World

More than 30 homes were damaged or destroyed by a bushfire in Tasmania’s Dolphin Sands, forcing residents to evacuate. Authorities warned it is unsafe to return due to hazardous winds and debris. Over 120 structures were affected as investigations continue.

Indian American entrepreneur and community leader Sunny Reddy was unanimously elected Co-Chair of the Michigan Republican Party, marking a milestone for the state’s growing Indian American community. He pledged to work toward GOP victories ahead of a high-stakes 2026 electoral cycle.

US President Donald Trump warned that Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. may face antitrust scrutiny, citing concerns over the company’s expanding market share. The USD 72–83 billion deal would reshape global streaming and has major implications for India’s digital entertainment market.

President Putin's visit, the extraordinary bonhomie that marked his meeting with Modi, and a flurry of agreements signed demonstrated the inherent strength of India-Russia relationship 

India’s ODI series win over South Africa saw Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma deliver strong performances, while youngsters like Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna impressed. Coach Gautam Gambhir praised the balance between experienced players and emerging talent

Anish Bhanwala won silver in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha, finishing behind China’s Li Yuehong. It was his second medal at the event, improving on the bronze he won two years ago

India’s bid to reclaim the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup ended with a 1-5 loss to Germany in the semifinal at Chennai. Anmol Ekka scored India’s lone goal. Germany will face Spain in the final, India meet Argentina for bronze

V Jyothi Surekha won bronze in the women’s individual compound event at the Taipei Archery Open 2025, defeating Korea’s So Chaewon 149-143. The Vijayawada-based archer has already won 26 World Cup medals, including 11 gold, in her career

Michael Neser claimed his maiden five-wicket haul as Australia defeated England by eight wickets in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Steve Smith’s unbeaten 23 sealed the chase, giving Australia a 2-0 lead in the five-match series

India’s Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won silver in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha. Czechia’s Jiri Privratsky took gold, while Liu Yukun claimed bronze. It was India’s fourth medal of the event

The Hyderabad Cricket Association has barred spectators from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match at Uppal stadium on December 8 citing security reasons. The venue will host Lionel Messi’s show on December 13, with tickets priced between Rs 2250 and Rs 30,000

A 23-year-old Telangana man working in Mali was allegedly abducted by rebels, prompting his distressed family to seek urgent help from central and state governments. Another worker from Andhra Pradesh is also missing under similar circumstances, with both cases under official verification

Elon Musk denied reports claiming SpaceX is raising $800 billion or receiving NASA subsidies. He emphasized SpaceX’s cash flow positivity, Starlink as its main revenue source, and NASA contracts awarded for best product and lowest cost, while highlighting Starship and Starlink progress

Pakistani security forces thwarted an IED attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Nasirabad, the latest in repeated insurgent attempts on the train. Services were halted for safety as authorities investigate, following several deadly attacks on the route this year

New Zealand’s plan to add feral cats to its Predator Free 2050 target marks a major cultural shift, raising ethical and welfare concerns. While feral cats are classified as pests, their overlap with domestic cats complicates control methods and sparks wider debates about human–animal relationships

Bethlehem marked a cautious return of Christmas celebrations after two years of the Gaza war, with residents and businesses hoping for economic revival. While tourism remains low and West Bank tensions persist, locals say the festivities signal a fragile but welcome sense of hope.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden ODI century in Visakhapatnam and highlighted the importance of toss and dew in the series win over South Africa. He also reflected on Shubman Gill’s absence and criticised outside comments on cricket matters

India head coach Gautam Gambhir criticised social media theories on split coaching after India’s Test series loss to South Africa. He highlighted Shubman Gill’s absence in the first Test and urged opinion-makers to stay in their domain, defending his red-ball coaching record

India defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the third ODI at Visakhapatnam to win the series 2-1. KL Rahul finally won the toss, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna starred with the ball, and India chased 270 comfortably

The Pro Wrestling League 2026 will start on January 15 at Noida Indoor Stadium, with the finale on February 1. Over 300 wrestlers from 20 countries have registered, making it one of India’s biggest sporting events of the year

Sanskar Saraswat and Mithun Manjunath reached the men’s singles final at the Yonex Sunrise Guwahati Masters, ensuring an all-Indian clash. Tanvi Sharma stunned Japan’s Hina Akechi to enter the women’s final, while Pruthvi and Sai advanced in men’s doubles

India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill has been declared fit to play against South Africa after completing rehabilitation for a neck injury. Cleared by the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Gill will join the squad in Cuttack for the opening T20I

Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Ankita Raina exited in the semifinals of the W100 Dubai doubles tennis championship. The Indian duo lost to Russia’s Rada Zolotareva and Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 5-7, 3-10 in a hard-fought contest

Singer-songwriter Katy Perry shared pictures and videos from her Japan tour featuring former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, confirming their relationship. Viral images of them embracing on Perry’s yacht had already sparked speculation, now widely seen as confirmation of their romance.