Times of India

A significant blow to the Maoist insurgency occurred in Odisha's Kandhamal district as central committee member Ganesh Uike, with a Rs 1.2 crore bounty, was killed in an encounter. Security forces gunned down Uike and three associates in a forest, recovering weapons and ammunition.

England's Ashes tour faces off-field controversy after a mid-series break. Former captain Michael Vaughan urges restraint, stating the issue stems from cricket's ingrained drinking culture. He argues that players relaxing on days off often engage in similar behaviour. Vaughan believes this is a systemic problem across several cricketing nations, not an individual failing.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari recounted meeting Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh hours before his assassination in Tehran. Gadkari, was in Iran, attending presidential swearing-in, and was informed of Haniyeh's death early next morning. The incident highlighted the growing role of technology in modern conflict and national security.

A 45-year-old computer teacher, Rau Danish Ali, was fatally shot by two masked assailants on a two-wheeler while taking an evening walk on the AMU campus. The attackers fled the scene after firing at close range. Police are investigating the incident, with the family suggesting the victim may have known his attackers.

America’s H-1B visa process has picked up a new gatekeeper: your social media. A December 2025 State Department update asks H-1B applicants and H-4 dependants to keep their accounts public during visa processing, widening a review earlier used for student visas. For skilled workers, the shift is subtle but real—credentials still matter, but so does your digital footprint, and how it might be read.

Fans' frustration over limited Vijay Hazare Trophy TV coverage is understandable, says Ravichandran Ashwin. While stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are lighting up the tournament with centuries, many matches remain unwatched. Ashwin explained that broadcasting schedules are set far in advance, making last-minute telecasts difficult despite the players' presence.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi shattered List A records with a 190 off 84 balls, including the fastest 150, as Bihar posted a mammoth 574/6. This performance, alongside other centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, highlights a growing concern over the competitive balance in domestic cricket, particularly with the inclusion of newer northeastern teams.

Sebastian Telfair was released from federal prison after serving time for a probation violation linked to the NBA health care fraud case. The former Thunder guard served his sentence at Fort Dix, the same prison housing Sean “Diddy” Combs. Telfair spoke about Combs’ mindset behind bars and is now shifting focus toward a return to basketball through Ice Cube’s Big3 league.

Barwan Kalan, a remote Bihar village, is dubbed the "hamlet of bachelors" as lack of roads, water, and electricity has prevented marriages for over 50 years. Despite being near tourist spots, residents face isolation, with basic services like hospitals and schools miles away.

Australia is delaying their final XI for the Boxing Day Test, eyeing the 'quite furry' MCG pitch. A pace-heavy attack is confirmed, but the exact quicks will be decided after a final inspection. Stand-in captain Steve Smith is back, and the batting order sees Usman Khawaja move to number five.

A 39-year-old bank manager was allegedly murdered by her estranged software engineer husband, Balamurugan, who had planned the killing for months. He reportedly procured an illegal pistol and carried a knife as a backup, later surrendering to police and showing no remorse. The couple had a troubled marriage marked by alleged abuse.

A Chennai-bound bus in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district veered off the road and collided with two cars after a tyre burst, resulting in nine fatalities and at least 10 injuries. The accident occurred near Thittakudi, blocking traffic on the national highway. The Chief Minister announced compensation for the victims' families.

A private bus caught fire in Karnataka's Chitradurga district early Thursday, with several feared dead and many injured. The bus was en route to Shivamogga from Bengaluru. In a separate incident, a state-run bus in Tamil Nadu collided with two vehicles after a tyre burst, killing nine people.

In a remarkable feat, Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' has soared to the top, officially becoming his highest-grossing film. This thrilling espionage drama has raked in an impressive Rs 607.25 crore domestically and surpassed Rs 900 crore globally within just 20 days. The film's cast has received resounding accolades for their powerful performances, all crafted brilliantly by director Aditya Dhar.

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor at Mar-a-Lago to discuss strengthening trade ties and the bilateral partnership. The meeting, held during President Trump's holiday stay, also covered Gor's priorities for the India-US relationship. This interaction highlights the expanding scope of cooperation beyond trade, including the space sector.

Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing arrested four individuals, including three alleged drug peddlers, in a drug network bust. Officials seized a significant quantity of drugs, including OG, MDMA, LSD blots, and ecstasy pills, valued at over Rs 3 lakh. The operation revealed a sophisticated network involving online procurement and cryptocurrency payments.

Nancy Kerrigan, a two-time Olympic medalist and former U.S. Champion, is celebrated for her resilience. Following a shocking attack before the 1994 Olympics, she made a remarkable comeback, winning a silver medal. Her post-competitive career includes ice shows, TV appearances, and endorsements, contributing to an estimated net worth of $10 million.