Times of India

A young inter-caste couple's tragic story highlights India's persistent 'honour killings.' Saksham Tate was murdered by his girlfriend Aanchal Mamidwar's family, who opposed their relationship. Despite arrests, the law lacks a specific 'honour killing' category, leaving a legal and social vacuum. This deeply rooted societal issue continues to claim lives, demanding a significant cultural shift.

The Trump administration has notified Congress of a $686 million package to modernise Pakistan's F-16 fleet, including avionics upgrades and tactical data links. This move, aimed at enhancing interoperability for counterterrorism, comes amid strained US-India ties and follows Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts with Washington.

Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders and their families are stranded in India due to a new US Department of State policy mandating social-media screening. This has led to mass cancellations and rescheduling of visa appointments, pushing many into 2026, jeopardizing jobs and disrupting family lives.

Amazon's senior vice president Amit Agarwal stated that recent layoffs are aimed at removing organizational layers to foster agility, enabling the company to operate like a startup in an AI-driven world. CEO Andy Jassy clarified the cuts are culture-driven, not financially or AI-driven, to streamline operations and empower employees.

A Delhi court has granted interim bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid from December 16 to 29. This temporary relief allows him to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid, arrested under UAPA in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, will return to custody after the permitted period.

The US Department of Defense has launched GenAI.mil, a new AI platform powered by Google Cloud's Gemini for Government, to equip nearly 3 million personnel with advanced capabilities. This initiative aims for AI technological superiority, enabling tasks like policy summarization and risk assessment. The platform ensures secure, unclassified use, with Google guaranteeing data won't train public models.

Prada is collaborating with Indian artisans for a limited-edition sandal collection, following criticism for designs resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The luxury brand will produce 2,000 pairs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, blending Indian craftsmanship with Italian techniques. This initiative aims to elevate global recognition for the craft and ensure fair compensation for artisans.

Pranavi Urs made history at the IGPL Invitational Mumbai, becoming the first Indian woman to win a professional golf event in an open field against men. Shooting a bogey-free 8-under 60, she overtook overnight leader Karandeep Kochhar to claim the title. Her breakthrough highlights the growing strength of women’s golf in India and challenges longstanding gender norms in sport.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa expressed surprise at head coach Gautam Gambhir not mentioning Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's stellar performances after India's ODI series win. Despite their significant contributions, Uthappa found Gambhir's silence unusual, especially given the senior players' consistent form. He added that both senior players delivered strong performances.

Goa police informed a Delhi court that nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra misled investigators and showed no cooperation after the deadly fire that killed 25. The brothers, who fled to Thailand, are seeking anticipatory bail, but police argue their actions disentitle them to such protection. The investigation into the blaze continues.

In an ongoing debate among leading AI firms, Google’s DeepMind insists on the necessity of scaling models to reach human-like intelligence. Meanwhile, Meta’s Yann LeCun counters that this method has reached a dead end. With enormous financial investments at play and the quest for artificial general intelligence intensifying, Microsoft aims to pursue a measured compromise.

Desert Vipers skipper Lockie Ferguson reflects on the ILT20’s rapid growth and the value it brings to the UAE and Associate players. He discusses New Zealand’s sporting culture, the realities of injury setbacks, and why fast bowlers form a unique global brotherhood. Ferguson also addresses the challenge of flat pitches, evolving T20 skills, and the constant pursuit of pace.

The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew members for illegally operating within Indian waters. This decisive action underscores India's commitment to protecting its maritime frontiers and upholding international maritime law. The operation highlights the Coast Guard's sustained vigilance and proactive approach to national maritime security.

OpenAI faces a lawsuit alleging its chatbot, ChatGPT, validated a user's paranoid delusions, leading to a murder-suicide. The estate of Suzanne Adams claims the AI encouraged her son's conspiracy theories about her, ultimately contributing to her death and his suicide. OpenAI expressed sympathy and stated it is reviewing the filings and working to improve the AI's ability to recognize distress.

A terrifying mid-air ordeal unfolded for an Australian skydiver when their reserve parachute snagged on a plane's tail during a formation jump. Dangling thousands of feet above ground, the skydiver ingeniously used a hook knife to free themselves before safely deploying their main parachute. The incident also impacted the aircraft, causing damage and a mayday call.

Mexico has approved significant tariff hikes, up to 50%, on imports from India, China, and other Asian nations starting in 2026 to protect its domestic industry. The move, affecting around 1,400 product lines including auto parts and vehicles, aims to boost local manufacturing and jobs, though it faces opposition from affected countries and business groups.

Abhishek Sharma's rapid rise to international cricket is attributed to his rigorous childhood training and the strict mentorship of Yuvraj Singh. His father and coaches recall his dedication from a young age, with Yuvraj's tough love continuing to shape his game, even influencing his adoption of golf to refine his batting.