Times of India

A 25-year-old Faridabad woman, severely injured and traumatized after being raped and assaulted, is unable to give her statement to police. She sustained multiple facial fractures and requires surgery. Two drivers have been arrested in connection with the brutal incident.

India is set for a sharp hiring uptick in 2026, with employers expected to add up to 12 million jobs, according to TeamLease. Yet the surge may not benefit everyone equally. As companies hire selectively, prioritising skills, adaptability and diversity, the gap between job creation and workforce readiness could become more visible than ever.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt believes AI's rapid advancement, already handling 10-20% of programming tasks, signals the end of traditional coding careers. He sees AI's true economic power in automating corporate functions like billing and accounting, not just coding. Schmidt also predicts Artificial General Intelligence by 2029, urging human oversight to preserve agency.

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie dismissed suggestions of replacing Gautam Gambhir as India coach with a blunt “No thanks.” Under pressure after poor results, Gambhir’s role sparked fan debate online. Gillespie, who quit Pakistan’s coaching job after seven months in 2024, is believed to be cautious about high-pressure roles, despite remaining a respected red-ball coach.

On January 2, 147 years ago, Fred Spofforth etched his name in cricket history by claiming the first-ever Test hat-trick at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This remarkable feat, achieved in just his second Test, propelled Australia to a dominant 10-wicket victory over England. Spofforth's bowling prowess was instrumental throughout the match.

A Bangladeshi businessman, Khokon Chandra Das, was brutally attacked and set on fire by a mob. He sustained severe burn injuries and is undergoing treatment. His family expressed shock and confusion over the senseless attack. The incident occurred near Keurbhanga Bazar. Police are investigating the matter. This assault follows other violent incidents targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Iran issued a stern warning against US intervention, vowing retaliation after President Trump pledged aid to protesters. The exchange escalates tensions amid ongoing demonstrations over economic hardship, with Iranian officials accusing the US and Israel of fueling unrest and threatening regional destabilization.

Robots are paving the way for humans on the Moon and Mars. Missions are currently tracking radiation, mapping water, and studying dust. This vital data helps plan safe habitats and routines. Ingenuity-like drones may even find natural radiation shelters. These machines are working patiently, shaping the future of space exploration.

Bollywood's 2026 begins with the war drama 'Ikkis,' marking Agastya Nanda's debut and Dharmendra's final performance. Despite a slow start, 'Ikkis' is outperforming Kartik Aaryan's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Tu Meri,' with 'Dhurandhar' continuing its strong run in its fifth week.

Zohran Mamdani made history as New York City's first South Asian and Muslim mayor, sworn in at a subway station. His inauguration sparked viral moments, including a debated hand gesture, a heartfelt tribute to his "Kampala to Delhi" roots, and a lively Punjabi music performance that captured the city's multicultural spirit.

Australia U-19 all-rounder John James’ rise is rooted in belie. Shaped by family sacrifice, influential coaches and an old-school batting philosophy, James blends adaptability with mental clarity. With Bengal and Kerala roots his love for football is a no secret, a sport, he played till he turned 16. He wants to succeed as a leader and seeks inspiration from none other than Pat Cummins. The teenager is gearing up for U-19 World Cup, starting January 15.

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh says Arjun Tendulkar is a natural batter, but coaches wrongly focus only on his bowling. He revealed Arjun himself felt his batting was ignored and praised his strokeplay, comparing it to Sachin Tendulkar. Despite modest stats, Arjun has shown promise and is now opening for Goa in domestic cricket.

The Indian National Congress, now 140 years old, is at a critical juncture. Facing upcoming assembly elections, the party is recalibrating its campaign calls and alliances. Efforts are underway to rebuild credibility from the grassroots. The Congress is navigating complex political landscapes in states like Kerala, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.

A severe diarrhoea outbreak has struck Bhagirathpura in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Contaminated drinking water has caused at least 10 deaths and sickened over 1,400 residents. Officials identified a leakage in the main water pipeline near a police outpost, leading to sewage contamination. Residents are now fearful of the water supply, even from tankers.

New York City's first Muslim Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, made history with a vibrant subway oath ceremony featuring a viral Punjabi music performance. Mamdani, known for his outreach to the South Asian diaspora, danced with his wife to a popular track, captivating attendees and sparking widespread social media excitement. This event underscores his commitment to celebrating diverse cultural roots.

India’s selectors face key decisions ahead of the New Zealand ODI series, with Shreyas Iyer racing to regain fitness, uncertainty surrounding Rishabh Pant’s spot, and Mohammed Shami pushing for a comeback. With workload management and long-term planning in mind, the squad selection could shape India’s white-ball roadmap ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, vowing American intervention if peaceful protesters are violently suppressed. This comes as widespread demonstrations, fueled by economic hardship and soaring inflation, grip the nation. Protesters are voicing strong dissent against the government, with chants targeting top leadership, marking the most significant unrest since 2022.

A massive landslide on the Srinagar–Baramulla–Uri highway disrupted traffic on Friday morning. The incident occurred on the Baramulla stretch of NH-1 amidst severe cold wave conditions and snowfall in higher reaches. The region is currently experiencing Chilla-e-Kalan, a period of intense winter.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar stated India faces challenges from "bad neighbours," implicitly referencing Pakistan, and asserted the nation's right to self-defense against persistent terrorism. He emphasized India's strategic autonomy, dismissing external mediation and highlighting that continued hostility undermines goodwill, impacting pacts like the Indus Waters Treaty.