Times of India

Former chief selector Chetan Sharma backs Virat Kohli amid a lean patch, predicting three centuries in the Australia series. Despite recent struggles, Sharma remains confident in Kohli's abilities, highlighting his past contributions and expecting a strong finish in the remaining matches. Kohli's current form has been below par, but Sharma's belief in his resurgence remains unwavering.

Travis Head's dominant batting performances against India, including crucial knocks in the World Test Championship and World Cup finals, have earned him the nickname "Travis Head'ache" from former India coach Ravi Shastri. Shastri praised Head's improved short-ball technique and aggressive mindset as key factors in his success against India's bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah.

A Saudi doctor living in Germany drove into a Magdeburg Christmas market, killing five and injuring over 200. The 50-year-old suspect, an ex-Muslim with anti-Islamic views, was apprehended at the scene. Officials are investigating the motive, while the nation mourns and increases security measures.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy criticized actor Allu Arjun for attending a Pushpa-2 screening despite police denial, alleging his presence led to a fatal stampede. Reddy highlighted Allu Arjun's roadshow amidst the chaos and contrasted the support he received from film personalities with the lack of empathy for the stampede victim's injured son.

India and Russia strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation during a joint working group meeting in Moscow. Both nations discussed combating radicalization, terror financing, and the misuse of technology for terrorism. Russia reiterated its support for India's permanent UN Security Council seat, echoing endorsements from other world leaders. India's bid highlights its growing global influence and peacekeeping contributions.

Congress plans nationwide protests demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation for alleged disrespect towards Ambedkar. The party has declared a week-long campaign including press conferences, marches, and a memorandum to the President. They accuse Shah of mocking the invocation of Ambedkar's name during a parliamentary discussion on the Constitution.

BJP MLC C T Ravi, recently arrested and released for allegedly using derogatory language against a minister, claims a threat to his life and accuses the government of conspiracy. He alleges being taken to isolated locations during his arrest and demands protection, holding the government responsible for his safety. Ravi maintains respectful behavior and calls for a judicial investigation into police conduct.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, 89, passed away on Friday. The five-time chief minister was cremated with state honors in Sirsa on Saturday. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, acknowledging Chautala's contributions to Haryana's development and his championing of farmers' interests. His son, Abhay Singh Chautala, vowed to continue his father's legacy.

A man in California was arrested. He allegedly killed his one-year-old son. Police responded to a domestic disturbance call. The man's wife and mother-in-law escaped. The mother-in-law was injured. The child was found beheaded inside the home. The man is in jail without bail.

During the 2021 IPL, Ravichandran Ashwin astutely observed Steve Smith recording Delhi Capitals bowlers' techniques with a helmet camera. Recognizing its potential use for analysis in the upcoming T20 World Cup, Ashwin halted his bowling, persuading teammates Axar Patel and Amit Mishra to follow suit, showcasing his sharp cricketing mind.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. During his visit, Modi met with 101-year-old former IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa and individuals who translated the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic, further strengthening cultural ties between India and Kuwait.

The government has revised election rules to restrict public access to electronic records like CCTV footage and webcasting videos. This change, following an Election Commission recommendation, aims to prevent misuse of sensitive data and protect voter secrecy. While candidates retain access, public access is now limited to specified documents, addressing concerns about potential manipulation and misinformation.

A devotee in Tamil Nadu accidentally dropped his iPhone into a temple's offering box. The temple authorities and the HR&CE minister refused to return it, stating that anything offered belongs to the deity. While the minister acknowledged the accidental nature, he cited temple rules and traditions. A similar incident involving a gold chain was resolved with a personal donation from a temple official.

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case. AAP leaders expressed shock and called the reports fake, while the BJP labeled Kejriwal the "kingpin" of the scam. The high court granted the ED more time to respond to Kejriwal's challenge of the trial court's decision.

Virat Kohli is poised to surpass Sachin Tendulkar as India's highest Test run-scorer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kohli needs 133 runs to eclipse Tendulkar's 449-run record during the upcoming Boxing Day Test. A strong performance could revive Kohli's form and solidify his legacy at the iconic venue.

A Varanasi woman was allegedly pushed from a hotel window by her boyfriend. Priyanka Kumari suffered serious injuries. She was in Varanasi for her graduation ceremony. Her boyfriend, Furkan, kept her in the hotel against her will. He has been arrested and jailed. Priyanka is currently in the hospital.

Anmolpreet Singh etched his name in Indian cricket history with a breathtaking 35-ball century, the fastest ever by an Indian in List A cricket. During a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, Singh's explosive innings powered Punjab to a resounding nine-wicket victory over Arunachal Pradesh. His remarkable feat ranks third fastest globally, trailing only international stars.

King Charles III, while visiting Waltham Forest, jokingly reassured the public about his health, saying, "I'm still alive." This marked the royal couple's final public engagement of 2024, where they celebrated community cohesion and donated to those in need. The King's cancer treatment, diagnosed earlier this year, is progressing positively and will continue into the new year.

D Gukesh, 18, won the World Chess Championship. He defeated Ding Liren. Gukesh's family made a bold move. They took him out of school early. This allowed him to focus on chess. His mother, Padma Kumari, shared their journey. They faced doubts. Gukesh's dedication reassured them. His victory validated their decision. He is now a champion.

Prime Minister Modi invites everyone to experience the Rann Utsav in Gujarat's Kutch, showcasing its unique culture, arts, crafts, and historical sites like Dholavira. The festival, running until February 28, highlights the region's transformation from past disasters into a hub of tourism and cultural preservation, recognized by the UN.