Times of India

Turkey has detained 125 suspected Islamic State members in nationwide raids across 25 provinces. These operations follow a deadly clash in Yalova where three police officers and six IS members were killed. The interior minister vowed to confront those threatening national unity with state might.

2026 promises a celestial spectacle with four eclipses, including a rare "ring of fire" and a total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe. This year marks the beginning of a busy period for skywatchers, with significant lunar and solar events clustering together. Planetary alignments also grace the night sky, offering repeated reasons to look up.

In 2005, Steve Jobs confronted Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen over alleged poaching of Apple employees. Jobs believed in a non-recruiting agreement, while Chizen proposed a senior-level exception. The exchange ultimately led to an agreement to avoid actively soliciting employees from either company.

The central government has imposed an immediate ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations of the painkiller nimesulide containing more than 100 mg in immediate-release form, citing risks to human health and the availability of safer alternatives. The decision, taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act after expert consultation, was notified by the health ministry. Separately, the ministry proposed changes to the Drugs Rules, inviting public feedback within 30 days.

Australian opener Travis Head expressed his hope for a return to the tradition of post-Ashes drinks between England and Australia. He believes mutual respect exists despite past tensions, particularly after the Jonny Bairstow stumping incident in the 2023 series. Head looks forward to sharing a beer, highlighting the positive relationships between players on both sides.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi's condolences to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka following the passing of former PM Begum Khaleda Zia. Jaishankar highlighted Zia's significant influence on India-Bangladesh ties and expressed optimism for future partnership development. India is officially participating in the funeral rites.

The exam calendar for 2026 outlines key dates for major national entrance tests and board examinations, helping students plan the academic year in advance. Exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, CUET and multiple UPSC tests begin early in the year. Board exams conducted by CBSE, ICSE and ISC will run from February to April, with practical exams scheduled earlier.

The Union Cabinet has approved a relief package for Vodafone Idea, freezing Rs 87,695 crore in AGR dues and rescheduling repayment over 10 years from FY32 to FY41.

Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its phenomenal run, crossing Rs 715 crore by its 27th day. In stark contrast, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's 'Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri,' released on Christmas, struggles significantly, failing to reach Rs 30 crore even after its first week. The spy thriller's success overshadows the romantic comedy's performance.

What began as side-eyeing governments for being “pompous in power” escalated into calling them out, loudly and publicly. From campus corridors to capital streets, the Gen Z, largely mistaken as the “nonchalants,” made it clear they were no longer willing to cope, stay low-key, or wait their turn. Across countries, young people discovered that turning up in person still mattered. That streets were not obsolete.

Police intercepted a car on the Tonk–Jaipur highway, seizing approximately 150kg of ammonium nitrate hidden in urea sacks. Also recovered were 200 explosive batteries and 1,100 meters of electric wire. Two men, identified as Surendra and Surendra Mochi, were detained for questioning regarding the chemical's origin and intended use.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi for winning bronze at the World Blitz Championships in Doha. Erigaisi's achievement, following his World Rapid bronze, highlights India's growing prowess in chess. The Prime Minister lauded Erigaisi's skills and passion, stating his success will inspire the youth.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program equips students with valuable skills for global university admissions, fostering critical thinking and independence. While respected, it doesn't guarantee entry into top universities, especially in the US, which employs a holistic review. The UK system often shows a clearer advantage for IB students due to its structured comparison with A-levels.

Bangladesh mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, a pivotal political figure, with a public holiday and three days of state mourning. Thousands gathered for her funeral in Dhaka, attended by regional leaders including India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Her death marks the end of an era for the influential BNP chairperson.

Damien ​​​Martyn was also part of Australia’s triumphant 2003 ODI World Cup squad, playing a decisive role in the final against India with an unbeaten 88 in a match-winning partnership with Ricky Ponting. ​​​He retired from international cricket in 2006 during the Ashes series and has largely kept a low profile since.

Zomato and Swiggy are increasing incentives for delivery partners on New Year's Eve. This comes as gig workers plan a nationwide strike on December 31, 2025. Unions are demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike aims to disrupt services during a busy period. Workers seek restoration of old payout structures and removal of 10-minute delivery.

Indians are prioritizing fitness, with visible results being key for many. Entertainment sees a surge in OTT consumption, while mindful scrolling increases. Financially, budgeting and goal-setting are paramount. Travel experiences are driven by relaxation and shareable aesthetics. Comfort food reigns supreme, with taste quality being the ultimate food experience driver.

India's screen time is dominated by OTT content, with Netflix leading viewership. Short-form videos like reels also capture significant attention, driven by a desire for relaxation and entertainment. Viewers are increasingly aware of digital fatigue, aiming to reduce aimless scrolling and screen time.

Meta's AI head, Alexandr Wang, revealed he will delay having children until advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) technology like Neuralink is widely available. Wang believes children's early neuroplasticity offers a prime window for intuitive BCI integration, potentially enabling future generations to learn and utilize superintelligence tools more effectively than adults.