National News

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.

Virat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fees for a physical altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. The incident, which involved shoulder contact and heated words, avoided a Level 2 offence, thereby sparing Kohli a potential suspension. Australia finished the day on 311/6.

Rahul Gandhi condemns the Bihar government's lathi charge on BPSC candidates protesting against a paper leak and demanding exam cancellation. He calls the act 'shameful and reprehensible.' Lalu Prasad Yadav also criticizes the police's actions. Despite protesters' claims of injuries, the SSP denies them, stating only mild force was used to disperse the crowd.

Two among the nine Ayyappa devotees, who were being treated at KMC-RI Hospital in Hubballi after being injured in a fire mishap, succumbed to the injuries on December 26

M.K. Sanoo says MT’s craft lies in his style, the precise selection of words to convey the mood and inner feelings of his characters