Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni spread festive cheer within his family by dressing up as Santa Claus for their Christmas celebrations. His wife, Sakshi, shared delightful photos from the family gathering, which quickly garnered attention on social media. The cricket legend, donning a classic Santa outfit, celebrated the holiday alongside his wife and daughter, Ziva, making the occasion truly memorable.

The family was dressed in traditional Christmas colours of red and white, radiating warmth and joy as they embraced the holiday spirit. Fans have expressed admiration for Dhoni’s playful side, with the adorable pictures adding yet another cherished moment to the cricket icon’s legacy.

As the festive season unfolds, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to Dhoni’s next appearance during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). The talismanic player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains an irreplaceable asset for the franchise. Under his captaincy, CSK clinched their record-equaling fifth IPL title in 2023, solidifying Dhoni’s reputation as one of the greatest captains in IPL history.

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Dhoni was retained by CSK as an uncapped player for just Rs 4 lakh, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the team and his humility. While rumors about his retirement have circulated since he passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad prior to IPL 2024, the “Thala” of Indian cricket has not made any official announcement regarding his future plans.

Speculation about Dhoni’s retirement has sparked discussions among fans and cricket analysts alike. Many believed the 2024 season could signify the conclusion of his illustrious career following CSK’s successful IPL 2023 season. However, without any formal statement from the legend, the prospect of witnessing another “Thala” season in 2025 remains a possibility.

Dhoni’s festive portrayal as Santa Claus has brought joy to fans across the globe, showcasing the gentle side of a cricketing great whose influence extends beyond the sport. During an event in Hyderabad this month, the former CSK skipper spoke on playing in the IPL and he would wait for the player regulations before taking the call.

Border Security Force (BSF) personnel shot and killed an individual attempting to cross the India-Pakistan border in the Ganganagar district of Rajasthan late on Tuesday, according to police.

Jitendra Kumar, the station house officer at Kesrisinghpur police station, stated that the man was trying to breach the barbed wire fence when he was spotted by BSF personnel. “They advised him to leave the area, but when he continued to advance, the BSF personnel shot him,” said the SHO.

Sriganganagar Superintendent of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the suspect was allegedly trying to enter Indian territory around midnight on December 24, 2024. Despite warnings from the BSF soldiers, he did not heed their calls, which resulted in the shooting.

The incident occurred near a village in the Kesarisinghpur area. Items recovered from the intruder included Pakistani currency notes, a cigarette packet, an identity card, and other belongings. Authorities are currently gathering more information about him.

Ongoing discussions are taking place between the armed forces and police officers regarding the incident. An FIR has been filed that includes charges of trespassing and violations of the Passports Act and the Foreigners Act, according to Kumar. “We are investigating the case under these acts,” he added.

This incident is one of several similar occurrences along the border. In August, the BSF apprehended an intruder named Jagsi Kohli, who had entered about 15 kilometers into Indian territory in Barmer after locals alerted authorities that he was asking for directions to Tharparkar, a district in Pakistan’s Sindh province.

In March of this year, another person attempting to cross the border in Ganganagar was shot by BSF personnel. There have been additional incidents reported in October 2022 and twice in March 2021, all resulting in fatalities among the intruders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief J.P. Nadda and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu among leaders of the NDA met in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss different issues including Shah’s comment on BR Ambedkar days ago in Rajya Sabha.

In attendance, apart from Shah, Nadda and Naidu, JD-U leader and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Apna Dal (S) president and Union minister Anupriya Patel, as well as JD (S) leader and Union minister H.D. Kumaraswamy were present.

Also present were Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of Bihar’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (S) and a minister in the Modi government, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president Upendra Kushwaha, a Rajya Sabha MP, and Thushar Vellappally, president of Bharath Dharma Jana Sena.

While the specific agenda of the meeting was not officially disclosed, sources indicated that discussions revolved around good governance and various political issues—principles that were central to Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister. The alliance had decided to convene on the birthday of the late BJP leader, noted for successfully leading the first coalition government to complete its term.

Following the meeting, Nadda shared on X, “Attended the NDA leaders’ meeting in New Delhi today. Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India is achieving unprecedented milestones and has positioned itself as a global superpower. The NDA government remains committed to realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”

Sanjay Nishad, chief of the NISHAD Party in Uttar Pradesh, described the meeting as “informal” and focused on Vajpayee’s legacy. He emphasised the importance of unity among all alliance members heading into future elections, mentioning that they congratulated the BJP leaders for their electoral victories in Haryana and Maharashtra.

Nishad further outlined that the meeting addressed coalition strategies to ensure that Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives effectively reach the populace and that electoral promises are fulfilled. He raised the topic of providing reservations for the fishing community, stating, “I presented evidence on this issue, as it was a poll promise. They will follow up with us next week to discuss it.”

Responding to inquiries about whether Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on Ambedkar were discussed, Nishad said, “We are here for the welfare of the people. Our energy should focus on achieving success in that area, rather than engaging with negativity from opposition parties.”

The NDA meeting underscores the alliance’s commitment to the proposed simultaneous elections, with all members backing the initiative. A Joint Committee of Parliament, established to review two bills related to simultaneous polls, is set to convene on January 8.