National News

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee plans to visit Sandeshkhali on December 30 for a public distribution program amidst earlier protests over sexual harassment accusations against local TMC leaders. The visit will focus on state-run schemes like 'Lakshmir Bhandar' and 'Banglar Bari', benefitting around 20,000 residents.

Virat Kohli was fined for inappropriate physical contact after shoulder-barging Australian teenager Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. Kohli, known for his aggressive play, did not take kindly to the 19-year-old's attacking knock. Although some believe suspending him for a first offence would be harsh, it's urged that a repeated behavior should bring a suspension.

Simran Singh, a prominent social media influencer and radio jockey from Jammu and Kashmir, was found dead by suicide in Gurugram. Her body was discovered hanging in her room, with no suicide note present. The family reported that she faced ongoing difficulties. A post-mortem was conducted, and no case has been filed. Simran had over six lakh Instagram followers.

India may reduce income tax for individuals earning up to Rs 15 lakh annually in the upcoming budget to support the middle class and drive consumption. This potential change, under the 2020 tax system, could alleviate financial pressures on millions and stimulate economic growth, particularly in urban areas struggling with high inflation and living costs.

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai pledged to boycott footwear until the DMK government is ousted, after the sexual harassment case at Anna University. He announced a personal protest, including self-whipping and fasting, amid ongoing demonstrations led by the BJP and AIADMK accusing the DMK of suppressing dissent.

The NCW criticized the Tamil Nadu police for negligence following the sexual assault of a 19-year-old Anna University student by a habitual offender. The commission called for stricter punitive measures and protections for the victim, while university authorities promised improved campus security amidst political backlash.

Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of rigging the recently concluded Maharashtra assembly elections. He cited a substantial increase of 72 lakh voters after the Lok Sabha elections, mainly benefitting the BJP. The Congress expressed concerns about deleted voters and anomalous voter rolls, questioning the legitimacy of the election results.

Ravi Shastri drew parallels between Australia's Sam Konstas and Virender Sehwag after Konstas's 60 off 65 balls against India, praising his fearless stroke play. Shastri noted that despite early setbacks, Konstas has the potential to entertain fans like Sehwag. With Australia at 311/6, the match remains evenly poised with Day 2's action anticipated keenly.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised the need for organizational empowerment and nurturing local leadership. He criticised PM Modi for not addressing Amit Shah's remarks on B R Ambedkar. Kharge also raised concerns about the impartiality of the Election Commission and the involvement of ideologically committed individuals to protect the Constitution. Kharge promised to fully implement the Udaipur Declaration.

Travis Kelce has upgraded the security of his $6 million mansion in Kansas City for his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, following a recent burglary. He installed a safety room and hired round-the-clock security. Taylor, focusing on their safety, has been cautious this NFL season, only attending home games at the Arrowhead Stadium due to its secure environment.

Chaos erupted at a BJP event in Patna when folk singer Devi sang Mahatma Gandhi's version of 'Raghupati Raghav,' leading to protests by some audience members. Ex-Union minister Ashwini Choubey intervened with chants of 'Jai Shree Ram.' Opposition parties, including Congress and RJD, criticized the BJP for allegedly disrespecting Gandhi and women.

India's Mohammed Siraj hilariously teased Australia's Marnus Labuschagne by flipping the bails during the Boxing Day Test, leaving commentators amused. The strategy worked as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Labuschagne soon after, breaking a vital partnership. Australia's top order shone on day one, ending at 311 for six, with fifties from the top-four batters.

Elon Musk refuted claims that foreign-born tech workers in the US are taking jobs from qualified Americans, highlighting a persistent shortage of engineering talent in Silicon Valley. This debate coincides with the backlash over Sriram Krishnan's appointment as a White House AI policy advisor, stressing the limitless potential for job creation.

Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and received a demerit point for an altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas in the fourth Test in Melbourne. This incident adds to Kohli's history of ICC penalties, including instances in 2019, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, and 2010 for various on-field violations.

The Kazakhstan plane crash claiming 38 lives has led to speculation involving possible bird strike, adverse weather, or Russian air defense systems. Ukrainian officials and Andriy Kovalenko highlighted evidence of a Russian air defense missile strike. Contrarily, Russia noted factors like bird collision and heavy fog.

A significant fire at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka caused severe damage to critical documents within Building 7 housing seven ministries. Firefighters controlled the blaze after six hours. Authorities suspect sabotage and formed a high-level committee to investigate. Destroyed documents reportedly held evidence of financial misconduct. No casualties were reported.

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border. Estimated to cost $137 billion, this project raises concerns in India and Bangladesh about water flow control, regional stability, and potential flooding risks. Advanced geological explorations ensure safety amid seismic activity.

Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas had a heated exchange after shoulder-bumping during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli, calling his actions confrontational. Indian fans quickly pointed out Ponting's hypocrisy by sharing a video of a previous incident. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given a demerit point.