Russian President Vladimir Putin has clearly said that the growing partnership between India and Russia is not aimed at targeting any third country, even if it is America. In an interview given to India Today in the Kremlin before his visit to India, he gave frank answers on the relations between the two countries, American policies and Trump's recent statements.

Putin's answer on Trump's tariff policy
When Putin was asked how India and Russia should deal with Donald Trump's tariff policies, he said that Trump follows the advice of his advisors and takes decisions in the interest of America's economy. Putin said that this is America's internal economic model, but Russia does not believe in such policies.

He added, "Every country has the right to choose its own economic policy. We have neither adopted such practices in the past nor do we plan to do so in the future. Our economy is open, and we hope that any violations of WTO rules will be corrected."

India-Russia Cooperation Not Against Anyone
When asked about Trump's potential response to the "Make in India, Make With Russia" initiative, Putin said about himself and Prime Minister Modi: "Neither I nor Prime Minister Modi ever work together against any country. We protect our own interests, not to harm anyone else." He stated that the cooperation between the two countries is based on positive objectives, and other world leaders understand this well.

Trump criticized India for buying Russian oil—Putin gave a befitting reply.
Recently, Trump said that India was "funding the war" by buying oil from Russia. Citing electoral politics, Putin said that it was not his job to comment on such statements. On the issue of energy imports, he highlighted a significant fact: America itself buys nuclear fuel from Russia. Much of the uranium used in their nuclear plants comes from Russia. If the US can buy it, why can't India?

Bhopal: The Railways is implementing a new timetable starting January 1st. As part of this, the departure and arrival times of several important trains in the Bhopal division have been partially altered. The railway administration has urged passengers to ensure they are informed of the new timings before traveling to avoid inconvenience.

Which trains' timings have changed?

According to the Railway Public Relations Officer, the arrival and departure timings of these trains have been changed. 

• 14814 Bhopal-Jodhpur Express – Departure from Bhopal at 4:40 PM instead of 4:55 PM 
• 12185 Rani Kamlapati – Rewa Express – Departure from Rani Kamlapati at 9:55 PM instead of 10:00 PM
• 12197 Bhopal-Gwalior Express – Departure from Bhopal at 3:10 PM instead of 3:15 PM

Changed arrival time

• 12185 Rani Kamlapati – Rewa Express – Rewa at 7:55 AM instead of 8:00 AM
• 11272 Bhopal-Itarsi Express- Itarsi at 1:15 PM instead of 12:30 PM
• 11602 Katni-Bina-Bina at 8:00 PM instead of 7:05 PM
• 18236 Bilaspur-Bhopal Express- Bhopal at 5:00 PM instead of 5:18 PM

Other changes

• 51884 Gwalior-Bina-Bina will arrive at 4:20 PM instead of 4:25 PM
• 11603 Kota-Bina-Bina will arrive at 4:50 PM instead of 4:55 PM

Timings have also been revised at intermediate stations.
For example, 12185 Rani Kamlapati-Rewa Express will arrive at Bina at 12:25 AM instead of 12:30 AM.

The speed of trains will also be increased.
The speed of many trains in Bhopal division is being increased, for which instructions have been issued to the concerned stations and staff. The Railways has advised passengers to check the new timetable, effective January 1, at the station, IRCTC website, Rail Madad 139, or online.

The pollution level in Delhi-NCR is continuously increasing. A large part of the capital was covered in a thick layer of fog and smog on Thursday morning. As the air quality reached the 'very poor' category, breathing problems of people have increased. Doctors have advised children, elderly and patients with asthma or heart disease to be extra cautious.

Delhi's average AQI 350, many points at dangerous level
According to CPCB data, today the average AQI of the capital was recorded at 350. In many areas the air quality reached very close to the dangerous level. The AQI of major areas at 7 am was as follows -
Anand Vihar: 348
Alipur: 324
Bawana: 373
Burari: 326
Chandni Chowk: 352
Dwarka: 343
Airport area: 267
ITO: 322
Jahangirpuri: 353
Rohini: 363
Vivek Vihar: 355
RK Puram: 374
Narela: 330
Mundka: 356

Among these, RK Puram, Bawana, Rohini and Vivek Vihar were the most polluted areas.

Pollution increases trouble, experts warn
Delhi's average AQI was 342 in the last 24 hours, which means the situation is continuously worsening. Experts have advised that -
➤ Avoid going out in the morning and evening
➤ If needed, use N-95 or a good mask
➤ Keep distance from polluted main roads
➤ Respiratory and heart patients should keep medicine and inhaler with them

Cold also increased, temperature dropped to 5.6°C
Along with pollution, cold has also intensified in Delhi. The maximum temperature on Wednesday was 23.7°C, which was the second lowest of the season. On Thursday, the minimum temperature dropped to 5.6°C, which is about 4 degrees below normal. The Meteorological Department has also issued a cold wave alert for 6 December.

New Delhi. BREAKING: The central government has renamed the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as Seva Teerth. State buildings across the country will be called Lok Bhavan. The Central Secretariat will be renamed Kartavya Bhavan. The central government has taken this decision. It is being reported that the Prime Minister's Office will soon be relocated to a new building, which has been named Seva Teerth.

Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, efforts have been underway to change the image of colonial-era royal residences. A few days ago, the Raj Bhavans were renamed Lok Bhavans. This is not just a name change, but part of a broader initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade to redefine the spirit of public office.

Started in 2016

Raipur. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's statement, "I never lie to play politics. Don't compare me to Narendra Modi ," has heated up state politics. Finance Minister OP Choudhary reacted sharply to Baghel's statement, saying that Bhupesh Baghel cannot be compared to the Prime Minister because he has lied to the public on several issues, including giving Rs 500 to mothers and sisters, prohibition, and PSC transparency. Choudhary alleged that scams occurred even in paddy, rice, and cow dung, and that the public showed him the door everywhere. Meanwhile, Bhupesh Baghel, in a shared interview, said that he "will never play politics by lying and would prefer to die 10 times over, but not become Modi."

Bhopal. Four people died tragically and one person was seriously injured in a head-on collision between two cars late last night in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The accident took place near Pipliya-Hasanabad village in the Bairasia area. The deceased have been identified as Khalid, Anees, Sajid and Naved, while a youth named Sachin has been admitted to a private hospital in Bairasia for treatment. A youth travelling in the other car was also injured and was referred to Bhopal. All the deceased were residents of Shivpur and had come to the capital to attend a private function. The police reached the spot, prepared a panchnama of the bodies, established a case file and started the investigation.

 Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali company has been accused of selling substandard ghee, and the ADM court in Pithoragarh has imposed a total fine of ₹1.40 lakh on the manufacturer and distributor. The case relates to the failure of a sample of Patanjali cow ghee taken in 2020.

According to Food Safety Department officials, samples taken in October 2020 initially failed at the state lab. Later, at the request of traders, they were sent to the central government's referral lab in 2021, where they failed again in 2022. A case was subsequently filed in February 2022, and the court delivered its verdict on November 19, 2024.

Following this action, Patanjali issued a statement on X, calling the court order flawed. The company argued that…

• The referral lab was not accredited to test cow ghee, hence its test should not be considered valid.
• The rules on the basis of which ghee was declared unsuccessful were not in force at that time.
• The re-testing was done after the expiry date of the ghee, which naturally makes the report invalid.

  Patanjali says the court didn't consider these arguments, so the company is now filing an appeal with the Food Safety Tribunal. They also said the decision didn't state that ghee is harmful to health, only that there was a slight difference in the RM value, which they believe is due to natural causes and doesn't affect quality.

  The company claimed that the RM value varies depending on the season, animal diet, and regional conditions, and that the FSSAI has revised it from time to time. Patanjali says it sources milk and ghee from across the country based on strict standards and sells the products nationally.

Google Pay: Digital payments have become a daily necessity. In such situations, if a bank's server slows down or an account's transaction limit is reached, making payments can become difficult. However, by adding multiple bank accounts to Google Pay (GPay), you can now avoid this problem. This will not only speed up payments but also reduce the likelihood of transaction failure.

Google Pay makes it easier for users

If one account's server goes down during Google Pay, you can instantly make a payment from another account. This option is especially beneficial for those who make daily online payments, business transactions, or UPI transfers.

December Bank Holidays:   Banking services may be affected as the month of December begins, with banks closed for a total of 18 days. Therefore, customers will need to plan their banking needs in advance. However, holidays will not be the same across all states, as many holidays are determined by regional and local festivals. Therefore, it is important for customers to keep in mind the branch holiday dates for their area.

Here are the details of holidays in December as per the Reserve Bank of India holiday list:

December 1: Inauguration Day and Indigenous Faith Day in Itanagar and Kohima
December 3: St. Francis Xavier Day in Goa
December 7: Sunday
December 12: Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma death anniversary in Shillong
December 13: Second Saturday, nationwide holiday
December 14: Sunday
December 18: U Soso Tham death anniversary in Shillong
December 19: Goa Liberation Day, holiday in Panaji
December 20, 21 and 22: Losoung/Namsung festival in Sikkim and Sunday
December 24: Christmas Eve in Aizawl, Kohima and Shillong
December 25: Christmas, nationwide holiday
December 26: Christmas celebrations in Aizawl, Kohima and Shillong
December 27: Christmas in Kohima and fourth Saturday in the country
December 28: Sunday
December 30: U Kiang Nangbah death anniversary in Shillong
December 31: New Year's Eve and Imoinu Iratpa in Aizawl and Imphal

Customers are relieved that UPI, mobile banking, and other digital services will remain available as usual during these holidays. However, it's best to plan ahead for branch visits for check clearance, locker access, and other essential services.

Toronto:  Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Monday that Canada and India will work quickly to advance a trade agreement after two years of strained relations. Anand's statement came after a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G-20 summit in South Africa over the weekend. At the meeting, the two leaders agreed to resume negotiations for a new trade deal.

Anand said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that both leaders were determined to complete the work as quickly as possible. Carney will visit India early next year. Anand cited Carney's goal of doubling non-US trade over the next decade. Canada is one of the world's most trade-dependent countries, and more than 75 percent of Canada's exports go to the US. Most exports to the US are exempt from the USMCA trade agreement, but this agreement is due to be reviewed in 2026.

Delhi: Sunder Nagar, one of the capital's prime locations, is once again making headlines with major real estate news. Well-known Delhi businessman Ashok Mittal has purchased a property in the area worth ₹65 crore. The bungalow is spread across a large 866 square yard plot.

According to real estate data firm CRE Matrix, the ground floor and basement (4,846.88 square feet) were purchased for ₹34 crore, while the first floor (3,118.62 square feet) was purchased for ₹31 crore. A total stamp duty of ₹4.55 crore was paid, bringing the total value of the property deal to ₹65 crore.

Sundar Nagar: Not just a place to live, but a status symbol

True to its name, Sunder Nagar is renowned for its greenery and beauty. Located close to Lutyens' Delhi, the area boasts landmarks of national importance: Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Supreme Court, the Purana Qila, the zoo, and Pragati Maidan.

Property prices in this area are sky-high due to the large plots, exquisite Old Delhi architecture, and limited supply, which keeps property demand high. Most bungalows are built on plots of 500 to 1,000 square yards or more, and new multi-story construction is prohibited.

Why is Sundar Nagar's real estate special?

Geographical Importance: Minutes access to major government offices, commercial hubs and railway stations.

Limited supply: New flats or large plots are rarely available.

Status Symbol: Big industrialists, corporate leaders, Supreme Court judges and old business families live here.

Safe and quiet: low density, wide streets, clean sidewalks, a lifestyle away from the noise.

Arts, Culture and Markets

Sunder Nagar is not only a residential area but also a cultural hub. Its markets are known for vintage and antique furniture, traditional handicrafts, and fine jewelry. With its art galleries and regular art exhibitions, it is also an important cultural center in Delhi.

New Delhi: UIDAI has launched an all-new version of the Aadhaar mobile app, which is now faster, more intuitive, and more secure than ever before. Whether you're conducting banking transactions, booking travel tickets, accessing government services, or using Aadhaar for basic KYC, this update makes your digital experience easier and safer. The new app focuses on speed, simplicity, and privacy.

New, clean and intuitive interface

The new design displays your Aadhaar number, photo, and address in a clear and easy-to-read manner as soon as you open the app. The app is lightweight enough to run smoothly even on older smartphones. UIDAI claims that loading times are significantly reduced.

Setup is now very easy

Installing the new app takes just a minute. After downloading it from the Google Play Store or App Store, simply enter your Aadhaar number and verify it with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. You can then login using your face, fingerprint, or secure PIN. Once your profile is set, there's no need to login each time.

Strong privacy controls

The new version further protects users' personal information by adding a profile lock feature. You can now lock your Aadhaar profile, preventing anyone from seeing your number, address, or photo. If necessary, it can be unlocked using a biometric or PIN. This feature is especially useful when handing over your phone to someone else.

Complete transparency with activity logs

The app now includes an activity log. This log shows when and where your profile was accessed. This allows you to keep complete control over your digital identity and quickly detect any suspicious activity.

Share data as needed

The new app eliminates the need to share all your details every time. You can choose which information to share for each task—just your name, date of birth, or a QR code. There's also offline QR verification, eliminating the need to carry a physical Aadhaar card in many cases.

Multiple profiles on one phone

Up to five Aadhaar profiles can now be linked on a single device. This feature is extremely useful for families where Aadhaar information for children or seniors can be managed from a single location.

Today has brought an unprecedented confluence of faith and enthusiasm for the devotees of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya. On 25 November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did the grand flag hoisting on the main peak of the Ram Temple complex. This unique flag is the result of months of dedication of Ahmedabad artisan Bharat Mewar. This handcrafted flag, 10 feet high and 20 feet long, became a unique witness to this historic moment. A large number of devotees from India and abroad have reached Ayodhya to be a part of this historic moment, due to which there is a festive atmosphere in the entire complex.

Record-breaking earnings: Ram Temple now the third highest-earning temple in the country

The Ram Temple is already in the news for its grandeur and religious significance, but now its financial strength has also come to the fore. The donations from the large number of devotees visiting the temple have placed it among the richest temples in the country. According to data from the past year, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya now holds a strong position in third place in terms of revenue.

With the temple fully open, expansion of facilities and increasing number of devotees, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya may soon compete with the top-2 temples.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday described the hoisting of the flag at the summit of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as "the beginning of a new era." He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel for their presence at the event. Addressing the visitors, Adityanath said the grand temple of Lord Ram symbolizes the "faith, respect, and self-respect" of 1.4 billion Indians. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the "karmayogis" who contributed to its construction.

He said the day is dedicated to the "unwavering devotion" of the saints, warriors and Ram devotees who dedicated their lives to this movement and the long struggle that resulted in the construction of the temple. Adityanath said that when Modi took over the leadership of the country as Prime Minister in 2014, the "sun of determination and faith" was lit in the hearts of millions of people. "Today, that determination has been fulfilled in the form of this grand Ram temple before all Indians and devotees," he said. He said the flag flying over the Ram temple is a symbol of truth, justice, dignity and national religion.

Following the consecration ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, preparations are now complete to hoist the saffron victory flag atop the temple's main peak. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to hold this flag hoisting ceremony on November 25, 2025. This date coincides with Margashirsha Shukla Panchami, or Vivah Panchami, on Tuesday, which is considered extremely auspicious in many respects.

Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, stated that the flag hoisting ceremony will take place during the Abhijit Muhurta, which is from 11:45 am to 12:29 pm on November 25th. According to the calendar, Lord Rama was also born during the Abhijit Muhurta. Furthermore, in the Treta Yuga, the marriage of Lord Rama and Mother Janaki also took place on Margashirsha Shukla Panchami, a Tuesday. The birth of devotee Hanuman is also believed to have occurred on Tuesday, further enhancing the significance of this date.

According to the saints of Ayodhya, hoisting the victory flag atop the temple symbolizes the tradition of the Raghu dynasty. Valmiki's Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas contain numerous descriptions of grand flags, banners, and festoons. This flag will convey the message of Lord Rama's victory, the dignity of the Suryavansh, and the reestablishment of Ramrajya in Ayodhya.

The Trust has appealed to all Ram devotees to attend the flag-hoisting ceremony in Ayodhya on this historic occasion, and to celebrate the festival of lights at home, similar to Diwali. Prominent saints and dignitaries from India and abroad will be present at the ceremony.

Sydney : On Sunday afternoon, a flash of Indian dreams from the racket dazzled the world on the Sydney badminton courts. Lakshya Sen, the young shuttler from Uttarakh nd who has taken Indian badminton to new heights with his hard work, created history by winning the Australian Open Super 500 title.

Tanaka was targeted in the final against Yushi Tanaka of Japan. But from the very beginning of the match, Lakshya's demeanor suggested that he wasn't just playing, but was here to elevate his reputation. Defeating Tanaka 21-15, 21-11, he not only won the title but also proved that the future of Indian badminton was unwavering. The entire encounter took just 38 minutes—a final where Lakshya's game was as 'targeted' as his name suggests.

Gratuity rules: The government has given a significant gift to fixed-term employees by making major reforms to labor laws. Now, they will no longer need to work for five years to receive gratuity. Gratuity benefits can be earned even with just one year of service. This decision is considered a major relief for millions of employees, gig workers, and those in the unorganized sector.

On Friday, the central government announced plans to reduce 29 labor laws into four codes. These new codes aim to provide better wages, social security, and health coverage to all workers—women, migrant workers, informal sector workers, and gig workers.

5-year limit is over – now gratuity is available even after 1 year

According to the previous rule, gratuity was only available after completing five consecutive years of service at any organization.
However, under the new rule, fixed-term employees (FTEs) will now receive all the benefits that permanent employees receive after just one year of service—
• holidays
• medical benefits
• social security
• and now—the full benefit of gratuity.

The government aims to reduce the contract based system and promote direct hiring.

What is gratuity?

Gratuity is a financial gift that a company gives to its employees in return for their work.
The full amount is paid in one lump sum upon leaving the company or retirement.

Earlier this benefit was available after 5 years, but now this right will be available even in 1 year.

How is gratuity calculated?

Formula to calculate gratuity:

(Last salary) × (15/26) × (number of years worked)

Example:
If your last salary (Basic + DA) = ₹50,000
and you worked in the company for 5 years—

So according to the formula:
50,000 × (15/26) × 5 = ₹1,44,230

Where does the Gratuity Act apply?

Payment of Gratuity Act applies to all the country's—
• Factories
• Mines
• Oil Fields
• Ports
• Railways

Air pollution levels in the national capital, Delhi, remain extremely severe today. Delhiites are once again forced to breathe toxic air. On Sunday morning, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at an alarming 447.

AQI in hazardous category

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a worrying 447 on Sunday morning. This level falls into the hazardous category and is considered extremely harmful to public health. Prolonged exposure to this level of pollution can cause serious health problems.

PM2.5 and PM10 levels are critical

This dangerous level of pollution is primarily due to the persistent reduction of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM10 in the air. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. High levels of these particles are continuously deteriorating air quality.

GRAP-3 and sanctions also ineffective

The Delhi government and relevant authorities are taking several strict measures to control pollution. Under the third phase (GRAP-3) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), several restrictions have been implemented. These restrictions include a halt to construction activities, a ban on the entry of non-essential trucks, and the closure of certain industries.

However, despite all efforts and restrictions, air quality remains unchanged, worsening the situation in the capital. Environmental experts say that seasonal factors, stubble burning in neighboring states, and local emissions are collectively responsible for this situation.