Times of India

Lt. Kabilan V, a 23-year-old from a small village near Madurai, overcame numerous hardships, including the loss of his mother and his father's paralysis, to achieve his dream of joining the Indian Army. He balanced work as a rescue volunteer with relentless preparation for the entrance exams, finally earning his commission in the Para regiment.

A 22-year-old man surrendered to police after a shooting spree near Dunkirk, France, that left five dead, including two migrants and two security guards. The attacks occurred in Wormhout and a migrant camp in Loon-Plage. Multiple weapons were found in the suspect's car. Authorities are investigating the motive and have increased security in the area.

During a Lok Sabha debate, Kiren Rijiju, India's minority affairs minister, countered opposition claims of minority suppression. He highlighted India's historical record of equal voting rights, compared it favorably to other nations, and cautioned against statements that tarnish the country's image.

In Lok Sabha, DMK MP A Raja sparked controversy by stating Ambedkar initially omitted "secularism" from the Constitution, anticipating no anti-secular governance. He criticized BJP leaders for praising Savarkar and allegedly aiming to alter the Constitution's basic structure. Other MPs raised concerns about attacks on secularism, federalism, and the Constitution itself.

A heated exchange erupted in Parliament between the BJP and Congress over Rahul Gandhi's criticism of VD Savarkar. BJP and Shiv Sena reminded Gandhi of his grandmother, Indira Gandhi's praise for Savarkar, citing her letter, donation to Savarkar Trust, and a documentary commissioned on him. They questioned if Indira Gandhi was also anti-Constitution, given her admiration for Savarkar.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) joined the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party in distancing themselves from Congress's Parliament disruptions over the Adani issue. NCP MP Amol Kolhe emphasized the need to prioritize discussions on farmers, youth, and common people's issues. He advocated for debates instead of political sloganeering, a sentiment echoed by Supriya Sule.

A water tank collapse at St Alphonsa School in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, claimed the lives of three students and left others injured Saturday morning. The Class IX students were studying near the tank when it gave way, likely due to overcapacity. Police have detained school officials, and an investigation is underway. Grieving parents are calling for the school's permanent closure.

Union home minister Amit Shah will conclude the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh, a region grappling with left-wing extremism. Hundreds of rehabilitated Maoists from various states will attend, signifying a return to peace. Shah will also attend the Para-Olympics for IED blast victims and meet with surrendered Naxalites and security forces.

Doctors and citizens protested in Kolkata against CBI's alleged failure in the RG Kar rape-murder probe. They demanded speedy justice and questioned the delay in filing chargesheets against former principal Sandip Ghosh and ex-OC Abhijit Mandal, who were recently granted bail. Protesters marched, seeking answers and accountability from CBI, while others held demonstrations criticizing both state and central governments.

A 32-year-old computer operator in Surat, India, severed four fingers of his left hand due to work stress and family pressure to remain employed. He initially claimed an assault, but police investigation revealed the self-inflicted act. He confessed, leading police to the discarded fingers and knife. No legal action will be taken against him.

A Bengaluru police constable, Thippanna Alugur, tragically ended his life by jumping in front of a train. A suicide note accused his wife and father-in-law of relentless harassment and threats. This incident follows closely behind another suicide case involving a techie who also blamed his wife and in-laws.

18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Gukesh D. defeated Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion. He achieved this historic feat in Singapore, becoming the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the title. Even Elon Musk congratulated Gukesh on his victory. Gukesh called it the "best moment of his life.

A Mumbai-based CIO fell victim to an elaborate cyber scam, losing ₹1.07 crore. Fraudsters posing as Delhi Cyber Crime and CBI officers accused him of involvement in serious crimes, claiming his Aadhaar was used for illicit activities. They coerced him into transferring funds for 'scrutiny,' promising a return, but vanished after receiving the money.

The NIA filed charges against Hakam Khan for his involvement in the June 9 Reasi bus attack that killed nine and injured 41. Khan allegedly provided logistical support, including food and shelter, to three terrorists and helped them choose the attack location. Two Pakistan-based LeT commanders are suspected of orchestrating the attack.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed communication with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a US-designated terrorist group, following their overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Blinken emphasized conveying messages about governance during the transition, while HTS leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, hinted at contact with Western embassies.

Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder of Spanish fashion giant Mango, tragically died in a mountain accident near Barcelona while hiking with family. Andic, who built Mango from a small shop into a global brand with nearly 2,800 stores, is remembered for his strategic vision and commitment to the company's values.

Lt. Seigoulal Vaiehei, a 35-year-old from Manipur, was commissioned as an officer in the Indian Army after rising from the rank of Naik. Despite his family's home being destroyed in the Manipur unrest and taking refuge in a relief camp, Vaiehei persevered, moving his family to safety and succeeding in his SSB interview.

Kolkata police arrested Atiqur Laskar, brother-in-law of Khateja Bibi, for her murder. Laskar, driven by unrequited love, allegedly strangled Bibi after an argument on December 12th. He dismembered her body and disposed of the parts, including the head found in Tollygunge. Police used CCTV footage and tracked Bibi's close contacts to identify and apprehend Laskar.

Elon Musk reacted to Donald Trump's meme celebrating his Time Person of the Year 2024 title. The meme contrasted Trump's Fulton County mugshot with the Time cover, highlighting his political journey. Time magazine lauded Trump's historic comeback after overcoming numerous obstacles to secure a second presidential term. Musk's endorsement amplified the meme's reach, showcasing the synergy between these influential figures.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed boredom with PM Modi's Lok Sabha speech on the Constitution's 75th anniversary, criticizing it for lacking new or constructive points. She dismissed his 11 resolutions, including anti-corruption pledges, as "hollow" and challenged him to debate the Adani issue. Modi's speech targeted the Congress party's history of constitutional amendments.