Times of India

A rare defeat for India saw Virat Kohli's brilliant century go in vain as South Africa chased down 358 to level the ODI series. This marked the first loss in nearly seven years despite a Kohli ton, highlighting an unusual outcome. Aiden Markram's century also played a crucial role in the visitors' successful chase.

IndiGo flights faced massive disruptions, with only 19.7% operating on time Wednesday, leading to hundreds of cancellations. This crisis is linked to new pilot duty norms and questions are raised about the airline's preparedness and regulatory oversight. IndiGo has cut flights for 48 hours to stabilize operations, offering passengers refunds or alternatives.

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh passionately defended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, questioning the authority of less accomplished individuals to dictate their future. He highlighted their current strong performances, emphasising they are setting benchmarks for younger players and deserve to be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Harbhajan also advocated for better Test pitches in India.

NASA's Perseverance rover has unveiled a captivating phenomenon: tiny electrical sparks, likened to 'mini-lightning', occurring within the Martian dust devils and storms. This crucial discovery not only validates a longstanding scientific hypothesis but also has the potential to revolutionize our comprehension of the Red Planet's atmospheric features and habitability.

A depreciating rupee beyond Rs 90 against the US dollar is poised to trigger price hikes across consumer electronics, beauty products, and automobiles. This could negate recent GST rate cut benefits, impacting sales momentum. Manufacturers are planning 3-10% increases from December-January to offset rising import costs.

President Vladimir Putin arrives in India for a significant visit. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for private dinner diplomacy. Day two includes a Rajghat tribute and summit talks. Discussions will focus on strengthening economic ties, trade, and cooperation in technology and energy. Several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, charting a roadmap for future collaboration until 2030.

Trinamool Congress suspended MLA Humayun Kabir for planning a mosque foundation ceremony modelled on the Babri Masjid on December 6, despite party warnings and Raj Bhawan's concerns. Kabir defied the party and Governor, vowing to proceed and warning of highway blockades if stopped, escalating tensions in Murshidabad.

Jio users on Indian highways will soon receive real-time safety alerts on their phones, a result of a new partnership with NHAI. This telecom-based warning system will notify travellers of hazards like accident-prone zones and diversions via SMS, WhatsApp, and voice calls.

India's largest airline, IndiGo, is facing significant flight disruptions, with hundreds of cancellations and delays due to new pilot rest and duty-hour regulations. Despite a month since implementation, the airline struggles to adapt, leading to a sharp drop in on-time performance. IndiGo cites operational challenges and expects disruptions to continue.

Raj Nidimoru and Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently married at Isha Yoga Centre. Amidst congratulatory messages, attention turned to Raj's ex-wife, Shhyamali De. She shared a lengthy social media note expressing gratitude for well wishes while dealing with her Jyotish guru's Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

Drug licensing authorities nationwide are now mandated to display a Quick Response (QR) code and toll-free number at all pharmacies. This initiative, driven by the CDSCO, aims to simplify the reporting of adverse drug reactions by the public and healthcare professionals directly into the PvPI Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System, enhancing drug safety across India.

The Geminids meteor shower, a consistent and bright celestial event, is set for a spectacular display in 2025. With minimal moonlight during its peak on December 13-14, stargazers can anticipate 60-120 meteors per hour. This unique shower, originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, offers a prime opportunity for unforgettable cosmic viewing.

Run-machine Virat Kohli's brilliant 102 wasn't enough as South Africa chased down 359 in Raipur, levelling the three-match series 1-1. Kohli's century, his 53rd ODI ton, saw him equal Sachin Tendulkar's record for hundreds at 34 venues. Ruturaj Gaikwad also scored a century in their record partnership against the Proteas.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra deflected questions on the rupee breaching the 90 mark against the US dollar, urging reporters to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his 2013 remarks on the falling rupee. Meanwhile, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran stated the government is not concerned about the currency's decline, as it is not impacting inflation or exports.

A 19-year-old student's alleged suicide after being assaulted on a Mumbai local train for speaking Hindi has ignited a political firestorm. Tensions over language, exacerbated by crowded commutes and nativist politics, have boiled over on the city's suburban railway network, leading to a heated debate and protests.

On International Cheetah Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media, showcasing heartwarming images and celebrating the remarkable achievements of Project Cheetah. This visionary initiative, active for three years now, is dedicated to revitalizing India's ecological landscape by reintroducing cheetahs to Kuno National Park.

Imran Khan, from jail, launched a scathing attack on Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, calling him "mentally unstable" and accusing him of disastrous policies that fuel terrorism and ignite tensions with Afghanistan. Khan alleged Munir prioritizes pleasing Western powers over national interests, leading to constitutional collapse and fabricated cases against him and his wife.

The Trump administration has intensified H-1B visa vetting, scrutinizing applicants and their families for involvement in 'censorship' of free speech. This includes reviewing social media for content moderation or misinformation roles. The move aims to prevent individuals deemed complicit in suppressing expression from entering the U.S., particularly those in tech.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in red on Thursday. While Nifty50 was below 26,000, BSE Sensex was down nearly 100 points.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu champions American tech's trend of high schoolers skipping college for work, urging Indian parents to recognize this "profound cultural shift." He highlights Palantir's experiment hiring graduates directly, emphasizing empowerment and avoiding student debt. Vembu advocates for companies to remove degree requirements, citing Zoho's success with young, degreeless talent.