Times of India

Golam Nabi Azad, son of Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir, was arrested in Murshidabad for allegedly assaulting a police officer at his family residence. The officer filed a complaint after Azad reportedly objected to his presence and then assaulted him. Kabir claims the arrest is politically motivated by the TMC.

The US State Department has strongly condemned the "horrific" mob killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, demanding an unequivocal stand against religious hatred. This statement follows growing concerns over attacks on minority communities. US lawmakers have also voiced outrage, urging condemnation of such bigotry. The incident highlights the precarious situation for religious minorities amid political shifts.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's India debut was profoundly shaped by captain Rohit Sharma's early assurance and clear communication. Sharma informed Jaiswal of his selection fifteen days prior, fostering confidence. This trust allowed Jaiswal to debut with a remarkable 171, showcasing maturity. He credits Sharma as an elder brother figure, inspiring him and instilling the importance of upholding Indian cricket's values.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King distinguishes the upcoming "Battle of the Sexes" exhibition between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios from her historic 1973 match. King emphasizes her original contest was pivotal for social change and women's rights, a stark contrast to the current event, which she deems apolitical and primarily for entertainment and profit, questioning its benefit to women's tennis.

Right-wing activists disrupted a birthday party in Bareilly, falsely accusing two Muslim guests of "love jihad" despite most attendees being Hindu. Police booked the Muslim guests and a cafe staffer for breach of peace, though an inquiry found no wrongdoing by the students. The victim stated the "love jihad" claim was unfounded.

Legendary French figure Brigitte Bardot, revered as a global sex symbol and fierce advocate for animal rights, has died at the age of 91. She burst onto the scene in 'And God Created Woman,' captivating audiences before shifting her focus entirely to animal welfare, which ultimately earned her France’s highest accolades.

Digvijaya Singh asserted Congress unity amidst a BJP controversy over his praise for the RSS's organizational strength. He accused the BJP of trying to divide the Nehru-Gandhi family, emphasizing the party's solidarity. Singh clarified his stance, stating his opposition to the RSS and PM Modi while supporting a strong organizational framework.

India's wine exports are surging, with fruit-based wines gaining traction alongside traditional grape varieties. A recent shipment of jamun wine to the US marks a significant milestone, as domestic consumption remains muted. While grape wines lead exports, non-grape varieties like mango and apple wines are also finding international markets, though producers face challenges with competitiveness and sustained demand.

In 2025, women emerged as the decisive force, shaping outcomes across various spheres. From Operation Sindoor's symbolic and active response to terror, to women voters determining Bihar's fate, their influence was undeniable. New women leaders reshaped global politics, athletes dominated sports, and Roshni Nadar redefined economic power, marking a year of profound change.

Kansas City Chiefs fans experienced an unfamiliar season of losses and missed playoffs in 2025, a stark contrast to years of dominance. Veteran Travis Kelce expressed deep disappointment, feeling he let down coach Andy Reid, highlighting their strong bond and his unwavering sense of responsibility to the team and his mentor.

Root, who had never scored a century on Australian soil, finally broke the curse as he scored an unbeaten 138 in the first innings of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at Brisbane.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its box office dominance, reaching Rs 677.31 crore by its 24th day. The film surpassed the Sunday collection of 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Teri Tu Mera,' which earned Rs 1.88 crore on its fourth day, bringing its total to Rs 20.38 crore.

Geoffrey Boycott attributed England's Boxing Day Test victory to superior fundamentals rather than luck, criticizing modern batting development. He argued that white-ball dominance and flat pitches hinder batsmen's ability to handle moving balls on seaming surfaces, a problem exacerbated by reduced County cricket. Boycott also highlighted Australia's ordinary batting, calling their dismissals "shockers" and the overall display "awful stuff."

On the Indian National Congress's 140th Foundation Day, Rahul Gandhi declared the party as "the voice of India’s soul," that is committed to the weak, the deprived and hardworking people. He extended greetings, paid tribute to the party's legacy of winning freedom and strengthening democratic values, and resolved to fight injustice.

Why the Matua-Namasudra community views politics the way it does becomes clearer when one looks beyond electoral arithmetic, beyond BJP versus Trinamool Congress (TMC), and even before the creation of Bangladesh. The Matua movement, by the early twentieth century, had become as much a social force as a religious one.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh's praise for the RSS's organizational strength sparked internal debate within the party. While Singh admired the RSS's ability to elevate grassroots workers, several Congress leaders dismissed the comparison, emphasizing their party's Gandhian roots and opposing the RSS ideology.