India’s beloved former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee remained unmarried his entire life, but there was a time when he was proposed to by a woman, a Pakistani woman to be precise. On the late prime minister’s 101st birth anniversary on Thursday, defence minister Rajnath Singh narrated the anecdote, recalling Vajpayee’s repartee and sense of humour.

Singh recalled that during Vajpayee’s visit to Lahore, a Pakistani woman reporter proposed to him, inspired by his speech.“I would like to share one incident. Inspired by his speech, a Pakistani reporter said she was ready to marry him, but sought ceding of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan in Mehr,” Singh said.Atalji, with a smile on his face, said, ‘Madam, I am ready to marry you, but in return, I want Pakistan as dowry,” Singh said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.Vajpayee definitely had a way with his words. He was admired for his oratory skills across parties and was an accomplished poet known for his patriotic and humanist compositions.Once, when a supporter urged him to remain “atal” (unshakeable), Vajpayee quipped back playfully, with, “Atal toh hoon, lekin Bihari bhi hoon!” (“I am Atal, but I am also a Bihari!”).Vajpayee travelled to Lahore by bus in 1999 and embraced Pakistan’s then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, a gesture that came to symbolise hope for better ties between the two neighbours.However, the bonhomie did not last long. Just months later, the Pakistan Army carried out a covert operation to send troops into the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, triggering a limited conflict that Pakistan ultimately lost.Rashtra Prerna Sthal was inaugurated by PM Modi on Thursday and has been developed as a landmark national memorial and inspirational complex of enduring national significance. Constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 230 crore and spread across an expansive area of 65 acres.

Australian fast bowler Scott Boland, who emerged as one of the chief architects of India’s downfall during the most recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has opened up about the toughest batting challenge he has faced in his Test career. Speaking ahead of the high-profile Boxing Day Ashes 2025-26 Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boland reflected on the batter who consistently tested his skills and forced him to rethink his plans.

Scott Boland shares the toughest batter he’s bowled to and his most memorable Test wicket

The Melbourne-born seamer Boland was instrumental in Australia reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, producing match-defining spells and finishing among the leading wicket-takers despite featuring in only three Tests. His ability to exploit home conditions and apply relentless pressure made him one of India’s most difficult opponents during the series. Only later did Boland reveal that the batter who troubled him the most was India’s Rishabh Pant. The Australian explained that Pant’s unpredictability sets him apart from most top-level batters, making it extremely difficult for bowlers to settle into a rhythm.

Pant first faced Boland during India’s tour of Australia at the end of 2024. Although Boland dismissed the wicketkeeper-batter twice, each contest was a constant battle of adjustments. Despite his limited appearances, Boland ended the series as the third-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.19, underlining his impact. During a recent rapid-fire segment organized by Grassroot Cricket Round, Boland was asked by a junior female cricketer to name the toughest batter he has bowled to. The 36-year-old did not hesitate in his response and elaborated on why the Indian stood out:

“Rishabh Pant from India. He’s someone who’s very unpredictable. Sometimes he slogs you for six, and you bowl the same ball again and he just blocks it. So, he is very hard to bowl to.” Boland said.

In the same interaction, Boland also revealed that his favourite Test wicket was that of Virat Kohli, whom he dismissed in the second innings of the Sydney Test.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Josh Tongue stuns Steve Smith with unplayable delivery on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test | AUS vs ENG

Boland’s clinical performance for Australia in the Ashes 2025-26 vs England

In the ongoing Ashes series, Boland has once again proven to be a relentless force for Australia, helping the hosts secure an unassailable 3-0 lead within just 11 days of play. Throughout the first three Tests, the Victorian seamer has been remarkably consistent, claiming 11 wickets at a clinical average of 18.14 across 90.5 overs.

His campaign began with a decisive impact in the first Test at Perth, where he dismantled England’s middle order in the second innings with figures of 4/33, removing key batters like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in a devastating spell. Boland continued his disciplined work in Adelaide, providing crucial breakthroughs in the third Test with match figures of 3/45 to help retain the urn. His economy rate remains a standout at 3.40, reflecting his ability to build immense pressure by rarely missing his length.

Entering the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the scene of his legendary debut, Boland has already made his mark on day one by trapping Harry Brook LBW for 41 and other batters including Jamie Smith and Will Jacks. As of the fourth Test, he sits as the series’ third-highest wicket-taker, trailing only Mitchell Starc and Brydon Carse. With 14 wickets now tallied following the first day in Melbourne, Boland remains the ultimate horses for courses specialist in Australian conditions.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Brydon Carse’ breathtaking run out of Cameron Green steals the show on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test match | AUS vs ENG

Mumbai: Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Friday released a ‘chargesheet’ highlighting alleged irregularities in BMC works and corruption in public fund expenditure. She accused the BJP-led Mahayuti govt of allegedly looting public money through the appointed BMC administrator and neglecting essential civic services after the term of elected representatives ended in March 2022.Speaking to reporters, Gaikwad alleged that the BMC has failed to ensure transparency and accountability in governance as she released documents listing the status of various civic infrastructure projects and alleged corrupt practices, including a Rs 5,000-crore PAP scam, Rs 87-crore Gokhale bridge scam and the Mithi river scam. The Congress MP was joined by party MLAs Amin Patel, Aslam Shaikh and Jyoti Gaikwad, along with leaders Bhai Jagtap and Sachin Sawant, in Bandra.The Congress, in the chargesheet, alleged that for three years and nine months, the Mahayuti govt had denied Mumbaikars their voting rights. Listing 13 points, the party termed BMC ‘Brasht Mahayuti Corporation’ and claimed that key issues like traffic congestion, air pollution, public transport, water supply, healthcare, and education have been ignored.“Through the BMC administrator, the Mahayuti govt has looted the people of Mumbai. Mumbaikars are deprived of even basic civic amenities. The city has been virtually sold off to contractors and favoured industrialists, leading to the decline of the country’s financial capital. BMC has turned into a ‘Brasht Mahayuti Corporation’,” she alleged.“Congress will focus on Mumbaikars’ issues in the election,” she added. “The party will soon release its manifesto…Mumbai’s election should be fought not on the basis of caste, religion, region, or language, but on Mumbai’s real issues. Mumbaikars do not want controversy; they want development.”In the past, the BJP had raised corruption concerns in the BMC, accusing the Uddhav Thackeray-led then undivided Shiv Sena, which governed the civic body for over two decades, of misappropriating funds in Covid-related procurement and the Mithi river scam.

John Cena’s retirement from WWE was always going to be emotional. Few careers in professional wrestling have carried the same weight, longevity and cultural impact. After more than two decades at the top, the Cenation Leader finally decided to call time on an era, stepping away following a farewell run that felt both celebratory and confrontational.Cena’s final year in WWE was anything but routine. For the first time in his career, he turned heel, a move many fans once believed would never happen. It was a bold decision, and one that redefined how his character would be remembered. That turn set the stage for a WrestleMania main event victory over Cody Rhodes, where Cena captured the Undisputed WWE Championship, becoming a 17-time world champion in WWE and adding yet another landmark moment to an already historic resume.Also Watch:

The farewell tour did not stop there. Cena later defeated Dominik Mysterio to win the Intercontinental Championship, completing his journey as a Grand Slam Champion. It was a symbolic achievement, filling one of the few remaining gaps in his career and reinforcing his status as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time. His final in-ring appearance came on December 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Cena faced Gunther. The match ended in shock as Cena tapped out. The reaction was immediate and fierce. For a character built around the mantra “Never Give Up,” submission felt jarring to many fans, almost contradictory to everything Cena had represented for years. Days later, Cena addressed the moment on the “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast with Cody Rhodes. He described the tap-out as “going peacefully,” comparing it to a natural ending rather than defeat. He likened it to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s exit in Star Wars, a conscious acceptance of the end rather than a failure. It was a rare, reflective explanation that reframed the moment as closure rather than collapse.

John Cena

Shortly after his retirement, Cena reached another remarkable milestone. Fans voted him as the 2025 Person of the Year, a testament to his influence beyond wrestling. He edged past Cristiano Ronaldo in a tight 55 to 45 margin, underlining the loyalty and admiration he still commands worldwide.

The insolvency appellate tribunal NCLAT has ruled that the Committee of Creditors (CoC) cannot modify an approved resolution plan to reallocate funds meant for dissenting financial creditors, reaffirming limits on the exercise of commercial wisdom after a plan has been cleared, PTI reported.Dismissing an appeal filed by Bank of Baroda in the insolvency proceedings of Reliance Communications Infrastructure Ltd (RCIL), a two-member bench of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal said that once a resolution plan is approved, the assenting members of the CoC cannot alter its financial distribution framework.“It is true that the CoC with commercial wisdom can take a decision regarding different aspects of the plan, including manner of distribution, but once the commercial wisdom has been exercised by approving the resolution plan in meeting, the modification of the said distribution mechanism, which is impermissible, cannot be saved in the name of commercial wisdom of the CoC,” NCLAT said in its order.The appeal arose from the insolvency resolution of RCIL, where the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had approved the resolution plan submitted by Reliance Projects & Property Management Services Ltd (RPPMSL), a subsidiary of Jio. The plan was approved by 67.97 per cent of the CoC by vote share on August 5, 2021.While Bank of Baroda voted in favour of the plan, lenders including IDBI Bank and State Bank of India dissented. The plan was subsequently placed before the Mumbai bench of the NCLT for approval.Bank of Baroda later approached the NCLT seeking directions to convene a CoC meeting to consider reallocation of proceeds under the approved resolution plan, particularly in relation to a loan to Reliance Bhutan. Acting on this, the NCLT on October 17, 2023 directed the resolution professional to convene a CoC meeting.At the meeting held on October 27, 2023, a resolution proposing reallocation and reassignment of the Reliance Bhutan loan was passed with a 67.55 per cent majority, though IDBI Bank and SBI objected to the move.On December 19, the NCLT approved the resolution plan as originally proposed by RPPMSL. IDBI Bank subsequently challenged the October 27, 2023 CoC decision, arguing that the reallocation of proceeds violated the approved resolution plan.The NCLT held that the CoC could not alter the financial layout relating to the entitlement of financial creditors once the resolution plan had been approved. It also noted that the Reliance Bhutan loan, which was to be assigned to assenting financial creditors under the plan, could not be reassigned to dissenting lenders through a subsequent CoC decision.In its October 10, 2025 order, the NCLT ruled that the approved resolution plan could not be modified in this manner. Bank of Baroda challenged this decision before the NCLAT.Upholding the NCLT’s view, the appellate tribunal said, “The Adjudicating Authority in the impugned order after considering all relevant clauses has rightly come to the conclusion that the decision of the CoC dated 27.10.2023 is contrary to the approved resolution plan and cannot bind the dissenting financial creditors.”“We are in full agreement with the view taken by the adjudicating authority as noted above. The adjudicating authority did not commit any error in allowing the plea filed by the IDBI Bank. We do not find any good ground to interfere with the decision of the adjudicating authority,” NCLAT added, dismissing the appeal.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin (IANS)

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Friday accused the BJP of attempting to sow religious divisions in the state, claiming that the communal harmony in Tamil Nadu “irritates” the party. Addressing a government function, he said, “People of Tamil Nadu are, however, very cautious. The devotees of Lord Muruga bow to the Thirupparankundram Dargah flag. Muslim brothers offer rose milk to Hindus during Madurai Chittirai festival.”

Stalin slammed the BJP over alleged attacks targeting Christians and their places of worship, asserting that the party wanted to replicate such incidents in Tamil Nadu. “No matter how many slaves they gather and perform somersaults, they cannot incite religious frenzy among the people of Tamil Nadu who are united,” he said.“As long as this Stalin is here, as long as our Dravidian Model government is here, there is no room for your politics of religious hatred here,” he added.Comparing his government with the previous AIADMK regime, Stalin said Tamil Nadu faced ruin during AIADMK’s 10-year rule from 2011 to 2021. “This is my open challenge! Tell me if you have courage, did you achieve at least 5 per cent of what we have achieved?” he said, highlighting the state’s progress under DMK leadership.The DMK has previously used the term “slave” to criticise the AIADMK for its alignment with the BJP and has recently applied the same term to the fledgling TVK.Stalin, also DMK President, expressed confidence that the party would be re-elected in the 2026 Assembly polls. “The crowning glory of the Dravidian model government’s achievements will be the people’s verdict in the 2026 Assembly election and that will be your (political rivals) reality check. If what I said about Tamil Nadu’s achievements represents a developed, prosperous India, then there is another India in BJP‑ruled states; it is an India of poverty, religious violence, mob lynchings, attempts to ruin education, and unemployment...this is BJP’s India,” he alleged.

BHOPAL: “My son survived, but he returned to me without sight,” said 36-year-old Tikku Yaduvanshi, his voice breaking as he recalled the 116 days his five-year-old son Kunal battled for life after consuming the toxic Coldrif cough syrup in Parasia town of MP’s Chhindwara district. “He cannot see, he cannot walk properly, and I cannot leave him even for a moment. How do I go back to work now?” Tikku said. Kunal is among the few children who survived the killer cough syrup tragedy that claimed the lives of 26 children across Chhindwara and Betul districts. After more than four months of hospitalisation across multiple cities, he was finally discharged from AIIMS Nagpur on Monday night — alive, but with severe and possibly irreversible damage. For Tikku, a former employee of a private finance company, survival has come at an unbearable cost. He has not received salary for the past four months, defaulted on housing loan EMIs, sold his cattle, and mortgaged his wife’s jewellery to fund treatment and sustain his family during the prolonged hospital stay in Nagpur. “We were four people staying there — my wife, two other family members and I — paying for food, rooms, everything, while our child was fighting for life. Govts and officials might come and go, what we have lived through in these four months cannot be put into words,” Tikku said. Kunal’s ordeal began on Aug 24, when Tikku first took him to paediatrician Dr Praveen Soni in Parasia. Two days later, as complications developed, he returned to the doctor. On Sept 1, Kunal was rushed to Nagpur and admitted to a private hospital. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to AIIMS Nagpur on Sept 11, where treatment continued for over three months. While the state govt has assured financial assistance towards medical expenses, Tikku said it barely scratches the surface. “Whatever money we receive will go into repaying the loans we took for his treatment. It does not cover our stay, food, or the debts we piled up just to keep him alive,” he said. Also, Kunal’s recovery remains uncertain. Doctors have not been able to say whether his vision will return. He is still unable to walk properly and needs continuous care. Tikku is now jobless, unable to leave his child even for a few hours. “I want the govt to tell me — will it bear the cost of his future treatment?” he asked. “I have heard there are better facilities for eyesight treatment in Chennai. My child did nothing wrong. At least give him a chance,” he added. The Coldrif syrup tragedy has led to arrests, suspensions, and an SIT probe. Paediatrician Dr Praveen Soni, his wife Jyoti Soni, and the manufacturers of the syrup — Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals — have been named as accused. Tests found the syrup contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, a toxic industrial solvent known to cause kidney failure. The Madhya Pradesh govt has suspended drug inspectors and senior FDA officials, admitting regulatory failure. Yet, for families like the Yaduvanshis, accountability offers little comfort. “My son survived death. Now we are just praying he can see the world one day — and that we are not left alone to fight this battle,” Tikku said.

India‘s cricket landscape gained a shining beacon as 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 25, 2025, during the Veer Baal Diwas celebrations.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi receives Bal Puraskar from President Droupadi Murmu

The left-handed opener from Bihar, born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur village of Samastipur district, skipped a Vijay Hazare Trophy match to attend the ceremony, where the President lauded his record-shattering exploits in a “highly competitive world of cricket,” urging other children to emulate him. Following the event, Suryavanshi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking another milestone in his meteoric rise amid national recognition for youthful excellence in sports.​

President Murmu, while presenting the award, praised his commitment and achievements, saying that such young talents “inspire hope for a brighter future in Indian sports.” PM too, expressed confidence that Vaibhav will “shine on the global stage.” This dual recognition underscores the government’s support toward nurturing young sporting excellence.

Here’s the video:

Meet the newest recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the highest civilian honor for children. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 👏👏💗 pic.twitter.com/2gr8N64ToP

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 26, 2025

Also READ: Top 5 youngest centurions in List A cricket ft. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Record-breaking exploits of Suryavanshi fuel national pride

Suryavanshi’s journey from Bihar’s dusty fields to global headlines stems from relentless family support—his father Sanjeev sold farmland to fund training at academies in Samastipur and Patna, while his mother prepared early meals for gruelling 5-6 hour sessions. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 23, 2025, he blazed 190 off 84 balls (16 fours, 15 sixes) against Arunachal Pradesh, claiming the fastest List A 150 in 54 balls—eclipsing AB de Villiers—and becoming the youngest List A centurion at 14 years and 272 days with a 36-ball ton. Earlier, his unbeaten 108 off 61 balls (7 fours, 7 sixes) versus Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on December 2 made him the tournament’s youngest centurion.​

His T20 fireworks include a 35-ball IPL century (101 off 38) for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in 2025, the fastest by an Indian and youngest T20 ton ever, plus three T20 hundreds by age 14. In the U-19 Asia Cup, he hammered 171 off 95 balls (14 sixes) against UAE, shattering youth ODI records for most sixes in an innings and tournament. Now set to join India U-19 for the World Cup in Zimbabwe starting January 15, 2026, skipping remaining Vijay Hazare games, Suryavanshi embodies grit that redefines prodigies. His feats—cleared of age disputes via medical tests—ignite dreams for small-town talents, blending explosive power with maturity that experts predict will propel him to senior stardom

Also WATCH: Unsportsmanlike scenes as Pakistan fans jeer India’s teenage batting sensation after U-19 Asia Cup setback

Mumbai: Days after the Mumbai fire brigade issued a notice to the National Sports Club of India (NSCI), Worli, citing multiple lapses in fire prevention and life safety measures at its sprawling sports complex, the NSCI assured it that corrective measures have been taken. The notice was issued following an inspection conducted on Dec 19 under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. According to the Form-J notice signed by divisional fire officer S N Talekar, several critical fire-fighting systems at the NSCI premises were found to be either non-functional or inadequately maintained. Additional municipal commissioner Ashwini Joshi, in charge of the fire brigade department, said the key violations were mentioned in the notice served to them.When contacted, Viren Shah, secretary of NSCI, said safety is always their first priority. He said a communication was been made to the chief fire officer on Friday, Dec 26, regarding the same. “Following the inspection notice issued by the Mumbai fire brigade on Dec 19, 2025, the National Sports Club of India has completed all the corrective measures outlined in the notice. We have informed the fire brigade that a physical inspection can be conducted at their convenience to verify compliance. In view of this, we have requested the authorities to withdraw the notice,” said Shah.Among the key violations mentioned in the notice were diesel-operated fire pumps that were not in working condition, a water curtain system in the basement that was not on auto mode, and leaking firefighting hoses. Inspectors also found scrap material stored in service ducts and passages, posing a potential hazard, while electric cable ducts were found unsealed at floor levels, compromising fire containment measures.The fire brigade also flagged the non-submission of Form B, a mandatory certification confirming the functional working condition of the existing fixed firefighting system in the building.Invoking powers under Section 6 of the Act, the fire brigade directed NSCI to rectify all deficiencies within 30 days of receiving the notice. Additionally, the club was asked to submit Form B from a licensed agency within seven days and ensure its submission thereafter on a half-yearly basis in January and July each year.The notice further directs NSCI to report compliance within seven days of completing the required corrective measures. Failure to comply could invite further action under the Act stated the notice. On the very same day the public health department also visited the premises and has pointed towards infringement of health license under Section 394 of MMC Act. Section 394 empowers the BMC to issue notices, suspend or cancel health licences, and even shut or seal premises if violations are found.