Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year old Indian student was shot dead on December 23, 2025 near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. (image source: X/@TorontoPolice)

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Shivank Avasthi, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student, was shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus in Canada. The incident was confirmed by the Toronto Police department, classifying it as a homicide. As per the police officials, the investigation is currently ongoing. The shooting has drawn attention from Canadian authorities and Indian officials, and has caused concern among student communities.Avasthi was pursuing his PhD at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus. He was among the many Indian students who travel to Canada each year for higher education and research opportunities. His death has once again brought focus on the safety of international students studying abroad.

What police say about the shooting near the campus

According to the Toronto Police Service, officers responded to a call for “unknown trouble” on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at approximately 3.34 pm, in the area of Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road, close to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC).When police arrived at the location, Avasthi was found with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the suspect fled before officers reached the area. No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing.The area where the incident took place includes trails and pathways used by students and local residents.

Student safety and campus response

Canada is a popular destination for international students, including a large number from India, because of its education system and work opportunities. In recent months, however, some incidents near campuses and student housing areas have led to renewed discussions around student safety.Following the shooting, concerns were raised on the UT Scarborough campus about a possible active shooter situation. Toronto Police later stated that there was no information or evidence to suggest an immediate risk to public safety. University authorities and police have advised students to rely on official updates.

Indian Embassy confirms death

The Indian Embassy in Toronto confirmed Avasthi’s death through an official post on X and expressed condolences to his family.“We express deep anguish over the tragic death of a young Indian doctoral student, Mr. Shivank Avasthi, in a fatal shooting incident near the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus,” the statement said. The Consulate added that it is in contact with the bereaved family and is providing assistance in coordination with local authorities.

Why was he shot? What police have said so far

Toronto Police have said that no motive has been confirmed at this stage of the investigation. Authorities have not stated whether the shooting was targeted or random. The identity of the suspect has not been made public.Police have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues. Further details are expected to be shared as more information becomes available.

Gold, silver and platinum surged to fresh record highs on Friday, driven by strong speculative momentum, and expectations of further US rate cuts amid rising geopolitical tensions.Silver crossed the $75-per-ounce mark for the first time, as both precious and industrial metals climbed to unprecedented levels amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Reuters reported.

Silver peaked at $75.1515 an ounce, with spot silver jumping 3.6% to $74.56 after hitting an all-time high of $75.14. Spot gold rose 0.6% to $4,504.79 an ounce by 0423 GMT, after touching a record high of $4,530.60 earlier in the session. Gold has posted its strongest annual performance since 1979, supported by Federal Reserve policy easing, geopolitical uncertainty, strong central bank buying, rising ETF holdings and continued de-dollarisation. Silver has surged 158% so far this year, far outpacing gold’s nearly 72% gain, helped by structural supply deficits, its designation as a US critical mineral and strong industrial demand.Platinum jumped 7.8% to $2,393.40 an ounce after touching a record $2,429.98 earlier in the day, while palladium climbed 5.2% to $1,771.14, extending gains after hitting a three-year high in the previous session. All major precious metals are headed for weekly gains, Reuters reported.Platinum and palladium, both widely used in automotive catalytic converters, have rallied sharply on tight supply, tariff uncertainty and a rotation of investment demand from gold. Platinum is up about 165% this year, while palladium has gained more than 90% year-to-date.

What’s fueling the rally?

“Momentum-driven and speculative players have been powering the rally in gold and silver since early December, with thin year-end liquidity, expectations of prolonged US rate cuts, a weaker dollar and a flare-up in geopolitical risks combining to push precious metals to fresh record highs,” Kelvin Wong, senior market analyst at OANDA told Reuters.“Looking ahead into the first half of 2026, gold could move towards the $5,000 level, while silver has the potential to reach around $90,” Wong added.With traders pricing in two US rate cuts next year, non-yielding assets such as gold are expected to remain well supported in a lower interest-rate environment. Geopolitical risks have also added to market jitters, with the US focusing on enforcing a “quarantine” of Venezuelan oil over the next two months and carrying out strikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria following attacks on Christian communities.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the asset classes given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Charles Barkley. Image via: Rich Fury/Getty Images

Charles Barkley did not hold back as the NBA shared its most traditional day with another league. As basketball tipped off on Christmas, the Hall of Famer turned analyst delivered a blunt message that grabbed headlines instantly. Speaking on national television, Barkley questioned why the NBA no longer gets the stage to itself. Barkley made sure to share his frustration directly at the NFL and its leadership.The comments came as the NBA rolled out a full slate of marquee matchups, all airing on ABC. At the same time, the NFL scheduled multiple games on Christmas Day. Barkley believes it has prompted one of his most animated on-air moments this season.

Charles Barkley criticizes NFL for Christmas takeover

Charles Barkley addressed the issue during the broadcast with language that left little room for interpretation. He framed Christmas as a day long associated with professional basketball and accused the NFL of pushing beyond reasonable limits.“The NFL got greedy and started adding Christmas games,” Barkley said on Inside the NBA, via Colin Salao on Inside The NBA. “We used to have this day to ourselves, but Roger Goodell and them pigs at the NFL always want to hog every day of the week now. Christmas is an NBA day.”The NBA scheduled five high-profile games featuring teams like the Knicks, Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets. Meanwhile, the NFL placed three games on the same holiday, all streamed on Netflix. It was the fifth straight season in which the league scheduled multiple Christmas contests. With that move, the league showed that the approach is no longer experimental.Christmas has long been one of the NBA’s most visible stages, often producing memorable moments and strong ratings without direct competition from other major sports.

Are NFL Christmas games a threat to the NBA?

The NFL’s presence on Christmas has continued to grow. This year’s NFL slate included teams dealing with absent quarterbacks, which affected the overall quality of play. Still, the league moved forward, confident in its ability to draw viewers regardless of circumstance.Barkley made clear that his stance goes beyond scheduling inconvenience. For him, the issue centers on identity and tradition.“Christmas is an NBA day,” he said.While the NFL has not publicly responded to Barkley’s comments, the ratings landscape suggests why the league continues to expand. Christmas games now represent another opportunity to dominate a national audience, even at the expense of long-standing norms.Also Read: “I’m ready to get home” — Stephen Curry shares heartfelt message for wife Ayesha Curry following Christmas Day game win

Top stocks to buy (AI image)

Stock market recommendations: According to Bajaj Broking Research, the top stock picks for December 26, 2025 are Lloyds Metals and Energy, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Here’s its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:Index View: NiftyBenchmark indices extended their phase of consolidation for the fourth consecutive week, reflecting a period of digestion after the recent uptrend. During the previous week, the Nifty traded within a defined range but maintained a positive bias, ultimately closing near the 26,150 mark. The recovery during the week was largely supported by favourable global cues, as softer-than-expected US inflation data boosted global risk sentiment and encouraged buying interest across equities.Looking ahead, we anticipate the Nifty to continue consolidating within the broader range of 25,700–26,300 in the near term. The index remains at an important juncture, and a decisive move beyond this range is likely to set the tone for the next directional trend.A sustained breakout above 26,300 on a closing basis would be a key technical trigger, potentially opening the door for further upside towards the 26,500 zone in the coming sessions.On the downside, immediate support is placed near the 26,000 level, which coincides with Monday’s gap-up area and may act as a short-term demand zone. Below this, a strong support band exists in the 25,700–25,800 range, aligning with the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA), the lows of the past two weeks, and an important retracement level of the prior uptrend. Holding above this support zone will be critical to preserve the positive momentum built over the last three months and maintain the broader bullish structure.NIFTY BANKBank Nifty traded in a range, digesting its recent strong gains. The index consolidated in a 1500 points range in the last 4 weeks, oscillating in a positive and negative territory.We expect the index to extend consolidation and form a base in the range of 58500-60100 in the coming weeks. A strength above last week’s high of 59,533 will open further upside towards 60,400 levels in the coming weeks.The entire up move of the last 2 months is well channeled, signaling sustained demand at elevated levels. Key support is placed at 58,300-58,600 levels, being the confluence of the 50 day EMA and recent breakout area. Holding above the support area will keep the short-term bias positive.

Stock Recommendations:

Lloyds Metals and EnergyBuy in the range of ₹ 1340-1380

Lloyds Metals and Energy has delivered a clear breakout above the falling channel that had contained prices over the past six months. This move signals a reversal of the corrective trend and highlights a renewed bullish setup, opening up a fresh entry opportunity from a positional perspective.Going forward, we expect stocks to maintain a positive bias and gradually move toward the ₹1,523 level, which corresponds to the 80% Fibonacci retracement of the broader decline from ₹1,612 to ₹1,170Kotak Mahindra BankBuy in the range of 2140-2180

Kotak Mahindra Bank has recently witnessed a decisive breakout above its prolonged 5-year consolidation range of ₹1,600–₹2,000, marking a clear improvement in its long-term price structure. This breakout indicates a structural turnaround following an extended phase of sideways movement and reflects strengthening momentum along with renewed investor confidence.Going ahead, the stock is likely to maintain a positive bias and gradually trend higher over the next year. Based on the measured move implication of the 5-year range breakout (₹2,400–₹2,000), we expect Kotak Mahindra Bank to advance toward the ₹2,400 level, making the broader outlook constructive from a medium- to long-term perspective.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

The NFL sparked online speculation with a cryptic video featuring individuals in pink, reminiscent of Netflix’s Stranger Things. This eerie, context-free post, captioned with a question about concern, leveraged internet humor and ambiguity to drive engagement. The league’s subtle approach blurred marketing and pop culture, effectively reaching younger audiences by participating in broader entertainment conversations.

The NFL rarely breaks the internet with subtlety, but a single post sent fans into speculation mode this week. A short video shared by the league featuring a group dressed in matching pink outfits, unmistakably tied to Netflix’s Stranger Things, quickly gained traction, not for football reasons, but for its eerie tone. Captioned with the line, “uhhhh should we be concerned @Stranger_Things,” the post blurred the line between sports marketing and pop culture storytelling, leaving fans debating whether the league was joking, teasing, or hinting at something bigger.

Why the NFL’s Stranger Things tease worked so well online

At first glance, the clip feels deliberately unsettling: rows of people in coordinated pink attire, standing in formation, waving in unison. There’s no football action, no players, and no obvious context, which is exactly why it worked. The NFL leaned into internet humor, tapping into the same unease and curiosity that made Stranger Things a global phenomenon.By asking, “uhhhh should we be concerned 🤨,” the league essentially invited fans to write their own narrative. Some joked about mind control at stadiums. Others wondered if the video hinted at a halftime show, a Super Bowl crossover, or a deeper Netflix partnership. The ambiguity fueled engagement, pushing the post well past typical league content metrics.This moment also reflects how the NFL has evolved its digital strategy. Instead of relying solely on highlights and scores, the league increasingly positions itself inside broader entertainment conversations. Collaborations with streaming giants allow the NFL to reach younger, pop-culture-savvy audiences who may not tune in every Sunday but live online.What made the post especially effective is that it didn’t overexplain itself. No press release followed. No clarification was offered. The silence allowed curiosity to do the work, proving that sometimes the smartest marketing move is restraint.Also Read: Is Taylor Swift at the Chiefs’ Christmas game tonight with rumors growing that it could be Travis Kelce’s final game

MOHALI: CBI has filed a chargesheet in a Mohali court against four Punjab Police personnel in connection with the assault on Colonel Pushpinder Bath, naming an inspector as the prime accused.The central agency has dropped charges of attempted murder and instead invoked charges for ‘causing grievous hurt’ and ‘wrongful restraint’. The chargesheet names inspector Ronnie Singh as ‘principal accused’ in the case. On the intervening night of March 13-14 this year, a group of policemen, in civilian clothes, thrashed Colonel Bath and his son over a parking dispute in Patiala.

Colonel Bath accused SIT of ‘shielding’ accused policemenThe Armyman and his son were standing beside their car at a roadside eatery when a group of men, later identified as cops in civilian clothes, asked him to move his vehicle to make space for theirs. The family has alleged that this exchange escalated into violence, following which more than a dozen police personnel assaulted Colonel Bath and his son with rods and sticks, injuring both of them. The FIR was registered eight days later on the Colonel’s complaint. Initially, Patiala police named inspectors Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh and Harjinder Dhillon in the FIR under BNS sections for attempted murder, causing hurt, wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation. Another inspector’s name was added on charges of rioting and insulting a religion. Dissatisfied with the probe, Col Bath approached Punjab and Haryana high court, which handed the case to Chandigarh Police on April 3. On July 14, the Colonel filed a petition in HC, accusing Chandigarh SIT of ‘shielding’ the accused cops. On July 16, HC handed the case to CBI, remarking that Chandigarh Police probe was “tainted” and there were “no prospects of a free and fair investigation”. “The court is convinced that the investigating agency is not only trying to create loopholes in the investigation but trying to make craters in the investigation so as to ensure that once the chargesheet is filed before the court, the case of the prosecution should hardly be able to crawl in court,” Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj said in his scathing remarks. Around a week after this, four accused cops, who were suspended till then, reported at their new postings. Thus far, police had told the court that all of them were “untraceable”. Col Bath’s family criticised the rejoining, saying the officers had ‘surfaced’ to avoid being declared ‘proclaimed offenders’ (POs).