Times of India

Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez were among the six women who journeyed to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, marking a historic all-female spaceflight. The suborbital flight provided a brief period of weightlessness, with Jeff Bezos greeting the crew upon their return. The event drew a crowd of high-profile figures, celebrating the mission as inspirational.

Bengali New Year celebrations in Chittagong were cancelled for the first time in 47 years after vandalism by unidentified individuals. The incident, which involved the destruction of banners and stages, led to protests and the suspension of scheduled programs.

MLB announces Aaron Judge as Team USA Captain for the World Baseball Classic 2026. The announcement has led to mixed reviews from fans, with majority criticizing MLB's decision on choosing Judge as the captain when other capable players were still active. Meanwhile, fan war between Judge's fans and Ohtani's fans continue to happen on social media.

Donald Trump has once again blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the ongoing war with Russia, despite the devastating consequences of the conflict. Trump also implicated President Biden and Putin, asserting their shared responsibility for the war's outbreak and continuation.

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has been apprehended in Belgium based on an extradition request from Indian authorities concerning a significant banking fraud case. While this marks progress in bringing Choksi to justice, challenges remain as Belgian courts may consider human rights issues and prison conditions in India, potentially hindering extradition efforts.

A joint operation by Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard led to the seizure of over 300kg of methamphetamine, valued at Rs 1,800 crore, from the Arabian Sea. Smugglers, attempting to deliver the drugs to Tamil Nadu from Pakistan, dumped contraband into the sea when approached by the Coast Guard.

CPM MLA M Y Tarigami criticized the BJP and central government for allegedly hindering the Omar Abdullah government's functioning and demanded the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the executive orders, domicile laws, and media restrictions imposed after the abrogation of Article 370. Tarigami also condemned the Waqf (Amendment) Act, fearing increased communal polarization.

Riding high on their Doda victory, AAP is now targeting the Kashmir Valley, declaring their intention to contest the Budgam assembly bypoll. This election was triggered by Omar Abdullah's decision to vacate the seat. While AAP J&K chief Mehraj Malik aims to win, National Conference is yet to announce their candidate, with calls for a local representative.

Melinda French Gates revealed a past toxic relationship during college significantly impacted her self-esteem, particularly concerning her body image, which lingered into her thirties. Overcoming these issues through therapy and focusing on her daughters' well-being, she now prioritizes fitness for overall health rather than adhering to specific weight goals.

London's historic Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Veeraswamy, faces potential closure after nearly a century. The Crown Estate, owner of the building, plans to reclaim the space to expand office reception areas, refusing to renew the restaurant's lease. Owner Ranjit Mathrani is contesting the decision in court, fearing job losses and business disruption if forced to relocate without a suitable alternative.

Chennai Super Kings snapped their five-match losing streak with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, fueled by MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube's explosive partnership. Chasing 167, CSK overcame a middle-order wobble, while LSG's Rishabh Pant's half-century went in vain. Dube credited Dhoni's aggressive batting for easing the pressure during the chase.

Shaik Rasheed, at 20 years and 202 days, became CSK's youngest-ever opener, surpassing Sam Curran's record. The Andhra native debuted against LSG, scoring a quickfire 27 off 19 balls, including six boundaries. His impressive start provided a solid foundation for CSK, marking only the third instance this season where they crossed 50 in the powerplay.

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck southern California near Julian, a town close to the US-Mexico border, originating at a depth of eight miles. The quake, followed by aftershocks, caused no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Southern California is seismically active due to its location on tectonic plate boundaries, having experienced major quakes like the 1994 Northridge event.

Following ED clearance, bank-appointed liquidators are auctioning Mehul Choksi's properties, including gems and jewellery valued at ₹150 crore. Choksi, wanted in multiple bank fraud cases, faces intensified legal proceedings after his arrest in Belgium. The ED has attached assets worth ₹2,566 crore and is pursuing his designation as a fugitive economic offender to expedite asset recovery.

Nvidia will manufacture advanced AI chips in America. This is a first for the tech company. Production will be at TSMC facilities in Arizona. New supercomputer plants are coming up in Texas. Foxconn and Wistron are strategic partners. Full production will ramp up in 12 to 15 months. The move aims to meet growing AI chip demand.

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Amidst escalating violence in West Bengal following anti-Waqf law protests, BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar has appealed to Governor CV Ananda Bose for intervention. Majumdar expressed grave concerns over the situation in Murshidabad, citing displacement of families and urged for peace restoration and a judicial inquiry. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for peace and unity, emphasizing religious harmony.

Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a vibrant festival celebrated with enthusiasm by Bengali communities worldwide. It marks new beginnings with traditional feasts, colorful attire, and cultural performances. People exchange warm wishes, reconnect with their roots, and enjoy delicacies like panta bhaat and ilish maach, seeking blessings for a brighter future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Rampal Kashyap, an admirer who vowed to remain barefoot until Modi became Prime Minister and they met. At a Haryana rally, Modi fulfilled Kashyap's 14-year vow by personally putting shoes on him. While acknowledging the affection, Modi urged supporters to channel their devotion into social work and nation-building projects during his visit to Haryana.