Times of India

According to recent reports, Blake Lively quietly reached out to Swift on December 13, marking the singer’s 36th birthday. The message, sent privately, is being seen as a small but meaningful gesture that cuts through months of speculation.

India revealed its T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Shubman Gill's exclusion surprised many. Ishan Kishan's strong domestic form earned him a spot. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited Gill's lack of runs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasized the need for an aggressive opening wicketkeeper. The selection signals a focus on attacking players for the upcoming tournament.

A senior Bangladeshi journalist has criticized the post-death violence following the killing of activist Osman Hadi, citing serious law and order lapses. He stated that while public grief was understandable, fringe elements exploited the situation, leading to attacks on media and cultural institutions, sending a troubling signal ahead of the national election slated for February.

San Francisco faced a massive power outage on Saturday, impacting over 124,000 customers and disrupting daily life just before Christmas. A fire at a PG&E substation was identified as the cause, leading to widespread closures of businesses and transit. Power restoration efforts were underway overnight.

Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 26 in the U19 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. Pakistan opener Sameer Minhas starred with a brilliant 172, propelling Pakistan to a massive 347/8. India, chasing the steep target, found themselves in deep trouble after early wickets. Sooryavanshi also failed to score big in the semi-final against Sri Lanka.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that understanding the Sangh through the BJP lens is a “huge mistake” and stressed that the organisation has no political agenda. Addressing programmes in Kolkata, he said the RSS should not be compared to political or service organisations and works for the betterment and protection of Hindu society, calling for opinions about the Sangh to be based on facts rather than narratives.

India has dismissed Bangladeshi media reports as "misleading propaganda" regarding a protest outside its High Commission in New Delhi. The demonstration, involving a small group, protested the killing of a minority member in Mymensingh. India is monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and has conveyed strong concerns over minority atrocities, urging justice for the victim.

MacKenzie Scott donated over $7.1 billion in 2025 to 186 organizations globally, including universities and environmental nonprofits. This marks her largest annual giveaway, with significant contributions to diversity and equity initiatives like Howard University and college access programs. Scott has also reduced her Amazon stake by $12.6 billion.

North Indian schools are adapting to winter challenges, with hazardous air quality and cold waves forcing changes. Delhi-NCR schools are shifting to online and hybrid models under GRAP IV. Uttar Pradesh districts are closing schools due to fog and cold, while Bihar is revising timings to safeguard students. These measures prioritize health amidst extreme weather.

Indian visa operations in Chittagong have been indefinitely suspended following protests near the Indian High Commission. This closure, along with earlier disruptions in Dhaka and other cities, comes amid rising tensions in Bangladesh. Ministry of external affairs has expressed strong concern and also refuted certain media reports regarding recent protests.

Fans hoping for a God of War Greek Saga Remaster for the 20th anniversary were disappointed, but rumors persist of a potential rebuild for modern consoles. A remake could bring a visual overhaul with Unreal Engine 5, modernized combat, and possibly narrative tweaks to bridge Kratos' past and present journeys. Details remain unconfirmed.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' is shattering box office records, entering its third week with impressive earnings. The film defied competition from 'Avatar Fire And Ash', even showing growth on its third Saturday. With a total collection of ₹530.26 crore, it has now surpassed the lifetime collection of 'Gadar 2', marking a significant achievement in Indian cinema.

India's ancient Aravalli Range faces a new definition crisis after a Supreme Court ruling. The court accepted a 100-meter elevation threshold for identifying the hills, sparking concerns among environmentalists. Critics argue this narrow view ignores the range's vital ecological functions, potentially opening it to unchecked mining and real estate development, threatening water security and climate stability.

Former opener Wasim Jaffer has voiced strong opinions on India's 2026 T20 World Cup squad, advocating for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma over Ishan Kishan and Washington Sundar. Jaffer's critique follows Shubman Gill's surprising omission. Axar Patel is now vice-captain. The tournament, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, sees the defending champions in Group A.

New investor additions to India's stock markets slowed in November, with 13.2 lakh new traders joining, an 11.6% dip from October. Global uncertainty impacted participation, though the overall investor base reached 12.3 crore. This moderation follows a period of rapid growth, indicating a cautious sentiment among potential investors amidst volatile global conditions.

Indian Railways will implement a revised fare structure from December 26 to address rising operational and manpower costs. Passengers traveling beyond 215 km in Ordinary Class will see a 1 paise per kilometer increase, while Mail and Express non-AC and AC coaches will face a 2 paise per kilometer hike. Suburban and monthly season tickets remain unchanged.

Ishan Kishan has earned his way back into India's T20 World Cup squad after a dominant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, leading Jharkhand to their first title. He emerged as the tournament's top scorer with 517 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted Kishan's renewed respect for domestic cricket as the key to his successful return, emphasizing dedication over external factors.

Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in plains as Chillai-Kalan, the harshest winter period, commenced after a dry spell. Authorities have finalized preparations for potential heavy snowfall, anticipating improved air quality and a boost to winter tourism despite possible hardships.

A cultural program in Bhagwanpur turned chaotic when singer Lagnajita Chakraborty faced harassment for a devotional song. The school owner interrupted her performance and allegedly used abusive language. Chakraborty and her band left the venue and filed a complaint. Police have arrested the owner and ordered an inquiry into local police actions. The incident has sparked political controversy.