Times of India

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa questioned the need for hosting an ICC tournament every year, saying the novelty of multi-nation events is wearing off. Speaking during the SA20 in Durban, he urged administrators to revisit scheduling to preserve value for fans. Uthappa also reminisced about Durban and the 2007 T20 World Cup bowl-out win against Pakistan, calling it a special and well-prepared moment for the Indian team.

Indian batter Tilak Varma has undergone emergency abdominal surgery in Rajkot and will miss the first three T20Is against New Zealand. The 23-year-old is recovering well and has been discharged from the hospital. His availability for the remaining matches and the T20 World Cup opener remains uncertain as he begins his return-to-training process.

A woman was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis during an immigration crackdown, sparking protests and clashes with law enforcement. State and local officials demanded ICE leave Minnesota, but Homeland Security stated agents would remain. The incident is being investigated, with conflicting accounts from officials and eyewitnesses.

President Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland has ignited a diplomatic crisis with Denmark. While the US cites national security and Arctic interests, allies fear a return to expansionism. Despite Denmark's offers of increased cooperation, Trump's focus on territorial acquisition, driven by symbolism and a desire to expand US landmass, perplexes many.

Bangladesh's interim government has temporarily suspended visa services at its key diplomatic missions in India, including New Delhi, citing "security concerns." This move follows similar restrictions by India on Bangladeshi nationals. Dhaka is also seeking a reversal of United States visa bond requirement, deeming it "certainly unfortunate and painful for them."

US President Donald Trump has backed a bill that could levy 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, giving the US leverage over major buyers such as China and India to curb imports from Moscow.

While Trump’s inner circle toasted the capture of Nicolás Maduro, a spectacle equal parts action movie and reality show, the Vice President was nowhere to be seen. In the impromptu “war room” where Trump green-lit the raid on Caracas, Vance’s chair was reportedly empty. And when the administration brass held a press conference to celebrate their “perfect” operation, Vance was again absent, leaving Rubio to play the starring role as the public face of America’s newest foreign intervention.

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has sharply criticised England after their Ashes defeat, accusing Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and Ben Stokes of promoting a flawed, consequence-free philosophy. Boycott said players lacked accountability despite early success under McCullum-Stokes. Selection issues and injuries hurt England’s bowling, while Jacob Bethell’s Sydney hundred showed the promise.

Istanbul faced a powerful storm with gale-force winds and towering waves, causing widespread disruption. A Pegasus flight aborted landing due to severe weather, while sea transport across western Turkiye, including the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, was heavily impacted. Fallen trees and localized flooding were reported in several provinces.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Centre of a "financial stranglehold" and announced a satyagraha protest on January 12 against an alleged "economic blockade." He also criticised Congress, saying that "the party, which claims to be the principal opposition party of the country, is also moving along the same path" as the central govt.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez has accused the US of using false claims about drugs and human rights as a pretext to seize the nation's oil. She stated Venezuela is open to mutually beneficial energy partnerships with clearly defined commercial contracts. This comes as the US announced it would manage future Venezuelan crude sales and oversee its global petroleum trade.

Fortnite's v39.20 update arrives January 9, 2025, featuring a massive South Park crossover. Players can expect iconic characters like Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny as mech-suited skins, alongside the controversial Towelie as a sidekick. A 'Stick of Truth' mythic item and a new five-player squad mode are also rumored. A special mini-pass will offer exclusive collaboration rewards.

Microsoft's top scientist Eric Horvitz expresses concern over US federal funding cuts to universities. He warns these reductions could cause America to lose its global lead in artificial intelligence to countries like China. Horvitz highlights that these cuts risk a brain drain of talent and research to nations replicating the US model of state-backed innovation.

President Trump has greenlit a bipartisan bill authorizing significant sanctions and up to 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. The Sanctioning Russia Act aims to pressure nations like China, India, and Brazil, part of the BRICS block, to cease fueling Russia's war machine.

Fee regulation committees will move forward in Delhi’s private schools—for now. The High Court declined to stay the government notification but extended deadlines for setting up committees and submitting proposed fee structures. The petitioners argue the 2025 law is unconstitutional and creates overlapping controls with the 1973 Act. Schools call it intrusive as the dispute now heads to further hearings—and may travel beyond the High Court.

Ruturaj Gaikwad smashed a brilliant 134 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, reaching his 20th List A century in a record 95 innings. He also became the fastest to 5,000 List A runs. Despite stellar domestic form and a recent ODI century, Gaikwad's omission from the upcoming India squad raises eyebrows. He will lead CSK in IPL 2026.