Times of India

VV Rajesh made history as the first BJP Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, winning with 51 votes. He garnered support from 50 BJP councillors and one independent. The UDF candidate received 17 votes, and the LDF candidate secured 29 votes in the election.

A vast illicit economy fueled by codeine-based cough syrups is thriving across East UP and beyond, preying on youth and laborers. Investigations reveal a multi-crore racket involving diversion from legal channels, with kingpins orchestrating a complex smuggling network. Authorities are intensifying crackdowns, with multiple arrests and probes underway.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai's AI-generated Christmas greeting featuring himself and his dog, Jeffree, in a custom snow globe image, garnered significant attention on X.

Two men were arrested for allegedly shooting a 25-year-old woman after she refused a marriage proposal. The woman was shot in the stomach outside her workplace after repeatedly rejecting advances from one of the accused. The incident escalated from previous harassment, including a prior shooting at her home.

MS Dhoni's quiet guidance was instrumental in Jharkhand's maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph. The former India captain stayed in constant touch with players and management, offering advice on coaching appointments and player development. Dhoni's deep knowledge of domestic talent and commitment to Jharkhand cricket laid the foundation for this historic victory.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research recommends buying Lloyds Metals and Energy, and Kotak Mahindra Bank on December 26, 2025 with a 12-month horizon. Here’s its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:

The US Department of War released footage of strikes against ISIS terrorists in northeast Nigeria, following President Trump's announcement of "powerful and deadly strikes." These precision attacks, carried out at Trump's direction, targeted militants he accused of "viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."

Police are investigating the murder of a Union Bank assistant manager, Bhuvaneshwari, allegedly by her husband, Balamurugan. He claims a divorce notice enraged him, but police haven't found it. Balamurugan confessed to planning the murder for a year, procuring a pistol, and observing her routine before shooting her. Investigations into the weapon's origin and deleted phone data are ongoing.

The NFL sparked online speculation with a cryptic video featuring individuals in pink, reminiscent of Netflix's Stranger Things. This eerie, context-free post, captioned with a question about concern, leveraged internet humor and ambiguity to drive engagement. The league's subtle approach blurred marketing and pop culture, effectively reaching younger audiences by participating in broader entertainment conversations.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' shows no signs of slowing down, smashing records in its third week at the box office. The festive Christmas period added a remarkable boost, with the film netting THIS amount on its 21st day. Despite facing competition from new releases, 'Dhurandhar' has raked in an impressive Rs 633 in total in India.

A disturbing episode occurred near a workplace in Gurgaon, where a woman was shot by a man she had previously rebuffed. The police swiftly acted, arresting two suspects, Tushar and Shubham, in Uttar Pradesh. Tushar reportedly confessed that his violent outburst stemmed from his inability to accept her refusal, marking a troubling escalation of previous unwanted advances.

The New York Yankees are prioritizing re-signing Cody Bellinger, viewing him as a crucial long-term outfield piece alongside Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham. After a successful 2025 season, the team believes Bellinger's blend of power, defense, and versatility is irreplaceable. Despite interest from other clubs, the Yankees are emphasizing continuity and a familiar environment for the 30-year-old free agent.

Hindus in Bangladesh are pleading with India to open its borders, fearing escalating violence and persecution following recent lynchings. Concerns are heightened by the potential return of a hardline BNP leader, with minorities feeling trapped and vulnerable. Activists criticize Indian Hindu organizations for inaction, warning of a potential 'holocaust' if borders remain closed.

The government has directed the Survey of India to map the Aravalis using a new 100-meter height definition, sparking widespread protests. Environmentalists fear this shift to a height-based marker will significantly shrink the recognized ranges, potentially undermining conservation efforts for the predominantly low-lying Aravalis. The ministry maintains mining controls remain intact.

Maoist commander Ganesh Uike, also known as Paka Hanumanthu and carrying a Rs 1.1 crore bounty, was killed in a security operation in Odisha's Kandhamal district. A central committee member and Odisha in-charge, he was linked to major operations like the 2013 Jhiram Ghati ambush. His death is considered a significant milestone in eliminating Naxalism.

On Thursday night, the celebration at Mysuru Palace was shattered by the tragic explosion of a helium cylinder, resulting in one death and injuring four others, including visiting tourists. The sound of the blast carried a kilometer away, alarming the community as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

US President Donald Trump announced a "powerful and deadly strike" against ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria, citing their targeting and killing of Christians. He claimed the "Department of War" executed "perfect strikes" at his direction, vowing to prevent radical Islamic terrorism from prospering. Trump had previously warned of repercussions if the slaughter of Christians continued.

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history by smashing 190 off 84 balls for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He became the youngest to score a List A hundred and the first men’s cricketer to hit centuries in both List A and T20 cricket before 15. His knock helped Bihar post a record 574.