Times of India

Clemson University professor Dr. Joshua Bregy has settled with the university after his September 2025 termination over a social media post about Charlie Kirk. Under the agreement, Bregy will remain employed with benefits until May 15, 2026, without teaching duties, and will receive letters of recommendation. The ACLU of South Carolina hailed the settlement as a win for academic freedom.

For Tamil Nadu’s political culture, shaped by decades of Dravidian assertion and a strong emphasis on regional autonomy, such an explicit pre-election claim has few precedents. The reaction within the AIADMK has been wary, if not outright resistant, as the BJP’s clout in the South remains lean. The pre-poll power-sharing deal, however, is only one strand in a much larger and more byzantine political development.

Shikhar Dhawan announced his engagement to Irish girlfriend Sophie Shine on January 12th, sharing a picture with his ladylove. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in May 2025, met in Dubai and have been living together for over a year. They are reportedly set to marry in February 2026.

Hema Malini reflects on life after Dharmendra's death six weeks ago, cherishing their 57-year bond. In a candid interview, she shares grief, his final days, and cordial ties with step-sons Sunny and Bobby Deol despite rumors. "I miss him every minute," she says, praising his fulfilling life.

Marco Rubio grew up inside that world. His political formation was not shaped by textbooks or diplomatic theory but by stories of a lost homeland, a stolen future and a US that, in exile memory, had failed to finish the job in 1961. Cuba was not history. It was a wound.

The Boston Bruins have issued a brief update on forward Morgan Geekie after he left a recent game against the New York Rangers due to a family matter. With no clear timeline for his return, the Bruins continue to manage their lineup while emphasizing support for the player during his absence.

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was admitted to AIIMS on Monday. He experienced two episodes of unconsciousness last week. Doctors at AIIMS insisted on his admission for further tests. Dhankhar had previously fainted on several occasions while serving as Vice President. He resigned from his post in July citing health reasons.

Apple executives are in South Korea negotiating memory chip deals amidst soaring prices, up to 300% since mid-2025. Memory makers are planning aggressive hikes, even charging Samsung's own divisions significantly more. This AI-driven shortage means less RAM for phones and PCs, with Apple facing tough renegotiations this month.

Political parties are increasingly targeting women voters, seen as kingmakers in elections. Ahead of Maharashtra's civic polls, the state government scheduled welfare payouts just before voting, drawing criticism from the Congress. Similarly, Tamil Nadu's DMK government expanded its women's welfare scheme and announced additional payments, also facing accusations of electoral timing.

Memphis gynecologic oncologist Dr Sanjeev Kumar faces conviction on multiple counts, including medical device adulteration and healthcare fraud. Prosecutors allege he performed unnecessary procedures using improperly reprocessed single-use devices on thousands of patients, billing millions to Medicare and Medicaid. Dr Kumar maintains his innocence, asserting his disinfection methods were scientific.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos criticizes the current trend of companies building private AI data centers, likening it to early 20th-century factories generating their own power. He argues this approach is inefficient and predicts a shift towards centralized cloud services like AWS.

Veteran cornerback Darius Slay, technically on the Buffalo Bills roster, sparked widespread confusion by attending the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. After a stint with the Steelers and being claimed by the Bills, Slay reportedly considered retirement during 2025 season. His presence in Philadelphia has fueled widespread speculation about his future and lingering ties to his former team, where he won a Super Bowl.

A junior hockey coach in Gurgaon has been arrested. He is accused of raping a minor student four months ago. The student, a Class 12 player, reported the incident after becoming pregnant. She suffered a miscarriage. The coach is in police custody for questioning. Investigations are ongoing.

Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has voiced strong criticism of the ICC, suggesting it's losing relevance due to perceived Indian board dominance. He questioned the council's impartiality, citing India's refusal to play in Pakistan as evidence of the ICC's lack of control. Ajmal believes many nations privately agree but fear speaking out.

India's Project-75I, acquiring six advanced German Type-214NG submarines, is gaining urgency amid regional tensions and China's growing undersea presence. This crucial naval procurement emphasises indigenous construction, technology transfer, and bolstering India's deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean.

A jury trial has commenced for five Stanford University students charged in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that occupied the university president's offices. Prosecutors allege significant property damage, while the defense asserts the defendants are exercising their right to a jury trial. This case is a rare instance of demonstrators facing trial amid a broader wave of campus protests.

Mohammad Rizwan became the first overseas player in the BBL to be retired out after struggling to accelerate the scoring for Melbourne Renegades. He managed 26 runs off 23 balls, and his departure did little to boost the team's momentum, as they finished on 170/8. Rizwan's BBL campaign has been below expectations with 167 runs in eight matches.

KL Rahul showcased remarkable composure and adaptability in India's tense four-wicket victory over New Zealand. He expertly navigated a challenging chase, prioritizing strike rotation and protecting his partners before unleashing his finishing skills in the final overs. Chopra lauded Rahul's maturity and game awareness, comparing his calm demeanor to MS Dhoni's.

Ayush Badoni received a maiden India call-up for the remaining ODIs against New Zealand, replacing an injured Washington Sundar. His coach highlighted Badoni's dedication to improving his off-spin bowling, a skill he developed through rigorous practice. Badoni's all-round abilities and leadership experience also contributed to his selection.