Times of India

Linking your PAN card with Aadhaar is crucial to avoid penalties. The Income Tax department's portal guides you through a simple online process involving your PAN and Aadhaar numbers, followed by an OTP verification. Failure to link by December 31, 2025, will render your PAN inoperative, impacting tax refunds and leading to higher tax deductions and collections.

Deepti Sharma has become the leading wicket-taker in women's T20 Internationals, surpassing Megan Schutt with her 152nd wicket. This achievement comes after she also became the first cricketer to score 1,000 runs and take 150 wickets in T20Is. India secured a 5-0 series win against Sri Lanka.

Magnus Carlsen secured his ninth World Blitz title, defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov 2.5-1.5 after a dramatic final. Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, who led the qualifying rounds, fell in the semifinals and secured a bronze medal, his second of the championship.

Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery, a power couple in the sports world, boast a combined net worth of $11.5 million. Clark, a WNBA star, has secured lucrative endorsements alongside her rookie contract. McCaffery, a rising basketball coach, is building his career after playing multiple sports in college. Their individual successes contribute to their impressive financial standing.

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been hospitalised and placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old, a prominent player for Australia in Tests and ODIs, fell ill on Boxing Day. Friends and former teammates have sent their well wishes and prayers for his recovery.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi claimed Beijing mediated the India-Pakistan standoff in May following the Pahalgam terror attack. This assertion comes despite India's consistent dismissal of third-party mediation, stating the conflict was resolved through direct military-to-military communication after Pakistan's DGMO requested a ceasefire.

Stock market recommendations: Mehul Kothari, DVP ofAnand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, recommends buying Texmaco Rail & Engineering, CONCOR, and Escorts Kubota. Here are the target levels:

A collision between two trains inside the Pipalkoti tunnel of the Vishnugad–Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project has left approximately 60 people injured. A loco train carrying workers and officials struck a goods train, with 109 individuals on board. All injured have been rescued and are in stable condition. The incident occurred within the project area, being developed by THDC (India).

A 70-year-old man and his mentally challenged daughter were allegedly held captive and starved for five years by their domestic help in UP's Mahoba district. The case surfaced after the man's death, revealing his emaciated state and his daughter's skeletal condition. Relatives allege the couple sought to seize the family's property.

Raihan Vadra, son of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Robert Vadra, has become engaged to his long-time friend Aviva Baig. The private ceremony was attended by close family and friends, with both families having known each other for years. The couple's families are currently celebrating the occasion in Ranthambore, Rajasthan.

Dense fog significantly disrupted travel in Delhi on Wednesday, leading to flight cancellations and delays at IGI Airport. Operations are underway using CAT III protocols, though passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates. Air quality remained in the 'very poor' category.

The Centre has ended subsidies for electric three-wheelers after exceeding its penetration target. Support for electric two-wheelers may extend into the next fiscal year as sales are still below the goal. States are now expected to provide incentives, with Delhi poised to announce a package to boost EV adoption.

Aditya Dhar's spy-thriller 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, is dominating the box office, nearing Rs 712.25 crore in domestic net collections after 26 days. The film has achieved the biggest Bollywood grosser status with Rs 854.75 crore gross and a staggering Rs 1095.5 crore worldwide. It's now challenging 'Jawan's' record.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has halted all child care payments to Minnesota, citing widespread fraud. Millions in taxpayer funds are alleged to have been diverted to fake daycares. A new system now requires justification and evidence for all payments nationwide. An investigation into a learning center receiving $4 million with no activity has surfaced.

A 25-year-old woman was allegedly raped and assaulted by two men after accepting a lift in a van on the Gurgaon-Faridabad road. She was held captive for nearly three hours and then thrown from the moving vehicle, sustaining severe facial injuries. Police have detained two suspects following a complaint.

As the year draws to a close, a number of players delivered notable performances in Test cricket. Based on those displays, Cricket Australia announced its Test XI of the year for 2025.

Speaking at a recent event, Khushi said that Suryakumar used to message her often earlier, but they are no longer in touch. When asked by a reporter if she wanted to date a cricketer, Khushi said she does not want to be linked with any player.

A 26-year-old Biocon employee, Anant Kumar, died after allegedly jumping from the fifth floor of the company's building in Electronics City. Police stated Kumar was seen walking out of the canteen before going to the terrace and jumping. The reason for the incident is currently under investigation.