Times of India

On the final day of the Boxing Day Test, a tense battle unfolded between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mitchell Starc. Starc's attempts to unsettle Jaiswal with mind games and sledging were met with defiance as Jaiswal maintained his composure. Despite Australia's early breakthroughs, Jaiswal's grit and determination kept India's chase alive, adding to the intense encounter.

A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea crashed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 people. Two flight attendants were the only survivors and are being treated for serious injuries and psychological trauma. The crash occurred due to the failure of the plane's landing gear, causing the jetliner to skid off the runway and catch fire.

Jasprit Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since Curtly Ambrose's 1992-93 feat. Also, he is only the second Indian to the mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi did that on the 1967-68 tour. His exceptional bowling averages and multiple five-wicket hauls highlight an extraordinary performance in Test cricket history.

Parts of north India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, are expected to experience a drop in night temperatures by three to four degrees in the coming days. The IMD has issued warnings about cold waves and dense fog for the year-end and New Year.

The Delhi high court has ruled that contemplating a terrorist act for years, even without executing it, constitutes a punishable offense under UAPA. The court underlined that planning and recruitment efforts, like brainwashing youth for terrorism, fall under terrorist acts, even without executing specific activities.

The collegium of judges is considering not recommending lawyers or judicial officers with close relatives in the judiciary for HC judge appointments, to eliminate nepotism and give first-generation lawyers more opportunities. Additionally, they have started interacting with candidates to assess their suitability firsthand.

The government is considering sites near Kisan Ghat and Rashtriya Smriti Sthal for former PM Manmohan Singh's memorial. BJP chief J P Nadda confirmed the allocation of space. While guidelines prefer Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the final decision will be a political one. The designated spot could accommodate two more memorials despite past constraints.

Conor McGregor and Logan Paul are set to compete in a significant boxing match in 2025, with each fighter potentially earning $250 million. The event, organized by the Ambani family and part of India's tourism campaign, will be held at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Jake Paul, Logan's brother, seeks involvement in the negotiations, adding complexity to the arrangements.

Former US President Jimmy Carter, known for championing human rights and global peace, has died at 100. He served from 1977 to 1981 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his humanitarian efforts. Carter was in hospice care and surrounded by family at his passing.

A car accident in southern Ethiopia's Sidama region has resulted in the deaths of 66 people, with four others receiving treatment at Bona General Hospital. The incident occurred at Gelana bridge in Bona Zuria Woreda. The Sidama Regional Health Bureau is investigating the cause and has offered condolences, with further details to be provided soon.

As the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday approaches on July 6, speculation rises about whether he will announce his successor, a move likely to heighten tensions with China. With the Panchen Lama in Chinese custody, the process of validation is complicated, and he may also declare an end to reincarnations.

PM Narendra Modi, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, urged the nation to use the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as a platform for unity, highlighting the event's role in fostering national cohesion. Scheduled from Jan 13 to Feb 26, 2025, the Maha Kumbh will include digital navigation aids and AI chatbot services to assist visitors.

Navi Mumbai International Airport will be inaugurated on April 17, with public access starting in May and international flights by July. The new greenfield airport aims to alleviate congestion at Mumbai airport, initially handling 10-12 million passengers per annum with future expansion plans.

Experts caution against relying on chatbots for sensitive information, particularly for health advice. Surveys show increasing use of AI for guidance, but personal, financial, and medical details should not be shared with chatbots due to privacy risks and potential misuse of information.

Karnataka high court ruled in favor of a teenage rape survivor, deeming paternal consent for her child's adoption irrelevant. The court emphasized the need for a loving environment for children of incapable guardians, defining them as orphans and ensuring their right to live with dignity.

Tigress Zeenat, who had wandered from Odisha's Similipal on December 8, was tranquillised and captured in Bengal's Bankura village after evading forest officials from three states for 21 days. Following a nearly 300km journey, she was taken to Kolkata's Alipore zoo for a health check before being returned to Similipal.

The search for missing 22-year-old student Santra Elizabath Saju from Kerala ended in tragedy as a body believed to be hers was found in Almond river, Edinburgh. Santra, a student at Heriot-Watt University, was last seen on Dec 6 in Livingston. Her family has been informed, and police do not suspect foul play.

Jammu's deputy chief minister, Surinder Choudhary, condemned the proposed ropeway project in Katra, arguing it threatens 40,000 livelihoods. The town, a base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, remained shut in protest. Choudhary urged the shrine board and lieutenant governor to heed local concerns and highlighted the risk to key spiritual sites.