Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is gearing up to expand its BigWing lineup with the introduction of two middleweight motorcycles—the CBR650R and CB650R. The company recently released teasers hinting at their imminent arrival in the Indian market. Both bikes are expected to make their debut at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on January 17.

Honda CBR650R: Sleek and aggressive design
The Honda CBR650R, a fully-faired motorcycle, has been a favorite among enthusiasts in India. Known for its aggressive styling, the bike features a sharp twin headlamp setup and eye-catching graphics. It strikes a balance between sporty and comfortable ergonomics, making it suitable for both spirited rides and daily commutes.

Honda CB650R: Naked streetfighter appeal
The CB650R, which received updates in 2024, will also join the Indian market. This naked streetfighter showcases a minimalist design with a round LED headlamp, a muscular fuel tank, and slightly raised handlebars for enhanced comfort. Its retro-modern aesthetics are likely to appeal to a wide range of riders.

Advanced hardware for performance and safety
Both motorcycles share several key components, including 41 mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston forks at the front and a 10-step adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by 310 mm discs at the front and 240 mm discs at the rear, complemented by dual-channel ABS and a switchable traction control system.

Powertrain: The heart of the machines
At the core of both the Honda CBR650R and CB650R lies a 649 cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine. This powerful unit delivers 95 bhp at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm. Coupled with a new E-clutch transmission, riders can expect smooth and responsive gear shifts. Honda also offers a 6-speed manual transmission for those who prefer traditional controls.

With these middleweight offerings, Honda aims to cater to enthusiasts seeking premium performance and cutting-edge design. Enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing these motorcycles at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, where they are likely to draw significant attention.

Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri, alongside his French partner Albano Olivetti, was eliminated from the first round of the 2025 Australian Open men’s doubles event after falling to local wildcards Tristan Schoolkate and Adam Walton on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Bhambri, a silver medalist in singles at the 2010 Youth Olympics, and 33-year-old Olivetti lost in straight sets, with scores of 6-2, 7(7)-6(3), at Melbourne Park.

The match began with Bhambri being broken in the fourth game of his serve, allowing the Australian duo to take an early 3-1 lead. The Indo-French team had a chance to recover in the next game but failed to convert a break point, and Schoolkate and Walton quickly extended their advantage to 4-1. The Australians continued to dominate and broke Bhambri again, clinching the first set after just eight games.

In the second set, Bhambri and Olivetti missed two crucial break points in the opening game, which proved to be a turning point for them. Both teams held their serves for the remainder of the set, leading to a tie-break, where Schoolkate and Walton triumphed 7-3 to secure their victory.

With Rohan Bopanna’s exit from the men’s doubles event on Tuesday, India’s hopes now rest on N. Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli, who are set to compete in the first Grand Slam of the year. Balaji is partnering with Mexico’s Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela, while Bollipalli teams up with America’s Ryan Seggerman; both partnerships will play on Thursday.

Additionally, Rohan Bopanna will be in action in the mixed doubles category alongside Shuai Zhang from China, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 2.

In singles, Sumit Nagal faced elimination in the first round at the hands of Czechia’s Tomas Machac.

In 2020, Yuki Bhambri had shared his admiration for legendary player Pete Sampras, who dominated the grass and hard courts in the 1990s and held the record for the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles with 14 until Roger Federer surpassed it in 2009.

“I started watching tennis when he was at his peak, and I became a fan immediately,” Bhambri recalled in a conversation with the Olympic Channel. “I think I saw him play on TV for the first time during his third Wimbledon title year. As a family, we used to watch Wimbledon every July, and Sampras was consistently winning. He was my hero growing up.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the Indian Army, ex-servicemen, Veeranganas, and their families on the occasion of the 77th Army Day, celebrated on January 15. He commended the Army’s pivotal contribution to India’s progress towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.

Speaking on the theme “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena,” PM Modi praised the Indian Army’s unmatched dedication and sacrifices, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the nation and fostering its growth.

A legacy of valor and transformation

Army Day marks a significant milestone in India’s history, commemorating the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, taking over from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi highlighted the Army’s professional excellence, their ability to tackle diverse challenges, and their unwavering commitment to national security.

“Our Army has a glorious history of managing inaccessible borders, disaster situations, and internal challenges. Their discipline and professionalism have earned them global recognition,” the statement read.

Embracing modernity and self-reliance

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the transformative strides the Indian Army has made in recent years. From enhancing strategic capabilities to spearheading initiatives for self-reliance in defense production, the Army has adapted to meet modern demands effectively.

“Unprecedented steps have been taken in the last decade to strengthen our military forces and achieve self-sufficiency in defense production. The indomitable spirit of our armed forces will play a critical role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he remarked.

A tribute to courage and sacrifice

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers, PM Modi emphasized the gratitude of the nation. “The nation remembers with reverence the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our soldiers in serving Maa Bharti. On behalf of all Indians, I salute the brave martyrs, Veer Naaris, and ex-servicemen.”

The 77th Army Day serves as a reminder of the Indian Army’s enduring legacy and its critical role in shaping a strong and self-reliant India.