Times of India

Silver prices have reached an unprecedented Rs 2,71,000 per kilogram in Delhi, while gold hit a new high of Rs 1,45,000 per 10 grams. This surge, driven by safe-haven demand amidst global geopolitical tensions, marks significant gains for both precious metals. Investors are now keenly awaiting US inflation data for future market direction.

India’s US education boom has been built on a quiet assumption that OPT will give graduates time to work, earn, and attempt longer-term visas. Now that bridge is being recast in Washington as a loophole followed by proposals that could cut, tax, or time-limit the post-study runway. For Indian students and families, the risk is obvious: Degree stays costly, but the payoff window shrinks.

India has slipped to third place in Russian fossil fuel imports for December 2025, with Reliance Industries and state refiners significantly cutting crude oil purchases. Turkiye now ranks second, while China remains the top buyer. This shift follows new US sanctions on Russian oil producers, impacting India's previously high reliance on discounted Russian crude.

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond faces controversy after Canadian rapper Top5 accused him of infidelity while the rapper was imprisoned. Despite the baseless allegations gaining traction online, Drummond remains focused on basketball, having recently overcome a knee injury. Fans on social media have reacted with a mix of disbelief and criticism towards the rapper's claims.

Amazon is now closely monitoring office attendance, tracking not just presence but also exact hours spent by corporate employees. This escalation in surveillance, revealed by an internal document, flags 'Low-Time Badgers' and 'Zero Badgers' who don't meet in-office expectations. The move follows a strict five-day return-to-office mandate, with similar tracking systems emerging at tech rivals like Samsung and Dell.

Makar Sankranti, a solar calendar festival, marks the Sun's northward journey, symbolizing change, warmth, and new beginnings. Celebrated across India with various names, it fosters joy and gratitude. The article offers a collection of wishes, messages, and quotes to share, strengthening bonds and spreading positivity during this auspicious occasion.

Quick commerce platform Blinkit has removed its "10-minute delivery" claim, shifting to "30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep." This move follows government discussions aimed at improving gig worker safety and welfare, with other platforms expected to follow suit. The change comes after worker protests against the pressure of ultra-fast delivery models.

Golden Globe attendees wore anti-ICE pins to protest the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer. This political statement contrasted with last year's ceremony, highlighting ongoing protests and calls for accountability. The article questions Hollywood's silence on the protests in Iran, suggesting reasons like "Trump Derangement System" and the complexity of the Iranian narrative.

Iran faces widespread unrest fueled by economic collapse, not ideology. The rial's sharp decline triggered strikes and protests across all provinces, impacting ordinary citizens and the middle class. This broad-based challenge, marked by significant deaths and arrests, strikes at the regime's core ability to provide economic survival, making it a critical juncture for the Islamic Republic.

Virat Kohli is in exceptional form, achieving six consecutive fifty-plus scores, including two centuries. This remarkable run brings his international century tally to 84, just 16 shy of Sachin Tendulkar's record. A recent 93 against New Zealand highlights his consistent performance, fueling speculation about his potential if 'nervous' nineties were converted.

US President Donald Trump has announced Microsoft will implement significant changes this week to prevent American households from bearing the cost of AI data centers' high energy consumption. He emphasized that tech giants must "pay their own way." This comes as rising utility bills are linked to AI infrastructure's massive power demands, with some states seeing substantial price hikes.

Bangladesh Cricket Board reaffirmd its stance against traveling to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 due to security concerns, requesting matches be moved. The ICC has rejected these claims, urging Bangladesh to reconsider, but the BCB's position remains unchanged. Discussions are ongoing to find a resolution.

US President Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on any nation trading with Iran, potentially jeopardizing the US-China trade truce. This move, aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran amidst internal unrest, could significantly impact China, Iran's largest trading partner, and create complex challenges for India, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey.

The Duffer Brothers are facing backlash after screenshots from a 'Stranger Things' documentary appeared to show ChatGPT tabs open during scriptwriting. Fans are alleging AI was used for the finale, leading to widespread disappointment and online uproar. While no official confirmation exists, the images have fueled intense speculation about the show's creative process.