Times of India

Seven-year-old Pragnika Vaka Lakshmi, Under-7 Girls champion at the FIDE World Schools Chess Championship 2025, met PM Narendra Modi after winning gold for India on Friday. From learning chess during COVID to rapid success, she shows rare courage and discipline. Backed by family sacrifices, scholarships, and offline coaching, she balances school, training, and dreams of becoming the best chess player worldwide.

China is transforming its cargo ship, Zhongda 79, into an arsenal ship, equipping it with containerized launchers for up to 60 missiles. This upgrade, featuring advanced weaponry including hypersonic missiles, signifies Beijing's push to bolster its naval capabilities and match the US Navy's vertical launch systems. The vessel's transformation highlights China's growing maritime ambitions.

On this day in 1983, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar etched his name in history with a monumental 236 not out against the West Indies in Chennai. This stellar innings followed his record-breaking 30th Test century, surpassing Don Bradman's long-standing mark. Gavaskar's unbeaten 236 remained India's highest Test score for nearly two decades, a testament to his enduring brilliance.

"The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the venue for the fourth Ashes Test, has been deemed ‘Unsatisfactory’ with the venue handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process," the ICC said in a statement. An unsatisfactory rating is the third level in the ICC’s four-tier system.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the Sharad Pawar faction will contest local elections in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune together. This alliance is a local arrangement for the civic polls. The decision was made after consulting party workers. This development has raised questions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Boston Bruins are in a slump, losing five straight and prompting management to seek significant roster upgrades. Interest is reportedly high in Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matias Maccelli, who could provide offensive depth and fit the team's long-term plans. Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is also being considered to bolster the defense and power play.

Silver experienced a record-breaking rally, hitting fresh highs on strong investor demand and global cues, though it saw a dip as investors booked profits. Gold prices remained near record levels domestically, while overseas markets saw minor declines due to profit-taking. Local prices for both precious metals are also provided.

Escape the crowds and discover India's serene hidden beaches in 2026. From Goa's Butterfly Beach to Odisha's Chandipur, these tranquil shores offer a peaceful retreat. Lakshadweep's Minicoy, Karnataka's Om Beach, and Kerala's Perumathura also provide unhurried moments by the sea, perfect for rejuvenation and quiet contemplation away from the usual tourist hustle.

Naseem Mughal, who plays Lulli in 'Dhurandhar', initially refused to shoot an intense assault scene with Ranveer Singh due to nervousness. However, the film's team and Singh himself made him comfortable, allowing him to deliver a powerful performance that has since gone viral.

The Defence Acquisition Council has approved capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. These approvals, granted on December 29, 2025, cover a variety of equipment for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including loiter munition systems, radars, guided rocket ammunition, and drone detection systems.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Unnao rape case. It has halted the Delhi high court's decision to suspend former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The apex court is examining if an MLA qualifies as a public servant under the POCSO Act. This move ensures Sengar remains in jail. The survivor welcomes the Supreme Court's action.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay its order on the Aravalli range's "new definition." The court has formed a committee to re-examine the issues. The government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli hills, with mining bans on new and renewed leases continuing. This follows widespread criticism of the previous definition.

While the BCCI has mandated centrally contracted players to feature in at least two matches, Virat Kohli has opted to play a third game as part of his preparation for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Kohli has been in fine form in his first two appearances for Delhi, scoring 131 and 77 respectively.

The Unnao rape survivor expressed joy and vowed to pursue capital punishment after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court's order suspending expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The apex court's decision prevents Sengar's release, emphasizing the peculiar circumstances of his conviction for a grave offense. The survivor conveyed her faith in the judiciary's pursuit of justice.

China launched large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, deploying warships and aircraft in a stern warning to independence supporters and foreign powers. Taiwan's military is on high alert, vowing to defend its democracy amid drills aimed at blockading key ports and simulating strikes.

Silver price crash today: Silver prices saw a sharp drop after hitting record highs, with MCX futures plunging Rs 21,000 per kg as profit booking set in amid easing geopolitical risks and higher margin requirements.

India's 2025 IPO market saw record fundraising but a reality check emerged as many stocks failed to sustain initial hype. While 69 companies listed above issue prices, only 54 remained positive by year-end. Experts advise investors to focus on fundamentals and track post-listing performance, especially for smaller issues, as quality is now being differentiated from mere sentiment.

Google DeepMind's documentary, 'The Thinking Game,' has captivated audiences, surpassing 200 million YouTube views in just four weeks. This compelling film offers an inside look at the groundbreaking work of an AGI lab, highlighting the journey behind Nobel Prize-winning projects like AlphaFold. CEO Demis Hassabis celebrated the film's immense success and praised the talented creators behind it.