As the year comes to a close, we remember the prominent Indians who bid their final adieu in 2024. From industrialists Ratan Tata and Shashikant Ruia, to personalities like tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, cinema icon Shyam Benegal, and former foreign ministers K. Natwar Singh and S.M. Krishna, the country mourns the loss of these legends. Entertainment industry also lost two greats, TV actor Rituraj Singh and Marathi cinema star Atul Parchure.
On Friday, the world of professional wrestling mourned the passing of Mexican wrestling icon Rey Mysterio Sr. at the age of 66. The uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr., Mysterio Sr. was known for his achievements and contributions to the sport, and his family, including his nephew, daughter, and grandnephew and niece, continue to carry on his legacy in the world of wrestling.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently sparked controversy by claiming that the Congress party, under the leadership of Jawahar Lal Nehru, conspired to defeat Dalit icon BR Ambedkar in the 1951-52 Lok Sabha elections. This accusation was made in defense of his political confidante, Home Minister Amit Shah, who had stated that the constant mention of Ambedkar's name has become a "fashion" in Indian politics. However, historical records show that Ambedkar lost the elections to the Congress candidate not once, but twice. How did Ambedkar's relationship with Nehru affect his political career, and was his defeat really a result of Nehru's actions?
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called for the release of CCTV footage showing the alleged physical altercation between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a BJP MP in the Parliament complex. Baghel also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his 'inflammatory' comments regarding Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have refuted the accusations and retaliated with their own complaint. Baghel also expressed concerns over the law and order situation in Chhattisgarh under the BJP government.
Indian cricket icon Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his disappointment at not being given the opportunity to captain his national team. The legendary spinner, who retired from international cricket after the third Test against Australia, expressed no regrets as he did not feel prepared for the pressure that comes with the role. Ashwin also explained that a lack of motivation was a major factor in his decision to retire.
Football icon Frank Lampard, in an interview with TNT Sports, has offered his opinion on the never-ending debate on who is the greatest between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Chelsea and England legend stated that while Messi may have more individual talent, Ronaldo's dedication, hunger, and results make it unfair to choose one above the other. Lampard had faced both players numerous times in his career, with mixed results against each.
In a shocking turn of events, 2024 has proven to be the year of a statistical nightmare for Virat Kohli, as his batting prowess has been on a sharp decline across all formats of the game. With a batting average of 25.06 in Tests, 19.33 in ODIs, and 18.00 in T20Is, Kohli's once invincible form has now come into question. Experts like Anil Kumble and Dinesh Kartik have suggested that playing domestic cricket could help Kohli regain his form, but with the ICC and BCCI unable to force him into such a move, the future remains uncertain for the cricket icon.
The ISPL Season 2 auction, held in Mumbai, saw six teams fighting to build their squads for the upcoming tournament. With 350 players from 55 cities up for grabs, the bidding was intense and a total of 96 players were selected. The auction also introduced the Right-to-Match and Icon Player rule, with youngsters Abhishek Kumar Dalhor and Sharik Yasir being the top buys. Sachin Tendulkar and Ashish Shelar, members of the ISPL Core Committee, expressed their excitement for the tournament and the opportunities it provides for talented players.
After a successful inaugural season, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) has announced the launch of its second season, scheduled to start in January 2025. With new media partners on board and an exciting Icon Player rule in place, the league aims to transcend the boundaries of street cricket and create a professional platform for Indian cricketing talent to shine. The league's core committee members, including Sachin Tendulkar and Ashish Shelar, expressed their enthusiasm for ISPL's mission of bringing the raw and democratic essence of cricket to larger audiences. Stay tuned for the auction of 350 players, selected from 55 cities, that will take place later today.
The fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with a star-studded lineup. Actress Emily Blunt, Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, and action movie legend Vin Diesel were honoured at the event for their contributions to international cinema. The honourees expressed their gratitude and shared their admiration for the festival, which has become a platform for showcasing diverse and impactful stories from around the world. Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria, and Michelle Rodriguez also joined in to celebrate the global impact of these talented artists.