Times of India

A Delhi court on Saturday ordered the release of Christian Michel James from custody in the Augusta Westland money laundering case, as he has served the maximum statutory sentence. While released from the PMLA case, Michel will remain in custody for the related CBI case.

The World Bank has approved $700 million in fresh financing for Pakistan to bolster macroeconomic stability and enhance public service delivery. This funding, part of a larger $1.35 billion program, will support federal initiatives and a provincial project in Sindh, signaling continued multilateral support despite governance concerns.

Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup squad exclusion sparks debate, with captain Suryakumar Yadav citing team combination and the need for a top-order keeper. The decision prioritizes balance over individual form, impacting other batting selections as India aims to retain their title.

A Hindu garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das was brutally killed by a mob in Bangladesh. He was accused of blasphemy. The incident occurred in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Authorities have arrested seven individuals in connection with the lynching. This event has raised serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the country.

US-listed Infosys shares surged nearly 40% in minutes, briefly adding billions to its market value and triggering a NYSE trading halt due to extreme volatility. The rapid, unexplained rally, occurring during low liquidity, is being attributed to a potential short squeeze or a data error mislabeling the ticker.

Australia has enacted a law prohibiting social media use for those under 16, a move sparking global debate. While parents largely support it, youth oppose it. India faces similar discussions, with challenges in implementing a ban due to its vast population and digital integration.

Shubman Gill has been excluded from India's T20 World Cup squad due to his recent lack of form. Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan returns as the second wicketkeeper and reserve opener. Rinku Singh is back as the designated finisher.

Indian students often favour honours degrees, but the job market is shifting. Employers now prioritize practical skills, internships, and problem-solving over degree labels. While honours degrees offer depth for academic or specialized careers, general degrees provide flexibility. Ultimately, preparedness and demonstrable abilities, not just the degree title, determine employability in today's economy.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its box office dominance, entering its third week with over Rs. 480 crore. The spy thriller is projected to surpass Rs. 500 crore by Saturday, even amidst competition from 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. The film has shown impressive growth since its massive opening, based on true incidents.

China has reportedly built a working prototype of an advanced chip-making machine, defying Western predictions. Former ASML engineers are said to be behind the project, which aims for semiconductor independence. This development, a six-year government initiative, could significantly alter global chip supply chains, challenging ASML's monopoly on crucial EUV technology.

Pakistan hockey Olympian Anjum Saeed faces controversy. He was reportedly caught smoking on a plane in Rio de Janeiro. This led to him and a player being offloaded. Saeed claims personal work in Dubai. Officials dispute this. The Pakistan Sports Board has ordered an inquiry. The incident reflects poorly on Pakistan sport.

Seven arrests were made after a Hindu youth was beaten to death and his body set ablaze in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district following blasphemy allegations. The victim, Dipu Chandra Das, was accused of making derogatory comments. This incident follows the recent killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, sparking renewed unrest and political instability.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana corruption case. The verdict, delivered by an accountability court, pertains to alleged fraud involving state gifts received from the Saudi government in 2021. Both were fined Rs 10 million.

The Department of Justice released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, but a substantial portion remains unpublished. Congress had set a December 19 deadline for the release, and while some documents are now accessible, many are heavily redacted or previously public, drawing criticism from lawmakers.

Manali is experiencing severe traffic jams as thousands of tourists, many from Delhi, flock to the region for Christmas and New Year. Daily vehicle influx exceeds 1,000, causing significant congestion on key routes. Authorities are prioritizing traffic management with increased police deployment and a planned traffic strategy.

Dense fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday, leading to over 100 cancellations. The national capital also experienced a deterioration in air quality, with the AQI reaching 384 in the 'very poor' category, blanketing the city in toxic smog.

The Kennedy Center has unveiled new signage, officially renaming it The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts following a unanimous board vote. This change comes amidst an investigation into the center's leadership over allegations of cronyism and corruption.