Times of India

The Indian Embassy in Germany is in close contact with the seven Indian nationals injured in a car attack at the Magdeburg Christmas Market. Three have been discharged, while four remain under treatment. The attack by a Saudi psychiatrist killed five and injured over 200, leading to enhanced security and market cancellations in Germany.

​​There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress, the report said. But the report also found that Gaez did not violate sex trafficking laws. The 17-year-old admitted that she did not inform Gaetz that she was under 18 at that time and nor did Gaetz ask her age.

The GST Council's proposal of different rates on popcorn—5% for salted, 12% for branded, and 18% for caramel—has sparked widespread criticism. Former economic advisers slammed the decision's complexity and minimal revenue gain, while opposition leaders called it absurd. The finance minister defended the caramel popcorn tax, citing its sugar content, but public sentiment remains largely negative.

Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian is on standby to join India's Test squad in Melbourne as a potential replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin. The 26-year-old off-spinner recently impressed during India A's tour of Australia and shone in the Ranji Trophy, leading Mumbai to victory. While awaiting official confirmation, Kotian's first-class record boasts over 2500 runs and 100 wickets, highlighting his all-round capabilities.

India's star pacer Mohammed Shami is not fully fit for the remaining two Tests of Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, owing to minor swelling on his left knee, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday. Following an evaluation by the BCCI medical team, it has been established that additional time is necessary to manage the controlled bowling workload on his knee. As a result, he has been declared unfit for selection in the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the United States from December 24-29, marking the first high-level diplomatic interaction since Donald Trump's presidential win. During his six-day trip, Jaishankar will meet with US counterparts to address bilateral, regional, and global matters and convene with Indian Consul Generals across the US.

A group claiming affiliation with the OU-JAC vandalized actor Allu Arjun's Hyderabad residence, protesting a stampede death at a 'Pushpa 2' screening. Six individuals were arrested and granted bail. Political tensions flared as opposition parties criticized the ruling Congress over law and order, while Allu Arjun's family urged calm and reliance on legal processes.

Several states in India have declared winter vacations for schools, providing students a break during the cold season. Delhi schools will observe holidays from January 1-15, 2025, while Uttar Pradesh is expected to close from December 25 to January 5, 2025. Punjab has announced a winter break from December 24-31, 2024, and other states like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Bihar have also set varying vacation schedules. These holidays offer students a welcome respite during winter.

Cheteshwar Pujara advises young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to temper his aggression and show more patience at the crease. Jaiswal's recent struggles follow a stellar 161-run knock, prompting Pujara to suggest emulating KL Rahul's approach of capitalizing on fuller deliveries. Pujara believes Jaiswal is rushing his shots and should focus on solid defense, especially against Mitchell Starc, to earn scoring opportunities.

Bangladesh formally asked India to return ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government wants Hasina to face trial. She is accused of mass killings during student protests. An extradition treaty exists between the two nations. Hasina fled to India after protests ended her 15-year rule. The government plans to use the treaty to bring her back.

Israeli intelligence agents revealed a decade-long operation involving booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies supplied to Hezbollah. Detonated in September 2024, the devices killed approximately 30 militants and wounded many more, creating widespread fear and demonstrating Israel's reach. The operation unfolded amidst escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following the Hamas attack in October 2023.

A Saudi-born psychiatrist drove an SUV into a German Christmas market, killing five and injuring over 200. Saudi Arabia had warned Germany about the suspect's extremist views multiple times, but German authorities failed to act. The attack has sparked outrage and raised questions about Germany's security protocols and the handling of intelligence warnings.

A Mangaluru resident fell victim to a WhatsApp APK scam, losing Rs 6.6 lakh. He received a message in a cricket group, deceptively renamed "Canara Bank," urging him to update KYC details via a link.

Abdullah Shafique etched an unwanted record, becoming the first batsman with ducks in all matches of a three-ODI series. His three ducks against South Africa pushed his 2024 total to seven in 21 innings, surpassing previous Pakistani records. Pakistan registered a 3-0 series victory against South Africa, securing the third ODI by 36 runs via the DLS method.

Asma al-Assad, wife of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly filed for divorce in a Russian court. She seeks to relocate to London after expressing discontent with life in Moscow. Holding dual British-Syrian citizenship, Asma spent her youth in London and married Assad in 2000.

Mohandas Pai criticizes India's corporate sector for widening wage disparity. Executive salaries have surged while fresher salaries stagnated at a mere 15% increase over 13 years. Pai calls for fairer compensation, especially for entry-level and contract workers, citing continued profitability despite automation.

Pakistan made history by becoming the first team to sweep South Africa 3-0 in an ODI series in South Africa. Saim Ayub smashed his second century of the series; he scored 101 runs. Ayub joined the ranks of Virat Kohli, Joe Root, David Warner, Kevin Pietersen and Fakhar Zaman with his second ton of the series. Pakistan won the match by 36 runs (DLS method).