THUMB: Dhurandhar Vs China?

Chargesheet in SI Scam

CBI  filed a preliminary chargesheet against 16 accused, including alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty, in the Odisha Police SI recruitment scam. Nine were earlier arrested by the Crime Branch. The agency said some accused were involved in multiple recruitment exam scams.

New Year Pilgrimage Surge

With New Year approaching, a surge of devotees is being witnessed at Puri’s Jagannath Temple. Authorities have deployed around 60 police platoons and installed barricades across the town. Entry will be allowed only through Singhadwar, while the remaining gates will serve as exits.

Parents Dead, Child Lives

In Deogarh district, a couple allegedly attempted suicide after poisoning their five-year-old son, who survived and is under critical care in Cuttack. The incident occurred near Dalak village under Kundheigola police limits. Police said prolonged domestic disputes preceded the incident.

SC Freezes Sengar's Bail

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order granting bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The court said substantial legal questions were involved and clarified that Sengar, already convicted in another case, will remain in custody.

Aravalli Ruling Paused

The Supreme Court has put in abeyance its November 20 ruling accepting the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli Hills. The court said environmental implications require expert review, noting that the earlier panel mainly comprised bureaucrats and lacked adequate environmental expertise.

Digital Arrest Horror

A 68-year-old retired woman in Mumbai was cheated of over ₹3 crore after fraudsters impersonated police officials and former CJI DY Chandrachud. The scammers falsely claimed her Aadhaar-linked bank account was used for illegal transactions worth ₹6 crore.

Lalit Says Sorry

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi issued a public apology after a video of him attending Vijay Mallya’s 70th birthday in London sparked backlash. Lalit said his remarks were misconstrued and apologised to the Indian government, expressing regret over the controversy.

Hindu Homes Set Ablaze

At least five houses belonging to a Hindu family were set on fire in Bangladesh’s Pirojpur district on December 28. Authorities said the cause is under investigation. The incident follows a lynching case linked to blasphemy allegations reported earlier this month.

China Rules Boxoffice

Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has grossed ₹1,064 crore globally, becoming the seventh highest-grossing Indian film ever domestically. However, 2025’s biggest global hit is China’s Ne Zha 2, which earned over $2.2 billion worldwide, the highest ever for an animated film.

Kohli Returns

Virat Kohli will feature in his third Vijay Hazare Trophy match for Delhi against Railways on January 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Delhi & District Cricket Association president Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s availability for the fixture.