Times of India

In response to mounting backlash and regulatory scrutiny, Grok AI has ceased the creation of explicit images of real individuals. xAI has introduced stringent technical measures to curb misuse, particularly addressing concerns around deepfake content involving women and minors. Furthermore, image generation and editing services are now reserved for paid X subscribers, with geoblocking mechanisms implemented to filter illegal material.

Iran closed its airspace amid US threats over protests, with the foreign minister denying mass casualties and blaming external "terrorists." President Trump warned of action, while Iran extended airspace closure, causing flight disruptions. US personnel were advised to evacuate a base in Qatar as tensions rise.

CBSE has invited its affiliated schools to participate in the 55th UPU International Letter Writing Competition 2026, organised by the Department of Posts. Students are asked to write letters on the theme of why human connection matters in a digital world. The competition aims to foster creativity, writing skills, and global friendship, with top entries advancing to the international stage.

In a historic event for NASA, four astronauts — two Americans, a Russian, and a Japanese — have returned to Earth early from the International Space Station due to a medical concern. This pioneering orbital medical evacuation cuts their mission short by more than a month, culminating in a safe splashdown in the Pacific.

Despite broader government pushes under the Digital India programme, customs adjudication and litigation remain heavily paper-driven. Businesses are still required to file physical replies to show cause notices.

Bangladesh cricket faces turmoil as a BCB director's remarks spark player boycott threats and jeopardize World Cup participation. The board distanced itself from the comments, emphasizing player welfare, while security concerns over playing in India persist. Former players and associations condemned the public criticism, highlighting damage to the sport's image.

Delhi woke up to dense fog and cold wave conditions on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert. Some relief is expected from Friday as temperatures are set to rise. A feeble western disturbance will approach, pushing up night temperatures. Fresh snowfall is likely in the Himalayan region around January 16. Delhi's air quality remains very poor.

Danish badminton player Anders Antonsen withdrew from the India Open for the third consecutive year, citing "extreme" air pollution in Delhi. He believes the current pollution levels make the city unsuitable for hosting a badminton tournament, following similar concerns raised by his compatriot Mia Blichfeldt.

In 1985, a baby left behind in Nagpur found his way into a warm and welcoming family in the Netherlands, eventually rising to the position of Mayor of Heemstede. Now, with a strong yearning to reconnect with his origins, he has embarked on a quest to find his birth mother.

Actor Vijay has been summoned again by the CBI on January 19 in Delhi regarding the Karur stampede tragedy that claimed 41 lives. He reportedly told the agency his party was responsible. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear a plea for CBFC clearance for Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' on January 15, amidst Kamal Haasan's call for film certification reform.

A 42-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped at a deserted dhaba in Bahadurgarh after being followed from a bus. Police arrested four of the five accused, with a digital payment transaction proving a critical lead in identifying the suspects. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining perpetrator.

Akshaye Khanna's unforgettable portrayal of Rehman Dakait is reportedly making waves again in 'Dhurandhar 2', the sequel to Aditya Dhar's box-office sensation. Although his character seemed to meet a tragic end in the first installment, the filmmakers are devising innovative flashbacks and reshoots to revisit him. Read on to know more.

Performances, P 11

'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, continues its phenomenal box office run, nearing its sixth week. The film has shattered records since its December 5 release, now challenging 'The Raja Saab'. After a slight dip, it rebounded strongly, with its total collection estimated at a staggering Rs 813 crore nett, Rs 976.1 crore gross, and Rs 1269.1 crore worldwide.

Police mistakenly cremated a man they believed to be murder victim Sushil Kumar. Weeks later, Kumar was found alive and confused, forcing police to reopen the case and identify the real victim. His brothers had identified the burned body based on a tattoo and appearance, but Kumar's reappearance has complicated the investigation.

Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg drowned off Singapore's Lazarus Island while heavily intoxicated, a coroner's court heard. Toxicology revealed hypertension and epilepsy medication, but no other drugs. Singapore police suspect no foul play, while Assam authorities pursue murder charges against seven individuals, citing financial motives. The inquiry aims to clarify the circumstances of Garg's death.

Mitch Marner navigates a new chapter in Vegas after nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The shift has brought a reset, allowing him to shed hometown expectations and embrace new responsibilities, including playing center. While family remains a significant connection, Marner is focused on his current team's success, looking forward to future challenges rather than dwelling on the past.