Times of India

Mohammad Kaif stresses the importance of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for India's 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign. He highlights their critical roles and the need for their inclusion despite their advancing ages. Kaif underscores the batting challenges in Dubai and the necessity for Team India to adapt to secure victories.

Donald Trump assumed the US presidency and signed multiple executive orders focusing on climate and immigration. His orders included ending birthright citizenship and imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Trump's actions faced legal pushback from states and global leaders warned against trade wars. Stock markets reacted with gains, while oil prices fell due to increased US drilling concerns.

A truck carrying fruit vendors fell into a valley on the Savanur-Hubballi Road in Karnataka, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 15 injuries. The accident occurred when the truck swerved to avoid an overtaking vehicle. In a separate incident, four people, including three students, died when their vehicle overturned near Sindhanur, Raichur district.

Tilak Varma may make history in the first T20I against England. The 22-year-old could achieve three consecutive centuries. The series is important for India. Key veterans have stepped away, so emerging players like Tilak Varma must deliver. India's bowling will be led by Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. England's lineup includes Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.

The Trump administration has initiated steps to end affirmative action in federal contracting and eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This directive includes placing DEI staff on paid leave, removing DEI content from websites, and canceling related training and contracts. The move aims to shift towards merit-based recruitment practices and dismantle existing federal diversity initiatives.

Saif Ali Khan was discharged from Lilavati Hospital after sustaining multiple injuries during a robbery at his home. The family celebrated his return with festive decorations, while he is advised to rest. Mumbai police have arrested the prime suspect, an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant, who confessed to the crime.

Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Wednesday. While BSE Sensex was above 76,100, Nifty50 was near 23,100.

Stargazers can witness a rare planetary parade on January 21 and 25, with Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn visible to the naked eye after sunset. Uranus and Neptune need a telescope for clear viewing. Mercury will join this alignment by the end of February.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has publicly supported IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti amid backlash over his comments on cow urine's medicinal properties.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson is exploring joining an ownership group for an NBA expansion team in either Las Vegas or Kansas City. With extensive experience in sports ownership, Johnson's involvement would be significant. This move aligns with sentiments from NBA stars like LeBron James who also support expanding the league to Las Vegas.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, though other countries, including Mexico, are not obligated to adopt this change. The International Hydrographic Organization standardizes maritime names, highlighting historical naming disputes, such as the Rio Grande versus Rio Bravo, and the Persian Gulf versus Arabian Gulf.

Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers hinted at a potential comeback, inspired by his kids. He retired in 2021 but is considering playing casual cricket for fun, not wanting the pressure of professional leagues. Known for innovative play, de Villiers was a key player for RCB in IPL and still admired figures like Imran Tahir.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (Nada) has expanded its anti-doping programme to include more elite cricketers in 2025. Notable names like Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill are added to the 'Registered Testing Pool' (RTP). Nada's dope control officers will collect urine samples during upcoming matches, ensuring cricketers' compliance with anti-doping regulations.

US President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on the EU and China to address trade imbalances and combat fentanyl trafficking. Possible tariffs include a 10% duty on Chinese imports starting February 1, and 25% on Canada and Mexico for immigration and drug issues. The EU is ready to negotiate while protecting its interests.

The BCCI has sparked a new controversy over the Champions Trophy by requesting their players not wear jerseys with Pakistan's name and skipping captain Rohit Sharma's travel to Pakistan. The PCB is upset, and this has led to further friction between BCCI and PCB, with matches being hosted in the UAE and Pakistan.

Okinawans in Japan, part of a Blue Zone, live long due to their Moai tradition—small social groups offering financial and emotional support. This practice, along with healthy diets, exercise, and a sense of purpose, promotes longevity by reducing stress and encouraging positive habits. The Moai concept emphasizes the significance of strong social connections for a happy, healthy life.

US President Donald Trump expressed support for the H-1B visa program during a White House news conference, emphasizing the importance of bringing competent individuals into the country. He highlighted the demand for skilled professionals in various sectors, including technology.

The FireAid 2025 concert unites 28 top artists including Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, and more, to raise funds for the Los Angeles wildfires that have destroyed over 14,000 structures and displaced thousands. For those unable to attend in person, FireAid will be streamed live on platforms like Apple Music, YouTube, and Netflix, ensuring global accessibility.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar attended the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Washington DC, where discussions focused on ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The ministers emphasized rule of law, democratic values, and regional security, and planned for regular meetings leading up to the summit in India.

The Delhi government mandates a ban on liquor sales and services from February 3 to 5 and on February 8 due to Assembly election activities. All liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs, and other establishments will refrain from selling or serving alcohol during these periods as specified under the Excise Rules-2010.