Times of India

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Kerala Cricket Association for mishandling Sanju Samson, resulting in his exclusion from the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Tharoor attributes Samson's omission to administrative egos within the KCA, noting Samson's impressive ODI record and questioning the decision to drop him over missing a training camp despite prior notice.

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to issue a record number of executive orders on his first day back in office, targeting immigration, tariffs, and diversity initiatives. Key proposals include mass deportations, new tariffs, ending birthright citizenship, and possible Bitcoin reserves.

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict is set to begin, involving a hostage and prisoner exchange. Three Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released initially. The temporary truce, lasting 42 days, is aimed at easing tensions and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

TikTok has been banned in the US due to national security concerns, effective January 19. US authorities worry the app could be used by the Chinese government for espionage. Despite attempts to challenge the ban, the Supreme Court upheld it.

Mumbai Police arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad in connection with the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. Shahzad, a Bangladeshi national, had illegally entered India and changed his name to Vijay Das. He worked for a housekeeping agency in Mumbai. Saif was stabbed six times during an attempted robbery at his Bandra residence, leading to serious injuries.

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to visit China and India early in his second term to improve relations, aiming to address trade issues and other bilateral concerns. He communicated with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping to resolve various problems collaboratively. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in preliminary talks during his Washington DC visit.

Rajasthan Police arrested six youths in Banswara district, seizing Rs 19.6 lakh in cash and a tractor. The mastermind, 18-year-old Nayan Patidar, operated a professional-looking porn website to scam tribal people into making online payments. Police recovered multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and bank cards linked to the crime.

Engineer Abhey Singh, known as "IITian Baba," is expelled from Juna Akhara for using abusive language against his Guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri. His actions violate the Guru-Shishya tradition, leading to demands for his removal and a disciplinary committee's recommendation. Singh remains barred until he respects his Guru and Akhara discipline.

Coldplay’s Mumbai concert was memorable for music and cricket fans as Chris Martin mentioned Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah during the show. Although Bumrah didn't appear on stage, the crowd cheered loudly. The band will perform again in Mumbai on January 19 and 21 before heading to Ahmedabad for two shows.

Fog caused delays for over 41 trains in Delhi on Sunday, with some experiencing delays of over three hours. Key affected trains included the KIR-ASR Express and the Purushottam Express. Dense fog also affected the DND flyway area, as the cold wave continued. The Meteorological Department predicted lower temperatures and continuing dense fog.

Selectors are optimistic about Jasprit Bumrah's recovery for the ICC tournament despite his back injury, while Mohammed Shami returns to the ODI squad. Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain, and Yashasvi Jaiswal receives his maiden ODI call-up. Mohammed Siraj is excluded, with Arshdeep Singh preferred for the seam bowling role.

A rope mishap during paragliding at Keri plateau in Goa resulted in the deaths of a 27-year-old woman tourist from Maharashtra, Shivani Dabale, and a 26-year-old operator from Nepal, Suman Nepali. They succumbed to injuries after hitting rocks due to a snapped rope. The owner of the paragliding company is charged with culpable homicide.

Mumbai Police have arrested Vijay Das, also known as Bijoy Das and Mohammed Iliyas, for stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. Das was apprehended on a train in Chhattisgarh following a manhunt. Investigations reveal the attack could have been a burglary or targeted assault.

Rinku Singh, a renowned T20 cricketer, is set to marry Priya Saroj, the youngest woman MP in the current Lok Sabha. Their families are finalising the engagement and wedding plans after the parliamentary session and England T20I series. This rare pairing of a cricketer with an active politician has generated excitement on social media.

India captain Rohit Sharma and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy. A viral video revealed Rohit's concerns over new BCCI guidelines, including family travel restrictions on long tours. Agarkar confirmed the implementation of a new travel policy document post Australia's series defeat.

President Joe Biden seemed unaware of a signed executive order freezing new liquid natural gas export permits, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson who recalled a meeting of January 2024. The meeting led Johnson to question the nation's leadership. Biden, after initial denial, admitted to signing the order meant for studying its effects.

Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma announced India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, omitting Sanju Samson despite his impressive T20I performance against South Africa. Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy and his last-minute unavailability for the preparatory camp influenced this decision, according to Kerala Cricket Association president Jayesh George.

EPFO has introduced new facilities to enhance convenience for its 7.6 crore members, including online EPF transfer claims using Aadhaar OTP and self-correction of personal details in UANs issued after Oct 1, 2017, without the employer's intervention. These changes aim to streamline processes and reduce grievances related to member profiles and transfers.

Donald Trump arrived in Washington with his family for his second inauguration as president on Monday. Events were moved indoors due to frigid temperatures. The inauguration will have performances by acclaimed artists and attendance from prominent tech executives. Trump confirmed the extension of TikTok's operation and pledged rapid action on mass deportations of undocumented migrants.

Ex-Army jawan Manoj Kumar, 50, was sentenced to death by an Aligarh court for the 2014 murders of his wife, son, and neighbor. Following a dispute with his wife, he shot her and their neighbor, then targeted his children, killing his son and critically wounding his daughter, whose testimony was pivotal in the conviction.