Times of India

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the United States this spring. The leaders discussed strengthening the Japan-US alliance and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The visit, potentially in late March, follows recent regional tensions and Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.

Delhi's Air Quality Index has improved to 'poor' after being in the 'very poor' category, with a daily average AQI of 235 recorded. Favorable meteorological conditions led to the revocation of Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Authorities urge continued adherence to GRAP Stages II and I to prevent further deterioration.

Residents in Taos, New Mexico, have long reported a mysterious low-frequency hum with no identifiable source. Despite extensive government and university research using advanced monitoring equipment, the sound remains elusive, baffling scientists. Similar unexplained hums have surfaced globally, highlighting the challenges in understanding these persistent, selective auditory phenomena and their potential effects.

Ultra-wealthy Indians are increasingly investing in rare pink, blue, and yellow diamonds, driving a 20-25% demand surge. These coloured stones, far rarer than white diamonds, are seen as both fashion statements and lucrative long-term assets. Their rising prices are fueled by global trends and increasing scarcity, with significant appreciation over the past two decades.

CBSE Class 10 English 2026 is less about fancy vocabulary and more about clear, examiner-friendly writing. Faculty from Sunbeam School, UP, share what actually moves marks: revise themes and author’s message, practise letters/analytical paragraphs in the right format, and treat grammar as easy marks. Write in your own voice, avoid memorised lines, present neatly, and interpret literature—don’t narrate plots.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared the BJP is unconcerned by the Thackeray cousins uniting, stating their political brand has faded. He asserted the Mahayuti will win decisively, with a Hindu Marathi mayor for Mumbai. Fadnavis also claimed credit for realizing key infrastructure projects like the Atal Setu and coastal road, highlighting his efforts in overcoming hurdles.

Agastya Nanda's debut in 'Ikkis' has opened to a strong Rs 7 crore on its first day, with a Rs 3.5 crore collection on day 2, bringing the India net total to Rs 10.5 crore. The war drama, featuring Dharmendra's last appearance, has outperformed 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri' but trails behind the reigning 'Dhurandhar'.

BJP has strongly criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for expressing sympathy towards activist Umar Khalid, who is jailed in a Delhi riots conspiracy case. The party stated that an outsider has no right to question India's judiciary and democracy, especially by supporting someone accused of anti-India activities.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its reign at the box office, crossing Rs 1160 crore worldwide in its 5th week. The action-packed spy thriller has outperformed all regional, national, and international releases since its debut, demonstrating remarkable staying power and consistent audience engagement.

A 53-year-old man and his live-in partner were found charred to death in their hut in Tiruvannamalai district after it was allegedly set on fire by unidentified individuals. Police are investigating the suspicious deaths, considering potential involvement of the victims' estranged spouses. The couple had been living together for three years.

Karnataka's cabinet has strongly opposed the Centre's new rural employment scheme, G-RAM-G, deeming it a blow to federalism and the right to work. The state is exploring its own rural employment guarantee program, potentially foregoing central funding to protect jobs and local development. This move comes as the new scheme shifts funding responsibilities to states.

Atlanta Braves are eyeing Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to bolster their rotation ahead of the 2026 season due to existing pitching injuries. A potential trade with the Houston Astros could see Atlanta acquire Imai, offering immediate stability. This move would involve sending prospects Hurston Waldrep and Nacho Alvarez Jr. to Houston, securing much-needed pitching depth for the Braves.

A businessman's car and home in Rohini were targeted with over two dozen gunshots in a brazen extortion attempt. The attack, demanding Rs 3 crore, suggests the return of gangster Himanshu Bhau, believed to be in the US. Police are investigating the incident, which involved extensive gunfire and threats received via WhatsApp.

India's electronics manufacturing sector receives a significant boost with 22 new component manufacturing proposals approved, attracting nearly Rs 42,000 crore in investments. Major players like Samsung, Foxconn, and Tata Electronics are set to enhance domestic production, aiming to reduce import reliance and bolster the nation's position as a global manufacturing hub.

Shubman Gill’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match for Punjab against Sikkim will be played behind closed doors, similar to recent games involving Virat Kohli. As per BCCI guidelines, no spectators or live broadcast will be allowed due to security concerns and lack of seating at the Jaipuria College ground. Gill and Arshdeep Singh will also play Punjab’s next match against Goa on January 6.

The Supreme Court has ruled that courts should generally avoid setting deadlines for investigations, as this infringes on the agency's autonomy. Timelines are only to be imposed reactively when there's clear evidence of unjustified delay or stagnation, ensuring a balance between prompt justice and the complexities of probes.

Pakistan has now endorsed China's claim of mediating the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, a move that raises eyebrows given India's stance. Islamabad's foreign office spokesperson stated Chinese leaders were in contact with both nations, contributing to de-escalation. This assertion contrasts with India's position that the conflict pause followed a request from Pakistan's DGMO, not third-party intervention.

Deaths in Indore's water contamination tragedy could have been avoided if warnings from a BJP corporator two years ago were heeded. Corporator Kamal Waghela had repeatedly alerted the Indore Municipal Corporation about old, worn-out pipelines in Bhagirathpura, alleging officials delayed necessary replacements.

Madhya Pradesh government took action following a contaminated water tragedy in Indore, removing municipal commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav and suspending additional commissioner Rohit Sisoniya. The move comes as the death toll from the outbreak rose to 10. An in-charge superintendent engineer was also removed, with new officials appointed.

Punjab police suspect Pakistan's ISI orchestrated Thursday's explosion in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, to destabilize the region. While Babbar Khalsa International and Punjab Sovereignty Alliance claimed responsibility, police dismissed their ideological claims, stating these groups act on ISI's behalf.