Times of India

Russia launched extensive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting power plants and causing widespread blackouts as temperatures dropped. President Putin stated the attacks were a retaliation against Ukraine's use of US-supplied missiles. Ukrainian officials reported significant damage, with calls for increased support from Western allies. US President Biden condemned the attacks as outrageous.

President Vladimir Putin warns President-elect Donald Trump to remain cautious after multiple assassination attempts. Putin criticizes the uncivilized US election tactics, highlighting threats against Trump's family and concerns over Western involvement in Ukraine. Putin also cautions against the potential nuclear escalation in Ukraine, showcasing a firm stance on national security.

US President-elect Donald Trump shared an AI-edited video from 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,' targeting President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The clip, featuring swapped faces with notable Democrats and a surprising Trump cameo, generated mixed reactions from social media users. Trump also criticized the 'radical left' and expressed optimism about America's future on his Truth Social platform.

India secured a resounding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test in Perth, led by captain Jasprit Bumrah. Key contributors included batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, who both scored centuries, while the bowling unit dismissed Australia for 104 in the first innings. Rohit Sharma will return for the next Test.

Over 140 candidates from the economically weaker section have secured postgraduate medical seats in private colleges despite high tuition fees. Questions have arisen about the authenticity of their EWS certificates. Candidates have reportedly paid up to Rs 1.6 crore, prompting calls for a government investigation to address potential misuse of EWS reservations.

Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd have signed a supplementary agreement, accelerating revenue sharing from Vizhinjam seaport. With the project now fully operational by 2028 and expanded capacity, the government's revenue share from the port is projected to increase significantly, boosting both state income and tax revenue.

British Conservative MP Bob Blackman denounced the persecution of Hindus and the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, highlighting the burning of Hindu homes and temples. India's ministry expressed deep concern and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of minorities, while Bangladesh's ministry deemed India's statement unfounded.

Sunil Gavaskar predicts two changes for India's second Test against Australia, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill returning. Captain Sharma will replace Devdutt Padikkal, and Gill may bat at three. Jadeja might replace Washington Sundar in spin bowling. The upcoming warm-up match in Canberra is crucial for India's preparations for the day-night Test in Adelaide.

BJP's Devendra Fadnavis thanked Union home minister Amit Shah for his support during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Fadnavis credited Shah for motivating party workers. A positive meeting in New Delhi between BJP and Mahayuti leaders was held, with discussions on finalizing the chief minister's post after BJP secured the most seats in the elections.

Uttarakhand’s forest department is investigating claims by a University of Cambridge study that camera traps and drones at Corbett Tiger Reserve infringe on the privacy and rights of local women. The study highlights incidents of privacy violations, including the circulation of a semi-nude photograph of an autistic woman and the resulting community backlash.

US universities have advised foreign students, including Indians, to return from their winter break before Trump's inauguration on Jan 20 to avoid potential travel bans and scrutiny. Concerns are heightened due to previous experiences with travel restrictions. Universities have adjusted academic calendars, and students are rebooking flights to ensure timely return amidst heightened anxieties.

Authorities have uncovered illicit activities at Khyati Hospital in Ahmedabad, where young patients, including an 18-year-old, underwent unnecessary angioplasties for illicit gains under PM-JAY. Investigations reveal nine deaths and further evidence against hospital staff, including the marketing director, CEO, and others, for fraudulent activities and conspiracy.

The Supreme Court highlights the recurring issue of bureaucrats undermining elected female representatives in panchayats. The SC reinstates woman sarpanch Sonam Lakra, removed on frivolous grounds by the CEO of a janpad panchayat. The court criticizes administrative misuse of power and emphasizes promoting women's leadership in rural governance.

The Supreme Court has warned the UP Police DGP against converting civil disputes into criminal cases to harass civilians. The court noted a series of criminal cases lodged against a person related to land disputes and emphasized the need for immediate cessation of such practices, threatening drastic orders if not complied with.

A 30-year-old nurse in Jalaun was allegedly gang-raped while commuting to work. Two men, reportedly acting on instructions from her neighbor, assaulted her in a forest. The attack followed a dispute over an alleged relationship with a married man. Police are investigating, but initial reports indicate no evidence of rape.

Srinagar experienced its coldest night of the season with temperatures dropping to minus 2.1 degrees Celsius. Shopian was even colder, recording minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to stay dry until Friday evening, with a chance of light rain or snow in higher reaches until December 1.

Delhi's air quality has worsened, reaching the 'very poor' category, with AQI rising from 303 to 325 over two days. Minimum temperatures have dropped, recording the season's coldest night at 10.1°C, and are expected to dip further over the weekend. Reduced wind speeds are predicted, likely worsening air quality.

Indian-origin neurosurgeon Dr Rajesh Bindal from Houston has been fined over $2 million for fraudulently billing Medicare and FEHBP for surgeries he did not perform. Bindal allegedly taped devices behind patients' ears instead of conducting proper surgeries and, in some cases, allowed unqualified individuals to perform the procedures. Authorities emphasized the importance of accountability in federal healthcare programs.