Times of India

Former ISI director general Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a Pakistani military court. The court-martial found him guilty of political interference, misuse of authority, and violating the official secrets act. This rare conviction of a high-ranking former military official signals the military leadership's stance against political involvement by officers.

US President Donald Trump announced the new Gold Card Visa program, aiming to retain highly skilled foreign graduates from top American universities, including Indians. This initiative seeks to address the dilemma companies face in hiring talented individuals who might otherwise be forced to leave the country, despite broader immigration crackdowns.

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra must deposit Rs 60 crore or provide a bank guarantee to lift the Lookout Circular. The couple seeks to travel to London to attend to Kundra's ailing father, who is reportedly suffering from a severe medical condition. They are contesting a cheating case filed by a complainant alleging a Rs 60 crore investment was misused.

The Indian rupee hit a new low against the US dollar, breaching the 90 mark again due to trade deal challenges and corporate demand. Despite a weakening dollar globally, the rupee has fallen over 5% this year.

India's chief economic adviser anticipates a trade deal with the US by March, calling it "elusive" but nearing completion. While most issues are resolved, geopolitical factors are also at play. Despite trade uncertainties, India's domestic economy is performing well, with a weaker rupee benefiting exports. US officials acknowledge India's "best ever" proposals.

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh revealed his YouTube channel's origin stemmed from frustration after being dropped for the Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, he embraced the downtime, finding positivity and a creative outlet. His relatable humor, exemplified by a viral reel with Virat Kohli, has captivated fans, turning setbacks into opportunities.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused TMC MPs of vaping e-cigarettes in Lok Sabha, prompting Speaker Om Birla to state that no permission was granted and strict action would be taken if confirmed. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and assured action upon a formal written complaint.

Four 'Peaky Blinders' fans in Afghanistan were detained by the Taliban for adopting a style deemed "in conflict with Afghan values." Officials stated the men were summoned after dressing in outfits inspired by the TV series, which the Taliban viewed as promoting foreign culture. They were released after a rehabilitation program aimed at correcting their behavior.

Former England batter Mark Butcher criticises England's technical decline, attributing it to an overemphasis on "intent" at the expense of fundamental batting skills. He argues that flaws exposed on Australian pitches, such as driving on the up with hands far forward, are punished on faster surfaces, leading to their Ashes struggles.

Aditya Dhar's directorial 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh, has become a major box office hit, garnering positive reviews and strong audience acceptance. The film demonstrated impressive weekday stability, maintaining collections in the Rs. 20 crore range and is expected to cross Rs 200 crore soon.

Co-owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, are set to be extradited to India from Thailand after fleeing following a fire that claimed 25 lives. Detained in Phuket, their extradition highlights the India-Thailand Extradition Treaty, which facilitates the surrender of fugitive offenders.

Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of appearing nervous and using foul language during his Lok Sabha speech on electoral reforms. Gandhi challenged Shah to a debate on his press conference allegations, but Shah stated Parliament would not function according to Gandhi's wishes.

IndiGo's extensive flight cancellations continue into a second week, impacting thousands of passengers nationwide. The airline's chairman apologized, citing external experts to address root causes and prevent future disruptions. Regulators and the government have intervened, with IndiGo's CEO summoned to present operational stabilization plans, including accelerated pilot hiring.

The US has greenlit a significant $686 million arms deal for Pakistan, including advanced technology and support for F-16 fighter. This move aims to enhance Pakistan's counterterrorism capabilities and interoperability with US forces. The approval follows a recent $93 million US arms sale to India, featuring Javelin missiles and Excalibur rounds, bolstering its defense against regional threats.

Gold and silver prices are showing strong bullish signals. MCX Gold is expected to rise towards 1,34,000 rupees. MCX Silver is also poised for an upward move, targeting 2,00,000 rupees. Experts advise buying on dips while monitoring key support levels. Global factors like bond yields and the dollar will influence these trends.

India's ODI series win against South Africa has ignited a debate on batting flexibility, with head coach Gautam Gambhir and former star AB de Villiers advocating for adaptable batting orders. They believe that beyond the openers, players should be ready to bat anywhere to keep teams unpredictable and exploit game situations.

Goa nightclub inferno co-owners Saurav and Gaurav Luthra were detained in Thailand after fleeing India hours after the blaze that killed 25. Indian authorities initiated deportation proceedings after impounding their passports, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation. Six others, including operational partner Ajay Gupta, have already been arrested.

Indian women cricketers' domestic match fees are set for a crucial review at the BCCI's December 22 Apex Council meeting. This follows India's World Cup success and growing calls for better financial support. The meeting will also address men's central contracts, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's grading under scrutiny.