Times of India

Raunak Sadhwani became a chess Grandmaster in 2019 at just 13, among India’s youngest to do so. Now 19 and ranked eighth among juniors, he reflects on the high cost of professional chess. Despite lacking a full-time coach, Raunak is competing at the top level as he prepares for the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championships.

This is not a story about crimes. There is no evidence linking Noam Chomsky to Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual offences. That boundary should not be blurred. But this is very much a story about power, judgement, and proximity. About how elite worlds function. About how influence circulates. And about how even those who devote their lives to critiquing systems of domination can misread them when they arrive dressed as conversation.

In a New Heights podcast promo, Travis Kelce excitedly opened a Pokémon Gold Pack, sparking a playful debate with his brother Jason about their childhood fandom. Travis's childlike wonder and humorous comment about a "Medicham" card having a "BBL" had fans in stitches, with many requesting the segment return weekly.

Actor Sivakarthikeyan has found himself in a legal battle with Studio Green Films, as he files a case in the Madras High Court for Rs 15 crore in outstanding payments for the film 'Mr. Local'.

Get ready for two spectacular solar eclipses in 2026! An annular 'ring of fire' event on February 17 will grace parts of South America and Africa. Later, on August 12, a breathtaking total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with partial views for much of Europe. Remember to use certified eye protection for safe viewing.

Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill will likely continue as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2026, despite recent form concerns. However, he acknowledges that the team management might keep the position open or consider Hardik Pandya. Chopra also revealed his India squad, highlighting Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy as potential top performers.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed claims of a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement within the state government. He asserted that he will remain CM until the party high command decides otherwise, refuting opposition questions about a potential leadership change. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also denied rumors of a dinner meeting, emphasizing party unity.

Five years ago, India suffered their lowest Test score, 36 all out, against Australia in Adelaide. Despite a first-innings lead, a dramatic collapse saw them set a meager target. However, the team, led by Ajinkya Rahane after Virat Kohli's departure, staged a remarkable comeback, winning the series 2-1 in Australia.

The Lok Sabha's Winter Session concluded after 19 days, marked by disruptions and sharp political clashes. Despite passing eight key bills, including those on insurance FDI and nuclear energy, crucial debates on air pollution and electoral reforms were overshadowed. The session ended with both Houses adjourned sine die, leaving significant issues unresolved.

Bangladesh's interim government condemned the lynching of a Hindu man and widespread violence following the assassination of poll contender Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Urging citizens to resist mob violence, the Yunus-led government vowed perpetrators would not be spared, emphasizing the upcoming elections as a national commitment and supporting targeted journalists.

A resurfaced 2000 video shows Google co-founder Larry Page accurately predicting the future of AI-driven search. He envisioned an "ultimate search engine" that would understand user intent and provide direct answers, a capability now realized by Gemini models. Page acknowledged the company was far from this goal then but was committed to incremental progress, leveraging vast data and computational resources.

Gold prices opened lower on the MCX at Rs 1,34,027 per 10 grams, a 0.37% dip, but remain above the crucial Rs 1.34 lakh mark. Spot gold and US gold futures also saw declines, while silver prices retreated from a record high.

Ishan Kishan’s innings helped Jharkhand post a formidable 262/3, anchored by a 177-run second-wicket partnership with Kumar Kushagra, who contributed a lively 81 off 38 balls. Medium pacer Anukul Roy delivered a crucial all-round performance, taking two early wickets and adding a rapid 40 off 20 balls, while Haryana’s Yashvardhan Dalal top-scored with 53 in a losing cause.

Dhurandhar has achieved a record-breaking second week at the box office, surpassing the collections of Pathaan and Gadar 2. The film, starring Ranveer Singh and others, earned ₹253 crore in its second week, bringing its total to ₹463.48 crore. Despite a slow start to its third week, Dhurandhar continues to compete as Avatar Fire And Ash gains momentum.

India's Lok Sabha has passed the SHANTI Bill, ushering in a significant overhaul of its civil nuclear framework. The legislation opens parts of the sector to private participation for the first time, aiming to boost nuclear power capacity and modernize regulations. It also introduces a new safety and liability framework.

Congress criticizes Prime Minister Modi for 'acronym-itis' following the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces the MGNREGA. The opposition protested the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name and the financial burden on states, staging a dharna after the bill's approval.

Security guards in Gurgaon vandalized a Mercedes outside Cyber Park after the driver allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road. Witnesses reported an argument and alleged assault by the driver before guards retaliated, smashing the car's windshield, taillights, and side mirror. The incident, captured on video, has not yet resulted in a police complaint.

Adani Group plans a massive Rs 1 lakh crore investment in its airports business over five years, driven by strong growth projections for India's aviation sector. The company is set to launch commercial operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, a significant expansion that will ease pressure on existing facilities and bolster the group's position as India's largest airport operator.

Indian students studying abroad saw a slight dip in 2025, with 1.2 million enrolled globally. This reflects increased costs and unpredictable visa rules in traditional destinations like Canada, the US, UK, and Australia. Families are now exploring new options, with Germany and France showing significant growth in Indian student numbers.

India’s higher education system has expanded fast, but regulation has stayed cluttered and uneven. This column explains how the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 tries to fix that by creating one apex body and three linked councils for regulation, accreditation, and standards, with outcomes and public transparency at the centre. The promise is graded autonomy with accountability.