Times of India

President Trump's criticism of the UK potentially returning Diego Garcia to Mauritius, a move backed by India, has escalated. This island hosts a vital US military base. India, with its own security interests in the Indian Ocean and historical ties to Mauritius, is supporting the decolonization process, offering significant aid for the archipelago's development.

Former xAI engineer Sulaiman Khan Ghori has departed the company, sparking speculation he was "fired" for being "too candid" during a podcast interview. Ghori discussed xAI's rapid development, novel architectures like "Macro Hard," and innovative deployment strategies, including using Tesla computers for "human emulators."

A Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror hideout, stocked for months, was busted by the army in Kishtwar's high mountains. The intense operation resulted in the supreme sacrifice of one commando and injuries to several others. Security forces continue to comb the area following the discovery.

Beauty influencer Aastha Shah, living with vitiligo, shares her journey of self-acceptance and finding worth beyond societal standards. She emphasizes that her condition is not tragic and doesn't define her. Shah's decision to embrace her skin publicly, supported by her family, has empowered her and inspired many to live authentically and reject external validation.

The BJP on Monday declared Nabin as its sole candidate for the post after the nomination and scrutiny process concluded without any rival contenders. This cleared the path for his unopposed election as the party’s 12th national president. In a late-night statement, BJP National Returning Officer K. Laxman said that only Nabin’s name remained after the completion of nominations and the withdrawal window, confirming his election by consensus.

Gold price prediction today: Praveen Singh of Mirae Asset Sharekhan says that gold prices may have faced downward pressure in the near term, had it not been for the heightened geopolitical tensions. Here’s his outlook on gold prices:

The WHO warns that alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are becoming more affordable in India due to weak tax designs, failing to curb consumption despite strong health links. This public-health failure is leading to rising rates of liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, particularly among younger populations.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi staged a walkout from the state assembly, citing disrespect for the National Anthem and his microphone being switched off. Raj Bhavan alleged the speech ignored critical issues like Dalit atrocities. This marks a repeat of a similar incident last year, intensifying political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.

Doctors are increasingly concerned about fatty liver disease in children, a condition linked to obesity and metabolic issues. This silent condition can lead to serious long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease, even in young individuals. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial for reversing the damage and supporting liver health.

India's ODI home series loss to New Zealand has put veteran players Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma under scrutiny. Jadeja's wicketless streak and batting struggles raise concerns, while Rohit's future in the 2027 World Cup is debated despite recent good form, impacting younger talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Denmark has bolstered its military presence in Greenland with additional troops amid rising tensions following US President Trump's threats to acquire the Arctic territory. This deployment coincides with a US announcement of an aircraft to Pituffik Space Base, a move cleared diplomatically. Trump continues to push for Greenland's acquisition, citing national security and threatening tariffs.

Danish and Greenlandic protesters are using "Make America Go Away" caps, a parody of Trump's MAGA hats, to voice opposition to his Greenland acquisition ambitions. These symbolic hats, gaining traction online and at rallies, highlight a united front against perceived US threats to Arctic security and Danish sovereignty. The movement underscores a strong desire to support Greenland.

Iran grapples with its worst crisis in decades amidst widespread protests, a brutal crackdown, and an ongoing internet shutdown. State TV broadcasts were disrupted, showing support for an exiled prince. Thousands are reported dead, with fears of executions rising. International pressure mounts as Iran faces a Davos snub, while US aircraft carrier movements near the Middle East heighten regional tensions.

The Indian rupee continued its downward slide, nearing historic lows against the US dollar. Persistent demand from metal importers and foreign fund outflows are key drivers. Geopolitical uncertainties, including US trade threats and domestic equity weakness, are fueling risk aversion and pressuring the rupee. Analysts anticipate continued pressure, with the currency hovering near record lows.

India's recent series losses, particularly against an inexperienced New Zealand, have intensified scrutiny on head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite a Champions Trophy win, the team has faltered in Test and ODI formats, raising questions ahead of the T20 World Cup. Gambhir's tenure has seen mixed results, with some strategic decisions proving beneficial.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened flat in trade on Tuesday on weak global cues. While Nifty50 was above 25,550, BSE Sensex was just above 83,200.

Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia is grappling with unprecedented snowfall, burying homes and roads under metres of snow. Record-breaking storms have paralyzed daily life, with drifts reaching up to five metres. Authorities have declared a state of emergency after two fatalities, and avalanche risks are high. Transport remains severely disrupted as residents battle extraordinary winter conditions.

The Supreme Court questioned the Delhi government over the hurried mid-year implementation of the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act, 2025, expressing concern that retrospective enforcement could cause confusion and financial strain for private unaided schools. While backing the welfare objective of fee regulation, the court flagged missed statutory timelines, cautioned against retrospective fee fixation, and asked the government to clarify its approach. The matter will be heard again.