Times of India

Microsoft has removed diversity and inclusion from mandatory employee performance reviews, a significant shift from its 2020 commitments. The company also won't publish its annual diversity report this year, citing a move to more dynamic formats. This follows the disbanding of an internal DEI team and a focus solely on 'inclusion' in HR documentation, sparking mixed employee reactions.

The UAE has launched a new one-step service allowing Emiratis to renew their passports and Emirates ID cards together through the UAEICP app. This unified process eliminates separate applications, reduces processing times by 50%, and cuts customer inquiries by 40%. Part of the “Zero Bureaucracy” initiative, it simplifies document management and improves efficiency for citizens and families.

Widespread IndiGo flight cancellations on Saturday left thousands of passengers stranded across India, leading to scenes of frustration and protests at airports. Despite the aviation regulator pausing recent flight duty time limitations, disruptions continued, impacting crucial travel plans for many, including a team selected for the Smart India Hackathon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with specially curated gifts showcasing Indian culture during his two-day visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The gifts included a Russian edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, GI-tagged Assam tea, Kashmiri saffron, and a silver tea set, highlighting India's heritage and craftsmanship.

Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri described D Gukesh’s ability to switch into distinct “modes” depending on the situation, calling him a completely different person on and off the board. Gukesh later said on X that this trait is natural. With Giri already qualified for the 2026 Candidates, the two may meet sooner in the upcoming Global Chess League (GCL).

Newlyweds Sara Khan and Krish Pathak celebrated their Hindu wedding on December 5, following a court marriage in October. The couple, who met on a dating app a year ago, hosted a reception in Mumbai attended by friends and family. Sara looked radiant in a red lehenga, while Krish complemented her in a black sherwani.

Elon Musk denounced the EU's $140 million fine on X as "crazy" and "insane," criticizing the penalty for violating transparency rules under the Digital Services Act. Regulators cited deceptive design practices with the blue checkmark system and shortcomings in X's ad database. The ruling has drawn criticism from US officials who view it as an attack on American tech platforms.

Namma Metro's Purple Line services were disrupted for over an hour after a design engineer died by suicide on the tracks at Kengeri station. The incident, which occurred during peak morning hours, caused significant inconvenience to thousands of passengers. Police are investigating the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting depression as a possible motive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day state visit to India, marked by a warm reception from PM Modi and discussions on strengthening bilateral ties. Key outcomes included a new economic cooperation program aiming for $100 billion trade by 2030 and a focus on peace efforts in Ukraine.

Twelve labourers from Pilibhit are reportedly stranded and facing severe harassment in Kyrgyzstan. Families allege they were sent by local agents on misleading contracts, paid hefty sums, and are now subjected to brutal treatment and denied return. The district administration has submitted a detailed report to the UP Home Department, initiating steps for their safe repatriation.

Lionel Messi and Argentina will open their title defense against Algeria, with further group-stage fixtures against Austria and tournament debutants Jordan in Group J. Spain, among the leading contenders and current European champions, will begin their campaign against first-time qualifiers Cape Verde before facing Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

IndiGo flight cancellations have plunged Kempegowda International Airport into chaos, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded, hungry, and without basic facilities. Travelers faced a severe lack of essentials like sanitary pads and food, with some resorting to arduous bus journeys due to ongoing uncertainty. The situation highlights significant operational disruptions and passenger distress.

IndiGo on Saturday cancelled over 400 flights across four major airports on Saturday due to ongoing pilot rostering issues, despite temporary relief from new duty rules. The airline has apologized, is processing refunds, and arranging support for stranded passengers. The Civil Aviation Minister has launched a formal probe into the disruptions.

Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett has passed away at 39, his former team JR Motorsports announced. Annett, a respected figure, achieved a significant victory at Daytona in the 2019 Xfinity Series. His career, marked by perseverance and skill, saw him race for various teams since 2008. The cause of his death remains undisclosed, leaving the motorsport community in mourning.

Murshidabad braces for a tense Saturday as suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir plans to inaugurate a structure named "Babri Masjid." Authorities have deployed over 3,500 security personnel following a Calcutta High Court directive to prevent communal unrest. Kabir insists the event will be peaceful, focusing solely on religious recitation, while the TMC denies involvement, alleging a political conspiracy.

IndiGo faces widespread passenger anger and flight disruptions due to new pilot rest regulations. Thousands were stranded, including cricketer Madan Lal, as over 1,000 flights were cancelled. The airline admitted to planning gaps and expects full normalisation between December 10 and 15.

A Delhi University student was tragically stabbed to death in Sangam Vihar after intervening in a dispute between his mother and aunt over household waste. The 27-year-old LLB student's attempt to de-escalate the argument reportedly led to a violent confrontation with relatives, resulting in his fatal injury. Police have apprehended two individuals and are searching for others involved.

New research suggests splitting sleep into night and daytime naps can boost memory and reduce sleep pressure, offering benefits comparable to continuous sleep. This biphasic approach provides flexibility for irregular schedules, enhancing cognitive function and alertness. Understanding your body's response is key to choosing the optimal sleep structure for well-being.

Conor McGregor eyes a UFC comeback in June 2025 at a White House event. He aims for Islam Makhachev's welterweight belt, seeking a historic triple crown. McGregor is training intensely. He also remains open to a fight with Michael Chandler. Contract talks are expected by February 2025. The UFC is finalizing plans for this significant return.