Actor Vijay Deverakonda is ringing in the New Year with a relaxed vacation in Rome with his loved ones. Recently, the ‘Rowdy Janardhana’ actor shared pictures from his trip to the Italian capital. One of the pictures that has caught attention shows someone resting their head on the actor’s shoulder and fans think its Rashmika Mandanna.

Sweet moments noticed by fans

Vijay Deverakonda shared pictures on his Instagram where he is seen smiling and walking around the beautiful city. One picture shows him near the famous Colosseum. Another picture shows a girl leaning on his shoulder. Her face cannot be seen. But fans believe it is Rashmika Mandanna. Interestingly, at the same time, ‘The Girlfriend’ star also posted her own vacation photos from Rome. This made fans think that both of them are together in the same place.

Vijay Deverakonda’s post

Vijay Deverakonda captioned the post, “Happy new year my darling loves. May we grow up together, make great memories, do great things, spread love, cheer and life. Biggest kisses and hugs to all of you.”

Rashmika Mandanna in Rome

A few days ago, Rashmika Mandanna too shared a post on her social media handle, where she shared that she was in Rome. In the pictures, she was seen travelling via train and is seen holding flowers. In one of the pictures, she is seen posing with the Colosseum. Interestingly, one of the pictures also includes Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s younger brother, Anand Deverakonda.

Engagement and wedding plans

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have been reported to have engaged in October 2025 in a closed ceremony in Hyderabad. The couple are yet to officially announce it. Additionally, many reports say that their wedding will happen on February 26, 2026. It will take place in a big and beautiful palace in Udaipur. The wedding is expected to be very private. On the work front, both actors are currently busy with their upcoming individual projects. Vijay Deverakonda will be next seen in ‘Rowdy Janardhana’ and on the other hand, Rashmika Mandanna will be seen in ‘Mysaa’. Interestingly, they are expected to reunite on the big screen in a tentatively named ‘VD14’, which will be a period drama directed by Rahul Sankrityan.

The veteran Australia National Cricket Team opening batsman Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a 15-year-long career.

Usman Khawaja will play the 88th and last Test match of his career at the Sydney Cricket Ground and retire following the end of the fifth match of Ashes 2025-26.

Usman Khawaja finally says goodbye

Khawaja’s retirement has been one of the biggest talking points in the ongoing Ashes series as several cricket experts called for his retirement despite the batter not dropping any hints.

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The veteran left-handed batsman became the centre of attention during the first Test when he was unable to open due to a back spasm, and then he also missed the subsequent Test.

Jake Weatherald sealed a spot at the top order as an opener, and with Travis Head being promoted, Khawaja’s role in the Australian team was significantly reduced.

Now, he is set for a traditional Sydney swansong, and he could finish up as Australia’s 14th-highest run-getter in the red-ball format if he scores 30 more runs in his final game.

So far, Usman Khawaja has scored 6206 runs in 157 innings at an average of 43.39, with 16 tons and 28 fifties.

I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan – Usman Khawaja

Addressing an emotional retirement press conference, Khawaja said that he is a “proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan”.

“I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team – look at me now,” Khawaja said during a press conference that lasted the best part of an hour.

Also Read: ECB chief to hand Brendon McCullum ‘SACKING’ news after Sydney Test

More to follow..

‘Saw SUV chasing my friends. They were killed in a road rage, it was no accident’ (AI image)

NOIDA: A friend of two youths found dead in front of Army Public School in Noida on Dec 30 told TOI they were chased by an SUV that hurtled into their bike at high speed, sending them flying into roadside railings and killing them on spot.“It was not a hit-and-run accident but a clear case of road rage,” Pushpendra told TOI on Thursday. The trigger, according to him, was an altercation at an eatery in Sector 30 where his friends Basant Khasu (23) and Rohan Mandal (27) had stopped for parathas on their way back from a party.Pushpendra, who was at the same party, said Basant and Rohan had an argument at the roadside eatery with another customer. Pushpendra subsequently went looking for them. “I saw the SUV hit their bike. The SUV did not have a number plate. It stopped for a few seconds, then took a U-turn and sped away. I tried to chase, but lost it in dense fog,” he claimed.Basant and Rohan were flung into the railings next to the school so hard that their bike got entangled in the grille. Their bodies were found next to the bike, indicating they had no opportunity to move and the impact likely immediately killed them. Pushpendra said they had left for Rohan’s cousin’s birthday party around 10pm on Tuesday from Basant’s house at Nithari. Basant was a hotel management student at an institute in Film City.“Around 11.15pm, Basant and Rohan stepped out to drop one of our friends, Roshan. Around 11.40pm, Vikas, who was at the party with us, called Rohan to ask where he was. Rohan told him about the argument. After that, Vikas and I started for the spot on my bike. But we could not find them at the eatery, nor were they answering their phones. I dropped Vikas at the Sector 37 gate, took a U-turn and went towards DPS school. Near Dent Star, I spotted Basant and Rohan driving their bike at high speed and a black SUV right behind them,” Pushpendra said.He felt the argument at the eatery had blown up into a road rage after Vikas and Rohan’s conversation. Puspendra said he followed the car but lost them at the next T-point after they took a right turn towards Army Public School. It was densely foggy that night. “When I was approaching Army Public School, I saw a bike stuck to the grille there. The SUV, probably a Scorpio N, was right there. It reversed and sped off,” he said. “When I went closer, I saw Basant and Rohan. They were bleeding.”Basant, a third-year hotel student, lived with his brother Dheeraj and mother Sonam. His father Hari works as a chef in Kenya. Rohan was a contract worker with the fire department. Both lived in Nithari.Pushpendra’s account of an argument was corroborated by Sonam, who told TOI on Thursday that Basant had called Dheeraj for help. “Basant had called me at 11.18pm to say he was on his way home. Everything seemed fine. I did not feel anything was amiss. Around 11.30pm, Basant called Dheeraj and said Rohan had got into a fight with some people and they needed help. Dheeraj thought his brother was joking, so did not take him seriously,” Sonam said.“They hit both the kids badly. We need justice. My son had so many plans for his life. He was eager to finish his degree and get a job. He also told me about all the places he wanted to visit. All his dreams have gone with him,” Sonam added. She said police had told them the death was an accident. “Later, when we challenged that theory, the cops agreed that it did not look like an accident.” Basant’s father Hari, who took a flight to Delhi, said, “He wanted to become a chef and open a hotel. He was a quick learner. We don’t know how we will live without him. We live in a high-tech city like Noida, but even after 48 hours, police have not been able to find the culprits. We will keep fighting for my justice for my son,” he said.Police said they had formed five teams to track down the SUV. “We are scanning CCTV footage of the area. The issue we are facing is that the SUV did not have a number plate. But our teams are working and we will get a breakthrough,” a senior officer said. An FIR has been filed under BNS sections for rash driving and causing death due to negligence. Rohan’s autopsy indicates ante-mortem head injuries. Basant’s family did not agree to an autopsy. “I believe the men in the SUV were the same people with whom my brother and his friend had an altercation. It’s a clear case of murder,” Dheeraj told TOI.

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Actor Esha Deol ushered in the New Year 2026 with an emotional tribute to her late father, legendary Bollywood star Dharmendra. The actress, who is in Dubai, put on her party hat as she posed for photos. Unlike other stars sharing photos of the firework display, Esha posed with the stunning view of the moon on a clear sky.

Esha Deol pays tribute to late dad Dhurandhar

Giving fans a glimpse of her party-ready outfit and cool accessories for the evening of celebration, Esha sent out a heartfelt greeting that read, “Stay blessed, happy, healthy & strong. Love you all.”

She also posted one photo of herself pointing at the moon, with a hand-written note that read, “Love you Papa.”

Bobby Deol sends Esha Deol his love

The post drew an outpouring of love from fans and friends alike, and even a response from her brother, actor Bobby Deol. Taking to the comments, Bobby sent Esha all his love by leaving a string of red heart emoticons in the caption. This sibling love comes after the Deol family opted to host two seperate prayer services for Dharmendra. While Bobby and Sunny hosted one prayer meet at a hotel in the city, Hema Malini hosted another at her residence, both on the same day. Later, Hema, along with her daughters hosted another prayer meet in Delhi.

Dharmendra’s final film ‘Ikkis‘ releases in theatres

Dharmendra, has been in the news all week long, considering that his final film, ‘Ikkis’ hits the big screens today. The film which also stars Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, is a war biopic based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. Opening up about late Dharmendra’s final performance, Amitabh wrote, “Ikkis is the last precious memory for us, left for millions of fans. An artist wants to practice art till his last breath. And this is what my friend, my family, my idol, Dharmendra Deol Ji did. Dharamji was not just a person; he was a feeling. And a feeling never lets anyone go. He is always with us as a memory, as a blessing.”Sriram Raghavan, who directed the war film, also shared his memories of working with the legendary actor. He said, “I am very blessed. His last film is something where I think he is extraordinary.”

NEW DELHI: GST collections rose 6.1% to Rs 1,74,550 crore, driven by a surge in levies on imports. The numbers, that do not include compensation cess, which has been withdrawn for all goods barring tobacco and pan masala, provide confidence to govt that the mop up (for sales in Nov) has increased despite an overhaul of the tax regime, which saw rates slashed on 375 goods and services. In Dec 2024, including compensation cess, the overall collection was estimated at Rs 1,76,857 crore. Compared to that level, the collection in Dec 2025 was 1.1% higher at Rs 1,78,788 crore (including Rs 4,238 crore cess from tobacco and pan masala) – indicating that the tax cuts have boosted consumption. Govt had said that collections may be affected for a few months but will start rising as consumption picks up.

Staying strong

“Gross collection growth of 6.1% (Dec) and 8.6% on cumulative basis (Aril-Dec) indicates that consumption has certainly been on the upswing and the volume growth in many businesses is making up for the lower rates associated with these volumes. Healthy GDP data indicates that economic growth has increased and the lower (GST) rates are encouraging increased consumption in many sectors,” said M S Mani, partner at consulting firm Deloitte India. The numbers showed that collections from domestic sources in Dec 2025 were 1.2% higher at Rs 1,22,574 crore, while those from imports rose 19.7% to Rs 51,977 crore. “The current moderation in domestic GST collections growth aligns with expectations following govt’s GST rate rationalisation, a move prioritising long-term tax harmony over immediate gains,” said Saurabh Agarwal, tax partner at EY India. On a net basis, GST collections were 2.2% higher at Rs 1,45,570 crore as refunds shot up 31% to Rs 28,980 crore, especially on domestic collections. While restructuring GST, govt had also sought to harmonise refunds. Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Haryana, Sikkim and Bihar reported healthy double-digit growth, while Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha saw the sharpest decline.

Former Australia all-rounder Darren Lehmann took a light-hearted dig at his former teammate Jason Gillespie over a prediction about Afghanistan for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Lehmann said that the Afghan team will not qualify for the semifinals despite playing in spin-friendly subcontinent conditions.

On Wednesday, December 31, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup. Rashid Khan will remain captain for the global event. Naveen-ul-Haq returned after recovering from a shoulder injury. The selectors intend to field a settled and fully fit group for the event.

They Won’t Even Get Close – Darren Lehmann

Jason Gillespie made a bold prediction for the T20 World Cup on social media. The former Pakistan head coach stated that the Afghan team would reach the final.

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“Afghanistan will make the World T20 final,” Jason Gillespie wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

His former teammate Darren Lehmann said that Afghanistan would not only miss the final but also fail to come close, turning the prediction into a friendly online debate.

“I love ya Dizz but they won’t and won’t even get close,” Darren Lehmann replied.

I love ya Dizz but they won’t and won’t even get close . 👍👍🤣 https://t.co/ZY9cRhnuQB

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) January 1, 2026

Afghans Reached T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals After Wins Over New Zealand and Australia

The Afghan side had one of their best campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2024. They registered major wins over New Zealand in the group stage and Australia in the Super Eight. A tense victory over Bangladesh later confirmed their place in the semifinals.

However, their campaign ended on a disappointing note in the semifinal, where they were bowled out for just 56. South Africa chased the target comfortably, finishing the match inside nine overs.

However, reaching the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup marked another big step forward for Afghanistan. Before the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan will play a three-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates on January 19, 21, and 22.

Darren Lehmann’s Impactful Career Despite Limited Opportunities

Darren Lehmann played much of his international career during Australia’s most dominant period, which limited his chances despite strong form. He featured in only 27 Tests and 117 ODIs because batting spots were occupied by players like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and the Waugh brothers.

The former all-rounder scored 1,798 Test runs at an average of 44.95 and amassed 3,078 ODI runs at an average of 38.96. He also contributed with the ball, taking 67 international wickets with his left-arm spin. Lehmann was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 1999 and 2003.

After retiring, Lehmann made a successful move into coaching. He took over as Australia’s head coach in June 2013, led the team to two Ashes series wins, and guided them to the 2015 World Cup title at home. He became only the second person to win a World Cup as both a player and a coach. Lehmann also won the IPL as a coach in 2009 with the Deccan Chargers.

Also read: Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad announced, Mumbai Indians star kicked out

Sheikh Hasina, Muhammad Yunus

DHAKA: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Thursday accused the Muhammad Yunus-headed interim govt of pushing the country towards darkness, while her party Awami League said despite decades of peaceful coexistence, extremist groups are “emboldened” and minority communities are increasingly being branded as “political enemies”.“The masks and vile faces of the conspirators engaged in plots to destroy the country have already been exposed before you. You have seen how illegal usurpers, holding you hostage, have pushed the country towards darkness through limitless corruption, falsehood, and the intoxication of serving personal interests,” Hasina, who was ousted as PM following protests in 2024, said in her New Year message. Bangladesh is now associated with fear, and no country today looks upon Bangladesh and its people with respect, she said, days after important institutions were vandalised in the aftermath of the death of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, and minorities, particularly Hindus, were targetted.“Due to insecurity faced by foreign investors and donor groups, and because of chaotic conditions, the country’s economy has collapsed. We must all come together to save the country from this journey into darkness. Let us, as we welcome the New Year, pledge ourselves to that commitment of protecting the nation,” read the message posted on the X account of her party, which has been banned from political activities and contesting the election.“The distinct identity of Bangladesh and its historic struggle for liberation – of the Bangladesh for which my govt worked tirelessly with the determination to place it on a position of dignity in the world – are today being called into question… In the past, whenever such critical times have arisen, this nation has united, forgetting differences of class, religion, colour, language, and ethnicity, and has leapt forward to realise a collective dream.“Meanwhile, Awami League on X issued a long post on how “like other minorities, the lives of Bangladesh’s Christian community (members) have been turned upside down” by extremist elements.“Since Yunus took charge (in 2024), reports show a sharp rise in Islamist extremism – leaving Christians increasingly targeted, threatened, and living in fear. In the run-up to Christmas and elections, extremist groups openly branded Christians as ‘enemies of Islam’, issuing threat letters to churches, schools, and missionary institutions,” it said.

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi will flag off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Guwahati and Howrah later this month, barely months before the assembly polls in Assam and West Bengal. The train, marking a major upgrade in overnight train travel running at 120-130 kmph, will also reduce the travel time between two eastern capitals by more than three hours. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the first route of the indigenously built modern train that has a design speed of 180 kmph. PM is likely to visit Assam and West Bengal in the third week of this month. Responding to a question on the reason for choosing the route connecting two poll-bound states, Vaishnaw said the decision is part of PM’s thrust on development in east and northeast India under the “purvodaya” scheme. The minister said that in the next six months eight more such trains catering to 1,200-1,500 km routes will be rolled out and by December this number will reach 12. “From next year onwards, production will be ramped up rapidly as the entire supply chain will be in place by then,” he added. Giving details of the first service, he said it will run six days a week and the one-way fare will be Rs 2,300 for 3AC, Rs 3,000 for 2AC and Rs 3,600 for 1AC travel. He added for the first time, the national transporter has decided to have a fixed rate of fare for each class of travel in these trains – Rs 2.4, Rs 3.1 and Rs 3.8 per km for third, second and first AC, meaning there will be no dynamic pricing. “You will see several reforms in railways in 2026. This is one of them,” Vaishnaw said. While passengers originating from Guwahati will be served Asamese cuisine, those starting from Kolkata will get Bengali food. On the special features of the train, Vaishnaw said the riding comfort can be compared with best trains across the globe and the AC system ensures there is adequate oxygen content in air to ensure passengers face no discomfort. Vaishnaw also gave details of progress made in fencing of tracks, upgradation of around 79% network and upgradation in the Over Head Equipment (OHE), the system of overhead cables, masts, and insulators that supplies high-voltage electricity to power electric trains, enabling trains to run at a higher speed. He added that with the expansion of railway infrastructure, they are hopeful of running more trains and they are hopeful of ending waitlisted tickets in some sectors in the next 2-3 years.