Trading in Indian stock markets will be closed on Thursday, December 25, for Christmas, according to the exchanges’ holiday schedule.Both the BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be shut for trading across segments on December 25. Normal trading activity will resume on Friday, December 26, 2025. This is the only stock market holiday in December and also the final trading holiday of the calendar year.

Holiday calendar 2026

After the Christmas break, the next market holiday will fall in the new year. As per the exchange calendar, Indian stock markets will be closed on January 26, 2026, on account of Republic Day.The NSE has already released its official trading holiday calendar for 2026, giving traders clarity well in advance. Equity, equity derivatives and currency markets will remain closed on 15 days next year, one more than in 2025.Key holidays include Republic Day (January 26), Holi (March 3), Ram Navami (March 26), Mahavir Jayanti (March 31), Good Friday (April 3), Ambedkar Jayanti (April 14), Maharashtra Day (May 1) and Bakri-Id (May 28). In the second half of the year, markets will shut for Muharram (June 26), Ganesh Chaturthi (September 14), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Dussehra (October 20), Diwali Balipratipada (November 10), Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 24) and Christmas (December 25).Some major festivals in 2026 — including Mahashivratri, Eid-ul-Fitr, Independence Day and Diwali Laxmi Pujan — fall on weekends and will not lead to additional market closures.The exchanges will, however, hold the customary Muhurat Trading session on Diwali, which falls on November 8, a Sunday. The timing for the one-hour special trading window will be announced closer to the date.

From campus dramas like Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan to family sagas such as Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 and even a stint in crime investigation with CID, Parth Samthaan has moved between genres with fluid ease. Parth, who was in Lucknow, opened up about returning to television, his take on love and marriage, and coping with personal loss.Lucknow, he says, has been all heart. “Lucknow welcomed us with open arms and I’m excited for the work we did here,” he smiles. “It’s not easy to shoot in the market, especially during the festive time, but people were very sweet. I’ve always heard of the city’s tehzeeb and adab, and now I’ve finally experienced it. The way people talk, the culture of ‘pehle aap’ is so unique.” Between tight schedules, he also indulged in the city’s culinary treasures. “We ate kebabs from different places, and I had the best haleem ever! It was too delicious,” he says.

Looking back at his journey from college romances to serious drama and investigative thrillers, Parth acknowledges that each phase brought its own set of challenges. “All three projects were completely different. Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan was special because it came at the start of my career. I was playing someone my age, surrounded by people of my age group. It was fun and relatable. Kasautii Zindagii Kay was a shift altogether. I had to portray an ideal son, and the story revolved around family emotions and values. Working with senior actors who played my parents was a huge learning experience.”

Parth Samthaan

Then came CID, a total departure from the romantic or emotional spaces he was known for. “That was the most challenging. I grew up watching Daya sir and Abhijeet sir, and suddenly, I had to play their boss! A cutthroat, no-nonsense character with no romance or family angle, just crime and investigation. Still, it was fulfilling, and I’d love to revisit that role someday,” he says.Parth’s creative choices often reflect a conscious desire to grow rather than simply stay visible. “Every role means something to me,” he says, adding, “I give my full effort to each, but once I feel I’ve explored everything that a character has to offer, I start looking for a new challenge. Even if scenes change, emotions can start feeling repetitive and that excitement fades. That’s when I move on. With CID, I worked for two and a half months and gave it my all. Once I felt the character had served its purpose, I was ready to let go. It’s about keeping the creative spark alive.”That same philosophy shapes his selectiveness about new work. “If I’m coming back to television, it has to be worth it. I want a character I can be proud of, something I can justify both as an actor and as a person. I don’t want to get bored or make the audience wonder, ‘Why did he even do this?’” he admits. “The new project I’m doing feels different, it’s something I’ve never done before. People will see me in a completely new light. Every day on set, I’m learning something new, not just about the role, but about Lucknow too.”

Parth Samthaan

Back home, something far more personal is taking shape – his new house in Mumbai. “It’s hectic,” he admits with a grin. “I have a background in architecture but never really practiced it professionally. I designed the basic structure myself and then handed it over to the architect. I stay involved in everything from materials to space planning.” His motivation, however, is deeply emotional. “When I first moved to Mumbai, my parents were in Pune. My mom would visit and feel uncomfortable because homes in Mumbai are so small compared to Pune. After a lot of patience, I’ve finally managed to buy a bigger house. Seeing her happy about it now makes it all worth it. She’s looking forward to moving in, and so am I.”Despite regular offers, reality shows aren’t on his radar. “Every year I get offers from Bigg Boss and similar shows. But if I have to sum it up, reality shows are not my cup of tea. Lucknow ki gurr ki chai is my cup of tea,” he laughs.About the OTT space, Parth doesn’t mince words. “Right now, the industry is in an uncertain space. Numbers and budgets have been shaken up. Many shows have been shelved or halved in budget. There’s a herd mentality, if one show or actor works, everyone follows the same formula. There’s no clear direction or originality. Producers only want what’s trending instead of trusting new subjects or talent. Patience is missing. Nobody wants to invest in good writing anymore, it’s all about quick results.”Marriage, however, seems to be on the horizon. “My cousin, who’s younger than me, got married this November, and the big ‘tumhara kab’ questions kept coming my way,” he laughs. “Honestly, I’ve been waiting for my house to be ready so a new chapter can begin. Hopefully next year I’ll marry. I’ve always believed in love marriages. The setup of arranged marriages isn’t something I connect with.”– Manas Mishra

Kuldeep Sengar; Delhi Metro

Here are the top 5 stories of the day:

‘His bail like kaal for us’: Unnao rape case survivor to move SC against suspension of Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s jail term

The Delhi high court granted bail to Sengar while suspending his life sentence, holding that he cannot be kept in jail only on the basis of the threat perception of the victim in the Unnao rape case.While allowing Sengar’s application under Section 389 of the CrPC, the court said, “Kuldeep Singh Sengar can’t be kept in jail only because of the threat perception of the victim in Unnao rape case,” and added that courts cannot deny bail merely out of apprehension that security agencies may fail in their duty. Read more

According to details presented by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Phase-VA project will involve the construction of 13 stations, of which 10 will be underground and three elevated. The total length of the approved corridors will be 16 km, and the project is scheduled to be completed within three years. Read more

‘Lower tax on air purifiers’: HC asks GST Council to hold meet; Delhi’s toxic air in focus

During the hearing. the court questioned the Centre over the imposition of 18% GST on air purifiers. At the outset of the hearing, the bench voiced its displeasure over the lack of action in the matter, observing that every citizen is entitled to clean air. The Centre told the court that the decision on GST rates is taken by the GST council, comprised of all states and UTs. Read more

Bihar smash highest-ever List A total; Sakibul Gani storms to fastest Indian hundred

Powered by breathtaking centuries and a relentless assault that lasted the full 50 overs, Bihar amassed a staggering 574/6, eclipsing the previous world record of 506/2 set by Tamil Nadu — also against Arunachal Pradesh — in the same tournament in 2022. At the heart of the carnage was Bihar captain Sakibul Gani (128 not out off 40 balls), who etched his name into the record books by smashing the fastest List A century by an Indian. Read more

China’s ‘rejuvenation’ plan: US Pentagon flags claim on Arunachal; highlights growing bonhomie with Pakistan

The report notes that China’s leadership has expanded the scope of its core interests to include Taiwan, sovereignty and maritime claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh, framing these objectives as central to achieving the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. Read more

In a breathtaking display of power hitting, Bihar scripted history on Wednesday by registering the highest-ever team total in List A cricket. Facing Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 clash in Ranchi, the Bihar batters unleashed an unprecedented assault to finish their 50 overs at a staggering 574 for 6.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi lights up Ranchi with sizzling knock for Bihar

The record-breaking innings featured a masterclass from teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who hammered 190 runs to become the youngest centurion in the format’s history. He was ably supported by Ayush Loharuka (116) and captain Sakibul Gani, who smashed a 32-ball century—the fastest by an Indian in List A cricket—to propel Bihar past the previous world record.

Top 5 highest totals in List A cricket

1) Bihar: 574/6 vs Arunachal Pradesh (2025)

This monumental effort now sits at the pinnacle of world cricket. Bihar’s innings was defined by relentless aggression, resulting in an average run rate of 11.48 per over. By crossing the 550-run mark, Bihar didn’t just break the record; they decimated it, setting a benchmark that many experts believe could stay untouched for years. The innings was highlighted by three individual centuries and a flurry of boundaries that left the Arunachal Pradesh bowlers with no room to breathe. Suryavanshi sizzled with breathtaking knock of 190 runs off 84 balls. Apart from Suryavanshi, Ayush Loharuka (116) and Sakibul Gani (128) also shined with stunning centuries.

2) Tamil Nadu: 506/2 vs Arunachal Pradesh (2022)

Prior to Bihar’s heroics, Tamil Nadu held the world record for three years. During the 2022 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, they became the first team in history to breach the 500-run barrier in a 50-over match. N. Jagadeesan was the star of that show, scoring a world-record individual 277 runs. Much like the recent Bihar match, this feat also came against a struggling Arunachal Pradesh side, showcasing the vast gap in experience between the domestic heavyweights and the plate-level teams.

3) England: 498/4 vs Netherlands (2022)

England holds the record for the highest total in One Day Internationals (ODI), which they achieved against the Netherlands in Amstelveen. During this match, Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, and Phil Salt all notched centuries in a display of modern “Bazball” white-ball philosophy. While it fell just short of the 500-mark, it remains the standard for international dominance, proving that England’s aggressive blueprint could work against international-grade bowling attacks.

Also READ: Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary feat in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return for Delhi

4) Surrey: 496/4 vs Gloucestershire (2007)

For 15 years, Surrey’s massive total against Gloucestershire stood as the gold standard for List A cricket. Played at The Oval, the innings was headlined by Ali Brown’s 176. At a time when scores of 300 were still considered ‘match-winning,’ Surrey’s near-500-run total was considered lightyears ahead of its time. It served as the primary record for over a decade until the scoring explosions of the 2020s began.

5) England: 481/6 vs Australia (2018)

Before their 498-run feat, England set the cricketing world ablaze by dismantling their arch-rivals, Australia, at Nottingham. This match was significant because it didn’t come against an Associate nation or a domestic side, but against one of the most successful international teams in history. Centuries from Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales drove the score to 481, signaling a permanent shift in how ODI cricket was played and paving the way for the 500-plus scores fans see today.

Also READ: Ishan Kishan smashes record-breaking century as Vijay Hazare Trophy witnesses historic batting day

Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: On his return to domestic cricket, India’s batting stalwart Virat Kohli produced another eye-catching performance as Delhi started their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign with a thrilling four-wicket win over Andhra in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Playing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Delhi chased down the target of 299 and won the match, thanks mainly to Kohli’s masterclass with the bat.

Delhi won the toss and chose to bowl first. Andhra made good use of the opportunity and posted a strong total of 298 for 8 in their 50 overs. Ricky Bhui was the standout performer for Andhra. He played an excellent knock of 122 runs from 105 balls, hitting 11 fours and seven sixes. His innings gave Andhra the backbone they needed after early wickets. Nitish Reddy (23), Maramreddy Hemanth Reddy (27), and Singupuram Prasad (28) also added quick runs at the end to push the score close to 300.For Delhi, Simarjeet Singh was the pick of the bowlers, having taken five wickets and broken important partnerships. Prince Yadav also bowled well and picked up three wickets.Chasing 299 was never going to be easy, but Delhi got off to a flying start. Young batter Priyansh Arya played an aggressive innings. He amassed 74 runs from just 44 balls. His attacking approach put pressure on the Andhra bowlers early in the chase.After Arya got out, Virat Kohli took full control of the innings. Now retired from T20Is and Test cricket, Kohli showed his experience in the longer format of the game. He paced his innings perfectly and found the gaps with ease. Kohli scored a magnificent 131 runs from 101 balls, courtesy of 14 fours and three sixes.

Delhi’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

In doing so, Kohli also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the fastest player to reach 16,000 List A runs. The 37-year-old reached the milestone in his 330th innings during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, compared to Tendulkar’s 391 innings.Nitish Rana gave Kohli excellent support from the other end. Rana played a quick and fearless knock of 77 runs from 55 balls. Together, Kohli and Rana stitched a match-winning partnership that pushed Delhi closer to the win.Although Delhi lost a few wickets towards the end, the hard work was already done. The team reached the target in just 37.4 overs. Harsh Tyagi (4) and Navdeep Saini (5) stayed till the end to seal the win.Nevertheless, Wednesday saw Kohli’s brilliance on display as his innings helped Delhi begin their tournament on a high note.

Gold prices surged to fresh record levels in both domestic and international markets on Wednesday, driven by expectations of further monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve and heightened geopolitical tensions that boosted safe-haven demand.In domestic futures trade, gold prices climbed to a lifetime high of Rs 1,38,676 per 10 grams on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Gold futures for February delivery rose by Rs 791, or 0.57%, marking the metal’s third consecutive session of gains. In the global markets, Comex gold futures advanced for the fourth session in a row, rising by $49.4, or 1.10%, to touch a fresh peak of $4,555.1 per ounce. “Gold surged past $4,500 per ounce to a fresh record, driven by expectations of further Federal Reserve easing and rising geopolitical tensions,” Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities told PTI. “Investors are still pricing in two rate cuts in 2026 as inflation cools and employment conditions soften, even as policymakers remain divided. Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Venezuela have been rising, which has lifted safe-haven demand and increased geopolitical risks across commodity markets,” Trivedi added.Here’s how much gold costs in your city today:

Gold rate in Delhi today

Gold prices in Delhi edged higher, with 22K gold at Rs 12,750 per gram, up Rs 35, 24K gold at Rs 13,908 per gram, up Rs 38, and 18K gold at Rs 10,435 per gram, gaining Rs 29.

Gold rate in Mumbai today

Gold prices in Mumbai saw 22K gold priced at Rs 12,735 per gram, up Rs 35, while 24K gold stood at Rs 13,893 per gram, up Rs 38. The 18K gold rate was Rs 10,420 per gram, higher by Rs 29.

Gold rate in Bengaluru today

In Bengaluru, 22K gold was quoted at Rs 12,735 per gram, gaining Rs 35, while 24K gold traded at Rs 13,893 per gram, up Rs 38. 18K gold was priced at Rs 10,420 per gram, up Rs 29.

Gold rate in Hyderabad today

Hyderabad markets recorded 22K gold at Rs 12,735 per gram, higher by Rs 35, with 24K gold at Rs 13,893 per gram, up Rs 38. The 18K gold rate stood at Rs 10,420 per gram, gaining Rs 29.

Gold rate in Chennai today

Gold prices in Chennai moved up, with 22K gold at Rs 12,800 per gram, rising Rs 30, while 24K gold was priced at Rs 13,964 per gram, up Rs 33. 18K gold was quoted at Rs 10,675 per gram, gaining Rs 25.

Gold rate in Ahmedabad today

Ahmedabad saw 22K gold priced at Rs 12,740 per gram, up Rs 35, while 24K gold stood at Rs 13,898 per gram, gaining Rs 38. The 18K gold rate was Rs 10,425 per gram, higher by Rs 29.

Gold rate in Jaipur today

In Jaipur, 22K gold was quoted at Rs 12,750 per gram, up Rs 35, while 24K gold traded at Rs 13,908 per gram, gaining Rs 38. 18K gold stood at Rs 10,435 per gram, up Rs 29.

Gold rate in Kanpur today

Kanpur markets showed 22K gold at Rs 12,750 per gram, rising Rs 35, while 24K gold was priced at Rs 13,908 per gram, up Rs 38. The 18K gold rate stood at Rs 10,435 per gram, gaining Rs 29.

Gold rate in Kolkata today

Gold prices in Kolkata saw 22K gold at Rs 12,735 per gram, up Rs 35, while 24K gold stood at Rs 13,893 per gram, gaining Rs 38. 18K gold was priced at Rs 10,420 per gram, higher by Rs 29.

Masashi Ozaki (via Getty Images)

Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, one of the greatest golfers Japan has ever produced, has died after a battle with sigmoid colon cancer at 78 years of age. The Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) confirmed his death on Wednesday, saying Ozaki was diagnosed with the disease about a year ago. A family funeral will be held, with a farewell event planned at a later date.Ozaki was a towering figure in Japanese sport. He won 113 tournaments worldwide and became a national icon through his power, style, and charisma. His influence went far beyond trophies. Many players who followed, including major champions, credit Ozaki, who showed what was possible for Japanese golf on the world stage.

Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki, a pioneer who shaped Japanese golf history

Masashi Ozaki’s career achievements remain unmatched in Japan. He won 94 tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour over 29 years. His final victory came at the ANA Open when he was 55. He topped the tour’s money list a record 12 times, including five straight years from 1994 through 1998. He won the Japan Open five times and the Japan PGA Championship six times. In 1996, at age 49, he rose to No. 5 in the world rankings.In 1973, Ozaki made history by becoming the first Japanese golfer to finish in the top 10 at the Masters, placing eighth. He played in 49 majors overall. His best major finish came at the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill, where he finished three shots behind Curtis Strange. He played the Masters 19 times, with his final appearance in 2000.“What made him charismatic was the fact that he won four times in which he came back from eight shots behind. He pulled off some incredible shots a number of times”, according to the JGTO website on Ozaki. “Ozaki is often thought to be to Japanese golf what Arnold Palmer is to American golf. His success has spawned an entire generation of Japanese golf professionals, both male and female”, the World Golf of Fame website said about Ozaki. After being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, Ozaki had stated that he dedicated his life to Japanese golf and he is extremely grateful the voters thought he was worthy of this honor.” His legacy, like his nickname “Jumbo,” remains larger than life! Also Read: Ariel Helwani brands Andrew Tate’s loss a major reality check, questions his “alpha male” image

Winter rarely announces what it is doing to your body. It happens quietly. Meals start sitting heavier. You feel full for longer. Bloating shows up even on normal eating days. Your gut feels slower, less cooperative, almost sleepy. Many people brush this off as overeating or moving less, but digestion worsening in winter is not just a habits problem. It is a seasonal shift rooted in how the human body responds to cold and reduced daylight.Digestion depends on signals. Temperature, light exposure, daily movement, and routine all guide how quickly the gut works. When winter changes all of these at once, the digestive system adjusts by slowing things down. This response once helped humans conserve energy during colder months. Today, it mostly feels uncomfortable.

A peer-reviewed study published in Cell Host and Microbe observed that gut microbiota composition changes across seasons in response to environmental factors such as temperature and circadian rhythm. These microbial shifts were linked to changes in metabolism, inflammation, and digestive efficiency.When digestion is viewed through this biological lens, winter-related gut issues stop feeling random. They follow a pattern.

How seasonal changes affect digestion in colder months

Winter digestion problems do not come from one dramatic change. They build slowly through small, everyday shifts that add up.

1. Cold temperatures slow digestive muscle movement

Cold weather alters blood flow. The body focuses on protecting vital organs by keeping them warm, which reduces circulation to the digestive tract. With less blood supply, the muscles of the stomach and intestines contract more slowly.As a result, food moves through the gut at a reduced pace. This delay increases feelings of heaviness, bloating, and gas. Meals that felt light in summer can suddenly feel uncomfortable without any clear trigger.

2. Reduced physical activity weakens gut motility

People rarely notice how much less they move in winter. Shorter days and cold air lead to fewer walks, longer sitting hours, and more time indoors. Movement plays a direct role in digestion because the intestines respond to physical motion.When daily activity drops, bowel movements slow down. This is why constipation becomes common in winter, even among people who normally have regular digestion.

3. Winter foods place a heavier load on digestion

Cold weather changes appetite. Meals become warmer, richer, and more filling. Refined carbohydrates, fried foods, creamy dishes, and sweets appear more often on the plate.At the same time, fibre intake often drops. Fewer fruits, salads, and raw vegetables means less bulk in stool and slower bowel movement. The gut ends up working harder while moving more slowly.

4. Lower water intake dries out the digestive process

Thirst signals weaken in cold weather. Many people drink less water without realising it. Indoor heating adds to fluid loss, even though the body does not ask for more water clearly.When hydration drops, stool becomes firmer and harder to pass. This contributes to constipation, bloating, and the sensation that digestion is stuck or incomplete.

5. Disrupted sleep and routines interfere with gut rhythm

Winter affects sleep patterns more than people admit. Later mornings, inconsistent bedtimes, and reduced sunlight exposure disturb the body clock. The gut follows this rhythm closely.Irregular meal timing leads to uneven digestive enzyme release. Stress levels also tend to rise during darker months, which further slows digestion and increases acidity or discomfort.

Supporting your gut through winter

Supporting digestion in winter does not require extreme changes. Small adjustments make a difference. Warm fluids instead of cold drinks. Gentle movement after meals. More cooked vegetables. Regular meal timing.Paying attention to hunger helps too. Eating out of routine rather than appetite can strain digestion further during colder months.Digestion worsens in the winter because the body is adapting, not malfunctioning. When those adaptations are supported rather than ignored, the gut usually finds its rhythm again.Disclaimer: This content is intended purely for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional or scientific advice. Always seek support from certified professionals for personalised recommendations.Also read| 7 strange ways your body reacts in life or death situations

Akshaye Khanna is courting immense love across social media platforms for his brilliant performance as Rehman Dakait in ‘Dhurandhar’. His co-star Aditya Uppal, who played Omar Haider of the Lyari Task Force led by Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam recently spilled a fun BTS detall from their intense van scene. He said Khanna straight-up told him to hit him for real, and he was super hesitant about laying hands on such a big senior actor.

Aditya Uppal reveals the BTS detail from ‘Dhurandhar’

During an appearance at podcast with Abhishek Pali Talks, he expressed, “There was a little hesitation at first. He is a senior actor. But once I am Omar Haider, he is Rehman Dakait for me. No matter how much you prepare yourself, you feel the hesitation for a second. Sanjay sir hit him and then asked us to beat him up. We ended up hitting him, that shot has been edited now, but it was quite extended.”

Uppal further added, “When I hit him for the first time, obviously I was a little taken aback, I thought of doing it softly. He shouldn’t get hurt for real because it was also a compact space. Van was not even moving, people were just shaking it during the shoot. Aditya sir asked me to go for it. In fact, Akshaye sir told me, ‘Tez se maaro, main gir nahi raha hu (Hit me properly, I am not falling)’. When he said that the second time, then I hit him properly and went all out.”

Aditya Uppal on training for gun scenes

Talking about their training to operate guns, Aditya shared, “We got a proper weapon training. Aditya sir is very particular about this that whenever the actor comes on set, they should be trained properly before. If you have a shot or even if you are in that scene, then you should know how to use a gun. And I was playing an officer from Pakistan, so it was even more important how I operate a gun, it had to be different from an untrained criminal. There were three different types of gun, in which the gun I had was a glock gun. I had to train myself on how to unload the magazine and how to run the glock. So, you need to learn the mechanism. He is very particular about not wasting time when you come on the set, the scene should be done with preparation.”

About ‘Dhurandhara’

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ also features Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and many others.