National News

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point for a Level 1 ICC Code of Conduct breach. The violation occurred during the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka when Zaman showed dissent towards an umpire's dismissal decision. He admitted the offence and accepted the proposed sanction.

Imprisoned Imran Khan remains a potent threat to Pakistan's de facto ruler, army chief Asim Munir. Despite confinement, Khan's victimhood narrative and enduring popularity fuel sentiment against Munir's state control. The rivalry highlights the challenge of managing public perception versus institutional power.

Despite diplomatic efforts, the Ukraine war remains stalled as Russia insists on territorial gains and a weakened Ukraine. A US peace plan, initially seen as pro-Russian, has been revised, but Moscow's maximalist demands and Kyiv's insistence on sovereignty create a significant gap.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is studying startup product development, admitting the tech giant's size is a major AI disadvantage. He's restructuring to flatten hierarchies and foster faster innovation, emphasizing a 'learn-it-all' mindset over past successes. Nadella warns AI projects fail without fundamental workflow redesign and data integration, highlighting the urgent need for reinvention.

Home loan rates are poised to fall to Covid-era lows following a 25 basis point repo rate cut by the RBI. This move is expected to lower EMIs for borrowers, though banks may need to adjust deposit rates. Non-banking finance companies anticipate immediate benefits from reduced funding costs, aiding last-mile financiers and small businesses.

Meta is reportedly slashing its Metaverse budget by up to 30% for 2026, signaling a potential shift away from its ambitious virtual reality vision after incurring over $70 billion in losses. This move comes as the company doubles down on artificial intelligence, investing heavily in AI infrastructure and talent acquisition.

A newlywed couple, stranded in Bhubaneswar due to IndiGo flight cancellations, virtually attended their own wedding reception in Hubballi. Their parents represented them at the venue, with the couple appearing on a large screen via video call. This incident highlights the widespread travel chaos caused by airline operational issues, prompting calls for government intervention.

IndiGo's massive operational chaos led to hundreds of flight cancellations and exorbitant domestic fares, with Delhi-Bengaluru tickets reaching Rs 70,000. International destinations like Thailand and London offered significantly cheaper alternatives. The airline's miscalculation of pilot needs under new regulations caused widespread traveler distress and criticism over its management.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's specially modified Ilyushin Il-80, dubbed the “Flying Kremlin,” became the world's most tracked flight en route to Delhi. This secure airborne command center, designed for extreme conditions and equipped with advanced communication and defensive systems, underscores Russia's strategic leadership protection.

Hyderabad Airport faced a bomb threat for an Emirates flight from Dubai on Friday, prompting standard safety protocols upon landing. Passengers were safely deplaned after the aircraft was moved to an isolated bay. This incident follows a string of similar threats targeting flights to the city, raising security concerns.

Ranveer Singh's highly anticipated spy thriller 'Dhurandhar' has hit cinemas, earning praise for its ensemble cast, gripping plot, and BGM. Netizens are calling it a 'paisa vasool' entertainer, with Ranveer Singh's performance hailed as 'phenomenal' and Akshaye Khanna stealing scenes. Despite a lengthy runtime, the film is predicted to be a box office success.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra views US tariffs on Indian economy as a minimal impact, calling it an opportunity for diversification and productivity improvements. Despite a significant 28.5% drop in exports to the US from May to October 2025, the central bank believes the domestic demand-driven economy will emerge stronger.

The US State Department is tightening visa vetting, requiring H-1B workers and H-4 dependents to undergo social media screening from December 15. Applicants must set accounts to public and disclose all usernames from the past five years, including inactive ones. This expanded review aims to enhance national security by identifying potential threats.

Thousands of passionate Indian cricket fans descended upon Cuttack's Barabati Stadium for tickets to the India vs. South Africa T20I, resulting in chaotic scenes. A viral video captured a frenzied crowd pushing and surging towards ticket counters, raising concerns about public safety amidst intense demand for the upcoming series.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed the company's strategic AI development, countering perceptions of being behind OpenAI. He explained that years of foundational work, including building infrastructure and developing models like Gemini 3.0, were crucial. This 'full-stack' approach has now positioned Google as a frontrunner, with Gemini 3.0 receiving widespread acclaim for its advanced capabilities.

IndiGo's operational crisis deepened as on-time performance plummeted to 8.5% at major airports, leading to widespread cancellations and delays. The airline cancelled hundreds of flights, stranding passengers amidst overwhelming airport conditions. The DGCA has mandated a recovery roadmap, with IndiGo aiming for operational stability by February 2026.

A Chinese couple expecting a baby with East Asian features was surprised when their daughter was born with blonde hair and blue eyes. A paternity test confirmed the child was theirs, revealing a hidden Slavic ancestor. This fascinating genetic throwback, known as atavism, highlights the enduring power of recessive genes across generations.

A US-led raid in Syria, intended to capture an ISIS official, tragically killed a man reportedly working undercover for intelligence. Khaled al-Masoud's family claims he was a spy for a Syrian opposition group, not a jihadist. The operation, involving US forces and the Syrian Free Army, has raised questions about faulty intelligence and accountability for his death.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Virat Kohli is playing with a point to prove after taking whispers about his future to heart. Kohli's animated celebrations and agreement to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy suggest a fierce self-assertion, as he demonstrates renewed technique and ruthless intent, silencing doubts with back-to-back centuries.