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England won the toss in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia and chose to bat first. Ben Stokes leads England, with Root, Crawley, Duckett and Brook included. Australia are captained by Steve Smith, along with Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head, Green and Carey. Both teams named full playing elevens for the series finale at the venue.
US officials said the United States carried out a large military strike on Venezuela. They said President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured at their home and taken out of the country. President Donald Trump later said the US will temporarily run Venezuela until a safe political transition occurs.
Trump said the US will be very strongly involved in Venezuela’s oil industry after an operation that captured President Maduro. He said American energy companies, the greatest and best in the world, would play a major role in rebuilding and managing the sector. Vice President Vance warned drug trafficking and stolen oil stops.
Director Vetrimaaran’s gangster action drama ‘Arasan,’ set in the ‘Vada Chennai Universe,’ stars Simbu with Vijay Sethupathi as the antagonist. Producer Thanu confirmed Dhanush won’t appear due to the story’s parallel timeline. Andre Jeremiah plays a key role, the female lead remains unannounced, and the film releases in Telugu as ‘Saamrajyam.’
Cambodia urged Thailand to pull forces from areas Phnom Penh claims after deadly border clashes last year displaced around one million people. Phnom Penh accused Thailand of seizing territory during the Dec fighting, while Bangkok denied the claims. Cambodia also demanded an immediate halt to all hostile military activities.
The Indian Army signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited and Israel for an advanced long-range rocket launcher system under emergency procurement powers. The system offers strike capabilities of 150 km and 300 km. This acquisition will boost the Army’s deep-strike artillery power and expand its operational reach significantly.
Indian-origin Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna condemned Trump’s military strike on Venezuela, calling it a betrayal of his MAGA base. He urged Americans to oppose “warmongering” and criticized US presidents for entangling the country in foreign conflicts. Khanna highlighted that while voters reject wars like Iraq and Libya.
Saudi-backed forces advanced in Yemen’s Hadramawt province, as tensions with UAE-backed troops deepened. Longtime rivals in supporting different factions, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi now face heightened conflict after the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council’s offensive angered Saudi. The region’s oil wealth makes the clash especially high-stakes.
Suriya lauded Ranveer Singh’s action drama ‘Dhurandhar,’ calling it a masterpiece and praising director Aditya Dhar. He congratulated the team and highlighted his friend R. Madhavan’s impressive transformation. Madhavan warmly replied, calling Suriya’s words priceless and thanking both him and Jyothika for their gracious support and love.
Haryana’s Jiind is set to become India’s first city with a hydrogen-powered train, running between Jiind and Sonipat. This week, the final load check trial will take place, with regular operations starting after approval from the Prime Minister’s Office. The train marks a major step toward eco-friendly, sustainable transportation.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he ordered military forces deployed to the Venezuelan border after US strikes that, Trump claimed, ended with the capture of President Maduro. Petro condemned Washington’s move as an assault on Latin American sovereignty. He warned the action could spark regional instability and trigger a humanitarian crisis.
Thalapathy Vijay’s farewell film ‘Jana Nayagan’, directed by H. Vinoth, releases Jan 9, starring Pooja Hegde, Mamitha Baiju, and Bobby Deol, with grand visuals and Anirudh’s music. The trailer confirms it as a remake of ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’, retaining women’s empowerment while adding politics and stronger villain focus, and political satire.
Nupur Sanon’s engagement ring, valued at around Rs 8.32 lakh, could easily buy a brand-new hatchback car in India. But it’s not just about the price,this marquise-cut diamond from Tor Treasures combines vintage charm and modern elegance, proving that sometimes love, and style, comes with a luxe and absolutely unforgettable statement.
Director Ritesh Rana’s comedy-drama ‘Jetlee’ stars Satya and Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha, set almost entirely on a plane. The first glimpse shows stylish stunts, comic moments, and thrills. Produced by Clap Entertainment and presented by Mythri Movie Makers, it features Ajay, Viva Harsha, Kabir Duhan Singh, with music by Kaala Bhairava.
The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on January 5 for bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria will pronounce the judgment. The top court had reserved the decision on December 10 after hearing arguments from both sides.