In a significant move to cut costs and boost efficiency, the Pentagon has terminated IT service contracts worth $5.1 billion with firms like Accenture and Deloitte. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that these contracts represent wasteful spending on services that can be handled internally.
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A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over the meagre Rs 575 crore allocation in the 2025-26 Budget for census and NPR updation and recommended completing the census promptly. The panel also suggested establishing a separate central police force to address the surge in cybercrimes and urged the home ministry to seek increased funding for central police forces.
A four-story building collapsed in Delhi's Mustafabad early Saturday, resulting in 11 fatalities, including four children, and 11 injuries. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered an investigation into the 'pancake collapse,' suspected to be worsened by recent rains and storms. Rescue efforts by NDRF and fire officials saved 15 people.
Pushpa 2: The Rule continues its box office reign, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 with Rs 1,062 crore globally. The Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna starrer has netted ₹689.44 crore in India, surpassing Kalki 2898 AD. The film's success has sparked speculation about whether it can overtake Dangal's record. Rashmika Mandanna expressed gratitude for the overwhelming fan support.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized PM Modi's government for not reducing fuel prices despite a 34% drop in global crude oil prices since 2014, accusing them of burdening the public and fueling inflation. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the government's policy, citing the benefits of the recently passed Oilfields Amendment Bill.
The Dalai Lama, 89, reassures followers about his health, predicting a lifespan of 110 years. Despite recent knee surgery, his recovery is progressing. Living in exile since 1959, he advocates for Tibetan autonomy. Amidst concerns over his succession, the spiritual leader's stance challenges China's influence on Tibetan Buddhism's future.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his team's all-round performance after their seven-wicket victory over England in the first T20I. India's bowlers, led by Varun Chakaravarthy, restricted England to 132, while Abhishek Sharma's 79 ensured a quick chase. Both captains highlighted their strategies and preparations for the upcoming matches.
Deepseek's launch has stirred the tech world with its advanced AI, impacting fields like data analysis and research. The low-cost Chinese tool drew attention from US President Donald Trump, who highlighted its potential threat to American tech. Social media buzzed with memes, depicting Deepseek in various lights, from helpful AI to intimidating overlord.
President-elect Donald Trump launches $Trump cryptocurrency token days before inauguration, causing a surge in the crypto market and raising ethical concerns. The token, sold by CIC Digital LLC, has been criticized for potential exploitation of presidential office while promising deregulation of the crypto industry.
Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland resident, was taken into custody on December 9th in connection with the case. According to the fundraiser’s organizers, they have established contact with both Mangione and his lawyer. Any funds raised will go directly to Mangione or, if declined, will be redirected to legal funds supporting other defendants facing what the group describes as "politicized charges."
Uttarakhand government has identified 37 prohibited relationships each for men and women under the newly-implemented Uniform Civil Code. These include relations within three generations, such as great-grandparents and great-grandchildren-in-law. Marriages within these categories require a certificate from religious clergy and even then, may be rejected by the registrar based on public policy and morality considerations.