Times of India

Pankajini Dash continued her winning streak on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, answering the Rs. 50 lakh question correctly. She chose to quit at the Rs. 1 crore question about Kamal Haasan's unfinished film, though her guess with the Double Dip lifeline was correct. The episode also featured the Vanvaas team, with Nana Patekar sharing heartwarming anecdotes about Amitabh Bachchan.

Sachin Tendulkar's daughter, Sara, cheered for India and was seen alongside Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh on day 1 of the rain-affected third India vs Australia Test in Brisbane. With only 13.2 overs played, Australia reached 28/0 after Rohit Sharma opted to field. Persistent rain forced early stumps, but extended play is scheduled for the remaining days.

During a Lok Sabha address, Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP, quoting V.D. Savarkar's critique of the Indian Constitution as non-Indian. Gandhi challenged the BJP's stance on protecting the Constitution, arguing it contradicts Savarkar's views promoting Manusmriti as law. He accused the BJP of sidelining farmers, backward classes, and youth, likening their actions to Dronacharya's treatment of Eklavya.

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden expressed bewilderment at Indian captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bowl first in the Gabba Test. Hayden believed the pitch, despite recent rain, favoured batting initially and would likely deteriorate later, benefiting spinners. He anticipated the cracks to widen, making the surface challenging for batters as the match progressed.

During a parliamentary debate, Rahul Gandhi mistakenly referred to Eklavya as a "young man" instead of a child while recounting the Mahabharata incident. He likened the government's actions to cutting off the thumbs of aspiring youth, referencing exam paper leaks. Gandhi also invoked VD Savarkar, criticizing his preference for Manusmriti over the Constitution.

Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is set to play his final test match, the third against England at his home ground, Seddon Park. His 107th test appearance marks the end of a 16-year international career boasting a record 774 wickets across all formats.

India chose to bowl first in the Brisbane Test against Australia, expecting a helpful pitch. However, the Gabba surface offered little assistance, with Bumrah confirming the absence of swing. Despite the rain-interrupted day, Australian openers navigated the Indian bowlers comfortably, reaching 28/0. History favors Australia batting first at the Gabba, with an unbeaten streak since 1985.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav challenged the "One Nation, One Election" proposal, urging immediate dissolution of all governments and nationwide elections if the government is serious. Opposition parties criticize the move as impractical and a threat to federalism, while the BJP champions it as a step towards strengthening democracy. Heated parliamentary debates are expected.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached for a second time by lawmakers over a controversial martial law decree. The Constitutional Court will now decide whether to remove him permanently. This follows escalating public protests and a sharp decline in Yoon's approval rating. He is the second president to face impeachment after Park Geun-hye in 2017.

Numerous IndiGo passengers faced significant delays and cancellations on flights to and from Istanbul due to technical issues. Stranded travelers endured long waits at the airport, with complaints of inadequate communication, limited access to amenities, and difficulties obtaining visas to leave the airport.

An overhead water tank collapsed. Three students died at the scene. Three other students suffered injuries. They were taken to TRIHMS. The deceased were class 9 students. The injured were from classes 6 and 7. Police detained the principal, owner, and four staff. An investigation is underway.

Actor Allu Arjun expressed condolences and offered personal assistance to the family of a woman who died in a stampede outside a Hyderabad theatre. Arjun, released from prison earlier that day, clarified his presence inside the theatre during the incident, emphasizing it was unrelated to him and purely accidental.

Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched a harsh critique of Home Minister Amit Shah, blaming him for the capital's escalating crime rates. Kejriwal cited rising crime against women, gang activity, and drug use, labeling Delhi the "rape, drug, and gangster capital." He highlighted alarming statistics on murders and bomb threats to schools and hospitals.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu is embroiled in controversy after protected "wild chicken" was served at a dinner he attended. A video circulated online, sparking outrage from animal rights activists and the BJP, who demand an apology and action. While Sukhu didn't eat the dish, it was served to other officials.

Four Indian citizens safely returned to Delhi after being evacuated from violence-stricken Syria. They expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy for facilitating their journey through Lebanon and Goa. The evacuees recounted harrowing experiences, highlighting the embassy's crucial role in providing transport, accommodation, and support amidst rocket fire and escalating conflict.

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali claims a deal has been struck between the ICC, BCCI and the broadcaster regarding the Champions Trophy hosting. Pakistan has conditionally agreed to a hybrid model, expecting the same for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The ICC might offer Pakistan to host a women's World Cup to ensure their team's visit to India in the 2026 event.

Rain played spoilsport on Day 1 of the third India-Australia Test in Brisbane, allowing only 13.2 overs. Matthew Hayden's daughter, Grace, discussed her love for Indian food and praised Rishabh Pant's comeback. She believes the IPL hasn't diminished the on-field intensity and predicts a 4-1 series win for Australia. The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy is locked at 1-1.

Guwahati police swiftly arrested eight out of nine suspects involved in a gang rape incident that occurred on November 17. The incident, filmed during the Raas festival, came to light after a video circulated online. The victim's identity remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Police urge the public to refrain from sharing the video.

Unidentified drones were spotted over sensitive military and industrial sites in Germany, including the Ramstein US air base. Similar sightings occurred in Brunsbüttel earlier this year, but investigations have not confirmed espionage. The US Air Force reported no impact on Ramstein operations and is monitoring the situation with German authorities.

The ICC is poised to approve a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Pakistan hosting most matches but the final held in Dubai. This accommodates India's security concerns, precluding them from playing in Pakistan until 2027. Reciprocally, Pakistan's matches in India-hosted ICC events will be held at neutral venues.