While big buys grabbed attention, several franchises quietly walked away with proven performers at throwaway prices -- the kind of signings that often make the difference between mid-table finishes and title runs.
A train ride for Christmas? Why not?!
At 29, when most fast bowlers are either established or quietly drifting out of the spotlight, Auqib Nabi Dar has finally arrived through patience, persistence and a refusal to let geography decide his fate.
Years of repression and disappearances have taught Venezuelans, the hard way, not to voice either their anger or their joy, observes Radha Roy Biswas who spent her formative years in Venezuela.
Abhishek encountered problems whenever the length was marginally shortened, but the way he used his feet was pure joy to watch.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval stated that India-China relations have shown an "upward trend" in the past nine months, with peace prevailing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This statement was made during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the boundary issue, ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit to China for the SCO summit.
From TimeOut's latest global line-up of 39 hip, exciting localities, here are 6 standout Asian stars...
Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.
'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'
A stunning book on the Kumbh. And a recipe.
Where Dhurandhar leaned into aggressive bloodlust through its acerbic storytelling, Ikkis moves in the opposite direction, asking us to see people beyond uniforms, slogans, or sides, observes Mayur Sanap.
An excerpt from a new book reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how Rabri Devi unexpectedly became the Chief Minister of Bihar in 1997, replacing Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Why did Lifestyle Asia magazine honour these Bollywood personalities?
On stage, Sing And Tonic comes across as effortless with tight harmonies, confident vocals and a chemistry that feels instinctive. What the audience doesn't immediately see is that, once the lights go off, the band members step back into lives that are just as demanding.
For long stretches, the atmosphere felt less Mumbai and more Camp Nou. Chants of 'Barca... Barca' and 'Suarez... Suarez' echoed through the stands as Messi interacted with youngsters, celebrities and former India football captain Sunil Chhetri.
'A locked door during intimacy does not mean negligence; it means respect,' says rediffGURU Kanchan Rai, founder of the Let Us Talk Foundation.
They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.
I learn that success isn't measured in metres gained but in how we handle the moment when plans dissolve. The mountain doesn't grade on completion -- only on presence and effort, discovers Manoj Mohanka.
Spirited Rayo Vallecano hold Real Madrid to 0-0 draw
It is a marketplace of attention, where legacy publishers, global franchises, and consumer brands meet to make the most of India's expanding fandom economy.
The change in the government's engagement with the economy's need for reforms is more nuanced than how analysts have so far perceived it, points out A K Bhattacharya.
Imagine a rare, quiet place in Mumbai. Dim moody lights. A beautiful vista. Surrounded by trees. It's called the Elevated Nature Trail -- the city's Newest Hot Spot. Inspired by Singapore's tree-top walkway, we have our own pathway through Malabar Hill's foliage.
What we saw was not just a player finding form; it was a young woman reclaiming belief. Every shot, every sprint between the wickets, every moment of composure was rebellion. A fierce rebellion against doubt, against erasure, against the quiet cruelty of being left out, points out Prem Panicker.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game (Ashes opener).
'Every film had its challenges, but Mr India, Sadak and Gandhi were the toughest.' 'Mr India needed imagination, Sadak needed sensitivity and Gandhi demanded historical authenticity.'
Bollywood actresses amp up the glamour this festive season.
A boat ride through Vietnam's most glorious landscape.
Senior Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi surrendered to police in eastern Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district after negotiations. He was a founding member of the People's War Group (PWG) and carried a bounty of Rs 6 crore on his head.
'Rejection teaches you a lot of endurance, self-trust, and the ability to show up again.'
'60 ka lagta nahi hai vaise tu kahin se. Shakal se 40, akal se 120 ;)'
'While I was bowling, he came up and placed his hand on my shoulder.' 'He had a habit of pulling girls close, pressing them to his chest, and talking near their ears.' 'We used to avoid him.'
Sri Lanka stays with you not just in memory, but gently reminds you what a society can achieve when heart and heritage guide the way.
AI didn't replace our skills in 2025; it rearranged their importance, says Vishal Sood, CEO and founder of Placecom.
'It was amazing how he controlled the crowd, not with force or even star power, but with sheer love.'
The man who never played for India has taken India to an ICC Women's World Cup final.
Whether it was in the company of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- or, on rare occasions with both together, among others -- Saravanan's demeanour would stand out, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
Families across North India are mourning the loss of loved ones killed in the Red Fort blast, as the investigation continues and security is heightened.
If they act now, they can reshape the strategic map of Asia without firing a shot. If they wait, the next opportunity will come only after a serious Taiwan Strait incident -- by which time the price will be far higher, and the room for boldness far smaller -- the opportunity may well be lost by then. The question is no longer whether this can or should be done, points out Varun Arya.
'Don't bring up this whole age issue that he is touching 40.' 'He's fit, batting well and catching brilliantly at slips.' 'What else do you need?'
'One day, I realised my children were watching me tolerate pain. That was my turning point. I wanted them to see their mother as someone who respected herself, not someone who stayed in a non-existent marriage because she was scared.'
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