Times of India

Business magnate Anand Mahindra and countless others celebrated 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh's triumph over World Chess Champion Ding Liren. Gukesh achieved this historic victory in Singapore on December 12th during the World Chess Championship. Mahindra shared a video of Gukesh dancing, reflecting the nation's shared pride and joy.

The Indian cricket team's Test cricket form has plummeted after a strong start to 2024. Four losses in their last five matches, including a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, have raised concerns. Inconsistent batting, particularly from senior players, and a struggling bowling attack are the primary reasons for their decline.

Greg Chappell compares Jasprit Bumrah to legendary fast bowlers like Andy Roberts and Dennis Lillee, highlighting Bumrah's unique blend of skill, strategy, and control. Chappell argues that Bumrah's exceptional performance poses the biggest challenge to Australia's hopes of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Sandalwood actor Darshan Toogudeep Srinivas and six others have been granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in the Renukaswamy murder case. Renukaswamy was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in Bengaluru on June 8.

Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, firing 93 missiles, including one reportedly from North Korea, and nearly 200 drones. Ukraine's air defenses, including newly acquired F-16s, intercepted a significant portion of the missiles. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack and appealed for stronger international sanctions and increased air defense support.

Indian IT firms saw a sharp decline in H-1B visa approvals for new employment in FY24 compared to FY15. Amazon, Cognizant, and Infosys led approvals among these firms. Tesla significantly increased its H-1B visa usage. Overall H-1B denial rates remained low.

Indian pacer Navdeep Saini recounts the historic Gabba Test victory in 2021, revealing his battle with a groin injury throughout the match. Despite the pain, Saini pushed through, fueled by painkillers and team spirit. He describes the dropped catch, the unexpected call to bat in the final moments, and the adrenaline rush that masked his injury as he ran.

The Border-Gavaskar series is level at 1-1 as India and Australia head to The Gabba for a crucial third Test. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form is under scrutiny, mirroring India's first-innings struggles. While Jasprit Bumrah remains India's bowling spearhead, Australia's vulnerability lies in their inconsistent batting, despite Travis Head's explosive potential.

Bengaluru tech professional Atul Subhash was found dead, leaving behind a video and note accusing his wife, Nikita Singhania, of harassment and extortion. Outrage on social media led Accenture CEO Julie Sweet to lock her X profile.

Tensions flared in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, during local water society elections. YSRCP MP YS Avinash Reddy was arrested amidst clashes between YSRCP and TDP supporters at the Vemula MRO office. Reddy accused the TDP of pressuring officials to block YSRCP candidates. The ensuing commotion resulted in the injury of several journalists.

Actor Allu Arjun was arrested in Hyderabad after a deadly stampede at the premiere of his film "Pushpa 2: The Rule." The incident killed one and critically injured another. Arjun is facing charges related to culpable homicide and negligence due to inadequate crowd control. He offered condolences and financial support to the victim's family.

India's Test series against Australia is poised at 1-1, with concerns surrounding India's batting inconsistencies and support for Jasprit Bumrah in the attack. Former selector Sunil Joshi suggests Rohit Sharma should open, emphasizes the need for strong character in the batting lineup, and recommends Ashwin's experience for the Gabba Test.

A Madhya Pradesh businessman and his wife were found dead in an apparent suicide after facing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The couple was reportedly under stress due to the probe linked to a 2017 fraud case.

India and Australia are locked in a crucial third Test at the Gabba, with the series tied 1-1. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's form is under scrutiny, while Jasprit Bumrah has been India's standout bowler. Australia's batting vulnerabilities offer India a chance, but the hosts are wary of their reliance on Bumrah.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha as opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing partisan conduct. Heated exchanges ensued, with Dhankhar and Congress President Kharge clashing over speaking time and alleged insults. The Rajya Sabha adjourned until December 16 after failing to resolve the impasse.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) aims to establish India as a global submarine and warship construction hub, citing potential 50% cost reductions. Competing for a major Indian Navy contract, TKMS proposes a collaborative center with Mazagaon Dockyards Limited, eyeing future export opportunities amid rising global demand.

H-1B visa denial rates have plummeted, contrasting sharply with the Trump era's restrictive policies. This drop is attributed to policy reversals and court rulings, benefiting both high-skilled foreign workers and US employers, particularly in the tech sector. However, concerns remain about potential renewed restrictions under a future Trump administration.

Kolkata police are investigating a gruesome discovery. A severed head, likely female, was found in a plastic bag at a Tollygunge waste site. Authorities rushed to the scene on Friday morning. The head was sent to M R Bangur Hospital. Police are searching for the remaining body parts. A local councillor alerted authorities after residents reported the grim find.