Month: December 2025

Former Australian cricketer Damien Martyn has been hospitalised and put into an induced coma following a diagnosis of meningitis, according to cricket.com.au, quoting the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

The 54-year-old played 67 Tests and 208 ODIs and four T20Is for Australia between 1992 and 2006. To this day, he is widely regarded as one of the best ODI finishers in cricket history.

Martyn, known as one of the game’s great stroke makers, finished his Test career with 4406 runs in 67 matches at an average of 46.37, with 13 centuries. In the ODIs, he scored 5346 runs in 208 games at an average of 40.80, with five centuries and 37 half-centuries.

Notably, he was named Player of the Series when Australia last won an away series in India, finishing as the top scorer in four of Australia’s eight innings during the 2004 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“I’m saddened to hear of Damien’s illness. The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time,” Cricket Australia’s CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statement, as per cricket.com.au.

Adam Gilchrist, a close friend and former teammate of Martyn with Australia and Western Australia, confirmed on behalf of Martyn’s family that the 2003 World Cup winner is undergoing treatment in hospital.

“He is getting the best of treatment and (Martyn’s partner) Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes,” Gilchrist said as quoted by cricket.com.au.

Martyn’s former Australian teammate and the former Australia coach Darren Lehmann sent well wishes for Martyn on social media after news broke of his illness.

“Lots of love and prayers sending Damien Martyn’s way. Keep strong and fighting legend,” Lehmann wrote on X. (ANI)

Ahmedabad is set to host the 14th International Flower Show in 2026, starting on Thursday, January 1.

The event, organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), will take place at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre.

The event will be inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

The theme of the flower show titled “Bharat Ek Gatha” will showcase India’s journey from ancient times to the present day. The event will use flowers, plants, and large structures to highlight the country’s culture, history, science, and values.

During the opening, a special floral display based on “Stree Shaktikaran” (Women Empowerment) will also be presented.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see floral displays depicting India’s journey from its ancient civilisation to contemporary times through artistic floral installations. The show aims to give people a visual story of India through detailed flower work and creative designs.

One of the main attractions will be the “Sanatan Bharat” pavilion. This section will showcase India’s old traditions and spiritual roots. Floral installations will represent Vedic knowledge, yoga, classical arts, and Indian beliefs. The pavilion is expected to offer visitors a deep cultural experience.

A huge floral structure with a diameter of 30 meters will also be set up at the venue. Another major display will be a large floral installation dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, highlighting his role in uniting the nation. This is expected to be one of the biggest floral displays in the world.

The flower show will also focus on modern India. Special sections will highlight the country’s work in science, space, technology, education, health, and innovation. Themes like Digital India, renewable energy, start-ups, and modern infrastructure will be showcased through flowers.

The event will begin on January 1 and will conclude on January 22, 2026. (ANI)

The hill town of Manali is getting ready for the New Year 2026 celebrations as a large number of tourists have begun to arrive from across the country. Ahead of the New Year, thousands of vehicles are reaching Manali, and hotels have already reported full bookings.

Visitors from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other cities have started gathering in the town. Many tourists are excited about outdoor activities, while children eagerly await snowfall. Areas like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley are seeing heavy footfall as people hope for fresh snow.

Jatin Mehta, who has come from Delhi to celebrate the New Year in Manali, shared his plans with ANI. He said that he reached Manali early in the morning and is hopeful that it will snow. Talking about New Year’s Eve, he said, “We came from Delhi and reached here early this morning, hoping that there would be snowfall. Our plan for the 31st is to stay here and dance to the DJ music.”

Another tourist, Geetu from Delhi, also spoke about her excitement. She said she finds Manali very beautiful and has visited many times before, but this trip feels special. She said, “We are very excited. Manali looks wonderful. We have come here many times before, but this time we are here to see snowfall. The children are very excited. We are waiting to celebrate the 31st evening with snowfall.”

Mall Road in Manali is already full of life. Tourists can be seen enjoying walks with their families on Mall Road and at Atal Chowk from early morning. Local people are hopeful that the tourist rush will help boost work and income during the holiday season. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka and conveyed India’s deepest condolences on the death of his mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.”

He said he handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman.

“Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India,” Jaishankar said.

He also expressed confidence in Khaleda Zia’s legacy and its relevance to bilateral ties.

“Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership,” he added.

Separately, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said Jaishankar, during his visit to Dhaka, conveyed the condolences of the people and government of India as Bangladesh mourns the passing of the former prime minister.

In a post on X, Hamidullah said that Jaishankar recognised Khaleda Zia’s contribution to democracy and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties following Bangladesh’s democratic transition through the upcoming election scheduled for February 2026.

Meanwhile, as tributes continued to pour in from across the world, the body of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had arrived earlier in the day at her Gulshan residence, Firoza, where family members and close relatives paid their last respects ahead of her Namaz-e-Janaza.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a post on X that the body had reached the residence, where family members and relatives gathered to offer their final respects.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was present at the residence alongside family members. He was seen seated quietly with a prayer book in his hands, paying his final respects to his mother.

The funeral prayer for the former prime minister will be held at 2 pm today on Manik Mia Avenue at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament Building, with large crowds gathering to participate in the Namaz-e-Janaza.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, along with other dignitaries, is expected to attend the funeral prayer.

Following the prayers, Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at his mausoleum in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

The funeral has drawn regional attention, with India confirming official participation in the last rites. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral.

Senior representatives from several South Asian countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, are also expected to pay their last respects.

Bangladesh is observing a public holiday on Wednesday and has entered a three-day period of state mourning.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A dominant figure in national politics for decades, she led the country for three terms and played a key role in restoring democracy following years of military rule.

As preparations for the final rites continued, BNP leaders said the funeral prayer will be led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan will conduct the proceedings.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, as quoted by The Daily Star, urged attendees to maintain discipline and preserve the dignity and solemnity of the ceremony.

The government has announced that Khaleda Zia’s final journey will be conducted with full state honours under heightened security.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said more than 10,000 police and Armed Police Battalion personnel have been deployed, with army members stationed at key points, while vehicular movement along affected roads will remain restricted.

Condolences have poured in from global leaders and international organisations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s death, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh, while recalling his meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015.

Tributes were also paid by leaders from Pakistan, Nepal and several other countries, with the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, Russia, China and multiple diplomatic missions acknowledging Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s political and democratic development. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday participated in the ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi Ceremony’ organised on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, describing the moment as one of historic pride and spiritual fulfilment for the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Singh recalled the significance of the consecration of Lord Ram, stating, “Two years ago from today, our Lord Shri Ram, after centuries of waiting, was consecrated in His divine temple. With His wondrous and radiant image, He is today bestowing glory not only upon Ayodhya but upon the entire world.”

He said that the spiritual atmosphere of Ayodhya reflects the deep emotional bond people share with Lord Ram.

“Today, every lane, every square, every doorway, every breath of Ayodhya is imbued with Ram and filled with joy. This joy is not confined merely to Ayodhya. Today, the entire Awadh region, today the whole of Bharatvarsha, and today every heart in the world that knows Ram, honours Ram,” Singh said.

Calling the occasion a moment of collective pride, the Defence Minister added, “Today’s day is a moment of immense pride for all of us. That historic moment, when Lord Shri Ramchandra himself decided the time to appear again on the land of Avadh to give darshan to his devotees.”

Reflecting on the Ram Mandir movement, Singh said it remains one of the most powerful mass movements in the world.

“We are also celebrating the success of that grand narrative. That narrative was so successful that not only did Ram come to his temple, but today the flag of dharma is also over that temple,” he said.

He further added, “I often think about the Ram Mandir movement. I do not know what all has been said about that movement or what all has been propagated. Whereas I feel that the Ram Mandir movement is one of the world’s most grand narratives. I remember the intensity, the consciousness, and the widespread public awakening with which this movement emerged in the 90s. It stirred the entire nation. We all have seen with our own eyes and lived the movement that was launched for the construction of Lord Ram’s temple.”

Highlighting the development of Ayodhya, Singh credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the double-engine government.

“Today, under the strong leadership of the double-engine government, Ayodhya is witnessing unprecedented transformation. In line with the visionary thinking of our Prime Minister Ji, while preserving faith, culture, and history, world-class infrastructure is being built here,” he said.

He further noted that the construction of the Ram Temple has significantly boosted religious tourism.

“After the construction of the Ram Temple, the arrival of crores of devotees has transformed Ayodhya into a global hub of religious tourism. With the development of roads, housing, green spaces, airports, and railways, Ayodhya is emerging as a modern, safe, and prosperous model city,” Singh added.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony marks a significant milestone in Ayodhya’s spiritual and developmental journey, drawing devotees from across the country and world. (ANI)

Bangladesh on Wednesday held the Namaz-e-Janaza of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran leader.

As reported by The Daily Star, the funeral prayer was led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan oversaw the proceedings.

From early morning, Manik Mia Avenue witnessed a steady influx of mourners, with BNP leaders and party activists arriving from across Dhaka and districts such as Feni, Brahmanbaria, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Gazipur, Munshiganj and Narayanganj to attend the Namaz-e-Janaza.

Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus reached the Parliament Complex to join the funeral prayers and offer his last respects.

Following the Namaz-e-Janaza, it was announced that Khaleda Zia will be buried beside her husband, former president Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.

The funeral drew wide regional attention, with multiple South Asian nations dispatching senior representatives to Dhaka to attend the state funeral, The Daily Star reported.

Earlier in the day, the body of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was brought to her Gulshan residence, Firoza, where family members and close relatives gathered ahead of the funeral.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a post on X that the body had reached the residence.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman was present at the residence with family members and was seen seated quietly with a prayer book in his hands as he paid his final respects.

India formally confirmed its participation in the last rites. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning on a special flight that landed at 11:30 am and was received by the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported, citing a spokesperson for the Indian High Commission.

After his arrival, Jaishankar met Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and conveyed India’s condolences.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.”

He said he handed over a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tarique Rahman.

“Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar also referred to Khaleda Zia’s legacy and its significance for bilateral relations.

“Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia’s vision and values will guide the development of our partnership,” he added.

Separately, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said that during his visit, Jaishankar conveyed condolences from the people and government of India as Bangladesh mourns the loss of the former prime minister.

In a post on X, Hamidullah said Jaishankar acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s role in strengthening democracy and expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties following Bangladesh’s democratic transition through the upcoming election scheduled for February 2026.

Other regional leaders also arrived in Dhaka for the funeral. Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reached the capital around 11:50 am and was received by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh and senior officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Bhutan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, also arrived in Dhaka to attend the funeral.

Bangladesh is observing a public holiday on Wednesday and has begun a three-day period of state mourning.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. A towering figure in national politics, she served three terms as prime minister and played a key role in restoring democracy after years of military rule.

As preparations for the final rites continued, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, as quoted by The Daily Star, urged mourners to maintain discipline and uphold the dignity of the ceremony.

The government announced that Khaleda Zia’s final journey is being carried out with full state honours under heightened security arrangements.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said more than 10,000 police and Armed Police Battalion personnel have been deployed, with army units positioned at key locations and vehicular movement restricted along affected routes.

Messages of condolence have continued to arrive from global leaders and international organisations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s death, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh, and recalling his meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015.

Tributes were also paid by leaders from Pakistan, Nepal and several other countries, while the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, Russia, China and multiple diplomatic missions acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s contributions to Bangladesh’s political and democratic development. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was spotted at the Jamnagar International Airport on Tuesday to attend a celebration hosted by Reliance.

The actor, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday in Mumbai, arrived in Jamnagar in style, wearing an all-black outfit. He donned a black jacket and paired it with a black shirt and jeans.

The actor will be a special guest at the upcoming Reliance-hosted event, joining numerous other celebrities and actors.

Riteish Deshmukh was also spotted at the Jamnagar airport earlier today. The actor was seen with his wife, Genelia D’Souza.

Earlier, Reliance Family Day was also celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Reliance founder Dhirubhai Ambani. The annual celebration featured numerous celebrities, including Shankar Mahadevan, Gaurav Khanna, Riteish Deshmukh, Nitanshi Goel, Kiku Sharda, and others. The event took place on December 28.

According to the press note by Jio Creative Labs, the event followed a deliberate narrative rhythm that integrated music, performance, humour and large-scale participation. Performances were conceived as storytelling tools rather than standalone acts, allowing the evening to unfold as one continuous journey rooted in family, legacy and collective pride. The event was hosted by the Bigg Boss 19 winner, Gaurav Khanna.

Key creative highlights included a Panch Tatva-inspired dance performance by Priyank Sharma that interpreted Reliance’s connection with the five elements, an act by Avinash Mishra conceived as a reflective ode to the year 2025, and a high-energy, action-packed segment featuring Riteish Deshmukh performing alongside the Vantara K9 unit, combining spectacle with purpose, as per the press note by Jio Creative Lab.

Adding to the scale and authenticity of the production, Vantara’s domesticated animals and their dedicated handlers were woven into the show, reflecting discipline, care and coordination.

Music led by Shankar Mahadevan anchored the emotional arc of the evening, while comedy segments by Kiku Sharda and Sanket Bhosale, children’s performances and widespread employee participation ensured a balanced experience across age groups and sensibilities.

Singer Shankar Mahadevan also shared the glimpses from the event on his Instagram handle.

He wrote, “An evening defined by scale, warmth, and shared joy. Performing at Reliance Family Day 2025 on Shri Dhirubhai Ambani ji’s birth anniversary was simply memorable.”

A standout moment of the evening was the Swadesh x Vantara fashion showcase, which celebrated Indian artisanship and sustainability, with Nitanshi Goel walking the ramp as the showstopper.

Reliance Family Day is an annual celebration to commemorate the birth anniversary of Reliance founder Dhirubhai Ambani. Observed across the Reliance ecosystem, the day honours his enduring legacy of entrepreneurship, nation-building and people-first values.

Marked by large-scale cultural programmes, employee participation and storytelling-led experiences, Reliance Family Day brings together Reliance’s extended family to celebrate shared purpose, collective pride and the principles that continue to guide the organisation’s growth, as per the press note by Jio Creative Labs.

For the 2025 edition, Jio Creative Labs was responsible for shaping the overarching narrative, creative framework and show flow, translating a complex brief into a cohesive, emotionally engaging live experience, according to the press note. (ANI)

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has taken time out from her busy work schedule to spend some fun time abroad with her family.

Ever since her vacation began, Bebo has been sharing glimpses from her getaway to give fans a look at her relaxed days away from the spotlight.

On Tuesday, Kareena posted a picture of her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, enjoying a snowy day. The photo showed Saif sitting on a cable chair with snow all around him. He looked calm and happy as he made a victory sign with his fingers against the white background.

While sharing the picture, Kareena added a light-hearted note about finally getting Saif to pose for a photo. Referring to how hard it can be to get a perfect shot, she wrote, “Finally got him to pose, and this is what I could manage.”

On the work front, Kareena has recently wrapped up filming for ‘Daayra,’ an upcoming investigative crime thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar. The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran.

The film, jointly produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, is slated for a theatrical release in 2026. Daayra explores how a single disturbing act can trigger equal and opposite reactions, shaping public opinion and raising complex moral questions. The film delves into the grey areas of justice and truth, encouraging audiences to reflect rather than offering easy answers, according to the press release.

As explained by the National Award-winning filmmaker, ‘Daayra’ tells a story that will compel viewers to reflect on society and its institutions. With filming now complete, the film has entered the post-production phase. The makers are looking forward to its theatrical release in 2026. (ANI)

Designer Manish Tripathi shared the details of the dress designed for Lord Ram at the upcoming ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’ celebrations of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshtera in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

Speaking to ANI, Manish Tripathi said he views Lord Ram’s specially crafted clothes as a blessing and considers it a great fortune to witness or be part of this tradition.

On Pratishtha Dwadashi and the second anniversary of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, dress designer for Lord Ram Lalla, Manish Tripathi said, “The clothes of the Lord are always indigenous and have Indian crafts and textiles. On such special occasions, the clothes are made with gold embroidery and Vaishnav symbols. This is a matter of great fortune for us.”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Ayodhya on Wednesday and participate in the ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’ celebrations of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshtera.

Singh shared a post on his official ‘X’ handle and informed about the development.

“Tomorrow, 31st December, I shall be in Ayodhya. Looking forward to visit Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshtera and also attending the ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’ celebrations,” the X post said.

Earlier, on December 14, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai announced that Pran Pratishtha Dwadashi will be observed on December 31.

“We have invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for that day, and he has accepted. When the country’s Defence Minister comes, the Chief Minister might also come,” he added.

On the second day of the Pratishtha Dwadashi Patotsav celebrations, various rituals were performed as part of the Yajna ceremonies at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. These included Tattva Kalash, Tattva Homa, Manyu Sukta Homa, Ram Taraka Mantra Homa, and other sacred rites.

In the evening, a paalki procession for the deity was held. The palanquin circumambulates the Shri Ram Mandir premises three times daily, and this sequence will continue throughout the rituals.

All these programs are being conducted under the guidance of Pujya Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Ji Maharaj.

According to the acharyas performing the worship, this ritual is a Vedic karmic ritual intended to balance the fundamental elements of creation and eliminate adharma, obstacles, and unrest. (ANI)

Delhi Police has intensified security arrangements across the national capital, deploying nearly 3,000 personnel to ensure public safety and maintain law and order for the New Year celebrations.

Speaking to ANI, Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain said extensive deployments have been planned across Delhi. “As every year, Delhi Police has made elaborate security arrangements for this New Year. We have deployed static and mobile patrol teams at various locations,” Jain said.

He added that more than 50 checkpoints have been set up across the city to curb traffic violations and conduct checks for drunk driving using breath analysers.

According to Jain, around 60 party zones, including popular markets, malls and nightlife hubs, have been identified where intensified checking will be carried out. Additionally, Jain said, “police officials have had separate meetings with owners of nightclubs and restaurants, and have urged them to act as responsible outlets, requesting them not to serve alcohol to underage, stop serving and close at the prescribed time.”

“Nearly 3,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure smooth movement, prevent untoward incidents and manage crowds,” Jain said, adding that strict action will be taken against violators.

In Ayodhya, authorities have divided the entire temple town into sectors and zones, deploying personnel accordingly while monitoring crowds through CCTV cameras and drones, as a surge of devotees continues to arrive for darshan. Police are also conducting vehicle checks and enforcing drunk-driving norms.

Likewise, in Bhopal, police have intensified checking procedures, carrying out thorough searches of vehicles to prevent illegal transportation of liquor and conducting breath analyser tests. Bars and restaurants in the Madhya Pradesh capital have also been inspected and issued strict guidelines to follow during celebrations. (ANI)