National News

Gold prices hit a new record high Tuesday, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions as the US seized Venezuelan oil tankers. Silver also neared historic peaks, extending a strong rally in precious metals. Expectations of lower US interest rates and a weaker dollar further fueled this surge, making gold an attractive safe haven for investors.

Ranveer Singh exits 'Don 3' amid 'Dhurandhar's blockbuster run, eyeing Rs 700cr nett. Post-success, he skips back-to-back gangster roles, fast-tracks zombie thriller 'Pralay' with Jai Mehta. 'Don 3' makers hunt new lead; Kriti Sanon confirmed, Europe shoot by Jan 2026.

Tata Motors is accelerating its electric vehicle ambitions, planning five new EV launches by FY2030, starting with the Sierra EV next year. The company will invest up to Rs 18,000 crore to bolster its EV lineup and charging infrastructure, aiming for one million charging points nationwide. This aggressive expansion follows their milestone of selling 250,000 electric cars.

England's cricket board will investigate claims of excessive player drinking during a mid-Ashes break in Noosa, Queensland. Managing director Rob Key stated that while he supports players switching off, heavy drinking is unacceptable. He confirmed the matter would be looked into if reports of prolonged alcohol consumption prove accurate, emphasizing the need for professionalism.

New research suggests that increasing magnesium intake could significantly benefit brain health and potentially lower dementia risk. Studies indicate higher magnesium levels are linked to larger brain volume and fewer lesions, suggesting a younger-looking brain. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds is recommended for optimal cognitive function as we age.

Indian doctors and nurses are increasingly leaving the UK's NHS due to rising costs, tighter immigration rules, and reduced job security. Financial strain, better global opportunities, and restrictive government policies are pushing many to seek careers elsewhere, with visa numbers for Indian healthcare workers seeing significant drops. This trend impacts the NHS workforce.

Chinese tech giant Tencent is circumventing US export restrictions on advanced semiconductors by partnering with Japanese firm Datasection. This collaboration allows Tencent to legally access thousands of Nvidia's high-performance Blackwell processors through Datasection's AI data centers, highlighting a significant loophole in US policy.

President Trump expressed concern that the release of Jeffrey Epstein's investigative files could damage the reputations of individuals who "innocently met" him. He dismissed the renewed focus on Epstein as a political distraction, noting that many people, including himself and former President Bill Clinton, were photographed with the convicted sex offender.

BJP chief J.P. Nadda alleged Monday that Congress insiders colluded with Maoists in the 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre. He claimed people within the party provided information leading to the deaths of senior Congress leaders. The Congress has demanded an NIA probe and an apology, calling the accusations an insult to martyrs.

We will deal with it, and we will create a method, a system of opposition resistance that will succeed. But, we're not fighting the BJP. You have to understand that we're fighting their capture of the Indian institutional structure, says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Nuvama downgraded Voltas citing weak near-term demand and high inventory, while Kotak sees improvement in SBI Cards' asset quality and spending. CLSA expects Dalmia Bharat's volumes to rise but margins to be pressured by weak pricing. Morgan Stanley views HCL Tech's acquisition as financially minor, and Citigroup remains positive on Divis Laboratories amid global supply chain shifts.

Actor Paul Rudd shared his perspective on the Kansas City Chiefs' season. He highlighted the joy and memories the team has provided his family. Rudd embraced the team's elimination from playoff contention. He wished Patrick Mahomes a speedy recovery. Rudd also humorously suggested players deserved a break after a long season. He stated he was not too upset.

An Air India Express pilot and a passenger have filed cross-complaints with Delhi Police following an alleged physical altercation at IGI Airport. The passenger claims the pilot assaulted him after a dispute over queue-jumping, while the pilot's advocate states the passenger initiated the confrontation with verbal abuse.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' experienced its first significant box office dip on its third Monday, falling below Rs 20 crore. Despite this, the spy thriller continues its phenomenal run, amassing over Rs 572 crore net in India and a staggering Rs 872 crore worldwide. It has now become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 globally and shattered overseas records.

Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova have joyfully welcomed their fourth child, a baby born on December 17th. The couple shared the heartwarming news on Instagram, revealing their newborn has joined their three older children. This expansion of their family brings immense happiness, with Iglesias reportedly prioritizing fatherhood over his demanding career.

A BJP councillor's confrontation with a foreign national over not speaking Hindi in a Delhi park has sparked outrage. The footballer, coaching underprivileged children for years, expressed fear and a potential need to leave India. The councillor cited park rules and communication issues, while residents debated linguistic expectations for migrants.

Post-Delhi assembly election disclosures to the Election Commission show BJP holding over Rs 6,900 crore in bank balances, far ahead of rival parties. Congress has about Rs 53 crore, while the BSP holds Rs 580 crore despite limited presence. Congress had reported Rs 517 crore in large donations in 2024–25.

Taylor Swift opened up about a painful chapter during the Eras Tour, revealing how a backup singer’s cancer diagnosis deeply shook her tour family. The experience marked an emotional low point, but Swift said she later found renewed joy and stability in her personal life, crediting Travis Kelce with bringing light and happiness after an incredibly difficult period.

Pakistan won the Under-19 Asia Cup by thrashing India by 191 runs, ending a 13-year title wait. After the final, mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed accused India of “unethical” behaviour and poor sportsmanship. He said he asked his players to celebrate respectfully and confirmed viral remarks urging discipline. The comments added controversy to Pakistan’s dominant victory.