Times of India

Wrestler Bajrang Punia received a four-year suspension from NADA for refusing a doping test during team trials. Punia contested the charge, citing concerns over expired testing kits used previously by NADA, but the agency upheld the ban. The suspension prevents Punia from competing and coaching internationally. He claims his protest against former WFI President influenced the NADA's decision.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon. Israeli troops and Hezbollah will withdraw. UN peacekeepers will deploy. The US will lead an international monitoring group. The Gaza conflict is not part of this agreement. Hezbollah's support depends on Israel halting attacks.

Iskcon Bangladesh condemns the arrest of Sanatani leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, voicing concern over escalating attacks on the community. They demand accountability for the attacks, protection of minority rights, and measures to ensure peace. Other groups like BHBCUC echo these concerns, warning of potential damage to Bangladesh's international image.

Following her presidential election defeat to Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris released a brief, subdued video message. Returning from a post-election holiday, Harris urged supporters to retain their power and purpose, echoing sentiments from before the November 5th election. While her motivation remains unclear, the message comes as Trump's transition progresses, with his inauguration set for January 20, 2025.

Pakistan's hosting of the Champions Trophy is in jeopardy due to political instability, with a hybrid model or relocation looking increasingly likely. Former cricketer Basit Ali suggests the ICC's November 29 meeting may be irrelevant as Sri Lanka's A team's withdrawal highlights security concerns.

Mohammed Shami, India's veteran fast bowler, will join Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore in the upcoming IPL season. Gujarat Titans, Shami's former team, opted not to use their Right-to-Match card despite initially considering retaining him. GT's coach, Ashish Nehra, explained that their retention strategy faced limitations due to the auction dynamics and Shami's high price.

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the Supreme Court's 75th Constitution Day celebration, emphasized his commitment to staying within the executive's constitutional boundaries. He indirectly responded to criticism, particularly from SCBA president Kapil Sibal, regarding judicial independence. Modi also paid tribute to 26/11 victims and vowed a strong response to terrorism.

Tensions escalated in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following a court's refusal to grant bail to Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, accused of sedition. The court's order against the priest charged with sedition triggered violent clashes between supporters of the monk and law enforcement forces who were joined by locals, leaving at least one dead and many others injured. Eyewitnesses identified the victim as Saiful Islam Alif (35), a lawyer, alleging that he was hacked to death by protesters.

Russia seeks to invest in and expand train and component manufacturing within India to fulfill its domestic needs. Russian railway company TMH expressed interest, aiming to establish production facilities in India and potentially supply back to Russia. TMH, involved in the Vande Bharat sleeper coach project, plans to source components from India and other nations, unaffected by current sanctions.

Following a dismal performance in the recent polls, Uddhav Thackeray met with defeated Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates. He instructed them to apply to the Election Commission for verification of EVM-VVPAT units. Many candidates attributed their losses to EVMs and suggested a joint protest with MVA allies against their use, citing a Supreme Court order mandating verification upon candidate request.

BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi for resuming his attacks on Veer Savarkar after remaining silent on the issue during the Maharashtra elections. They highlighted PM Modi's prediction that Gandhi's silence was tactical and would end post-elections.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and his cabinet resigned. Shinde will remain caretaker CM. The Mahayuti alliance will decide the next CM. Shiv Sena wants Shinde to continue. Ajit Pawar's NCP supports Devendra Fadnavis. A final decision is expected from New Delhi.

Odisha's assembly witnessed uproarious scenes as the omission of "socialist" and "secular" from the Constitution's Preamble display sparked protests. BJD and Congress members disrupted proceedings, demanding restoration following a recent Supreme Court affirmation of these words. BJP countered, stating the display showcased the original 1949 Preamble, predating the 1976 amendment, and remained unchanged under previous governments.

GitHub now predicts India will become the world's largest developer hub in 2028, a year later than initially projected. CEO Thomas Dohmke cites global economic factors and the US's AI-driven growth as reasons for the delay. While India's developer count hit 17 million in 2023, Dohmke remains optimistic about India's long-term potential, citing its robust startup scene and government backing.

A US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah offers a glimmer of hope after 14 months of conflict. The agreement proposes a two-month halt to hostilities, with Hezbollah withdrawing north of the Litani River and Israel returning troops to its border. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's endorsement and President Biden's optimism, intense clashes continued, raising concerns about implementation.

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Centre to provide an update on a representation challenging Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha candidacy due to alleged concealed British citizenship. A BJP worker claims Gandhi holds British citizenship, making him ineligible. The court seeks a response by December 19th following a previous CBI probe initiation by the Delhi High Court.