Times of India

Microsoft President Brad Smith urged stronger action against state-sponsored cyberattacks, particularly from Russia, China, and Iran. He highlighted the increasing frequency of attacks and called for international cooperation on cybersecurity. Smith also acknowledged Microsoft's own security challenges and emphasized the company's commitment to improvement.

The US Federal Reserve cut the interest rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, according to an official statement following the key FOMC meeting. This 25 basis points cut has led to the central banks benchmark policy rate being in the 4.25% to 4.50% range.

Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has declared hashtags obsolete and visually unappealing. He urged users to discontinue their use, suggesting X's algorithms no longer require them for content discovery. This marks a significant shift from hashtags' traditional role in categorizing and surfacing trending topics since 2007. Musk's aversion to hashtags isn't new, having expressed his dislike last year.

A Delhi court granted interim bail to Umar Khalid, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, for a family wedding. The bail, with conditions including restricted movement and social media ban, allows him to attend his cousin's wedding and related ceremonies. Khalid has been in jail since September 2020.

Tragedy struck Mumbai Harbour as an Indian Navy speedboat collided with a civilian ferry, resulting in 13 fatalities. The Navy vessel, undergoing engine trials, reportedly suffered a technical malfunction, leading to the collision with the Neel Kamal ferry near Karanja. Swift rescue operations involving Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police saved 99 passengers.

Donald Trump has repeatedly teased Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about making Canada the 51st US state. Trump claims the US subsidizes Canada and questions why. He also jokingly referred to Trudeau as the "Governor" of Canada. Trump previously linked potential tariffs to Canada's handling of immigration and trade, suggesting statehood as an alternative if the Canadian economy suffered.

The Indian government has referred the "One Nation, One Election" bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review. The 31-member committee includes members from various parties. Introduced by Law Minister Arjun Meghwal, the bills aim to synchronize Lok Sabha and Assembly elections but faced opposition and failed to secure the required majority.

John Cena and Roman Reigns, two WWE icons, often spark net worth comparisons. Cena's fortune stands at $80 million, boosted by a $10 million annual WWE salary and various ventures. Reigns, with a $14 million net worth and $5 million WWE salary, also benefits from endorsements and charitable work. While Cena leads financially, he acknowledges Reigns' exceptional in-ring talent.

Starting January 1, 2025, US nonimmigrant visa applicants can reschedule their interview once without charge. A second rescheduling or missed appointment requires a new booking and fee repayment. This change aims to improve appointment availability and reduce wait times, currently exceeding 400 days in major Indian cities.

Off Mumbai's coast, a naval speedboat collided with a ferry carrying 110 people to Elephanta Island, resulting in two fatalities and four critical injuries. A viral video captures the speedboat's failed attempt to avert the collision. Rescue operations, led by the Indian Coast Guard, successfully retrieved all passengers and crew.

Two Congress workers died during protests on Wednesday. One in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly due to police brutality during a demonstration near the state Assembly, and another in Assam, allegedly after being exposed to tear gas during a protest against various issues. Police accounts differ from Congress claims in both incidents.

Russia's Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, declared arms control obsolete due to Western "double standards" and a lack of trust. He criticized U.S. global actions and treaty withdrawals, signaling Russia's intent to strengthen ties with China, India, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. Gerasimov cited U.S. missile deployments and NATO activity as escalating tensions, and highlighted U.S.

France's highest court upheld Nicolas Sarkozy's corruption and influence-peddling conviction. He received a three-year sentence, with two years suspended, for attempting to bribe a judge for information regarding a campaign finance investigation. Sarkozy will serve the remaining year under electronic monitoring. He faces another trial next year for alleged illegal campaign financing from Libya.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's resignation demand, stating Congress would remain in opposition for 15 years. Shah accused Kharge of supporting Congress's distortion of his Ambedkar remarks under Rahul Gandhi's pressure. He highlighted BJP's commitment to Ambedkar's principles and criticized Congress's historical treatment of Ambedkar, citing delayed Bharat Ratna recognition.

Sleep apnea disrupts breathing during sleep. This can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Millions suffer from sleep apnea. The link between these conditions is often overlooked. Sleep studies diagnose sleep apnea. Treatments include dental devices and wearables. Screening for sleep apnea is important in diabetes detection programs. Consult a doctor if you have sleep problems.

The Indian government's investment in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has seen steady growth, with increased funding for schemes like Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI. These initiatives aim to enhance foundational literacy, upgrade infrastructure, and establish model schools. However, disbursement rates under PM-USHA for higher education remain relatively low, indicating potential implementation challenges.

Colorado Buffaloes star and Heisman winner Travis Hunter defended his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, against online criticism following the Heisman ceremony. Lenee clarified misunderstandings on TikTok, while Hunter addressed critics on Twitch. He then posted a photo of Lenee on Instagram, using Mindless Behavior's "Christmas with My Girl" as the soundtrack, a clear message of support for their five-year relationship.