Times of India

The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026, a decision limited only to the tournament. Indian cricket board chief Mithun Manhas confirmed no decision has been taken yet on Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India. The move follows criticism and concerns linked to recent developments in Bangladesh.

As business leaders like Narayana Murthy argue for 70-hour workweeks, Bill Gates offers a sharply different vision, predicting that artificial intelligence could reduce work to just two days a week. The debate exposes a deeper clash over productivity, automation, and whether technological progress will free workers’ time or intensify expectations in the years ahead.

Caracas awoke to eerie quiet and smoke Saturday after US commandos reportedly captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in overnight strikes. Explosions rocked the capital, with damage reported at a port and near an air base. Residents, glued to phones, expressed uncertainty about the future, while some opposition supporters felt cautious joy.

Shreyas Iyer has returned to India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series and has been named vice-captain, but his selection depends on final fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Recovering from an abdominal injury, Iyer could make his comeback if cleared, as the team management prioritises fitness ahead of major tournaments.

Elon Musk has declared 'war' after a Somali-American TikToker allegedly threatened his life during a livestream. The woman, whose account has since been deleted, reportedly made the statement in English, referencing Musk's criticisms of Somali-run businesses in Minnesota involved in alleged fraud. The incident has sparked widespread support for Musk online, with calls for action against the TikToker.

Earth's oceans would experience significantly smaller tides without the Moon. Marine life dependent on tidal motion would face drastic changes. Nocturnal predators and prey behavior would shift dramatically. Earth's axial tilt would become unstable, leading to extreme seasonal variations over long periods. Human activities, from coastal industries to agriculture, would be profoundly impacted.

India's capital expenditure is showing promising signs of recovery, with defence, capital goods, and manufacturing sectors poised for significant growth over the next few years. Improved economic conditions and policy support are driving this revival. Foreign investors may also return in 2026 as corporate earnings are projected to re-accelerate, offering attractive investment opportunities.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro met with a Chinese government representative in Caracas, hours before U.S. President Donald Trump falsely claimed Maduro had been captured following American military strikes. U.S. officials cited by CBS News alleged Delta Force operators took Maduro into custody, a claim Venezuela's Vice President denied, demanding proof of life.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated Iran will not yield to the enemy, responding to US President Donald Trump's offer of aid to protesters. Khamenei acknowledged economic grievances driving demonstrations but warned against "rioters," vowing to "bring the enemy to its knees." Protests over rising prices have turned violent, with at least eight reported deaths.

India has established 132 Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants, producing 920 tonnes daily, with more capacity under the SATAT initiative. This program converts waste into clean fuel, boosting rural incomes and reducing emissions. Additionally, the country is offering 50 new exploration and production blocks to enhance domestic energy output.

Gold prices had an exceptional year in 2025 continuing their bull run and witnessing around 52 new record highs while also the strongest annual returns since 1979. Gold closed at $4319 on the last trading day of 2025; thus, it gained around 65% last year, while silver surged 148% to $71.66.

Shreyas Iyer has been included in the squad and named vice-captain. However, his availability is "subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE," the board said in a release.

Scottie Pippen, a legendary NBA player, has a net worth of $20 million by 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His career salary reached $109 million. Pippen's earnings from contracts and endorsements significantly boosted his wealth. He is considered one of the most underpaid players in NBA history. His iconic Nike partnership and endorsements with major brands expanded his financial empire.

New Zealand is emerging as a strong contender for Indian students seeking overseas education in 2026, offering a predictable and structured pathway. With its top-ranked universities, excellent work-life balance, and clear post-study work rights, it appeals to students prioritizing manageability and consistent outcomes over sheer scale. Popular courses include IT, environmental sciences, and business.

The government is proposing a unique 21-character "Battery Pack Aadhaar Number" (BPAN) for electric vehicle batteries. This initiative aims to ensure complete traceability from raw materials to recycling, enhancing transparency and sustainability in the battery ecosystem. The system will track battery performance and environmental impact, facilitating second-life usage and efficient recycling processes.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has commenced the online registration for CUET UG 2026, offering admission to undergraduate programs across India. The application window is open until January 30, 2026, with the exam scheduled between May 11 and May 31, 2026. Candidates are urged to carefully review the Information Bulletin for detailed instructions.

Masood Uz Zafar Amini, the coach of Indian batter Rinku Singh, has shared his views on the BCCI’s decision to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the 2026 Indian Premier League season. Amini said that while opinions may differ, the decision taken by the BCCI must be respected by everyone.

Telangana has scrapped its two-child norm for local body elections, a rule that previously disqualified individuals with more than two children. Citing a declining fertility rate below the replacement level, the state government argued the decades-old population control measure is no longer relevant. Officials believe maintaining the replacement fertility rate is crucial for the state's future demographic balance, as citizens increasingly opt for smaller families.