Times of India

Las Vegas cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old ex-Army veteran, and Shamsud Din Jabbar, the New Orleans attacker, both served in the same military base. This is not the only connection to the two major attacks that took place on New Year's Day. Both attackers rented their trucks from Turo app for the purpose of carrying out the attacks.

Union minister Giriraj Singh accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of turning the state into a hub for Bangladeshi infiltrators, while Banerjee blamed the Border Security Force for facilitating the entry of militants. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the state government obstructed BSF operations.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir faces criticism after India's performances in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes Gambhir lacks coaching tactics needed for Test matches. Speculations have been raised about team's captain for the the Sydney Test after a video of Gambhir talking with Jasprit Bumrah went viral.

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one and injuring seven. The FBI is investigating terrorism links, considering that the vehicle contained a large explosive device.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been dropped from the playing XI for the Sydney Test against Australia due to poor form. Jasprit Bumrah will lead, aiming to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team is expected to sees changes with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, and potential debut for pacer Prasidh Krishna.

Former cricketer Madan Lal addresses Rohit Sharma's form, suggesting a collaborative discussion between team management and coach. Lal emphasizes the captain's ultimate decision. Rohit’s recent performances have been poor, causing speculation about his place. Lal advises that if Rohit feels ineffective, he should consider stepping aside. Frequent changes in Rohit’s batting position are also highlighted as a concern.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Rohit Sharma to use his experience to overcome his current rough patch ahead of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Despite Rohit's dipping form and bleak statistics in 2024, Pathan remains confident in his ability to turn things around and highlights his crucial role in the team.

Court documents have now come to reveal that Lively had tried to stop him from attending the film's premiere. But after he brought enough pressure to bear on her, she eventually released him and his crew this time but this time on what he describes as very humiliating conditions

Justice P Velmurugan of the Madras High Court voiced his shame over the Anna University rape case being politicised, urging improved women's safety instead. He criticized political protests and media trials for seeking attention rather than genuine concern. The judge highlighted the need for equal rights and pledged full judicial oversight if investigations falter.

Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar have been named recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor. The award celebrates their outstanding contributions to Indian sports. Awardees will be honored by the President of India at a ceremony on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has amended the Model Prison Manual and Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act to address caste-based discrimination in prisons. This move, following a Supreme Court directive, aims to ensure no discrimination in prisoners' duties based on caste and prohibits manual scavenging within jails.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accuses the BSF of easing infiltration through border areas like Islampur and Sitai, destabilizing the state. In response, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claims the state obstructs land acquisition for BSF outposts, impeding national security, and alleges protection of transborder criminals by the ruling party.

RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav signals a possible reunion with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, hinting at political changes in the state. Despite Lalu's invitation, Nitish remains non-committal. JD(U) allies with BJP in NDA, which faces challenges after the Lok Sabha polls, making Nitish Kumar a pivotal figure. Tejashwi Yadav predicts the end of Nitish's tenure, urging government renewal.

Indian cricket saw iconic players retire and young talent rise in 2024. Veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away from various formats. The team faced rebuilding while maintaining its winning momentum. Ten players debuted across formats, showcasing a promising future. Their performances symbolised a promising path forward for Indian cricket.

Rishabh Pant has struggled in the current Australia tour, with just 154 runs in seven innings, and has faced criticism for poor shot selection. Sydney offers a final chance for redemption. Pant has a strong track record at Sydney Cricket Ground, where he previously scored 292 runs in three innings. India needs a win to level the series and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Congress leader V D Satheesan criticizes Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statement on Sanatana Dharma, arguing it’s part of cultural heritage and not exclusive to the Sangh Parivar. Vijayan had linked Sanatana Dharma to casteism, which Satheesan and KPCC chief K Sudhakaran counter by defending its broader, non-communal essence.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, causing significant damage and loss of life. India expressed condolences and extended a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to support recovery efforts, emphasizing the strong relationship under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). India's commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response is reaffirmed in this gesture.

India aims to end a 46-year wait for a Test match victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground, needing a win in the final match of the series to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Ravindra Jadeja will spearhead the spin attack, in place of retired Ravichandran Ashwin, with off-spinner Washington Sundar to most probably also be part of the playing eleven.