Monami Ghosh is soaking in the calm charm of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and her latest travel moments are a refreshing blend of culture, colour, and quiet indulgence. Swapping city chaos for mountain-framed serenity, the actress is embracing the slower rhythm of life in northern Thailand. From strolling through quaint old-town lanes to admiring ornate temples bathed in golden light, the actress’s Chiang Mai diary is all about mindful travel. Her pictures capture unhurried mornings, sun-drenched afternoons, and the kind of peace that only a heritage-rich destination can offer. Whether it’s soaking in the local vibe, exploring bustling markets, or simply pausing to take in the lush surroundings, the getaway feels both grounding and rejuvenating. Dressed in easy, breezy outfits that complement the relaxed spirit of the city, she lets the destination take centre stage. The verdant landscapes, traditional architecture, and warm local culture create a postcard-perfect backdrop, making her travel snaps effortlessly aesthetic.Sharing pictures on Instagram, Monami wrote, “Shunlam naaki Kolkatay khub thanda poreche! sending you all a lil sunshine from another sky…” Chiang Mai, known for its spiritual soul and scenic beauty, seems to be the perfect escape for the actress — one that balances exploration with stillness. As Monami Ghosh continues to share glimpses from her Thai holiday, her travel trail is inspiring fans to slow down, soak it all in, and rediscover the joy of wandering with intention.
Mitchell Marsh lit up BBL|15 with a spectacular century knock, propelling Perth Scorchers to a mammoth 229/3 against Hobart Hurricanes in the 19th match at Hobart on Thursday. Fans erupted in cheers as the Australian all-rounder smashed his way to glory, slicing a thigh-high full toss from Riley Meredith for one on the 18.1 over to seal his explosive 102 off 58 balls. This blistering knock, featuring 11 fours and 5 sixes, marked Marsh’s second BBL ton and pushed Scorchers’ run rate to a staggering 11.45.
Mitchell Marsh’s explosive ton against Hobart Hurricanes in BBL|15
Marsh arrived at the crease early after Finn Allen‘s quickfire 16 off 10 and Cooper Connolly‘s brief stay of 4 off 8, with Scorchers at 46/1 in the powerplay. He reached his half-century off 33 balls, blending boundaries and towering sixes, while forging a destructive 164-run third-wicket stand with Aaron Hardie that came off just 77 balls. The duo accelerated post-drinks at 80/2 after 10 overs, crossing 100 in 11.2 overs and 150 in 13.4, with Hardie blasting to his fifty off 26 deliveries amid extras from wayward Hurricanes bowling.
Marsh’s landmark 100 arrived off 55 balls in the 18th over, capping a sequence where Scorchers hit 60 runs in the last five overs at 12 an over, despite a slow over-rate penalty. He fell soon after for 102, caught by Ben McDermott off Nathan Ellis, but not before crossing 2000 BBL runs—a personal milestone celebrated wildly by the Hobart crowd on New Year’s Day. Ellis (2/44) and Meredith (0/61) toiled hard, but Chris Jordan leaked 41 in four overs as Marsh dominated.
Perth Scorchers post a massive target for Hobart Hurricanes
Hardie remained unbeaten on a sensational 94 off 43 (9 fours, 5 sixes), his aggressive strokeplay complementing Marsh’s assault to propel Scorchers past 200 in 17.2 overs. Captain Ashton Turner (1* off 1) watched from the other end as the innings closed at 229/3, including 12 extras, setting Hurricanes a daunting chase for Perth. The powerplay two phase added 38 runs without loss, showcasing Scorchers’ depth ahead of Laurie Evans, Ashton Agar, and the bowlers.
The Scorchers will look to avenged Hurricanes’ earlier four-wicket win over their side on Boxing Day, where Perth managed only 150/8. Marsh’s fireworks and Hardie’s near-century have reignited Scorchers’ title defence campaign, with fans hailing the all-rounders’ synergy in BBL|15’s high-scoring Hobart showdown. Social media buzzed with highlights of Marsh’s sixes and the thigh-high slice, underscoring his T20 prowess.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have injected new life into ODI cricket, turning the format into a must-watch whenever they feature. Recent bilateral series against Australia and South Africa sparked an unusual level of excitement, echoing the atmosphere seen during the 2023 ODI World Cup. With both players having stepped away from T20Is and Tests, their appearances are now limited, making every ODI feel like a marquee event. That rarity has worked in favour of 50-over cricket, pulling back crowds and attention at a time when interest in the format had started to fade. Their selective presence has also reinforced their standing as the biggest attractions in the global game. By continuing to commit to ODIs, Kohli and Rohit have helped restore relevance, anticipation and value to the format, ensuring each contest carries added weight.
India can survive without Virat and Rohit, not without Bumrah
Amid this renewed buzz, Irfan Pathan called for stronger scheduling to fully capitalise on their impact. Speaking on Star Sports, the former all-rounder pushed for longer series and multi-team tournaments to sustain fan engagement. “That’s why I am repeatedly saying one thing. Why can’t we have five ODIs instead of three? Why can’t we have a triangular or quadrangular series? Why can’t we arrange that, because these two greats play only one format? It won’t be wrong to say that if a lot of interest has returned to ODI cricket, these two have brought it,” Pathan said. The influence of the two stalwarts is also reflected in the ICC ODI batting rankings, with Rohit sitting at number one and Kohli close behind in second, underlining their consistency and dominance in the format. Pathan further stressed that the appeal is not just about star power but also performance. With the next World Cup still some way off, he argued that regular match exposure is essential to maintain rhythm and keep the momentum alive. “The biggest thing is that they are also performing. The World Cup is far away. You will definitely want to think about it, but I am also thinking that the more we get to see them, that these two players should keep playing, keep representing India, and when they are not playing for India, they should keep playing domestic cricket because the more they play, the better it is,” he observed.
An iconic church in Amsterdam was partially destroyed after a fire tore through its spire in the early hours of New Year’s Day.The Vondelkerk, located next to the city’s well-known Vondelpark, collapsed in on itself as 2026 celebrations were underway. The fire is believed to have broken out shortly after midnight and was quickly declared a major blaze and a regional emergency.The cause of the fire was not immediately known.The Netherlands saw a turbulent New Year’s Eve marked by two deaths linked to fireworks and what police described as “unprecedented” violence against law enforcement.Nine Kooiman, head of the Dutch Police Union, said there was an “unprecedented amount of violence against police and emergency services” during the night. She said she herself was pelted three times with fireworks and other explosives while working a shift in Amsterdam, as cited by AFP. Shortly after midnight, authorities issued a rare nationwide mobile phone alert urging people not to contact emergency services unless their lives were at risk, as call centres were overwhelmed. Reports of attacks on police officers and firefighters emerged from across the country, including in the southern city of Breda, where petrol bombs were thrown at police.An eye hospital in Rotterdam said it treated 14 patients for eye injuries, including 10 minors, with two requiring surgery.With an expected ban on unofficial fireworks set to take effect next year, fireworks were purchased in large quantities. The Dutch Pyrotechnics Association said revellers spent a record 129 million euros ($151 million) on fireworks.Although some areas had been designated as firework-free zones, the measures appeared to have had little impact.
PUNE: A Shiv Sena candidate from the Dhankawdi-Sahakarnagar ward of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was booked on Wednesday after he allegedly swallowed the A and B form of another party member at the ward office in the afternoon.Assistant election officer and nayab tehsildar Manisha Bhutkar filed a complaint with the Bharati Vidyapeeth police, after which a case was registered against the candidate under sections 132 (assault or use of criminal force against a public servant) and 324 (mischief) of BNS.
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Senior inspector Rahul Khilare said the party initially issued the form to party worker Machindra Dhawale, who submitted the nomination documents for Ward 36 A. Later, another AB form was issued to the accused, who also filed his documents on Tuesday.“The accused visited the ward office on Wednesday and requested the file containing candidate lists and forms. After receiving the file, he pulled out Dhawale’s form and tried to tear it. When officials intervened, he fled toward the washroom and swallowed the form. The document could not be recovered,” Khilare said.
The gross Goods and Services Tax collections for December 2025 were at Rs 1.75 lakh crore, marking a 6.1 per cent increase from the previous year. The April-December period of 2025-26 saw massive growth in GST collections, with total collections reaching Rs 16.5 lakh crore, up 8.6 per cent from Rs 15.2 lakh crore in the same period last year. Both central and state components showed positive growth during this time.The fiscal year 2024-25 also proved to be a landmark year for GST, with collections hitting a record Rs 22.08 lakh crore, showing a 9.4 per cent jump from its previous year. The average monthly collection reached its highest level since GST’s 2017 launch, standing at Rs 1.84 lakh crore.This growth comes after the system moved from four tax slabs to two main rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, with a special 40 per cent rate for luxury goods.The recent reforms announced by Prime Minister Modi from the Red Fort on Independence Day and implemented from the first day of Navratri represent the most significant overhaul of the system. These changes aim to reduce the tax burden on citizens while promoting economic growth through a simpler tax structure. Meanwhile, since its formation in 2016, the Council has held 55 meetings and taken several key decisions aimed at simplifying the GST framework and making it more business-friendly.
SALEM: A 22-year-old man who killed his lover and threw her body into a 300ft-deep gorge in Yercaud was arrested on Monday. He was caught after he sent her mangalsutra to her husband through courier.The incident happened on Dec 23 in the Yercaud garden area where G Venkatesh was meeting 25-year-old Sumathi. They got into an argument there. “Sumathi got a call when they were together, and when Venkatesh asked her who it was, she did not give him a proper answer. This angered him,” said police. “He then strangled Sumathi to death with her dupatta.”Venkatesh put her body in a bag, carried it on his two wheeler to a gorge on the Yercaud-Kuppanur ghat road and threw it there.He then sent Sumathi’s thaali through courier to her husband, whom she had separated from two years ago. Police said the husband, Shanmugam, a truck driver, had been taking care of their two children. After he got the parcel from Venkatesh, he tried searching for Sumathi but it was in vain. So, on Dec 25, he filed a complaint with the Yercaud police, who questioned Venkatesh, arrested him and retrieved the body from gorge with the help of forest officials and firemen. The body was then sent to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital for postmortem.
The year 2025 witnessed several prominent cricket personalities navigating challenging personal terrain, with multiple high-profile relationship endings capturing widespread attention across social and traditional media platforms. These developments underscored the intense pressures that accompany celebrity status in professional sports.
Cricketers’ relationships that ended in 2025
Professional athletes often face unique challenges in maintaining personal relationships while managing demanding careers and constant public visibility. This year saw several cricket stars publicly addressing the end of their marriages and partnerships, with varying degrees of controversy and media attention accompanying each announcement.
1) JP Duminy and Sue Erasmus parts ways after 12 years
Sue Erasmus, JP Duminy (PC: X.com)
Former South African cricketer JP Duminy and his wife Sue Erasmus concluded their marriage in February 2025, ending a union that had lasted over a decade. The couple, who exchanged vows in 2011, released a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to their daughters Isabella and Alexa Rose. Their announcement prioritized co-parenting arrangements and family stability moving forward. Observers had noted decreased public appearances together in preceding months, though no detailed explanation was provided for the separation. Sue has since moved forward with a new relationship, publicly sharing moments with her partner Franco Roberto on social media.
2) Yuzvendra Chahal’s high-profile separation from Dhanashree Verma
Dhanashree Verma, Yuzvendra Chahal (PC: X.com)
The dissolution of Yuzvendra Chahal’s marriage to choreographer and content creator Dhanashree Verma became one of the most discussed cricket-related stories of early 2025. The Bandra Family Court in Mumbai officially granted their divorce on March 20, bringing closure to a relationship that began during pandemic lockdowns in 2020. Court documents cited incompatibility as the fundamental issue, with reports suggesting differing preferences regarding residential location and lifestyle choices created persistent friction. The couple had been living apart since mid-2022.
Financial settlements reportedly included substantial compensation, with Chahal agreeing to provide INR 4 crore alimony payment. The Bombay High Court expedited proceedings by waiving the standard waiting period, accommodating Chahal’s professional cricket commitments during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Media attention intensified when both parties arrived at court proceedings wearing masks to avoid identification. Post-separation, both individuals made subtle social media statements that generated additional public discussion.
3) Megan Schutt confirms split with partner Jess Holyoake
Jess Hollyoake, Megan Schutt (PC: X.com)
Australian women’s cricket star Megan Schutt publicly acknowledged the end of her marriage to Jess Holyoake through a heartfelt social media message. The couple, who married in 2019 following several years together, decided to separate after experiencing difficulties in their relationship. Schutt emphasized that despite the romantic partnership ending, both remain dedicated to raising their daughter Rylee, born in 2021. The announcement stressed mutual respect and a commitment to maintaining positive communication for their child’s benefit.
4) Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s wedding called off
Smriti Mandhana, Palash Muchhal (PC: X.com)
Perhaps the most dramatic development involved Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal, whose planned November wedding was abruptly cancelled. The couple, together since 2019, had wedding preparations underway when circumstances changed dramatically on the scheduled ceremony date. Mandhana’s father experienced a medical emergency that morning, followed by Muchhal’s own hospitalization.
Online speculation intensified with unverified claims regarding relationship dynamics, which Muchhal’s family firmly rejected as false rumors while threatening legal action against those spreading misinformation. Mandhana removed wedding-related content from her social media profiles, and by early December, both parties confirmed the permanent cancellation. Mandhana requested focus remain on her cricket career, while Muchhal expressed his intention to move forward respectfully.
5) Imad Wasim’s contested divorce from Sannia Ashfaq
Imad Wasim, Sannia Ashfaq (PC: X.com)
Imad Wasim’s marriage dissolution in late December 2025 generated significant controversy when conflicting narratives emerged. The Pakistani all-rounder announced his separation from Sannia Ashfaq on December 28, requesting privacy and asking supporters to refrain from sharing outdated couple photographs. His statement referenced unresolved conflicts accumulated over several years.
Ashfaq responded with a contrasting account, making serious allegations about the circumstances surrounding their separation. She claimed external interference contributed to the marriage breakdown and described experiencing significant emotional difficulties, particularly during pregnancies. Her statement indicated ongoing legal proceedings and suggested she possessed supporting documentation. The couple, married in 2016, has children together. Speculation emerged regarding third-party involvement, though definitive confirmation remained elusive amid denials from various parties.
India is set to get its first bullet train by 2027! Union minister of railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced that India is likely to receive its first Bullet Train on 15 August 2027.
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Speaking about the timeline of the project, he said, “The bullet train will be ready in 2027, August 15th, 2027.”The minister further informed about the routes, saying, “the first section to open will be from Surat to Bilimora. After that, Vapi to Surat will open. Then Vapi to Ahmedabad will open, and after that, Thane to Ahmedabad will open, and then Mumbai to Ahmedabad will open.”“For the bullet train … you can buy a ticket now itself, as it will be operational by 2027,” he further added, jokingly.The 508-km Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, India’s first high-speed rail line, has been steadily progressing, with significant work completed on viaducts, bridges, tunnels, and stations. The corridor, which will operate at speeds of up to 320 kmph, is expected to reduce travel time to under two hours. Officials earlier said that 320 km of viaduct work is already complete, with land acquisition, tunnelling, station construction, and electrification moving ahead simultaneously. The project, developed in collaboration with Japan, combines Shinkansen standards with Indian engineering at scale, and officials expect the first operational run in 2027, with full corridor operation by 2029.The minister also announced that the first Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to be launched this month. PM Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the service in the second half of January 2026.Speaking about the success of the Vande Bharat Express, Vaishnaw said it has created a “new sense of confidence across the country,” and added that the train has been widely appreciated. “Requests are now coming in from all over India to run Vande Bharat trains, and almost every MP wants one. With the same comfort, safety, and standards, a new overnight journey will begin with the Vande Bharat Sleeper,” he informed.
NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday backed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that the BJP’s “conspiracy” would fail. He also predicted that the BJP would lose the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027.Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav said, “In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is going to win by a large margin of votes. These BJP people conspire everywhere. This time, their conspiracy will not work. First, they will lose in Bengal, and then they will lose in UP as well,” Akhilesh told reporters.
‘Will Rid Bengal Of Infiltrators’: Amit Shah Slams Mamata Banerjee’s 14-Year Rule, Sounds Poll Bugle
During a recent visit to Kolkata, Union minister Amit Shah alleged that “fear and corruption” have become the identity of West Bengal over the last 14 years.He also accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of facilitating the infiltration of illegal immigrants and claimed that the state government was refusing to provide land for border fencing.In response, Mamata Banerjee referred to Amit Shah as “Dushasana,” a character from the Mahabharat.Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav also targeted Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state, alleging pressure on Election Commission officials.“When the chief minister said that four crore votes had been deducted from his count, he was essentially telling the officials to commit fraud… The data emerging at this time proves that the Election Commission and its officials need to demonstrate their credibility. Because if there is a discrepancy between figures from the state government and those from SIR, the EC will have to consider the purpose of SIR and the whole revision process,” Akhilesh Yadav said.
