Times of India

Shashi Tharoor, while respecting Jawaharlal Nehru as India's democratic founder, acknowledged his mistakes, stating the Modi government unfairly scapegoats him. He noted the 1962 China war defeat as a potential Nehru misstep, but criticized blaming him for all current issues. Tharoor also shared personal anecdotes about his writing journey and Kerala's reading culture.

South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes received an Election Commission notice to prove his identity, prompting the state CEO to blame a BLO for dereliction of duty. The system auto-generated the notice due to unmapped voter details, but the MP's name will be retained after clarification.

Italian luxury brand Prada has launched a new unisex fragrance, Infusion de Santal Chai, inspired by the popular Indian beverage. This scent blends creamy sandalwood with spicy chai latte notes, enhanced by citrus and cardamom for a warm yet fresh aroma. The unique perfume aims to capture the comforting essence of chai, sparking curiosity and debate among consumers.

A Zepto delivery executive was assaulted by two scooty riders after a minor collision in Mahadevpura. The attackers reportedly used a helmet and punches, leaving the executive vulnerable. An elderly bystander intervened, confronting the assailants and helping to end the attack. Police are investigating the incident.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, rose in trade on Friday after days of fall. While Nifty50 was above 25,900, BSE Sensex was up almost 150 points.

US companies and trade lawyers are bracing for a potential $150 billion refund battle as the Supreme Court hears a case challenging President Trump's use of emergency powers for global tariffs. The outcome hinges on whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act grants authority for such duties, with skepticism from justices fueling expectations of tariffs being struck down.

The Pakistan Super League is expanding to eight teams for the 2026 season, with two new franchises sold for a combined $12.75 million. This figure highlights a significant financial disparity compared to the Indian Premier League, where even individual player salaries and franchise valuations far exceed these new PSL team prices, underscoring the IPL's immense economic power.

US President Donald Trump asserted his "own morality" as the sole limit on his power to order military action globally, even as he spoke of peace. His administration has pursued an aggressive military posture, launching operations in Venezuela and threatening other nations, while Trump also expressed a desire for US "ownership" of Greenland.

A 50-year-old woman in Meerut died after being struck with a weapon while trying to protect her daughter from abductors. The attackers forcibly attempted to take the daughter, and when the mother intervened, she was fatally injured. Police have registered a murder and abduction case and formed teams to apprehend the suspects.

Denmark has warned its troops are under standing orders to "shoot first and ask questions later" if Greenland is attacked, as Europe grows anxious over potential US military action. The US is reportedly considering cash payments to Greenlanders to encourage independence from Denmark, a move European leaders are rallying against.

Bangladesh Cricket Board has formally requested the ICC to shift their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns. The team has refused to travel to India, escalating uncertainty just weeks before the tournament. The BCB's stance has hardened following the IPL release of Mustafizur Rahman.

US President Donald Trump plans a $200 billion federal purchase of mortgage bonds to lower rates and ease housing affordability concerns. Funds from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be used, aiming to reduce monthly payments. This move comes ahead of midterm elections, though experts question its effectiveness against deeper market issues.

The ED searched I-PAC's office and a director's home in a five-year-old case, prompting CM Mamata Banerjee to label it political vendetta. Banerjee visited the director's residence, leaving with documents, and later went to I-PAC's office, accusing the Union Home Minister of attempting to seize party strategies.

Delhi-NCR experienced an unexpected early Friday rain spell, intensifying the cold wave and failing to significantly improve alarmingly high air pollution levels. The showers, accompanied by cold winds, lowered the chill factor, with minimum temperatures expected around 6°C. Dense fog is also anticipated, with cold-day conditions likely to persist across northern and central regions.

A national shooting coach, Ankush Bharadwaj, faces charges under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old trainee at a five-star hotel. The incident occurred after a match, with the coach reportedly forcing himself on the shooter. Bharadwaj has been suspended by the National Rifles Association of India following the FIR.

US President Trump defended an ICE agent after a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, claiming the woman tried to run over the officer. The woman, Renee Nicole Good, was killed by multiple shots fired into her car during a federal operation. Local leaders disputed the federal account, with the mayor calling for ICE to leave the city.

Iran has imposed severe communication restrictions, including internet and phone shutdowns, amidst escalating protests against economic hardship. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi condemned the government's actions, urging international intervention. Meanwhile, US President Trump issued a stern warning against violent crackdowns, while US officials voiced support for peaceful demonstrators. The unrest, fueled by currency collapse and inflation, has spread nationwide.