Thu Dec 26 01:50:00 UTC 2024: ## India Celebrates Vajpayee’s Centenary; Cricket, Politics, and Accidents Dominate News

**New Delhi, December 26, 2024** – India commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with special events, attended by prominent figures like India TV Chairman Rajat Sharma. Meanwhile, a flurry of other news dominated headlines:

**Politics:** A debate raged over Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s election promises, with questions raised about the feasibility of his pledges. Congress leader Ajay Maken further fueled the controversy, calling Kejriwal “anti-national” and criticizing a potential alliance. The political climate is further charged with speculation surrounding Kejriwal’s possible arrest.

**Cricket:** The Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is underway. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. Debutant Sam Khawaja scored a half-century before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. The match marks several notable events, including Khawaja’s impressive innings against Jasprit Bumrah, a rare feat in international cricket. India made a significant change to their playing eleven, dropping Shubman Gill and replacing him with Washington Sundar.

**Accidents and Incidents:** Heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh caused disruptions, closing 134 roads including national highways and stranding thousands of tourists. A tragic boating accident in Goa on Christmas Day resulted in casualties. In another incident, a female student at Anna University was sexually assaulted, leading to the arrest of a biryani vendor.

**International News:** US President condemned Russia’s missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Pakistan’s internal conflict escalated, with reports of clashes with Afghan insurgents. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe reached a new milestone in its mission to study the Sun.

**Other News:** Donald Trump commented on the pardoning of 37 death row inmates by President Biden. Bollywood celebrity couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh celebrated their daughter Dua’s first Christmas. Actor Allu Arjun is scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister regarding the stampede during a “Pushpa 2” event. Veteran Malayalam filmmaker MT Vasudevan Nair passed away at the age of 91. Further news included EPFO adding 1.34 million new members in October, economic growth predictions, legal discussions on inheritance rights for sisters, and astrological predictions.

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