Times of India

England's 1882 cricket loss at The Oval sparked a mock obituary and the quest to regain The Ashes. The subsequent tour saw a unique Test match played on four separate wickets. This experiment, never repeated, highlights early cricket's willingness to innovate. The Ashes, a small urn, became a symbol of this rivalry.

Lindsey Vonn crashed in her final downhill race before the Milano Cortina Olympics, limping off with apparent knee discomfort. With no official injury update yet, her Olympic status remains uncertain just days before the opening ceremony.

Ajit Pawar's untimely death in a plane crash has reignited talks of reuniting the NCP factions. Sources indicate merger talks were advanced, with Ajit Pawar viewing it as a strategic move for the party's future. His passing may now accelerate this process, with a potential February announcement. Leadership questions arise for the ruling NCP.

Real estate magnate CJ Roy, founder of Confident Group, was discovered deceased at his Bengaluru office on Friday, sustaining bullet injuries from his licensed firearm. Authorities suspect suicide, with the final cause of death pending a post-mortem examination. The incident occurred shortly after the Income Tax Department reportedly conducted searches at his premises.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has asked UP CM Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’. He emphasized that such steps would prove the chief minister’s commitment as a “Hindu sympathiser”. The seer further stated that he had staged a sit-in protest for 11 days after the incident but left the Magh Mela ground last Wednesday “with a heavy heart”.

As India's Union Budget approaches, defence spending is under scrutiny. Experts advocate for a substantial, sustained hike in defence capital expenditure, emphasizing domestic manufacturing and technological advancement. While geopolitical tensions necessitate increased spending, the focus must be on strategic calibration rather than indiscriminate increases to bolster national security and industrial capabilities.

Most non-athletes wouldn’t last in a cage, ring, or court with a professional. But even amongst professional athletes, there’s a rare breed that has access to a metaphorical place their less hallowed peers wish they could reach. They operate at a level that even fellow professionals fail to comprehend. It’s both mental and physical.

The blockbuster film 'Dhurandhar' has faced controversy with its OTT release on Netflix, with fans disappointed by a reportedly censored version. While one report claims Netflix made edits without director approval, another suggests the filmmakers submitted an unaltered version compliant with streamer mandates. Meanwhile, 'Dhurandhar 2' is slated for an Eid 2026 release.

Chilly weather moments might spark doubt about climate change, but research consistently shows our planet is heating up. Even with brief cold spells, the overall temperature is on the rise, resulting in ice melt, higher sea levels, and erratic weather patterns. The primary culprits? Our reliance on fossil fuels.

Climber Alex Honnold achieved a historic feat by free-soloing Taiwan's Taipei 101 skyscraper. He ascended the 508-meter building without ropes or safety gear. The climb took about an hour and a half. Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared photos of the event. Honnold is known for his daring climbs.

Kick streamer Clavicular revealed his January 2026 earnings, showing he made $110,674.67 on Kick. More than 90 percent came from the Kick Creator Incentive Program, not subscriptions or donations. The figures highlight why KCIP has become a major draw for high-visibility streamers seeking higher, view-based payouts.

India and Russia are in advanced technical talks for joint production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. This potential collaboration, focusing on licensed production of the export variant, revives past discussions. The Su-57 offers impressive maneuverability and long-range weapons, but its stealth capabilities and engine development are key considerations for India's future air combat fleet and indigenous AMCA program.

Former footballer Mehtab Hossain will appear before the Election Commission regarding electoral roll discrepancies, citing a potential issue with his mother's name. He expressed concerns about the sudden and unplanned nature of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The ruling TMC criticized the summoning of sportspersons, calling it BJP's paranoia and an attempt at harassment.

Indian engineering graduates are seeing a significant boost in employability, reaching 71.5% in 2025, the highest in five years. This turnaround follows a period of recalibration in both education and hiring, with colleges emphasizing practical skills and employers focusing on demonstrable abilities. Emerging tech fields are driving demand, reshaping career paths beyond traditional roles.

BJP storngly condemned former Vice President Hamid Ansari for his remarks who called Mahmud Ghazni as an Indian. In a social media post, BJP spokesperson C Kesavan said that the remarks were “shocking” and recalled that Ansari had been the Congress-led UPA’s choice for Vice President twice. Shehzad Poonawala, also attacked the Congress party.

India's budgetary journey began with the first Union Budget presented on November 26, 1947, amidst the trauma of Partition and economic uncertainty. This interim budget focused on relief, rehabilitation, and defence, reflecting the nation's immediate challenges. Today, the Union Budget is a detailed roadmap for a rapidly growing economy, showcasing India's significant economic evolution.

Amazon HR chief Beth Galetti told employees the company won't announce mass layoffs every few months—though individual teams will keep making staffing "adjustments as appropriate." The careful wording follows 16,000 job cuts earlier this week and 14,000 in October last year. Company's top leadership framed the job cuts as part of CEO Andy Jassy's push to operate like the "world's largest startup," suggesting ongoing changes despite promises of no regular cuts.

Union minister Piyush Goyal defended the India-EU FTA, dismissing Congress criticism as 'sour grapes' and highlighting the party's past inaction. He accused Congress of endangering India's interests by pushing for China-centric trade pacts, contrasting it with the current government's balanced approach. Goyal also lauded India's economic growth and the FTA's geopolitical significance.