World

Myanmar began its 2025 general election with the first phase of polling on Sunday, five years after civil war erupted. The three-phase election spans 692 constituencies and introduces a new voting system, with increased female participation

The US condemned the killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, urging protection of minorities. Lawmakers and advocacy groups expressed concern over rising religious violence, while Washington reiterated its commitment to religious freedom and minority rights.

Martin Odegaard’s first goal of the season and a Georgino Rutter own goal helped Arsenal beat Brighton 2-1 in London. David Raya’s late save preserved the win, taking Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League table

Kevin Pietersen and Dinesh Kartik criticised the bowler-friendly MCG pitch after the Ashes Test ended in two days, highlighting selective criticism of Indian tracks. Michael Vaughan and Aakash Chopra joined the chorus, while CA CEO Todd Greenberg admitted short Tests are bad for business

India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, aim for a fourth straight win in the Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. With bowlers Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh starring, India lead 3-0 and look set for a clean sweep

England captain Ben Stokes criticised the bowler-friendly MCG pitch after the Ashes Test ended in two days. Kevin Pietersen and Dinesh Kartik highlighted selective criticism of Indian pitches, while CA CEO Todd Greenberg admitted short Tests are bad for business

Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh joined Magnus Carlsen at the top after five rounds of the FIDE World Rapid Championships in Doha. Zhu Jiner leads the women’s section with a perfect score, while Koneru Humpy and Ju Wenjun trail with three points

BCCI is weighing Gautam Gambhir’s future as India’s Test coach after the South Africa series defeat. An informal approach was made to VVS Laxman, who declined. Gambhir’s contract runs till 2027, but split coaching could be considered after the T20 World Cup

Rayan Cherki scored an 83rd-minute winner as Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 in the Premier League. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring, Omari Hutchinson equalised, but Cherki’s decisive strike gave City their eighth straight win, taking them to 40 points

Hyderabad’s Aaron George has been selected in India’s U19 World Cup squad for Zimbabwe and Namibia. India, five-time champions, are in Group B with New Zealand, USA and Bangladesh

Surya Charishma Tamiri and Tanvi Patri reached the women’s singles final at the Senior National Badminton Championships in Vijayawada. In men’s singles, S Rithvik Sanjeevi stunned top seed Kiran George, while Bharat Raghav upset M Tharun to set up the final clash

A New York Times report highlights how American technology giants are investing heavily in India’s Artificial Intelligence and data centre infrastructure. Despite trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, projects are advancing, with Hyderabad and coastal cities emerging as prime hubs.

Pakistani security forces killed 13 terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Kohlu and Kalat districts. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were seized. The operations are part of the ongoing “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign to eliminate insurgent threats in the province

Kyiv’s proposed peace plan for the Ukraine crisis differs from the Moscow-Washington framework. Russian officials cite deadlines and interference as obstacles, while Zelensky seeks a referendum on a 20-point plan. Trump will meet Zelensky in Florida to discuss the proposal

Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire to end weeks of border clashes over territorial disputes. The agreement halts military movements, airspace violations, and includes repatriation of 18 Cambodian soldiers, following earlier July and October ceasefire arrangements brokered with Malaysia and US support

US airstrikes targeting alleged Islamic State-linked militants in northwestern Nigeria lit up the skies near Jabo village, causing panic among residents but no civilian casualties. Nigerian officials confirmed cooperation with Washington, calling it a new phase in a long-running conflict

Cambodia accused Thailand of launching fresh airstrikes in its northwest amid renewed border clashes, even as both sides held talks to restore a ceasefire. Thailand said the strikes were defensive, while casualties, evacuations and diplomatic efforts continue

A concert by popular singer James was cancelled in Faridpur after a mob attack injured over 25 people, renewing concerns over rising attacks on artists and cultural institutions amid criticism of the interim government’s handling of law and order

Strong winds and a temporary security-related closure at Terminal 1 disrupted operations at San Francisco International Airport, delaying hundreds of flights and forcing evacuations, traffic congestion and travel advisories for passengers amid adverse weather conditions.

PSG won their first Champions League title in 2025 before losing to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final. Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern and Napoli claimed domestic honours, while Messi led Inter Miami to MLS glory ahead of 2026 World Cup preparations

Shafali Verma smashed 79 not out off 42 balls as India Women beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third T20I at Thiruvananthapuram. Renuka Singh Thakur (4-21) and Deepti Sharma (3-18) restricted Sri Lanka to 112/7

A record Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG saw 20 wickets fall on Day 1. Australia collapsed for 152 but still led England by 42 runs. Josh Tongue took 5/45, while Michael Neser claimed 4/45

Cambodian officials accused Thai F-16s of dropping 40 bombs on border villages in Banteay Meanchey, damaging homes and infrastructure. Clashes follow long-standing territorial disputes, while US Secretary Rubio urged full implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords to restore stability

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced a near-future meeting with former US President Trump to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Talks continue amid Russian demands and Ukrainian counteroffers, while both sides conduct military strikes, including attacks on Russian refineries and drone assaults