill that could impose 500 per cent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, giving the White House leverage against countries like China and India to stop them from purchasing cheap oil from Moscow. US Senator Lindsey Graham on Wednesday said that the legislation would give the White House tremendous leverage against countries like China, India and Brazil to incentivise them to stop buying cheap oil from Russia. A

New Delhi, Jan 7 (PTI) In the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps recent remarks on his ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tariffs, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday took a swipe at the government and posted an old video in which he had talked about how in 1971 then PM Indira Gandhi had withstood pressure from America. Trump on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Modi is not that happy with me because of the tariffs imposed by Washington on Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil.

KATHMANDU, Nepal, January 7, 2026 (AP) Mukesh Awasti was all set to leave for Australia to pursue a degree in civil engineering on a sunny day in September, but instead he joined a youth revolt against corruption in Nepal and lost his leg after being shot by security forces. Lying on a hospital bed at the National Trauma Center in the capital Kathmandu where his leg was amputated, 22-year-old Awasti said he regrets giving up so much for the little that has been achieved after the sacrifices of

New Delhi, Jan 6 (PTI) Rising for the fourth straight day, the gold price on Tuesday jumped by Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,41,500 per 10 grams, tracking firm global trends, according to the All India Sarafa Association. On Monday, the precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity closed at Rs 1,40,400 per 10 grams. Gold prices in the national capital increased by Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,41,500 per 10 grams, the All India Sarafa Association said. Gold extended its gains on Tuesday, supported by a softer US dollar and dov

Mumbai, Jan 6 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, tracking intense selling pressure in market heavyweights Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank amid geopolitical tensions and renewed concerns about potential US tariff hikes. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 376.28 points, or 0.44 per cent, to settle at 85,063.34. During the day, it tanked 539.52 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 84,900.10. The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 71.60 points, or 0.2

TOKYO, January 6, 2026 (AP) A strong earthquake shook western Japan on Tuesday, but no major damage or life-threatening injuries were reported. The magnitude 6.4 quake struck in Shimane prefecture in northwestern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. There was no risk of a tsunami from the inland quake centered about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) deep. The prefectural capital of Matsue and nearby cities, including some in neighboring Tottori prefecture, were among the most strongly s

Sydney, Jan 6 (The Conversation) After US special forces swooped into Caracas to seize Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro and topple his government, US President Donald Trump said the United States will now run Venezuela, including its abundant oil resources. US companies were poised to invest billions to upgrade Venezuelas crumbling oil infrastructure, he said, and start making money for the country. Venezuela has the worlds largest oil reserves outpacing Saudi Arabia with 303 billion barrels,

WASHINGTON, January 6, 2026 (AP) President Donald Trump hasnt minced words about the larger message hes trying to send the world with the U.S. military raid to capture Nicols Maduro and spirit the deposed Venezuelan leader and his wife to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges. American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, Trump declared following Maduros capture, will never be questioned again. In the days since the audacious raid, Trump and his team have doubled down on th

BENGALURU, Jan 6 (Reuters) Indias services sector expansion slowed to its weakest pace in 11 months in December as new business growth eased and hiring stalled, a survey showed on Tuesday. HSBCs India Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, dropped to 58.0 last month from Novembers 59.8, lower than a preliminary estimate of 59.1. A reading above 50.0 indicates growth in activity, while below that level points to a contraction. While Indias service sector continued to p

Mumbai, Jan 5 (PTI) The Indian rupee stayed weak for the fourth straight session and closed 8 paise lower at 90.28 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, weighed down by a firm American currency and subdued equity market sentiment. Forex traders said that the renewed geopolitical uncertainties after the US military intervention in Venezuela fuelled dollar demand worldwide even though the falling crude oil prices supported the Indian currency at lower level. At the interbank foreign excha

Mumbai, Jan 5 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Monday, dragged by blue-chip HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and IT stocks amid fresh warning from the US to further raise tariffs against India. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 322.39 points or 0.38 per cent to settle at 85,439.62. During the day, it tanked 446.68 points or 0.52 per cent to 85,315.33. A total of 2,545 stocks declined, while 1,723 advanced and 203 remained unchanged on the BSE. After hitting a record int

New Delhi, Jan 5 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday refused bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case but granted it to five others, citing hierarchy of participation and saying all accused in the case do not stand on the same footing. There was a prima facie case against Khalid and Imam under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria said. While the two will remain in jail, activists Gulfisha Fatima,

MRI has revealed that shape changes in the buttocks may be an indicator of type 2 diabetes, and that these changes differ between women and men, according to the findings were presented in December, 2025 at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago.. The finding is from a study that used 61,290 MRI exams housed in the UK Biobank database to create detailed 3D anatomical models of the gluteus maximus and then explored how variables such as aging, lifestyle,

Jan 5 (Reuters) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was due to appear in a U.S. court on Monday after his weekend capture by American forces, with U.S. President Donald Trump leaving open the possibility of another incursion if the United States doesnt get its way with the countrys interim leader. Trump told reporters on Sunday that he could order another strike if Venezuela does not cooperate with U.S. efforts to open up its oil industry and stop drug trafficking. He also threatened military a

New York/Washington, Jan 5 (PTI) US President Donald Trump has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew he was not happy with Indias purchases of Russian oil and that Washington can raise tariffs on New Delhi very quickly. These remarks were made by President Trump while talking to reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One en route to Washington DC from Florida. They (India) wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important

New Delhi, Jan 2 (PTI) Gold prices climbed Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,39,440 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday amid firm trends in international markets, according to the marketmen. Silver prices also surged by Rs 4,000 to Rs 2,41,400 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes). In the international market, spot gold increased by USD 67.47, or 1.56 per cent, to USD 4,392.94 per ounce. Spot gold is trading with a gain of over 1 per cent at USD 4,390. As the move lacks any clear reason behind it, the

Mumbai, Jan 2 (PTI) Equity benchmark index Nifty hit its lifetime peak before closing 182 points higher on Friday, and the BSE Sensex jumped 573 points, powered by strong buying in power, banking and metal stocks. Unabated capital infusion by domestic institutional investors amid a sharp rally in Asian peers also supported the domestic stock market, traders said. Charting out a firm trend, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 573.41 points or 0.67 per cent to settle at 85,762.01. During the day, it j

Statins may help to reduce risk of death in all patients with type 2 diabetes. In a new study, statins significantly lowered the odds of death and major heart events in adults with type 2 diabetes, regardless of their predicted 10-year risk for heart disease. Researchers followed adults ages 25 to 84 with type 2 diabetes for up to a decade. None had serious heart or liver problems at the start. The authors compared people who started statins with those who didnt across all levels of heart-disea

ISLAMABAD, January 1, 2026 (AP) Pakistan experienced its deadliest year in over a decade in 2025 as combat-related deaths surged 74%, with militants accounting for more than half the death toll, according to a new report released by an independent think tank. Islamabad often accuses Kabul of turning a blind eye to cross-border attacks by Pakistani militants, a claim Afghanistans Taliban government denies. Tensions between the two neighbors have been high since October following border clashes t

MUMBAI, Jan 1 (Reuters) India is set to see below-average maximum and minimum temperatures in January, the weather office said on Thursday, raising the prospect of higher yields for key winter-sown crops such as wheat, rapeseed and chickpeas. The country is also likely to experience above-average cold-wave days, particularly across central and eastern India, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the India Meteorological Department, told a virtual news conference.

New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Gold prices started the new year on a firm note on Thursday, rising by Rs 640 to Rs 1,38,340 per 10 grams in the national capital, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,37,700 per 10 grams on Wednesday. However, silver prices extended losses for the second consecutive day, depreciating Rs 1,600 to Rs 2,37,400 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes) from the previous close of Rs 2,39,000 per kg. The rally in