Times of India

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to amaze after smashing a 36-ball century for Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Veteran politician Shashi Tharoor compared his talent to a young Sachin Tendulkar. Suryavanshi scored 190, holds multiple age-records across formats, and is being hailed as one of Indian cricket’s brightest future stars.

On Christmas Day in 1914, World War I briefly paused as British and German soldiers laid down their weapons, met in no man’s land, and played football. Known as the Christmas Truce, the moment saw enemies sing carols, exchange gifts, and share humanity. For a few hours, football replaced hatred and became a symbol of peace.

A private IT company manager alleged gang-rape by her CEO and an executive's husband in a moving car after a company party. The survivor claims she was drugged and molested by the CEO and raped by the executive's husband while the executive head was present. All three accused have been detained for questioning.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially commenced commercial operations today, marking a significant expansion of air travel for the Mumbai region. The airport will initially handle around 30 domestic flights daily, with IndiGo operating the first arrival and departure. NMIA aims to scale up to round-the-clock services by February 2026.

India has achieved significant reductions in malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal/child deaths, marking a decisive phase in public health. These gains stem from sustained political will, scientific capacity, and public participation. While progress is evident, challenges remain in eliminating diseases and ensuring comprehensive life-course immunisation.

Indian musicians Mainak Biswas and Kallab Ghosh faced intense anxiety in Dhaka after their concert was cancelled. Trapped for 48 hours amidst rising anti-Indian sentiment, Biswas described the experience as a "worst nightmare," highlighting the fear of being targeted as a Hindu in Bangladesh. They managed to return home on December 22nd.

A father's life is shattered after his five-year-old son survived a deadly cough syrup but lost his sight and mobility. The family incurred massive debts for his prolonged treatment, with government aid falling short. While authorities investigate, the father pleads for future medical support, hoping his child can one day see the world.

The Calcutta High Court ruled that foreign courts can hear divorce and maintenance cases for marriages solemnised in India if a spouse resides there. This decision overturned a lower court's injunction on a UK court order, asserting that a UK family court has jurisdiction if parties last resided together in the UK.

India successfully tested its K-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. This solid-fuelled missile, capable of carrying a two-tonne nuclear payload, is crucial for strengthening the sea leg of India's nuclear weapons triad. The test marks a significant step towards enhancing India's strategic deterrence capabilities.

India's LVM3 rocket, nicknamed Baahubali, successfully launched the 6,100kg US satellite BlueBird Block-2, marking the heaviest spacecraft ever lifted from Indian soil. This ninth consecutive success for the human-rated launcher boosts confidence for the Gaganyaan mission and signals India's strong entry into the global LEO communications market.

Parents are protesting a BJP leader's statement that appeared to justify an attack on a children's Christmas carol group. The leader claimed the group was drinking and took a band set. Parents stated the group comprised only children aged 10-15. An RSS worker was arrested. The incident occurred Sunday night. Police reported the accused was intoxicated.

Union Minister Amit Shah announced the upcoming launch of 'Bharat Taxi,' a new initiative by the Ministry of Cooperation. This service aims to create job opportunities for drivers and ensure they receive 100% of their earnings. 'Bharat Taxi' will also provide insurance facilities and allow advertisements on vehicles, enhancing driver welfare and customer convenience.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has summoned the DGP to explain the lack of security at a stadium where a kabaddi player was murdered. The court expressed concern over criminals operating with impunity, highlighting the need for steps to curb organized crime and prevent future incidents.

The Union environment ministry is expanding prohibited mining areas in the Aravali hills following Supreme Court directives and public protests. The ministry has asked a central institution to identify additional zones for mining bans, aiming to further protect the mountain range's ecology and biodiversity.

Police are investigating an alleged assault at Delhi airport. A passenger claims an Air India Express pilot assaulted him after he objected to staff jumping the security queue. CCTV footage has been collected and statements recorded. The airline has removed the pilot from duty pending an internal inquiry. An FIR has been registered.

Home minister Amit Shah declared India has conquered long-standing security threats under the Modi government, highlighting peace in regions previously plagued by extremism and terrorism. Speaking at a police graduation ceremony, he urged new recruits to combat drugs and social evils, emphasizing the government's unwavering support for states in tackling crime. Shah also attended events honoring historical figures.

Rahul Gandhi's praise for Karnataka's job creation, particularly Foxconn's hiring surge, has drawn a response from Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vaishnaw credited Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, highlighting the nation's shift towards becoming a producer economy.

A chillingly planned murder saw a bank manager shot dead by her estranged software engineer husband in Bengaluru. The accused, showing no remorse, confessed to the premeditated act, even carrying a knife as a backup. Suspicions of infidelity reportedly fueled the violence, with the victim's family also alleging abuse against their children.

A 21-year-old woman in Bengaluru was allegedly stalked and assaulted by an Instagram acquaintance. The accused, 29-year-old Naveen Kumar N, reportedly harassed her after she rejected his advances. He intercepted her and her friend, assaulting her. Police arrested Naveen within 24 hours, registering a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Prime Minister Modi is convening a three-day summit with chief secretaries in Delhi to accelerate deregulation and enhance ease of business. The meeting will also focus on developing human capital to achieve India's developed nation status. Key themes include women and child welfare, education, sports, and skill development, with states presenting their initiatives.