Times of India

Geeta Rao, a paralyzed para-cyclist, overcame immense challenges, including a suicide attempt, to become a trailblazer. Now 46, she's training India's next generation of para-athletes, aiming to put the nation on the global map. Having qualified for the 2024 Paralympics, Rao's inspiring journey includes international medals and a remarkable Kashmir to Kanyakumari cycle ride.

Panic gripped Srinagar as a Himalayan black bear was sighted at the University of Kashmir and later at SKIMS hospital, nearly 10km apart. Wildlife officials are deploying traps and drones to capture the elusive animal. Increased sightings are attributed to climate change and readily available food sources like garbage, disrupting hibernation patterns.

Milwaukee Bucks fans are concerned as Giannis Antetokounmpo has significantly altered his social media, removing most team-related posts. This, coupled with the Bucks' poor season performance and recent losses, has fueled speculation about a potential trade. Despite past loyalty, the team's struggles and Giannis's desire for championships are raising alarms.

The sole survivor of a Saudi bus accident, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, recounted how a tanker struck their vehicle, causing it to erupt in flames and kill 45 passengers, including his family. He escaped through a window as the bus caught fire, but his clothes ignited. Shoaib, now without support, has appealed to the Telangana government for a job.

Delhi is grappling with alarming air quality, as the AQI spikes to 372, perilously close to the 'severe' classification. More than 15 areas have hit this alarming benchmark. Experts warn that this 'very poor' air pollution is likely to linger for several days, compounded by nightly patterns of mist and haze.

Air India has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to confirm flight status before airport arrival due to a third-party system outage impacting check-in operations and causing widespread delays. The airline's teams are working to restore services and minimize passenger inconvenience. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Virat Kohli will feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24, marking his return to domestic cricket after over a decade. DDCA president Rohan Jaitley confirmed his availability, anticipating a significant boost for the Delhi team. This move follows his ODI hundred against South Africa and comes as domestic participation becomes compulsory for contracted players.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Moscow is ready for conflict if Europe initiates it, accusing European governments of hindering peace efforts in Ukraine. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are in Moscow to advance a peace plan, facing objections from European nations and Ukraine over territorial concessions and military limits.

India secured a 17-run victory in the first ODI against South Africa, fueled by Virat Kohli's century and Rohit Sharma's fifty. However, off-field tensions regarding World Cup selections and unsettled team combinations persist as India prepares for the second ODI in Raipur.

The US has escalated its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships and aircraft near Venezuela, citing a war on narco-terrorism. However, the scale of the operation and questionable drug seizure data suggest a broader strategy aimed at regime change in Caracas.

India's Russian crude imports are set to dip following US sanctions on major oil firms, but a permanent shift is unlikely. Refiners are strategically sourcing from non-sanctioned Russian entities and other global suppliers. Despite temporary disruptions, India's demand for cost-effective Russian oil, coupled with emerging workarounds, suggests continued, albeit indirect, procurement.

Candace Owens claims French officials are using a minor spelling error to dismiss her serious allegations of a plot against Charlie Kirk and her own safety. She argues the focus on 'Riley' versus 'Ripley' distracts from her core claims about French Legionnaire involvement and questions about individuals present at a Utah event. Owens awaits a response from the FBI.

Karnataka's chief ministerial post remains undecided as Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's "breakfast diplomacy" yields no timeline from the party high command. Both leaders project unity, calling for a peaceful settlement amidst ongoing speculation. Siddaramaiah's cryptic "politics is not permanent" comment further fuels discussions about a potential leadership change.

Virat Kohli looked sharp and assertive, taking on throw-down experts Raghu (right-arm) and Nuwan Seneviratne (left-arm), who pushed the pace throughout the session. The battle was compelling to watch — Kohli found the middle of the bat repeatedly, though there were moments when Raghu’s extra pace beat him. Head coach Gautam Gambhir stood positioned between the two nets, observing the session closely.

India has achieved a significant milestone in indigenous defence capabilities with a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system. This dynamic trial, conducted by DRDO, validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and aircrew recovery, placing India among nations with advanced in-house testing. The test simulated real-life conditions, marking a step towards self-reliance in defence.