Times of India

Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu and her husband, Venkata Datta Sai, sought divine blessings at Tirumala's Lord Venkateswara temple shortly after their wedding. Sindhu, renowned for her Olympic achievements and World Championship medals, celebrated her marriage with traditional ceremonies in Udaipur, attended by close family and friends.

World leaders mourned the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recognizing his contributions to India's economic reforms and global diplomatic relations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other international dignitaries praised Singh's role in enhancing partnerships and fostering bilateral ties, expressing profound grief and extending heartfelt condolences.

Steve Smith hit his 11th Test century against India, becoming the top century-maker against them and securing his 34th overall. His score of 140 at the MCG elevated him to joint seventh in all-time Test centuries. Smith's innings ended with an unusual dismissal after he edged the ball onto his stumps, drawing a standing ovation.

Light rain and dense fog in New Delhi brought pleasant weather, while reducing pollution levels. The city's air quality index remained in the 'very poor' category. IMD forecasts thunderstorms and further showers. Stage IV measures to curb severe pollution were revoked, though actions to prevent further air quality deterioration remain in force.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, known as the architect of India's economic reforms and for his interest in Urdu poetry, passed away after prolonged illness. He often engaged in poetic exchanges during parliamentary debates, notably with Sushma Swaraj, illustrating his unique approach to political discourse.

India's Virat Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given a demerit point by the ICC for inappropriate physical contact with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test. Kohli accepted the sanctions, and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar hopes this incident does not overshadow Kohli's accomplishments with the bat.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 91, made a notable contribution to the democratic process by attending the Rajya Sabha in a wheelchair during the debate on the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. His commitment was recognized by PM Modi. Singh passed away at 92, leaving a legacy of transformative policies.

In March 2018, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited his alma mater, Hindu College, Amritsar, recalling his formative years and the influential professors who shaped his career. Despite his significant achievements, Singh remained humble, meeting faculty, remembering past mentors, and even securing funds for the college's development.

Steve Smith set a new record by becoming the most successful century-maker against India in Test cricket. He scored his 11th century during the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Smith surpassed Joe Root's record and achieved this milestone in just 43 innings. His overall Test record now includes 34 centuries.

Simran Singh, a 26-year-old social media influencer, was found dead in her Gurgaon flat, suspected to have died by suicide. Her family mentioned her struggle with depression. Simran's death has sparked condolences from political figures, highlighting her contribution to Jammu and Kashmir's culture. The investigation is underway, pending the autopsy report.

Months before stepping down in 2014, Manmohan Singh asserted his leadership was not weak and would be judged kindly by history. In a press conference, he criticized BJP's Narendra Modi, referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots and expressing confidence in the UPA's future success. Singh defended his record, addressing compromises as peripheral, not affecting national issues.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting criticizes the 20% match fee fine given to Indian batsman Virat Kohli for his altercation with Sam Konstas, stating the punishment was inadequate. Ponting emphasises the responsibility of senior players, expressing concern over the potential acceptance of such behavior in cricket. The series is currently locked at 1-1.

The state government has announced that the rape and murder case of a 13-year-old girl in Kalyan will be tried in a fast-track court. The main accused, Vishal Gawli, previously obtained bail by claiming mental illness. Police are investigating the authenticity of his medical certificate. Both Vishal and his wife, Sakshi, are in police custody for further investigation.

Seventeen houses of a minority Christian community in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts were set on fire on Christmas Eve. Preliminary investigation suggests the arson might be linked to an ongoing rivalry within the same community. Four people were arrested; the government has provided assistance to the affected villagers.

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, close to the Indian border. This significant project, expected to cost over one trillion yuan, raises concerns for neighboring riparian states, India and Bangladesh. China asserts these are run-of-the-river projects.

Jagdish Bhagwati likens Indian-Americans to the successful Jewish community in the US, noting their prominence in various fields. However, Trump's MAGA base increasingly targets well-paid Indian-Americans with hostility, exemplified by the criticism after Trump's appointment of Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Adviser for AI.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former PM of India, passed away at AIIMS, remembered for his pivotal role in economic reforms and leadership during crises like the Commonwealth and 2G scams. First becoming Finance Minister and then PM by circumstance, his legacy includes significant economic and political milestones.

In June 1991, Manmohan Singh was unexpectedly appointed as India's Finance Minister by PV Narasimha Rao. Singh, along with Rao, initiated major economic reforms that transformed India's economy from a low-growth state to the fastest growing major economy. Singh's first budget abolished the licence-permit raj, liberalized industries, and focused on fiscal consolidation, significantly boosting India's economic outlook.