Times of India

Bazball arrived in Australia preaching fearlessness and fun, but will leave exposed by one of Test cricket’s harshest conditions. Amid losses, off-field indulgence and mounting criticism, England’s cult-like philosophy has lost its aura of credibility. As Australia dismantle method and mindset alike, Bazball’s greatest challenge now isn’t survival -- it’s relevance under pressure.

NBA legend LeBron James recently delighted fans with a viral throwback video of his daughter, Zhuri Nova James, enjoying a custom-built mini mansion he once gifted her for her birthday. The thoughtful gift, mirroring their own home, showcased James's loving fatherhood and his ability to balance a legendary career with family life. Fans praised the sweet gesture, highlighting the strong bond between the father and the daughter.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu man. The MEA stated that over 2,900 incidents against minorities have been documented, dismissing claims of media exaggeration or political violence.

Mumbai batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi was hospitalized after a serious head injury during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Jaipur. The 21-year-old, also an IPL player, was stretchered off, causing concern. Earlier, Mumbai posted 331/7, with strong contributions from Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Hardik Tamore. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck.

In a remarkable feat of reconstructive surgery, Chinese doctors successfully grafted a woman's severed ear onto her foot to preserve it. After a severe workplace accident, the ear was reattached to her head following extensive scalp reconstruction. This innovative procedure highlights China's history of pioneering, unconventional medical interventions for severe injuries.

NFL titans Robert Kraft and Gayle Benson, both billionaires, showcase contrasting paths to sports ownership. Kraft built a vast empire through diverse investments before acquiring the Patriots, while Benson inherited and expanded her late husband's franchises, the Saints and Pelicans. Their financial journeys highlight distinct strategies for wealth accumulation and franchise management.

CBSE has issued an advisory asking affiliated schools to implement a Standard Operating Procedure to prevent dog-bite incidents and manage stray dogs on school campuses. Following Supreme Court directions, schools must conduct awareness sessions, secure premises, remove stray dogs with help from authorities, appoint nodal officers, ensure regular inspections, improve waste management under PM POSHAN guidelines, and support MoHFW rabies elimination efforts.

Cancer patients frequently battle sleep disorders, impacting their recovery and well-being. Tumours, treatments like chemotherapy, and emotional stress disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and anxiety. Insomnia is common, but other issues like sleep apnoea can also arise. Addressing these sleep problems is crucial for improving a patient's quality of life and treatment adherence.

Magnus Carlsen has returned for the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha, held from December 26 to 30 with a €1 million prize fund. The world number one said personal and family ties with the Qatar organisers were central to his decision. His relationship with FIDE remains strained after last year’s “jeansgate” controversy.

As workplaces evolve rapidly, employers are focusing less on degrees and more on everyday skills. By 2026, adaptability, data understanding, digital comfort, collaboration, and emotional intelligence will shape career growth. Professionals who can adjust to change, work well with others, and manage emotions are more likely to stay relevant in fast-moving work environments.

Disturbing CCTV footage reveals the execution-style killing of computer teacher Rau Danish Ali on the AMU campus. Attackers lingered, firing repeatedly at the victim's head even after he collapsed. The cold-blooded crime, captured on video, shows the assailants ensuring Ali's death before fleeing on a scooter.

Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth is urging selectors to fast-track teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the senior Indian team. Citing Suryavanshi's maturity, technique, and dominance across age-group and domestic cricket, Srikkanth compares his rapid rise to Sachin Tendulkar's early career, advocating for bold backing of rare talent.

As 2025 concludes, India witnessed recurring themes: the BJP's continued dominance, the Congress's struggle to revive, persistent air pollution in Delhi, and Pakistan-linked terror. Misogynistic remarks by politicians, language debates, and name-changing initiatives also remained prominent. Cricket stars faced retirement speculation, while the rupee's slide and the perennial 'when will you marry?' question for public figures persisted.

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 14, has been honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. His remarkable year includes an IPL contract, a 58-ball century for India U19, and breaking multiple records in T20 and List A cricket, including the fastest IPL hundred and fastest youth ODI century. His meteoric rise continues to captivate the nation.

The National Testing Agency has issued a notice for UGC-NET December 2025 candidates regarding the City Intimation Slip. Candidates are warned against using CSIR-NET links, as doing so may cause technical issues. The City Intimation Slip must be downloaded only from the official UGC-NET portal. Candidates are advised to use correct login details, follow official instructions, and contact NTA support if needed.