The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Monday that the draft electoral rolls for Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be published on Tuesday, December 23.

Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Electoral Officers (DEOs) will provide hard copies of these draft rolls to all recognized political parties. Additionally, the draft rolls will be made accessible to the public through the official websites of the CEOs and DEOs.

The Commission will also release lists of absent, shifted, deceased, and duplicate voters on these websites to help citizens verify and update their details.

This initiative is part of the ECI’s ongoing efforts to maintain accurate and updated electoral rolls to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to review the draft rolls and submit any claims or objections to the relevant authorities.

For a few days in 2025, Indian football did not feel defensive or apologetic. Stadiums were full, social media was flooded, and everywhere the same name was heard — Lionel Messi. One of the greatest footballers of all time was in India, and the response was overwhelming. Fans turned up in huge numbers and soaked in the moment.

But once the excitement settled, Indian football was left facing reality again. The love for the game was never in doubt, but what remained missing was progress.

In many ways, 2025 summed up everything Indian football has been struggling with for years. Messi’s visit showed how strong the connection between Indian fans and the global game is. At the same time, performances on the pitch and problems off it raised old questions about where Indian football is headed and who is actually steering it.

A national team still finding answers

The Indian men’s team went through another difficult year. Expectations were already low, yet results and performances still disappointed. Qualification matches again showed the gap between India and the stronger teams in Asia. Effort was rarely the issue. Organisation, clarity and consistency were.

There were changes on the coaching front and regular tactical tweaks, but nothing really settled. Against well-prepared opponents, India often struggled to keep control, dropped intensity late in matches, and failed to make the most of decent spells. There were flashes of quality from individuals, but the team as a whole did not move forward.

This was frustrating because Indian players now have more exposure than before, mainly through the Indian Super League and a few overseas opportunities. That experience, however, did not reflect in the national team’s performances. By the end of the year, the same questions returned — about planning, continuity and long-term thinking.

Domestic football growing, but unevenly

The Indian Super League continued to draw crowds and money. Stadiums stayed lively and broadcasters remained interested. On the surface, it looked like the league was moving in the right direction.

Dig a little deeper, and concerns remained. Foreign players still dominated key roles and decided most matches. While this improved the quality and entertainment, it also limited the responsibility placed on Indian players. Many young footballers struggled to get consistent minutes or leadership roles.

Outside the ISL spotlight, the situation was tougher. Lower-division clubs faced financial pressure, and several state associations continued to struggle with basic infrastructure. Grassroots football, often talked about as the solution, remained poorly connected and under-supported. The pathway from school football to professional levels still looked unclear.

Off-field instability continues

If results on the pitch were worrying, the situation off it was no better. Administrative uncertainty continued through the year. Legal issues, governance problems and short-term decisions slowed progress and created confusion.

This instability affected development work as well. Coaching courses, youth competitions and talent scouting suffered from lack of consistency. Coordination between administrators, leagues and state bodies remained weak. For players and coaches, it often felt like they were working around the system rather than within it.

For many involved in the sport, 2025 felt like another year slipping away. Football stayed visible and occasionally glamorous, but stability was missing. Compared to other sports in India that have built clearer systems, football appeared stuck.

The Messi moment

Then came the moment everyone will remember. Messi’s visit changed the mood completely. Fans travelled long distances, tickets sold out quickly, and the atmosphere felt more like a celebration than a match event.

This was not just about celebrity appeal. It reflected years of quiet support for the global game among Indian fans. Messi’s presence gave that support a face and a moment. For once, football did not need defending or explanation in India.

The scenes also made one thing clear. India does not lack football fans. What it lacks is a structure that can make use of that passion in a lasting way.

(Photo Source: IANS)

Messi’s visit restarted an old debate. Can moments like this push Indian football forward, or do they fade once the star leaves? The country has seen big names and big events before, with little long-term impact.

This time, the scale felt bigger. Young fans showed renewed interest, sponsors briefly looked beyond quick visibility, and discussions around academies and infrastructure picked up. Whether that leads anywhere depends on what follows.

Without clear planning, better coaching systems and stable administration, inspiration alone will not change much. Big moments need solid foundations to matter.

A familiar crossroads

As 2025 ends, Indian football finds itself in a familiar place. The problems are well known, but so is the potential. Messi’s visit did not solve anything, but it removed one excuse — that football does not matter in India.

The choice now is simple. Continue chasing short-term attention, or finally commit to building something steady and sustainable. The second option is harder and slower, but unavoidable.

This year will not be remembered for results or qualification success. It will be remembered for a brief moment when Indian football saw what it could be — and for the question that followed: what happens next?

Bollywood fans were in for a delightful treat on latest episode of ‘Indian Idol 16’. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman shared a very, very heartwarming behind-the-scenes story from her early film days with Helen.

Learning from the queen of dance

Zeenat Aman revealed how the legendary dancer-actor Helen became an unofficial mentor to many aspiring actresses including herself. From teaching the perfect way to wear contact lenses to mastering eyelashes and wigs, Helen reportedly set the gold standard on screen. Zeenat, who rose to fame with hits like ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’, said she and other heroines would closely watch Helen to learn the tricks that made her unbeatable.

“Helen ji, she was incomparable. There was no question of rivalry,” Zeenat shared. “We used to watch her and learn how to wear contact lenses, how to wear eyelashes, and how to wear a wig. She was always unbeatable. Before I joined films, I was a huge fan of Helen. The first time I saw her on set, my jaw literally dropped!”

Rapper Badshah gets curious

The fun moment came when rapper Badshah asked Zeenat if there was ever any rivalry between her and Helen, given that both were at the peak of their careers around the same time. Zeenat’s answer was heartfelt: admiration and respect were the only emotions.

Helen didn’t stay quiet either. She returned the compliment, saying she too was stunned when Zeenat stepped into the industry.

“My jaw dropped too, looking at such a beautiful girl coming into the film industry. Mashallah,” Helen said.

A special tribute on Indian Idol 16

The episode, titled ‘Celebrating the Lady Dons’, was a full-blown tribute to these legendary women. Contestants performed some of their iconic songs, paying homage to the stars who shaped Bollywood’s golden era.

Also Read: Dhurandhar’s ‘Shararat’: How Aditya Dhar replaced Tamannaah Bhatia with Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza

Amid widespread unrest and violence in Bangladesh over the killing of student leader Osman Haidi, another student leader was shot in the head, local media reported.

The victim was identified as Muhammad Motaleb Shikder, a student leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), the same party to which Osman Haidi belonged. He was shot in the head in Khulna by unidentified gunmen this morning at around 11.45 AM. He is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment.

“A bullet pierced through one side of Shikder’s ear. He is currently out of danger,” said a Bangladeshi daily quoting Animesh Mondol, officer-in-charge (investigation).

He further informed that the student leader was being taken to a diagnostic centre for a CT scan of his head, and further investigation into the incident was underway.

The attack on Muhammad Motaleb Shikder comes as another high-profile shooting in troubled Bangladesh, which has been hit by violence and bloodshed after Osman Haidi’s killing.

Sharif Osman Haidi, a radical student leader, died last week after he was hit with a bullet in his head. The 32-year-old was known for his vile anti-India rhetoric and attained prominence during the student uprising last year, which led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Haidi was shot by masked men on December 12 while coming out of the mosque in Dhaka. His death triggered a series of violent protests in Bangladesh, fanning Islamist forces to rain horror on the country’s minorities.

The disturbing development assumes significance as it comes months ahead of the Bangladesh elections, slated for February 2026. The murderous attempt on the NCP student leader is set to galvanise the masses as well as miscreants to inflict further hostility and atrocities on the minorities.

The NCP, backed by students, came into existence last year, as an offshoot of the violent protests in August last year, and its radical elements have continued to fan anti-India sentiments by making provocative statements.

It was established as the first student-led political party in Bangladesh and is expected to contest the high-stakes electoral battle next year, seeking to challenge Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League and Khaleda Zia’s BNP – the two traditional parties, who traditionally ruled the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the BJP-led central government of misusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to interfere in the state’s affairs and disrespect its people.

Addressing a gathering at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Banerjee alleged that attempts were being made to undermine Bengal’s culture and democratic rights ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. “The BJP government will use the Election Commission to control Bengal and disrespect its people. Attempts are being made to undermine Bengal and uproot its culture. These are all tactics of the BJP government,” the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

She claimed that recent actions related to electoral processes were aimed at weakening the state and influencing future elections.

Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “BJP Government will use the Election Commission to control Bengal and disrespect its people. Attempts are being made to undermine Bengal and uproot its culture. These are all tactics of the BJP… pic.x.com/AfQIEwpfFK

— IANS (@ians_india) December 22, 2025

Allegations over SIR drive

West Bengal CM further alleged that election observers were appointed without informing the state government. “State election officers appointed observers without informing the state. Micro-observers came as BJP supporters from Delhi who neither understand Bengali, Lepcha, nor Nepali—they just came to work,” she said.

She added that such officials were ill-equipped to conduct hearings and sarcastically remarked that they should be provided with proper hearing equipment.

Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “State election officers appointed observers without informing the state. Micro-observers came as BJP supporters from Delhi who neither understand Bengali, Lepcha, nor Nepali—just came to work. These… pic.x.com/JFqFho4om3

— IANS (@ians_india) December 22, 2025

The Chief Minister raised objections to issues related to delimitation and documentation, calling them invalid. “The address change in the delimitation is invalid. The marriage is invalid. The difference in name spelling between Bengali and English is invalid. Who gave you this right?” she asked. She also announced that peaceful rallies would be held in protest and stressed that Booth Level Agents (BLA-1 and BLA-2) would not be removed.

Recalling her long political career, Banerjee said she had never witnessed such circumstances during an election. “I have seen many elections, but I have never witnessed such a ‘dump’ election. The BJP government is behaving like a broker and crossing all limits,” she said.

Also read: Bengal SIR: Only Central govt officials to be appointed as micro observers for hearing sessions

‘Bengal election 2026 will be farewell of the BJP,’ says Mamata

During her address, the West Bengal CM expressed confidence that the BJP will be defeated in the upcoming 2026 elections. She asserted, “Bengal election 2026 will be farewell of the BJP. I am not afraid of the BJP government. I urge everyone to make them zero. If you respect me, my struggles, and my sacrifices, then we will win this election. We will uproot the BJP government and throw the BJP out of Bengal…”

Sending a clear message to party workers ahead of 2026 polls, Banerjee said, “My leaders, are you understanding? There won’t be any picnic now. The real ‘picnic’ will happen after winning the 2026 Bengal elections.” She asked them stay alert and prepared.

Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee says, “Bengal election 2026 will be farewell of the BJP. I am not afraid of the BJP government. I urge everyone to make them zero. If you respect me, my struggles, and my sacrifices, then we will win this… pic.x.com/7Z7CywBnvX

— IANS (@ians_india) December 22, 2025

A senior Russian military officer was killed in a car bomb explosion in Moscow on Monday, with investigators confirming that the blast was caused by an explosive device planted beneath the vehicle, RT reported.

According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the explosion took place earlier in the day in the southern part of the city, damaging several vehicles in the area.
Initial media reports said the driver was seriously injured, before officials later identified the victim as Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, head of operational training at the General Staff.

Investigators said the explosive device had been deliberately placed under the car, indicating a targeted attack.
In this context, Russian authorities said one possible line of inquiry is an assassination linked to Ukrainian intelligence services, RT reported.
The incident has drawn attention to earlier targeted attacks inside Russia.
Ukrainian authorities have previously been accused of using explosive devices to kill officials and public figures.

In December last year, a bomb concealed in an electric scooter killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, commander of Russia’s Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Forces, along with his aide, an attack investigators described as a Ukrainian operation, according to RT.
Against this backdrop, details of Sarvarov’s military career have also emerged.
He was a career officer with combat experience gained during counterterrorism operations in southern Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s, according to information published on the Russian Defence Ministry’s website.

He was 56 years old. Sarvarov was appointed in 2016 to lead the department responsible for training senior officers through staff exercises and other operational events.
Prior to that role, he had also been involved in Russia’s military deployment in Syria.

‘Drishyam 3’ release date: Bollywood’s most quietly powerful hero is coming back. Ajay Devgn is all set to return as Vijay Salgaonkar in ‘Drishyam 3’, and fans finally have a date to mark on their calendars.

The announcement has already created buzz especially among viewers who have followed Vijay’s journey from the very first film.

Catch the ‘Drishyam 3’ announcement video here

The comeback of a common man hero

Vijay Salgaonkar is not your typical movie hero. He does not fight with fists or guns. Instead he uses his mind, patience, and deep love for his family. Ajay Devgn’s calm and controlled performance turned Vijay into one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable on-screen fathers.

Over the years, audiences have connected with Vijay as a simple middle-class man who stands tall when life pushes him into dark corners.

Shooting in full swing across locations

The makers have shared that ‘Drishyam 3’ is currently being filmed and the shoot is happening across several cities and locations. The story will move forward within the same timeline staying true to the world audiences already know.

However, viewers should not expect a predictable story. The new film promises fresh turns.

‘Drishyam 3’ cast

One of the biggest highlights of ‘Drishyam 3’ is the return of the original cast. Along with Ajay Devgn, actors Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor will reprise their roles.

‘Drishyam 3’ is presentation of Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios. The film is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who also co-wrote the script along with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh.

Producers Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak are backing the project.

‘Drishyam 3’ release date

With its release locked for October 2, 2026, ‘Drishyam 3’ is shaping up to be one of the most awaited thrillers of the year.

Also Read: Before the wedding bells: How Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal’s parents had their first meet

A 26-year-old Indian-origin man, Kokulananthan Mohan, was arrested by the Singaporean authorities on 21 December, following a fake bomb scare at St Joseph’s Church in the Bukit Timah area, according to Channel News Asia. The security scare caused concern among worshippers and the general public and led to the cancellation of Sunday mass services.

According to the news reports, a suspicious item was found in the church premises and the police were alerted. Upon arrival, the officers found an object designed to resemble an explosive device made up of cardboard tubes, pebbles, tapes and wires. Subsequent examination confirmed that the item was fake and contained no explosives, posing no actual threat.

The statement released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) suggests that the accused, who had been volunteering at the church, was allegedly responsible for placing the item. Authorities said that he was found holding onto the object when the officers came and presented it to them as something he had supposedly found.

Kokulananthan was produced in court on Monday, where he was charged with making a false threat of a terrorist act, an offence treated seriously under Singapore law due to the potential risks it posed. The court remanded that he must undergo a psychiatric assessment for three weeks as part of ongoing proceedings, following which his next court appearance will be held on January 12, 2026.

The accused has been charged under Regulation 8(2)(a) of the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Regulations. Upon conviction, he could face up to 10 years in prison, or a fine of up to SGD 500,000 (approximately USD 386,757) or both.

The Singaporean Police also highlighted that there is no indication of an actual terror plot or religiously motivated attack, adding that the act was allegedly carried out by the individual alone.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) announced on Saturday that its combatants killed six soldiers from the Pakistani military in three distinct assaults conducted in the Quetta, Kachhi, and Kech districts of Balochistan, as reported by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

In a public statement, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch stated that their fighters executed a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the Daghari region on the outskirts of Quetta on Friday. He mentioned that the explosive targeted military personnel who were “assembled after clearing a railway track,” resulting in the immediate deaths of four soldiers and injuries to two more.

An explosion occurred near Sherdil Stop, close to Daghari Cross, affecting a team engaged in clearing the railway track. Initial reports indicated that multiple personnel suffered fatalities or injuries in the blast. According to the BLA, a second attack transpired that same evening in the Kalamuddin region of Dhadar, Kachhi district. The statement claimed that BLA fighters employed automatic firearms and rockets to assault soldiers as they departed their posts, resulting in “casualties among the enemy army,” as referenced in the TBP report.

A third assault was executed late Friday night when BLA fighters targeted a Pakistani Army post in Saami, located in the Kulag area of Kech district. The group reported the use of several rockets and automatic weapons, leading to the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers and inflicting further casualties and property damage.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for four separate attacks in Nushki, Tump, and Dasht between December 18 and 20. BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch stated that their fighters targeted a vehicle belonging to Pakistani forces with an IED in the Zarrin Jungle area of Nushki on December 18, killing three personnel and injuring two others. The group asserted that the vehicle was “destroyed,” according to the TBP report.

He noted that BLF fighters were patrolling the Malant area of Tump on December 19 when Pakistani forces attempted to monitor them using a quadcopter. The statement revealed that the fighters successfully shot down the drone. The spokesperson further added that BLF fighters subsequently fired multiple rounds from grenade launchers at a military camp in Malant, leading to “casualties and material losses” for the Pakistani forces.
In a different attack on December 19, the BLF reported that its fighters set fire to and obliterated equipment at a Ufone mobile tower situated in the Shay Zangi area of Dasht, claiming the equipment was utilised for surveillance purposes. In another incident, the Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) announced an attack on police in the Bhit Shah area of Hyderabad district in Sindh, according to a TBP report.

In a media statement, BRG spokesperson Dostain Baloch indicated that fighters targeted a police station with a hand grenade explosion, which caused what he referred to as “human and material losses” to the police. He affirmed that the organisation took responsibility for the attack and added that such operations would persist “until the freedom of Balochistan,” as cited in the TBP report.

Bollywood gossip is always more fun when it comes straight from the living room. And this time, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal gave fans a sweet and funny peek into their family life with a little help from Farah Khan.

The adorable couple recently invited Farah Khan and her famous cook Dilip to their home for Farah’s YouTube channel. What followed was some unexpected family revelations that had everyone smiling.

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha on not converting after marriage with Zaheer Iqbal

A dinner that turned into a family icebreaker

While cooking and chatting, Farah decided to ask the big question: how did Sonakshi and Zaheer’s parents meet for the first time?

Sonakshi revealed that they quietly planned a casual party at her close friend Huma Qureshi’s house. It was meant to be relaxed, no pressure, and definitely not official. But that evening turned out to be the first unofficial meeting of both families, including Huma’s parents too.

According to Sonakshi, the night went perfectly. Everyone got along, laughed a lot, and had a great time without even realising how important the moment actually was.

Mom knew something was up

But mothers always know, don’t they?

When Farah asked Sonakshi’s mother, Poonam Sinha, if she had sensed anything that night, her answer was quick and honest. Yes, she did.

Poonam revealed that Sonakshi was sitting near Zaheer’s mother — at her feet, to be precise. That was enough to raise eyebrows. Farah instantly jumped in with a hilarious line, saying, “No one sits at their own parent’s feet!”

One cake, two birthdays, many smiles

Recently, Sonakshi celebrated something even more special — her father Shatrughan Sinha’s birthday and Zaheer Iqbal’s birthday together. The two birthdays fall just a day apart on December 9 and December 10.

Actress Pooja Ruparel shared an inside video from the celebration. The clip showed Sonakshi sitting between her father and her husband as they cut the cake together. Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy was also seen enjoying the party while Poonam Sinha looked happiest of all watching her family bond.

From seven years of love to forever

After dating for seven long years, Sonakshi and Zaheer finally tied the knot on June 23, 2024. They chose a simple civil wedding at home surrounded by close family and friends.

No drama, no noise. Just love, laughter, and togetherness.

In another mid-air scare, a Mumbai-bound Air India flight returned to Delhi and made an emergency landing after one of its engines shut down.

As per details available, the Boeing 777 aircraft Monday morning returned to the Delhi airport roughly one hour into its flight after its right engine suffered an unexpected shutdown.

Following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it will investigate the incident concerning the Delhi-Mumbai Air India flight.

Air India Express flight from Jeddah makes emergency landing in Kochi

“The AIC 887 (Delhi-Mumbai) was involved in Airturnback as during flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2 (Right-Hand engine),” the DGCA said.

The regulator added that immediately after the take-off, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. The crew then shut down the number two engine, and the aircraft made a successful landing at Delhi, it stated further.

The DGCA said that “the inspection/rectification is in progress”. “The incident would be investigated by the Permanent Investigation Board of the Airline under the supervision of Director Air Safety(NR), DGCA,” it stated.

SpiceJet passenger alleges assault by Air India Express pilot at Delhi airport

Air India, on its part, said it has provided immediate assistance to the affected passengers and “alternative arrangements have been made to fly them to their destination shortly”.

The incident comes months after an Air India London-bound flight, AI-171, crashed shortly after take off in Ahmedabad on June 12 this year.

The plane was bound for London’s Gatwick airport with 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Only one passenger survived the crash. Dozens were also killed on the ground as the plane crashed just seconds after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport.

The Enforcement Directorate’s Ahmedabad office filed a chargesheet on Friday against Ketan Patel, the former President of the District Panchayat in Daman and Diu, before a Special PMLA Court.

The charges relate to possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI had accused Patel, a public servant, of holding disproportionate assets worth approximately Rs. 3.77 crore between October 2005 and October 2015. The CBI subsequently filed its own chargesheet in the matter.

The ED’s probe revealed that Patel allegedly received corrupt money during his tenure as Panchayat President from 2005 to 2015. The agency claims this illicit money was funneled into his bank accounts through cash deposits and ‘accommodation entries’, transactions presented as loans that were never repaid. The funds were reportedly used for expenses such as hotel stays and shopping.

In a prior action, the ED had provisionally attached properties valued at Rs. 3.77 crore belonging to Patel. These assets include commercial units in Mumbai, a plot of land, and a fixed deposit.

Right-arm speedster Jhye Richardson is eyeing a comeback in Australia’s squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne against England following a successful recovery from shoulder surgery, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is expected to sit out of the Melbourne Ashes Test, and potentially the rest of the series, with Australia retaining the Ashes after an emphatic 82-run win over the Ben Stokes-led England in Adelaide, which helped the Aussies to gain an unbeaten 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Ashes series.

If Pat Cummins sit out, then there is a vacant space in the Australian pace attack for the remainder of the Test matches against England in Melbourne and Sydney.
Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who played earlier in the series, are also in contention to return to the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, but according to ESPNcricinfo, Richardson is very close to being in consideration.

Notably, the right-arm pacer Richardson trained with the Australian side ahead of Adelaide but was not part of the squad.
If Richardson’s is included in the Test side, it would come exactly a year after he was last included, against India in the Boxing Day Test. Shortly after that, the speedster opted to undergo shoulder surgery to fix long-standing issues and was ruled out of action for nearly 12 months.

Richardson has made a gradual return to action in recent months, starting in grade cricket before playing for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions. He then featured for Australia A against the Lions, where he increased his workload, claiming five wickets across 26 overs.

Till now, Richardson has played three Test matches since making his debut in 2018-19. The pacer has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 22.09.
After retaining the Ashes in Adelaide, Cummins said that there are no injury concerns for speedsters Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
“We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it’s the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it,” he said. “Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job’s done and let’s reassess the risk,” Cummins said.
“Good luck to anyone telling Starcy or even Scotty Boland that they’re going to miss a Boxing Day Test if they’re fully fit,” he added

Dhurandhar box office collection: Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ is refusing to slow down even after more than two weeks in theaters. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, has shown unusual momentum at the box office.

Produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, ‘Dhurandhar’ has now entered its 18th day with strong collections both in India and overseas.

Also Read: Dhurandhar’s ‘Shararat’: How Aditya Dhar replaced Tamannaah Bhatia with Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza

18 days and counting: The numbers

After 17 days, Dhurandhar’s India net collection stood at around ₹555.75 crore, while its gross collection reached ₹666.75 crore, according to industry analyst sacnilk.

Worldwide, the total is estimated at ₹852.75 crore, with overseas earnings around ₹186 crore.

On its 18th day, early estimates suggest that ‘Dhurandhar’ continued to pull audiences though exact figures are yet to be fully confirmed.

Read all the Dhurandhar stories here

A weekend unlike any other for ‘Dhurandhar’

 

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A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh)

The film’s third weekend saw unexpected jumps in collections. On Friday, ‘Dhurandhar’ reportedly earned ₹22.50 crore net, almost 70% higher than the previous record held by Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Chhaava’.

Saturday saw an even bigger jump. The film reportedly collected ₹34.25 crore net, marking the highest third Saturday for any Hindi film.

Chhaava’s previous third Saturday record of ₹22 crore surpassed by a wide margin.

Also Read: ‘Dhurandhar’ hype slows down, Ranveer Singh now shifts focus to ‘Don 3’

By Sunday (Day 17), ‘Dhurandhar’ collected about ₹38.25 crore net bringing the third-weekend total to ₹95 crore net. This marks a record-breaking third weekend for any Hindi release.

‘Dhurandhar’ becomes 2025’s biggest Hindi film

With these numbers, ‘Dhurandhar’ has overtaken earlier 2025 releases like ‘Chhaava’, which ended its run at ₹807 crore worldwide, to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. The film’s global gross of ₹852 crore is now close to overtaking the Kannada blockbuster ‘Kantara’, which earned the same amount.

If the momentum continues, trade experts suggest that ‘Dhurandhar’ could reach ₹900 crore by the end of this week and may even cross the ₹1,000 crore mark before the New Year.

How rare Is a ₹1,000 crore Indian film?

Only eight Indian films have ever crossed the ₹1,000 crore milestone. Shah Rukh Khan has two entries: Pathaan (₹1,050 crore) and Jawan (₹1,148 crore).

Four Telugu films also join the club: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ (₹1,810 crore), ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ (₹1,642 crore), ‘RRR’ (₹1,387 crore), and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ (₹1,100 crore). The remaining two are other top Indian blockbusters, mostly from regional cinema.

If ‘Dhurandhar’ crosses ₹1,000 crore, it will join exclusive list and become the first Hindi film of 2025 to reach this milestone.

Also Read: Dhurandhar age-gap debate: What the film’s team says about Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun and the 20-year gap

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle has reached a defining phase, with several teams already beginning to separate themselves in the race for the coveted top-two positions and a place in the final. Early series results have significantly shaped the standings, while upcoming tours promise to further intensify the competition.

Australia, the 2023 World Test Championship winners have enjoyed a flawless start, sweeping West Indies away in the Caribbean before retaining the Ashes in emphatic fashion. A 3-0 series victory, sealed in Adelaide, underlined Australia’s dominance and extended their unbeaten run against England to 18 matches.

With a 100 per cent record so far, Pat Cummins’ side sit comfortably at the top of the standings and are well placed to reach a third WTC final. Following the conclusion of the Ashes, Australia will not return to Test cricket until the second half of 2026, when demanding away tours of India and South Africa loom, along with a home series against New Zealand later in the year.

New Zealand, the inaugural WTC winners, have surged into second place after an impressive start to their campaign. The Kiwis began their cycle with a three-match home series against West Indies. After a high-scoring draw in the opening Test, in which the visitors defied the odds to escape with a dramatic stalemate, New Zealand took control. A clinical nine-wicket win in the second Test was followed by a dominant 323-run victory in the series finale. That 2-0 result has pushed the Black Caps ahead of South Africa in the standings.

However, tougher challenges await Tom Latham’s side, including away tours of England and Australia in 2026, as well as a home series against India later in the cycle.

South Africa, the defending World Test Champions, have announced themselves with authority. A historic 2-0 series victory away to India, their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years, has propelled the Proteas into the top three. Having already drawn a series in Pakistan, Temba Bavuma’s men have successfully negotiated two of their three major away assignments, collecting three Test wins in the process.

The road ahead remains demanding, with Australia and England both scheduled to tour South Africa for three- and four-match series respectively. Nevertheless, the reigning champions have laid a solid foundation in their title defence.

Sri Lanka began their WTC campaign on a positive note, edging Bangladesh 1-0 in a closely contested two-match series in June. While the early result has provided encouragement, the challenges ahead are significant. Tours of the West Indies and Pakistan in 2026 will test Dhananjaya de Silva’s side, while home series against India and South Africa later in the cycle add further difficulty to their schedule.

Pakistan opened their campaign with a home series draw against South Africa but will not feature in Test cricket again until 2026. Their schedule then intensifies with away tours of Bangladesh, West Indies and England. In addition, home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand remain, giving Pakistan a mixed slate of opportunities and obstacles as they look to improve their standing.

Two-time runners-up India find themselves under mounting pressure after enduring a difficult start, suffering a 0-2 home series defeat to South Africa. Having already played half of their scheduled Tests in the cycle, India now have little margin for error, with their points percentage dipping below 50.

Crucial away tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand await in 2026, followed by another edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. To keep their hopes of a third WTC final alive, India will need a strong turnaround in results.

England have also been placed in a precarious position. A 2-2 home series draw against India provided a steady, if unspectacular, start to the cycle. However, defeats in the first three Tests of the ongoing five-match Ashes series have left Ben Stokes’ side under immense strain. England’s struggles in Australia are well documented, and history will need to be defied if they are to push for a maiden WTC final appearance. Further challenges await with a difficult away series in South Africa, along with home and away contests against New Zealand and Pakistan.

Bangladesh have managed to get on the board with a hard-fought draw against Sri Lanka in Galle, despite losing the series. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team will be eager to build momentum when they face Pakistan in a two-match series in early 2026. However, stern tests lie ahead, including away tours of Australia and South Africa, a home series against West Indies, and a later visit from England.

West Indies have endured a tough start to the cycle, losing seven of their eight Tests so far. Series defeats at home to Australia and away to India and New Zealand have left them near the bottom of the standings, with the lone highlight being a resilient draw in Christchurch. Under new leadership with Roston Chase, the side is in rebuilding mode. Encouragingly, two of their next three WTC assignments will be at home, offering a chance to arrest their slide and regain confidence.

As the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle unfolds, early momentum has clearly favoured Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. With several heavyweight series still to come, the race for the final remains open, but the margin for error is rapidly shrinking for the chasing pack.

Hockey India on Monday announced that tickets for the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 will be free for fans eager to watch the games, as part of their effort to expand the sport’s fanbase across multiple cities live.

The Women’s HIL starts on December 28th in Ranchi and concludes on January 10th. The Men’s HIL begins on January 3rd in Chennai, then moves to Ranchi from January 11th. The final leg will be held in Bhubaneswar, known as the cradle of hockey, from January 17 to 26.

Ticket sales for the Ranchi leg of Hero HIL started today at 1100 hours, while tickets for Hero Men’s HIL Chennai will be available from Wednesday at 1100 hours.

Like the previous edition, Hockey India is committed to bringing the sport to every part of the country and making it more accessible for its passionate fans.

Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “We have once again decided to offer free tickets for hockey fans to come and enjoy all the matches across Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. While the women’s matches will be in Ranchi, the men’s HIL will be played across three cities. We want to fill the hockey stands with fans who wish to see their favourite stars in action. We will have some of the world’s top players this season and we are eager to witness some fantastic hockey over the span of a month.”

Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh echoed similar sentiments and said, “Hero HIL will be a month-long celebration of hockey, and we invite the hockey fans to come watch #hockeykajashn. It was our aim to increase the fanbase for our sport across regions, and we look forward to packed stadiums throughout the season.”

Ranveer Singh in ‘Don 3’: Ranveer Singh made a cheerful public appearance for the first time since his blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’ hit theatres. The spy thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar, has been unstoppable at the box office, recently crossing a massive ₹500 crore in India. The actor, dressed in all black and accompanied by wife Deepika Padukone, was spotted at Mumbai airport.

The ‘Don 3’ buzz: Ranveer Singh takes the lead

Excitement around ‘Don 3’ has been building ever since the project was officially announced in August 2023. Ranveer Singh is set to step into the shoes of Shah Rukh Khan taking on the legendary role of Don.

While the film was expected to begin shooting in January 2025, director Farhan Akhtar had prior commitments. It delayed the schedule and fueled speculation about the project’s future.

Rumours reached a peak when Vikrant Massey, reportedly the antagonist, was said to have exited the project. This led many to question whether ‘Don 3’ was even happening.

But sources have now confirmed that the film is very much alive and Ranveer has already started preparing for intense action sequences.

A source told News18, “Ranveer is back to the game. After some scheduling conflicts, the production doesn’t want to wait anymore. He has started prepping for heavy-duty action sequences last week.”

Action-packed preparations begin

The first schedule of ‘Don 3’ is expected to start between late January and early February 2026. Ranveer, fresh off the success of ‘Dhurandhar’, is going to pair with Kriti Sanon, who also enjoyed a hit with ‘Tere Ishk Mein’.

Some portions of the film will be shot in Jeddah, where both lead actors will be involved in action sequences.

“Kriti will be performing action sequences similar to Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ role in Roma,” the source added.

Vikrant Massey: Will he return?

Earlier reports suggested that Tamil actor Arjun Das would replace Vikrant Massey as the antagonist. However, the makers are reportedly still in talks with Vikrant, who is reportedly keen to reprise his role.

“They’re trying to work out his dates, and the script is being fine-tuned keeping him in mind,” the source revealed.

‘Don 3’ cameos

Adding to the excitement, rumours suggest that Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas could make cameo appearances marking their first on-screen reunion since Don 2 in 2011.

Farhan Akhtar is also reportedly in talks with Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman for special appearances.

Zeenat Aman herself praised Ranveer’s casting on Instagram, writing, “Congratulations, Ranveer! May you find a worthy ‘jungly billi’ to your Don.”

Also Read: Dhurandhar’s ‘Shararat’: How Aditya Dhar replaced Tamannaah Bhatia with Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza