Times of India

UP Police arrested Salman Quereshi for the revenge killing of AMU teacher Rao Danish Ali. Quereshi suspected Ali of being an informer in a 2018 murder case. Associates Fahad and Yasir, along with prime accused Zubair, allegedly planned and executed the murder on December 24th.

Protests over Iran's economic woes have led to at least three reported deaths, marking the largest unrest since 2022. While demonstrations have slowed in Tehran, they've expanded to rural provinces, with fatalities occurring in cities inhabited by the Lur ethnic group. The unrest, fueled by economic pressures, also includes chants against the theocratic system.

The incident took place around 9.30 pm in the Damudya area, near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Koneshwar Union. The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das, was reportedly waylaid, beaten and doused with petrol before being set ablaze, reported news agency ANI, citing Prothom Alo. Das was later shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment as his condition worsened, the report said.

NASCAR icon Denny Hamlin has shared an emotional update after a devastating house fire turned his family’s life upside down. The fire broke out at his parents’ home in North Carolina on Sunday night. Denny Hamlin took to social media to address fans and well-wishers. He thanked people for the messages sent after his father’s passing.

Russia stated it recovered data from a downed Ukrainian drone. Moscow claims this data shows the drone targeted a Russian presidential residence. Russia will share this information with the United States. Ukraine and US officials have denied the alleged attack. This incident follows a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Reshma, wife of Jinesh Sukumaran who died in Israel, has died after an alleged suicide attempt. Jinesh was found dead in Israel in July. Reshma reportedly consumed poison at her home. The couple has a 10-year-old daughter. Jinesh had moved to Israel in June. The funeral will be held on Thursday.

A computer science engineering student from IIT Hyderabad has achieved a historic Rs 2.5 crore package from a Netherlands-based firm, marking the highest ever at the institution. This achievement comes amidst a challenging job market, with the student converting a two-month internship into a pre-placement offer. The institute also saw a significant 75% jump in average packages.

Michael Vaughan dismisses England's Melbourne Test win as a 'lottery', urging the team to prove their mettle in Sydney. He stresses that a competitive performance in the final Ashes Test is crucial for the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes regime to avoid scrutiny, emphasizing the need for honest reflection on mistakes rather than denial.

Charles Barkley, the former NBA star, has amassed a significant net worth of $90 million by 2025-26, fueled by lucrative broadcasting deals and past endorsements. His career transitioned from the court to successful stints on TNT and CNN, significantly boosting his income beyond his NBA earnings. Barkley's enduring popularity continues to drive his financial success.

China's military drills near Taiwan, timed with the approaching 2027 deadline, signal Beijing's growing assertiveness under President Xi Jinping. The US is bolstering Taiwan's defenses amid concerns about delayed weapons and industrial capacity. Analysts warn of China's 'Anaconda strategy' and the potential for miscalculation, as Xi Jinping faces pressure to achieve 'reunification'.

The BJP has dropped nearly 40% of its 2017 corporators for the upcoming BMC elections, making way for new faces and defectors. While some wards were reserved, others saw incumbents sidelined to accommodate fresh talent. The party, which won 82 seats previously, released a list of 137 candidates, with many former corporators from western suburbs notably absent.

US President Donald Trump is intensifying pressure on Russia's Vladimir Putin, advocating for a tougher stance amid stalled Ukraine peace talks. An editorial shared by Trump argues Russia is obstructing peace, urging Washington to abandon concessions and adopt a "bigger stick" approach. This comes as both sides report escalating hostilities and drone attacks, underscoring the volatile situation.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka is eager for a rematch against Nick Kyrgios after their exhibition "Battle of the Sexes" loss. She believes a full-sized court and adjusted serving rules would better level the playing field for a second encounter. Sabalenka expressed confidence in her ability to learn from the defeat and secure revenge.

A devastating fire ripped through a packed New Year's Eve party at a Swiss ski resort bar, causing panic and a desperate escape. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as revellers smashed windows to flee flames and smoke. Dozens are feared dead and over 100 injured, with many young people believed to be among the victims.

A Kargil war hero, Sanjib Bhattacharya, and his family are among 32 lakh citizens in Bengal facing hearings to regain voting rights after being excluded from the 2002 electoral rolls due to border duty and job assignments outside the state. Residents and a local councillor expressed anger over the perceived harassment of former soldiers, calling for special arrangements.

Delhi witnessed record vehicle sales in 2025, overwhelmingly dominated by private petrol vehicles, raising concerns about worsening congestion and pollution. Experts highlight the need for stronger EV promotion and improved public transport to counter this trend. The surge, driven by economic factors and post-Covid shifts, underscores the city's environmental challenges.

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed serious doubts about the long-term future of ODI cricket, suggesting it might not survive beyond the 2027 World Cup after the departure of stars like Kohli and Sharma. He highlighted the growing dominance of T20 leagues and Test cricket's enduring appeal, noting that ODI relevance heavily relies on its biggest names.