India’s cricket team engaged in lively net practice in Melbourne, marked by playful banter and insightful observations. Rohit Sharma decoded Mohammed Siraj’s bouncer strategy, while Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery deliveries challenged batters. Rishabh Pant’s witty remarks and Virat Kohli’s pep talks added to the spirited atmosphere. The team’s camaraderie and intensity promise an exciting Boxing Day Test match.Hewlett Packard, American Express and Pfizer among firms to have frozen increases in payouts despite inflation
Some of the world’s richest companies are accused of exploiting a loophole in pension law to freeze increases in payouts for many former UK employees, despite the cost of living crisis.
The companies, which include Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), American Express and Pfizer, are being urged to “do the right thing” and increase these frozen pension payouts in line with inflation. MPs have condemned the failure of companies to increase the payments in the face of high inflation in recent years as “heartless” and “unethical”.
Despite ‘spy’ scandal, Philip Hammond says Britain should now adopt a ‘pragmatic approach to Beijing’
China should be encouraged to build electric cars and renewable energy technology in the UK as part of a new pragmatic trading relationship that would benefit both countries, a former Tory chancellor has said ahead of a landmark visit by Rachel Reeves to Beijing early in the new year.
Philip Hammond, who was chancellor from 2016 to 2019, and the last UK minister to take part in formal economic discussions with China before the process was abruptly ended, told the Observer that while Reeves should never “compromise security for trade”, there were vital economic sectors where deals could be struck.
German media say toddler among five dead, with 205 people injured
Bild, German public-service broadcaster ARD and other media are reporting that four people were killed and 41 were seriously injured in the attack.
In addition, 86 people were treated with significant injuries in hospital, while 78 people suffered light injuries.
Indonesia has recovered 828 cultural artifacts looted during Dutch colonial rule, including a rare Ganesha statue. The artifacts, now displayed in Jakarta’s National Museum, symbolize Indonesia’s commitment to preserving its heritage and have sparked renewed interest in the nation’s history. The repatriation, part of a global movement, highlights Indonesia’s capacity to protect its cultural treasures, although thousands more remain abroad.
Australian media created controversy by criticizing Ravindra Jadeja for answering interview questions in Hindi at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The BCCI had arranged the interaction for Indian journalists, but some unaccredited Australian media attended.
In his small Freetown workshop, engineering student James Samba tinkered with batteries and electrical parts he hoped could help clean up Sierra Leone’s polluting public transport system. – ‘Good for business, environment’ – Samba first ventured into engineering when he built an electric wheelchair for his uncle, who had long struggled to access public transport.Readers say doorstep theft is a ‘nightmare’, but some thieves have not got what they expected in parcels
Doorstep parcel thieves are making off with a variety of gadgets and pricey fashion items ranging from computer monitors to Ugg footwear. However, the “lucky dip” nature of the crime means some crooks are opening their pilfered packages to discover they contain biodegradable cat litter or incontinence pads.
An increase in home shopping has fuelled a rise in doorstep thefts, with “porch pirates” making off with an estimated £376m-worth of goods in the 12 months to August.
Police arrest Saudi Arabian doctor as suspect for attack, according to German state premier
Germany’s deputy chancellor, Robert Habeck, has reacted to the Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, saying it was “horrible news”.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” he wrote on X.
The Biden administration announced $4.28 billion in student loan forgiveness for nearly 55,000 public service workers. This adds to the $180 billion already forgiven, benefiting almost 5 million Americans through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. President Biden highlighted improvements to the program and his commitment to making higher education more accessible.
