Times of India

Rumors of retirement loom over Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the final Sydney Test. With both players facing declining form, selectors may have tough decisions. Pressure mounts on Rohit, who has struggled significantly, while Kohli still shows flashes of brilliance despite performance issues. The outcomes of their careers hang in balance.

Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh of Massajog village was abducted and murdered by a group of men, causing widespread protests and unrest in Beed district. The crime is tied to a local dispute involving Avaada windmill company and has sparked political tensions, with various parties and politicians seizing the opportunity to make political gains.

A Ferrari stuck in the sand at Revdanda beach in Raigad was pulled out by a bullock cart on Dec 28. Police have filed a case of rash driving against the owner, Abhishek Jugal Kishore Tapadia. The incident sparked humorous reactions online, with users making amusing comments.

Chennai police have broken a methamphetamine manufacturing and peddling cartel. They arrested 10 people, including a Class X dropout, and seized 17.815kg of methamphetamine. The contraband is valued at ₹22 crores. Police also attached assets worth ₹5 crores. The suspects were involved in manufacturing the drug using raw materials smuggled from Haryana and Myanmar.

The IDF confirmed the elimination of senior Hamas commander Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a targeted drone strike in southern Gaza. Sabah was involved in orchestrating the deadly October 7 Kibbutz Nir Oz attack. The IDF's operations have also led to the elimination of 14 Hamas militants, including six directly involved in the attack.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh met with Bangladeshi lawyer Rabindra Ghosh, who is defending Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Rabindra Ghosh urged India to address minority persecution in Bangladesh. Das, an advocate for Hindu rights, was arrested for sedition over a flag incident and denied bail. Rabindra Ghosh faces threats due to his defense work.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed denied allegations in a Washington Post report suggesting that the opposition asked India for $6 million to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu. Nasheed stated he was unaware of any plot and emphasized India's consistent support for Maldives' democracy.

Supreme Court granted Punjab government three more days to hospitalise fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, with no consideration for involving the Centre. The state's plea was based on ongoing negotiations with the farmers, and security measures have been intensified around the protest site.

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani humorously addressed the work-life balance debate, highlighting personal choice in balancing work and family time. Reflecting on Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week suggestion, Adani emphasized enjoying one’s work and activities for balance, considering personal mortality to simplify life, and prioritizing personal character and humility over material wealth.

At least 40 people were injured in Kangpokpi district, Manipur during clashes between central security forces and women protesters, following the dismantling of 'community bunkers'. The operation follows recent attacks involving gunmen. Conflicts between Kuki-Zo tribes and Meitei population continue, with tribal groups accusing forces of partiality and demanding an impartial investigation into alleged excessive force used against women.

In 2025, Isro will have a significant year with several key missions, including the launch of NVS-02 navigation satellite, the unmanned Gaganyaan mission featuring Vyommitra, and the Indo-US NISAR satellite, among others. The space agency looks to bolster its commercial satellite launch revenue, enhancing its global space economy stature.

In Sakti, Chhattisgarh, a superstitious 17-year-old girl cut off her tongue and locked herself in a temple, vowing to meditate for two days for wish fulfilment. She left notes warning of violence if disturbed. Despite health concerns, her family and locals support her decision and refuse police intervention. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Quad foreign ministers celebrate 20 years of cooperation, reiterating their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. They reaffirm support for Asean's centrality and Pacific-led regional architecture. The statement is significant as India prepares to host the next Quad summit in 2025 amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.

Congress responds to BJP's criticism over not attending former PM Manmohan Singh's ashes immersion, citing respect for the family's privacy during the emotionally taxing ceremony. The BJP had accused Congress of neglecting the event, but Congress emphasised giving the family space for such a sensitive moment.

A 37-year-old man from Moradabad, UP, was beaten to death by cow vigilantes after allegedly being caught slaughtering a cow. The police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons for the murder. The victim's family claims he was falsely accused and wrongfully killed, while right-wing groups assert he was caught with the cow's remains.

The Indian government has released a draft policy framework to create a unified national market for agricultural produce. Key suggestions include single licensing, private wholesale markets, direct purchase from farm-gate, single market fee, and digital infrastructure for transparent and efficient trade. The proposal aims to provide farmers with better pricing and reduce barriers in agri-trade.