Times of India

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed star pacer Mohammed Shami's return to the team during the third T20I against England after a 14-month hiatus. Although Shami showed promising speed and swing, he went wicketless, and India suffered a 26-run defeat but still lead the series 2-1. Sidelined since the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, Shami had played domestic cricket in the interim, but this was his first game for India since then.

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Sangam, Prayagraj, has resulted in several injuries, as eyewitnesses recount the chaos and delayed emergency response. Devotees struggled to stay together amid the massive crowd, with authorities urging people to adhere to safety instructions. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah are monitoring the situation.

Stock market recommendations: According to Mehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research at Anand Rathi, top stock picks for today include Concor, Aditya Birla Real Estate, and Ramco Cements.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged disappearance during the 2020 riots and called him out on corruption. Kejriwal retorted, questioning why BJP hadn’t acted on the National Herald scam involving Gandhi’s family, suggesting collusion between BJP and Congress.

The Siddhivinayak temple trust in Mumbai has advised devotees to avoid wearing inappropriate clothing such as torn jeans, skirts, and revealing outfits during their visit. The trust emphasizes respecting the temple's sanctity by dressing appropriately, drawing parallels to how people dress for community gatherings and festivals.

The doomsday clock moved one second closer to midnight at 89 seconds, reflecting increased concerns over nuclear war, climate change, and global health. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists emphasized the urgency of reversing these threats. Former Colombian President Santos stressed unity in addressing these risks, while experts highlighted artificial intelligence's dual role, urging caution with its potential dangers.

Lunar New Year on January 29, 2025, marks the start of the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation. This festive time encourages reflection, setting intentions, and spreading positivity. Celebrations include sharing heartfelt messages and embracing new beginnings with family and friends.

A two-day-old baby in Pilibhit allegedly died after being given expired dextrose at the district women's hospital. The baby was brought to the hospital as he had stopped taking breastfeed and became weak. The family alleges expired dextrose caused the death. An inquiry has been ordered and the body sent for autopsy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation at Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj after a near-stampede situation during 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya.' He urged for immediate support measures. Union home minister Amit Shah also assured support. Rescue operations continue as authorities manage injured individuals amid an anticipated 80-100 million devotee gathering.

A 40-year-old man, Hoshiyar Singh Valmiki, succumbed to injuries after being brutally assaulted by four men over Rs 200 in Meerut. His father died of grief learning about his son's condition. Two of the accused have been arrested, and efforts are on to nab the remaining two.

A stampede occurred at the Sangam Nose area during Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya, leading to injuries among devotees. Authorities, including Prime Minister Modi, have ensured support, with heavy police deployment and appeals to avoid overcrowding. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad has postponed the Amrit Snan. Religious leaders urged devotees to take dips at nearby ghats. The situation is being monitored closely, with efforts to ensure the safety of devotees. The next major bathing event is scheduled for February 3. Political leaders expressed concerns, demanding immediate action and better future arrangements for pilgrim safety and well-being.

A 60-year-old woman died from a heart attack in Mainpuri district hospital after the doctor on duty, Dr. Adarsh Sanger, allegedly ignored her and watched his mobile phone. Despite family pleas, the doctor instructed nurses to attend to her, leading to public outrage after CCTV footage showed him slapping the patient's son. An investigation has been initiated.

Virat Kohli provided valuable advice to a young aspiring cricketer, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-motivation, and exceeding established benchmarks. Kohli encouraged the young boy to practice diligently and aim higher than others without needing reminders for practice. Kohli will be making a return to Ranji Trophy after more than 10 years.

China has emerged as a significant player in AI foundation models with DeepSeek, creating powerful AI models at lower costs than the West. This has spurred a debate in India about whether to develop indigenous large language models or focus on smaller, application-specific ones. Experts emphasize the need for investment in research, infrastructure, and innovation to enhance India's AI capabilities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched a second-generation navigation satellite, NVS-02, into a geosynchronous transfer orbit using a GSLV rocket in its 100th launch from Sriharikota. This satellite, which incorporates both indigenous and procured atomic clocks, will replace IRNSS-1E and enhance the NavIC base layer constellation.

Government school enrolment for children aged 6-14 has dropped significantly from 72.9% in 2022 to 66.8% in 2024, indicating a shift towards private education post-pandemic. Learning gaps persist, with only 45.8% of Class 8 students able to perform basic arithmetic. Digital literacy showcases a notable gender gap.

China continues to strengthen its military positions and build infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control from eastern Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. Despite disengagement efforts, new roads, military camps, and other developments are observed, raising concerns about potential troop surges and strategic advantages.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim, head of Dera Sacha Sauda and convicted for rape and murder, was released on a 30-day parole from Sunaria jail. His release coincides with the upcoming Haryana civic elections and Delhi polls. Ram Rahim has been out of jail for a total of 305 days since October 2020, often around election periods.

Sidhu Moose Wala's manager, Shaganpreet Singh, played a pivotal role in the 2021 murder of Youth Akali Dal's Vicky Middukhera. A local court directed the Mohali SSP to initiate extradition proceedings against Shaganpreet, who fled to Australia, and other fugitives involved in the crime.

Gukesh Dommaraju has taken the lead in the Tata Steel Chess Masters standings after defeating compatriot Leon Luke Mendonca. In other matches, Nodirbek Abdusattorov drew against Fabiano Caruana, while Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu was defeated by Anish Giri. Arjun Erigaisi drew with defending champion Wei Yi, and Pentala Harikrishna lost to Vladimir Fedoseev.