Times of India

A fast-moving wildfire north of Los Angeles, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, has consumed over 5,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders for 31,000 residents. The new Hughes Fire has forced the evacuation of Pitchess Detention Centre, impacting 500 inmates. Authorities are urging immediate compliance with evacuation orders to prevent tragedies seen in previous fires. Firefighting efforts include aerial drops and ground crews.

Sambhal district administration started excavating a centuries-old well near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi. This is part of an initiative to revive historical wells and pilgrimage sites. Authorities aim to restore and preserve these structures, addressing complaints about encroachment and neglect. The excavation includes an area under tension due to past claims about the mosque's history.

Increasing numbers of Indian pregnant women in New Jersey are requesting pre-term C-sections due to Trump's announcement on ending birthright citizenship. Despite the risk to mother and child, many feel this is their only chance for stability, particularly those waiting for green cards. The policy change has severe implications for illegal immigrants and H-1B visa holders alike.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed irregular migration with EAM S Jaishankar, who reiterated India's stance on legal and illegal mobility. Jaishankar highlighted delays in visas for Indian nationals affecting bilateral relations. He also mentioned the need for validation of individuals' origins before addressing migration issues and briefly touched on the Bangladesh situation with Rubio.

Quad nations sent a clear message to China by opposing any actions that change the status quo by force. They are committed to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific with upheld rule of law and sovereignty. Regular meetings and a summit in India are planned to address regional security and economic threats.

Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, spiritual leaders Swami Vishnudevananda Giriji Maharaj from Ukraine and Ananda Lila Mata from Russia are promoting love and peace at the Maha Kumbh Mela. They deliver sermons together, emphasizing universal spiritual truths and advocating for world peace, demonstrating that spirituality can transcend national conflicts and bring harmony.

BJP and the opposition clashed over the Waqf bill finalization, with the Joint Parliamentary Committee scheduling meetings on Jan 24-25. The opposition demanded a postponement to Jan 30-31, claiming insufficient time for evidence collection. Despite protest, BJP intends to proceed, emphasizing extensive consultations and the necessity to submit the report in the budget session.

Supreme Court reprimanded the Assam govt for detaining foreign nationals in centers without deporting them. The court emphasized that the right to life applies to all, including foreigners, and directed immediate action for their deportation. Assam was given six weeks to explain the detentions and efforts for deportation, with a virtual appearance by the chief secretary.

Smoke in Pushpak Express led to panic among passengers, causing some to jump out and get hit by Karnataka Express on the adjacent track near Pachora station in Maharashtra. Tight-packed unreserved coaches caused chaos, with several killed or injured. Witnesses recall the tragic scene with dismembered bodies on the track.

Saif Ali Khan's ancestral properties in MP face the risk of confiscation. These properties are now being classified as 'enemy property'. The classification follows an investigation by CEPI. It stems from Abida Sultan’s migration to Pakistan. CEPI has valued the assets at Rs 1,796 crore. The Pataudis are pursuing legal action.

Samsung unveiled its Galaxy S25 series, including Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. The devices come with various configurations and a slight price increase in India. Pre-orders are available starting January 23, with benefits such as storage upgrades, bonuses, cashback, and no cost EMI plans for a smooth purchase experience.

D Gukesh secured a crucial victory against Vincent Keymer in a 72-move match at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, marking his second win. R Praggnanandhaa held Max Warmerdam to a draw, maintaining his strong performance. Other notable outcomes included Harikrishna's draw with Wei Yi and Fedoseev's win over Caruana. The Challengers section saw Divya Deshmukh defeated by Erwin l'Ami.

The NFL playoffs saw drama on and off the field as Jason Kelce criticized a roughing-the-passer call benefiting Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes admitted to exaggerating contact on one play, sparking debate about NFL officiating. The Kelce brothers discussed the incident humorously on their podcast, highlighting the tension between protecting quarterbacks and fair play.

Restaurants are planning to challenge food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy by partnering with the government-backed ONDC to launch private label food and regain control over their digital presence and customer data. This move aims to lower costs, choose their own logistics partners, and reduce dependence on commissions up to 35% charged by Zomato and Swiggy.

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, fans eagerly await Kendrick Lamar's performance, his second appearance at the event. However, controversy surrounds his hit diss track 'Not Like Us,' which targets Drake. Despite Drake's complaint, speculation remains about whether Lamar will perform this contentious song. The performance might also feature other artists like SZA or Travis Scott.

A retired Army guard allegedly killed his wife, dismembered, and disposed of her body in a lake in Hyderabad. The crime came to light after the wife's family reported her missing. Police are investigating the case as a missing person but suspect murder. Efforts to trace the remains are ongoing, and the suspect faces imminent arrest.

Sebi has proposed monthly systematic investment plans (SIPs) for a low ticket size of Rs 250. This aims to promote financial inclusion by subsidising costs for intermediaries. Investors can invest through up to three Rs 250 SIPs across different fund houses. Sebi plans to offer incentives to distributors and execution platforms for driving subscriptions to these small-ticket SIPs.

Rajouri administration has designated Badhaal village a containment zone following the hospitalization of five residents and the deaths of 17 villagers since December due to an unknown illness. Authorities have imposed restrictions on gatherings, sealed affected homes, and are monitoring food distribution to prevent infection spread. Health teams are investigating, yet no viral or bacterial infection has been confirmed.

Alert Indian Army personnel spotted a Pakistani drone hovering over the Line of Control in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. They opened fire, forcing the drone to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. A search operation was subsequently launched to locate any drone-dropped narcotics or weapons in the area.