Times of India

Chinese officials are exploring the possibility of Elon Musk acquiring TikTok's US operations if the platform faces a ban, preferring it remains under ByteDance's ownership. Senior officials are debating contingency plans while ByteDance contests the ban in the Supreme Court. Negotiations involve complex geopolitical and financial factors, with Musk's involvement seen as strategically favorable.

US lawmakers are urging President Biden to extend the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok's US assets to avoid a potential ban. ByteDance's legal team argues that completing a sale by January 19 is unfeasible, stressing the impact on 170 million American users. Many content creators are switching to another Chinese app, Xiaohongshu.

A 15-year-old boy from Meerut took his own life after being reprimanded by his mother and elder brother for mingling with violent individuals. Before the incident, he viewed videos about the consequences of suicide in the Garuda Purana. Police are investigating how he obtained the illegal pistol.

India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya is focusing on fitness and preparation for the white-ball season, starting with a five-match T20I series against England on January 22. He recently played in domestic tournaments and shared his training on Instagram, indicating a big season ahead. This series will be followed by three ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy in February.

Pongal is a major South Indian festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in Tamil Nadu, marking the Tamil month of Thai and the harvest season. The four-day event involves honoring deities, expressing gratitude for food and prosperity, and sharing warm greetings and messages of happiness and good fortune.

Travis Kelce, since dating Taylor Swift in September 2023, hinted at new music coming from her after her Eras tour. He shared his admiration and subtle insights about Swift’s upcoming projects during an interview. Their high-profile, supportive relationship continues to capture public attention.

Elon Musk is expected to launch the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the White House Complex, aimed at reducing government expenses. This initiative, co-led by Vivek Ramaswamy, intends to dismantle bureaucracy and cut wasteful spending. DOGE's mission is set for completion by July 4, 2026, while ethics rules and legal frameworks could complicate Musk’s involvement.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India in mid-January, marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn. This festival honors the Sun God, signifies the end of the winter solstice, and celebrates the harvest. Traditions include flying kites, sharing sweets, and regional customs like Lohri in Punjab and Pongal in Tamil Nadu, promoting joy and family bonds.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla dismissed reports of internal rifts among chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma after India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss. He attributed poor player form to natural phases in sports. The team for the ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19, will be decided by January 18 or 19.

MI Cape Town secured a 33-run victory over Paarl Royals in the first Cape Derby of SA20 Season 3. Reeza Hendricks hit a stylish 59, supported by Rassie van der Dussen's 43. Kagiso Rabada's exceptional bowling turned the game in MI Cape Town's favour. George Linde and Rashid Khan further dismantled the Royals, restricting them to 139/9.

US President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the devastating wildfires in Southern California, which have claimed 24 lives and displaced nearly 200,000 people. He pledged federal aid for firefighting efforts and survivor support. He also highlighted the ongoing risks and expressed gratitude to firefighters and first responders battling the flames.

The MI Emirates secured their first win of the ILT20 2025 season with a 26-run victory against the Dubai Capitals. Tom Banton and Nicholas Pooran hit half-centuries, and Fazalhaq Farooqi delivered excellent bowling. Despite Shai Hope's century, the Capitals fell short, finishing at 161, unable to chase the Emirates' 187. Player of the Match: Tom Banton.

Mediators have presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft in Doha to end the year-long conflict in Gaza. Talks attended by officials from both Joe Biden's and Donald Trump's teams are at a critical juncture. The proposed phased ceasefire includes initial hostage releases for a fighting halt, with a de facto deadline set for January 20.

Quad foreign ministers, including India's S Jaishankar, Japan's Takeshi Iwaya, and Australia's Penny Wong, are set to meet in Washington following the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. This meeting, proposed by Japan, seeks to enhance cooperation among the US, Australia, India, and Japan for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Amid the push for gender-neutrality in the armed forces, General Upendra Dwivedi supports women officers, countering a Lt General's criticism. The number of women officers is set to increase, with plans to induct more into various ranks by 2032. Women are already serving successfully in multiple non-combat roles.

Delhi High Court criticized the AAP government for not promptly forwarding key CAG reports to the assembly for discussion on the scrapped liquor policy, raising doubts about their motives. The court noted that calling an assembly session is the Speaker's prerogative and scheduled the next hearing for January 16.

A mechanical engineer from Tamil Nadu was arrested in Delhi for allegedly duping a Japanese professor, after becoming involved with a Chinese cybercrime syndicate in Cambodia. Promised easy money, he had managed bank accounts used in the cyber operations before striking out on his own.

A 40-year-old woman and her 15-year-old daughter were arrested in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, for allegedly killing Raju Mandal, who continuously harassed them. They set up an electrified bamboo trap, which resulted in his death. Despite facing persistent harassment, the family did not file a formal police complaint. The authorities are investigating the incident.

Prime Minister Modi and J&K CM Omar Abdullah praised each other during the opening of the Sonamarg tunnel. Omar acknowledged Modi's commitment to free and fair elections. Modi promised statehood for J&K would be restored at an appropriate time, focusing on development and peace in the region.