Times of India

Over 60 candidates in Maharashtra's municipal corporation elections are poised for unopposed victories. The State Election Commission will adhere to a 2014 directive, ensuring thorough verification of these candidates before official declaration. This process aims to maintain transparency and uphold election norms, even in cases of single-candidate races due to withdrawals or local agreements.

Following President Nicolas Maduro's capture by the US military, Venezuela's highest court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president. The US operation, citing narco-terrorism links, aims to ensure a "safe, proper and judicious transition" and re-establish US oil company operations. Rodriguez, however, has rejected the US action and demanded Maduro's release.

Gangster Haji Firoz Khan chained himself at home, rigged a noose, and installed CCTV cameras, posting live videos to claim an immediate threat from Uttar Pradesh police. Police dismissed the act as theatrics, stating Khan has been issuing such updates since Wednesday to affirm his well-being amid warnings of suicide if arrested.

Agastya Nanda's war film 'Ikkis' shows modest box office growth, earning an estimated Rs 15.15 crore net in India. Despite positive reviews for its emotional narrative and Dharmendra's role, it struggles against the dominance of Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar'. The film highlights Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal's bravery in the 1971 war.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its reign at the box office, nearing Rs 760 crore in India and Rs 1200 crore worldwide after 30 days. The espionage thriller saw a significant surge over the weekend, earning over Rs 10 crore on its 5th Saturday. Meanwhile, 'Ikkis' is performing steadily, while 'Tu Meri Main Tera Tu Meri' struggles.

India has prohibited charging power banks inflight and using them with in-seat power systems due to the risk of lithium batteries catching fire. Power banks and batteries are now only permitted in hand luggage, not overhead bins, following DGCA directives to enhance flight safety. Airlines must report all lithium battery-related incidents to the DGCA.

Shubman Gill will captain India's ODI squad against New Zealand, with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain pending fitness. Mohammed Siraj returns to the pace attack, but Mohammed Shami's omission has drawn criticism from Bengal's head coach, who called the decision unfair despite Shami's recent domestic form and past contributions.

Warner remained unbeaten on 130 from 65 balls at Engie Stadium on Saturday. He hit nine sixes and 11 fours as Sydney Thunder posted 205 for 4.

Gujarat High Court has granted a couple divorce, overturning a family court's rejection of their mutual consent petition. The marriage faltered due to the husband's desire to settle in the UK and the wife's preference to remain in India. The court emphasized the irreconcilable differences and the parties' clear intent to move on, deeming the mandatory waiting period unnecessary.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that waitlisted candidates do not have an absolute right to appointment, and waitlists cannot exist indefinitely. This decision came after a petition by candidates who were initially not selected for assistant teacher posts. The court emphasized that selection processes must conclude within a reasonable timeframe.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have been dealing with a lot on their plate ever since they announced their engagement last year. While the two have kept themselves busy with planning their wedding, it seems Taylor Swift is deeply unsettled by some of Travis Kelce's words that he has said in public about his past. It seems this has become a huge deal for Taylor Swift ahead of their wedding.

Gandhinagar is grappling with a typhoid outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water, with 70 active cases reported. Leaks in the newly laid water supply system have allowed sewage to mix with potable water, prompting health officials to intensify outpatient checks and open a pediatric ward. Authorities are working to plug leakages and are hopeful of containing the outbreak soon.

Congress has launched a 45-day nationwide protest, the 'MGNREGA bachao sangram,' starting January 8, demanding the restoration of the job guarantee scheme. The party plans to challenge the new VB-GRAMG law in court, alleging it violates constitutional provisions by shifting financial burdens to states and undermining panchayat autonomy. This agitation aims to force the government to reinstate the scheme.

Sara Arjun, who made her debut as a leading lady with Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller Dhurandhar, is basking in the film’s massive success. The 20-year-old actor, who has been working in cinema since childhood, played Yaleena opposite Ranveer Singh in the film, which has emerged as one of the year’s biggest box office successes, collecting Rs 759 crore net so far.

BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy and his manager filed complaints against 23 people, including Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, alleging trespassing and assault following clashes during a statue unveiling. The violence resulted in the death of a Congress worker, with compensation provided to his family. Political leaders are demanding action and probes into the incidents.

The distinct aroma of old books arises from the slow chemical breakdown of paper, ink, glue, and binding materials. Volatile organic compounds are released as cellulose and lignin degrade, with vanillin and acetic acid contributing sweet and sharp notes. Storage conditions, handling, and the presence of various components collectively shape this characteristic scent.

Analysts predict a tough period for AI stocks, potentially mirroring the dot-com bubble. Google's Gemini is expected to gain market share against OpenAI, boosted by an Apple partnership. Google's custom AI chips, TPUs, are seen as a significant advantage, potentially impacting Nvidia and driving value for Alphabet, whose stock price target was raised.