NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed Isro‘s successful launch of LVM3-M6, which placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into its intended orbit, saying that “India continues to soar higher” further calling the mission a “proud milestone” in the country’s space journey.Congratulating Isro’s scientists and engineers, the prime minister said the achievement underlined India’s growing capabilities in the space sector and its push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Sharing a post on X, PM Modi said, “A significant stride in India’s space sector… The successful LVM3-M6 launch, placing the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil, the spacecraft of USA, BlueBird Block-2, into its intended orbit, marks a proud milestone in India’s space journey.”“It strengthens India’s heavy-lift launch capability and reinforces our growing role in the global commercial launch market. This is also reflective of our efforts towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Congratulations to our hardworking space scientists and engineers.”“India continues to soar higher in the world of space!” he declared.In a separate post, the prime minister highlighted the role of young scientists, saying, “Powered by India’s youth, our space programme is getting more advanced and impactful.”“With LVM3 demonstrating reliable heavy-lift performance, we are strengthening the foundations for future missions such as Gaganyaan, expanding commercial launch services and deepening global partnerships,” he said.“This increased capability and boost to self-reliance are wonderful for the coming generations,” he added.The prime minister’s remarks came after Isro’s heavy-lift rocket LVM3 successfully placed the US communications satellite BlueBird Block-2 into Earth orbit in an early-morning launch from Sriharikota.Isro chairman V. Narayanan said, “This is the heaviest satellite to be launched by an Indian launcher in Indian soil. This is also the first back-to-back LVM3 launch missions within a period of 52 days. With this, Isro has placed 434 satellites for 34 countries.”Weighing 6,100 kg, BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload launched by LVM3, which completed its sixth operational flight and third dedicated commercial mission. The 43.5-metre-tall, 640-tonne rocket lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, injecting the satellite into a circular orbit of around 520 km about 16 minutes after liftoff.

For most people, a cruise is a temporary escape. For Mario Salcedo, it has been home for a quarter of a century. Known to crew and fellow passengers as “Super Mario,” the Florida-based financial advisor has spent nearly his entire adult life moving from one ship to another, trading a fixed address for an endless horizon of ocean views.Since gradually shifting to full-time cruising around the turn of the millennium, Salcedo has abandoned life on land almost entirely. He owns no house, pays no rent, and has no property taxes or utility bills. Instead, his days unfold across the decks, lounges and cabins of Royal Caribbean ships, where his floating routine has become as familiar to staff as it is unconventional to outsiders.

From office desk to cruise ship living

Salcedo’s life at sea began in the late 1990s, when frequent business travel led him to discover that cruise ships offered something hotels and offices did not: stability wrapped in constant motion. By around 2000, he was effectively living onboard year-round, booking back-to-back sailings and returning to land only briefly between voyages.The decision was deliberate. Salcedo has said traditional office life felt restrictive and draining. Life on a cruise ship, by contrast, offered structure, social interaction and a sense of rhythm, even as the scenery continuously changed.

How he pays for life at sea

Maintaining a permanent cruise lifestyle is not cheap, but Salcedo insists it is manageable. Over the years, he has estimated his annual costs at between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on cabin choice, itinerary and internet packages.That price covers accommodation, food, entertainment, housekeeping and global travel. What it replaces are many land-based expenses, including rent, home maintenance, car ownership and property taxes. Salcedo has described his arrangement as a predictable, all-in cost rather than a luxury splurge.

Working from the middle of the ocean

Salcedo continues to work full time as a financial advisor. His office is wherever he can open his laptop, whether that is a lounge, a quiet corner of the ship or a cabin desk overlooking the sea.He keeps a weekday schedule, managing client portfolios remotely. Over time, ship crews have adapted to his presence, and he has become a familiar figure rather than a transient guest.

More than 1,000 cruises and counting

After decades at sea, Salcedo has completed more than 1,000 voyages, placing him among the most frequent cruisers in the world. His loyalty to Royal Caribbean has brought elite status perks, familiarity with staff and a sense of continuity that mirrors life in a close-knit community.

The repetition does not bother him. Instead, it provides the stability he values, even as ports and coastlines constantly change.

The unexpected cost to his health

Years of continuous motion have resulted in Salcedo developing Mal de débarquement syndrome, a neurological condition that causes a sensation of rocking or swaying when on land. Ironically, his symptoms ease once he returns to a moving ship.The condition has further anchored his decision to remain at sea, where he says he feels balanced and comfortable.

Admiration, scepticism and debate

Salcedo’s lifestyle regularly draws admiration and criticism in equal measure. Supporters praise the freedom and simplicity of his life, while critics question its sustainability, environmental impact and potential isolation.Salcedo acknowledges the trade-offs but says the structure and predictability of cruise ship living suit him better than life on land.

A home that never stays still

After 25 years, Mario Salcedo has become a symbol of extreme modern nomadism. His story challenges traditional ideas of home, stability and belonging.While most passengers eventually disembark, “Super Mario” keeps booking the next voyage. For him, home is not a place on land, but a cruise ship heading toward the horizon.

The ongoing Ashes 2025–26 tour has taken a dramatic turn for England, shifting focus from on-field struggles to off-field conduct. In the aftermath of Australia retaining the Ashes in emphatic fashion, England opener Ben Duckett has landed in controversy after a video allegedly showing him intoxicated went viral on social media. The clip has sparked widespread debate and prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to initiate an internal inquiry into the team’s behaviour during a scheduled mid-series break.

England’s campaign in Australia has already been marked by heavy defeats and growing criticism, and this latest episode has only intensified scrutiny on a squad struggling to cope with pressure both on and off the field.

Ben Duckett’s drunk video goes viral

The incident traces back to a four-day break taken by the England squad in Noosa, Queensland, between the second and third Tests. The break was sanctioned as a recovery window after England slipped to a 2–0 deficit early in the series. Instead, reports suggest the trip descended into excess, with claims of heavy drinking quickly making headlines.

The video, which surfaced on December 23, appears to show Duckett outside a shopping area, visibly unsteady and engaging with members of the public. In one exchange, he struggles to answer a simple question about finding his hotel. Another moment captures a fan mocking England’s poor form, prompting an angry verbal response from the batter. The interaction, filmed on a mobile phone, spread rapidly across platforms, drawing sharp criticism from former players and supporters alike.

Here’s the video:

What is this behaviour from Ben Duckett😭😭. He was completely out of his mind after drinking a lot. Disappointing Attitude. We need to be serious. pic.twitter.com/KVsCbv73jX

— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel) December 23, 2025

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma takes a cheeky dig at England after their poor show in Ashes 2025–26

ECB launches investigation

The timing of the video has proved particularly damaging. Just hours earlier, England’s managing director of cricket Rob Key had publicly acknowledged concerns about player conduct during the Noosa break and promised to look into the matter. England went on to lose the third Test in Adelaide, surrendering the Ashes at 3–0 and leaving the remainder of the series devoid of competitive edge.

Sources within English cricket indicate the ECB is treating the issue seriously, with an emphasis on maintaining professional standards during overseas tours. While no disciplinary action has yet been confirmed, the board’s response is expected to set a precedent for future conduct policies.

Duckett’s struggles add fuel to the fire

On the field, Duckett’s performances have done little to ease pressure. Opening the batting, he has managed just 97 runs across the series so far, averaging a modest 16.16 with a highest score of 29. His difficulties against Australia’s pace attack have mirrored England’s wider batting collapse, making the off-field footage even more uncomfortable for team management.

This is not Duckett’s first brush with controversy in Australia. During the 2017–18 Ashes tour, he was provisionally suspended after pouring a drink over the head of teammate James Anderson, an incident that had already raised questions about his judgement on tour.

Also READ: Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head silence Stuart Broad as Australia retain Ashes with stunning win over England in Adelaide Test

THANE: A six-year-old girl bitten by a community dog in Diva last month died of rabies on Sunday at Mumbai’s Kasturba Hospital, despite completing a month-long post-bite treatment at the KDMC-run Shastrinagar Hospital. Her parents said Nisha was playing outside her home on the night of Nov 17 when a dog attacked her, biting her on the shoulder and cheeks. She was taken to a local doctor and later referred to Shastrinagar Hospital, where doctors initiated the standard anti-rabies protocol.

“She received all the mandatory injections on time and had no complications,” said her mother, Sushma Shinde, fighting tears. “She seemed completely fine. We even celebrated her birthday on Dec 3.”

The situation changed abruptly on Dec 16, a day after Nisha received the final antirabies vaccine dose. She developed fever, headache, extreme weakness and showed sudden behavioural changes. “She began banging her head against the bed and scratching anyone who came near her,” Sushma said. The family rushed her back to Shastrinagar Hospital, from where she was referred to Kasturba Hospital for advanced care.Admitted on Dec 18, Nisha was verbally informed that Nisha was showing symptoms of rabies, with doctors cautioning that her chances of survival were slim. “Still, we hoped for the best. She even asked for her favourite dal-rice the night before,” her mother said. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, her oxygen levels dropped, and she was declared dead on Sunday.The family is seeking answers. “We followed the treatment exactly as advised. We don’t want any other family to suffer like this,” said her uncle, Deva Kadam.Activists have blamed civic apathy and poor stray dog management. “This is the second reported dog-bite incident in the suburb; many cases go unreported,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rohidas Munde. “The incident raises serious concerns about treatment protocols, medicine quality, and administrative accountability. We have demanded a transparent probe.”KDMC medical health officer Dr Deepa Shukla said the prescribed protocol — including anti-rabies vaccine, immunoglobulin and tetanus toxoid — was followed. “The child returned on Dec 17 with high-grade fever. Our paediatric experts suspected rabies and immediately referred her to Kasturba Hospital,” she said, adding that detailed reports from both hospitals are awaited. Kasturba Hospital is yet to respond. Dr Prasad Patil, TMC’s medical health officer said the incident could possibly be the first rabies death reported in recent years in TMC limits.

KALYAN: Ahead of the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, a BJP workers’ rally was held on Tuesday evening in Kalyan East, where BJP state president Ravindra Chavan called upon party workers and citizens to support the BJP to bring transparent governance to the civic body. During the meet, Chavan interacted with BJP office-bearers and workers from across the city and set the tone for the upcoming elections.Addressing the rally, Chavan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra, the country and the state are witnessing transparent and people-oriented governance. “On the same lines, we now want to establish a transparent administration in the Kalyan–Dombivli Municipal Corporation as well. For this, it is essential to support the BJP in the upcoming elections,” he said.

Referring to the slogan “Parliament to Panchayat, 100 per cent BJP,” Chavan reminded workers that the transparent governance model implemented at the Centre and the state must be extended to the civic level. He appealed to voters to press the button in front of the lotus symbol wherever BJP candidates are contesting and help accelerate the city’s development.Speaking at the workers’ convention held in the 100 Feet Road area of Kalyan East, Chavan also highlighted several civic issues affecting the locality. He said Kalyan East is a densely populated area where residents have long aspired to own permanent homes. To fulfil this dream, he stressed the need for policy-driven decisions and housing schemes such as SRS projects through the Mahayuti alliance. He also underlined the importance of 24-hour water supply, wider and better roads, and improved connectivity with major arterial routes.The meet witnessed the presence of several senior leaders, including veteran leader Jagannath Patil, MLA Sulabhat Tai Gaikwad, newly elected Ambernath Municipal Council president Tejashree Karanjule-Patil, BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha state general secretary Shashikant Kamble, BJP Kalyan district president Nandu Parab, former MLA Narendra Pawar, and former district president Narendra (Nana) Suryavanshi. A large number of party workers and citizens, especially women, attended the programme.Chavan concluded by urging party workers to intensify their outreach efforts and ensure the victory of BJP candidates in the KDMC elections scheduled on the 15th, stating that a BJP-led civic body is key to transparent governance and rapid urban development in Kalyan–Dombivli.

The brother of slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi accused Bangladesh’s interim government, of orchestrating the killing to destabilise the country and derail the upcoming national election in February.Sharif Omar bin Hadi, speaking at a protest rally in Shahbagh on Tuesday, said those in power could not evade responsibility for his brother’s murder, which took place just days after the election schedule was announced. Osman Hadi, a convenor of the political platform Inqilab Moncho, was shot on December 12 and later died of his injuries in Singapore on December 18.

‘This killing was meant to sabotage the election’

Addressing a “Shahidi Shopoth” programme organised by Inqilab Moncho outside the National Museum, Omar Hadi accused “a quarter within the government” of planning the killing to disrupt the electoral process. “It is you who had Osman Hadi killed, and now you are trying to foil the election by using this as an issue,” he said as quoted by The DailyStar.He said his brother had been firmly in favour of holding elections by February and had actively worked on the ground to prepare for them. “Respecting his wish, we demand that the election environment is not disturbed,” Omar Hadi said, warning that the government had so far shown “no visible progress” in delivering justice.He claimed Osman Hadi was targeted because he refused to bow to any agency or “foreign masters”. If justice was denied, Omar Hadi warned, those responsible would one day be forced to flee the country. Protesters later took an oath vowing to remain on the streets until “speedy and exemplary justice” was secured.

Inqilab Moncho issues ultimatum, warns of tougher protests

Earlier, Inqilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, speaking as the keynote speaker, alleged a “deep conspiracy” involving international intelligence agencies and domestic “fascist associates” aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and the gains of the July uprising.The platform has given the government a 30-working-day deadline to identify and arrest the killers, warning of tougher nationwide programmes if the demand is not met. While the group said it would pause formal protests on December 25, the day BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is due to return to Bangladesh, it announced wall-writing and social media campaigns across December 24 and 25, with further agitation planned from December 26.In a parallel development, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina also blamed the interim government for the deteriorating law-and-order situation, saying the killing reflected “lawlessness” under Yunus.

Government promises speedy trial as arrests continue

The interim government has rejected suggestions of inaction, with Law Adviser Asif Nazrul saying the case would be tried under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, requiring completion within 90 days of the investigation report being filed. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the case was being treated as a top priority.Joint forces comprising police, the Rapid Action Battalion and Border Guard Bangladesh have arrested at least 10 people so far, including family members of the prime suspect, Faisal Karim Masud. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to arrest the main accused.Osman Hadi’s killing came a day after the Bangladesh Election Commission announced February 12 as the date for the next national polls. A prominent figure of the ‘July Uprising’ and a potential candidate for Dhaka-8, his death had fuelled major protests in Bangladesh.

KALYAN: A 42-year-old woman teacher working at a reputed school in Kalyan has been arrested by the Khadakpada police in connection with a case of abetment to suicide of her husband, an administrative officer. The arrest comes nearly one and half years after the incident, following fresh evidence that emerged during the investigation.According to police, the deceased, identified as Vivek Mane (44), was serving as an administrative officer at a well-known school in Kalyan. In August 2023, he was found dead by suicide at his residence situated at Radha Nagari area. At the time, police registered a case of accidental death and initiated preliminary inquiries.However, during the course of investigation, the victim’s family members alleged that Vivek was mentally harassed by his wife Namrata and her brother Akshay Manore, which drove him to take the extreme step.They claimed that Vivek had informed his parents and relatives about the harassment he was facing at the hands of his wife and her family members.The case took a significant turn when police examined the deceased’s mobile phone as part of a detailed probe. The forensic analysis and call recordings reportedly revealed objectionable information, including threatening messages, photographs and conversations, which supported the allegations made by the victim’s family. Based on this digital evidence, the police registered a case of abetment to suicide.Khadakpada Police Station’s Assistant Inspector Arjun Dande confirmed that both the woman and her brother were arrested after the incriminating material was recovered from the mobile phone.The police have stated that they are now awaiting the final forensic and cyber analysis reports related to the seized mobile devices to strengthen the case further.Police also revealed that after Vivek’s death, his parents had raised serious doubts and demanded a thorough investigation, suspecting that he was forced to take his life due to sustained mental pressure. The investigation is ongoing, and police have assured that strict action will be taken against others those found responsible named in FIR once the remaining reports are received

KALYAN: After its success in the Ambernath and Badlapur municipal councils, the BJP has intensified preparations for the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) elections and is now moving towards contesting the polls independently. This shift has largely been triggered by the Shiv Sena’s growing proximity at the local level with Team Omie Kalani (TOK), a party considered a strong political rival of the BJP in Ulhasnagar.According to sources, the BJP is preparing to field candidates for all 78 seats of the UMC. More than 800 aspirants have already come forward, and interviews of these hopefuls have been completed. Despite several meetings between BJP and Shiv Sena leaders in Mumbai regarding the Mahayuti alliance, no meeting has taken place so far between local leaders of the two parties in Ulhasnagar concerning the civic elections.

The BJP has held the Shiv Sena responsible for the current deadlock, citing its local alliance with TOK. Notably, ahead of the elections, four former senior BJP corporators left the party and joined TOK, leading to visible differences between the BJP and Shiv Sena at that time.Speaking to TOI, BJP Ulhasnagar District president Rajesh Vadhrya said that no discussions on an alliance have been held with the Shiv Sena so far.Meanwhile, BJP election in-charge Pradeep Ramchandani stated that if the Shiv Sena wishes to form an alliance, seat-sharing must be discussed in clear terms. “The BJP had won 44 seats in the previous elections as part of the alliance, while Shiv Sena had won 25 seats. Only if Shiv Sena agrees to a similar arrangement and discusses the remaining nine seats will we move forward with talks,” he said.On the other hand, Shiv Sena city chief Rajendra Chaudhary claimed that the Shiv Sena, along with its local allies TOK and the SAI party, currently has the support of 55 corporators out of 78. “Under these circumstances, we are willing to offer the BJP the remaining 23 seats,” he said.Sources further revealed that the Shiv Sena has already begun local-level discussions with TOK and the SAI party, while its leaders appear to be avoiding talks with the BJP, adding to the political uncertainty ahead of the Ulhasnagar civic polls.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Score: Star power returns to the domestic stage

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.

The charismatic presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has lent the Vijay Hazare One-Day Trophy an aura rarely associated with India’s domestic 50-over competition.

Beginning on Wednesday, the tournament suddenly feels heavier, louder and more consequential, with several of India’s biggest names descending into a grind that is usually defined by anonymity rather than applause.

Alongside Kohli and Rohit, the lineup features Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma, forming a velvety tapestry of elite talent.

Yet, despite that depth, the spotlight inevitably narrows to the Ro-Ko axis. Their return is not incidental; it is directly tied to the BCCI’s decision to mandate at least two Vijay Hazare matches for centrally contracted players.

More than compliance, though, this is symbolism. Kohli, playing the tournament after 15 years, and Rohit, still one of the game’s biggest draws, are reminders that reputation alone no longer guarantees insulation from Indian cricket’s shifting power equations.

Experts are of the view that the stock market could see a year-end rally. (AI image)

The story of Indian stock markets has been defined by the exodus of foreign investors in 2025. But in the last few sessions, foreign investors seem to be back on Dalal Street, with purchases of Indian equities seeing a surge last week, marking the strongest inflows in nearly two months, as the rupee staged a sharp recovery from record lows.Overseas investors bought $644 million worth of domestic shares, the highest level since mid-October, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The renewed buying interest came as the rupee recorded its largest weekly gain in almost six months, reversing part of the pressure seen earlier.The inflows followed a period of sustained selling, during which foreign investors had pulled out nearly $1.8 billion from Indian equities over the previous three weeks. That phase of outflows coincided with a slide of more than 1 percent in the rupee, which had weighed on returns for dollar-based investors.

Foreigners Buy Indian Shares After Three-Week Selloff

The recent turnaround underlines the strong relationship between currency movements and foreign portfolio flows into Indian stocks. Since exchange rate fluctuations directly influence returns for overseas investors, greater stability in the rupee is seen as a crucial factor in maintaining global interest in the country’s equity markets.Meanwhile, experts are of the view that the stock market could see a year-end rally as analysts point to the possibility of a seasonal Santa rally, supported by a mix of historical trends and favourable technical indicators.Data from ICICI Direct shows that the Nifty has delivered gains in 23 of the last 30 years, or about 77% of the time, during the period from December 20 to the end of the year. In those instances, the benchmark index recorded average returns of 2.8%, highlighting a consistent pattern of late-December strength.“This year-end momentum seen in more than 75% instances in the past three decades underscores the strength of the seasonal Santa rally,” said Dharmesh Shah, head of Technicals at ICICI Direct according to an ET report.

Santa Claus Rally

The index has already begun to show upward movement, rising nearly 0.81% over the last two trading sessions. On Tuesday, the Nifty closed at 26,177.15 in a largely flat session.Looking ahead, Chandan Taparia, head of Technical and Derivatives Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, expects the rally to extend further, with the benchmark likely to gain another 1% to 1.2% in the near term and approach levels close to 26,500.“The market has been forming a higher base over the past few sessions, suggesting that benchmark indices could see further upside in the near term,” he said. “Sentiment is supported by stable global cues, a subdued volatility index with the VIX below the 10 mark, and moderating FPI outflows, all of which point to a continued up move over the coming sessions.”(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)