Times of India

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg urged employees to prepare for an intense year, highlighting AI advancements and upcoming layoffs. He emphasized ambition for AI with a potential billion users and defended policy changes, including DEI rollbacks and return-to-office plans. Revealing Meta's progress, he affirmed strong growth for smart glasses and AI users while building a partnership with the US government.

Sam Altman faced criticism for his comment that competing with ChatGPT with an AI model under $10 million is 'totally hopeless.' Anupam Mittal, Shark Tank judge, criticized Altman, emphasizing Indian innovation. Mittal asserts that India will develop multiple foundational models soon and highlights the perceived arrogance in Altman's stance.

Virat Kohli received overwhelming support as he returned to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, playing for Delhi. Fans thronged the Arun Jaitley Stadium, chanting his name incessantly. Former Pakistan player Basit Ali praised Kohli's fan following, saying that he is blessed.

Sonia Gandhi expressed concern over President Droupadi Murmu's apparent fatigue during her Budget session address. President Murmu highlighted India's economic progress, paid tribute to former PM Manmohan Singh, and discussed various government initiatives, including housing, healthcare, and financial empowerment for women.

Virat Kohli's return to the Ranji Trophy ended quickly as Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan bowled him out, causing disappointment among fans. Sangwan, who often trains at the MRF Pace Academy under Glenn McGrath, celebrated another notable dismissal. The match at Arun Jaitley Stadium saw Kohli's innings cut short, impressing with a boundary before an error ended his play.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has advised Pakistani cricket players to avoid being too friendly with their Indian counterparts on the field. He warns that such behavior might be perceived as a weakness and could affect their performance, especially during the upcoming Champions Trophy in Dubai.

The Election Commission of India held a special meeting with Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal regarding his allegations of water poisoning by the BJP-led Haryana government. Kejriwal was asked to provide evidence to support his claims about the deliberate contamination of the Yamuna River, which could lead to mass casualties in Delhi.

The Kinnar Akhada has removed former actress Mamta Kulkarni from her role as Mahamandaleshwar, citing internal tensions. Kulkarni and her guru, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, were expelled from the religious group. The decision came after backlash regarding Kulkarni's appointment due to her film industry background. Tripathi expressed surprise at the expulsion, noting Kulkarni's long-term involvement with the Akhada.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the Modi government's handling of public issues and lack of debate in Parliament. Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted the absence of foreign interference before the Budget session. Sonia Gandhi expressed concern about President Murmu's fatigue during her address, emphasizing the government's focus on youth education and employment.

Mumbai Police confirmed that the face of accused Shariful Islam matches CCTV footage from Saif Ali Khan's residence. Police conducted a facial recognition test as a standard procedure, not due to doubts about his identity. Shariful surveyed Bandra and Khar areas, then committed burglary at Saif Ali Khan's home, leading to an attack on the actor.

Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, aims to seal the T20I series against England in Pune, leading 2-1. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar expresses optimism about India's performance, particularly highlighting the contest between Indian batting and English bowling and anticipating a strong showing from the Indian team.

Budget 2025 expectations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invoked Goddess Lakshmi for the poor and middle class during his address at the start of Parliament's Budget 2025 session. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget 2025, there is high anticipation for potential income tax relief and other measures to boost consumption and economic activities.

Virat Kohli's return to red-ball domestic cricket ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for six runs in Delhi's Ranji Trophy match against Railways. Kohli was bowled by Himanshu Sangwan after facing 15 balls, leaving Delhi struggling at 86 for 3. Railways had earlier scored 241, with Upendra Yadav contributing 95 runs.

Monalisa Bhonsle, a 16-year-old flower-seller from Maheshwar, became a social media sensation during Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025. Filmmaker Sanoj Mishra has cast her in his upcoming Bollywood film, 'The Diary of West Bengal.' Monalisa's newfound fame is set to change her life, with shooting for another film starting in February.

Union Budget 2025 speech date, time: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget 2025 this week. This will be her eighth Budget presentation, with significant focus expected on capital expenditure for roadways and railways.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on the first budgetary session since 2014 without foreign interference attempts. Emphasizing 'Viksit Bharat', he highlighted the focus on innovation, inclusion, and investment for a developed India, expecting young MPs to contribute significantly. Key decisions on women's upliftment and anti-discrimination are anticipated.

Dinesh Karthik's nostalgic 53 off 39 balls, including three consecutive sixes, helped Paarl Royals set a target of 150/9 at The Wanderers Stadium. However, despite his efforts, Joburg Super Kings chased down the target in 17.5 overs, winning the match by seven wickets.

A midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. Investigations suggest potential air traffic control failures and pilot miscommunication, highlighting ongoing risks in one of the most controlled airspaces.

President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Brics nations about facing 100 percent tariffs if they attempt to replace the US dollar with another currency. Emphasising the need to maintain the dollar's role in global trade, Trump stated that any country trying to create a Brics currency or adopting another currency will face economic consequences.