Times of India

India start the new year with the T20I series against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata after their Border Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia. A day before the match, on Tuesday, head coach coach Gautam Gambhir sought blessings at the Kali Temple in Kalighat.

Amid a series of executive orders, President Trump warned of 100% tariffs on Brics nations if trade remains unbalanced, incorrectly mentioned Spain as a member. He also signed notable actions like withdrawing from the Paris Accord, ending birthright citizenship, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, sparking legal and international challenges.

US President Trump has signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship, effective January 2025, impacting children born to legal immigrants on temporary visas. This significant change challenges a long-standing principle, potentially disrupting the futures of many and posing grave implications for US higher education and immigrant communities.

Fashion designer Deepak Perwani ignites debate by comparing life in India and Pakistan. During an interview, he highlights perceived differences, including greater freedom and happiness in India, better infrastructure, and urban living. His candid remarks have polarized public opinion in Pakistan, with some accusing him of being unpatriotic.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday in Washington for their first bilateral discussion, following the QUAD ministerial meeting. This signals the US's commitment to strengthening ties with India. Rubio's advocacy for India and his tough stance on China are set to shape future US foreign policies.

Gautam Gambhir faces scrutiny as India's head coach following a Test series loss in Australia, but his perfect T20I record and strong partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav bring optimism ahead of the T20I series against England. Surya praises Gambhir's simple coaching style and positive influence.

Karnataka's political scene heats up as BJP criticises the Congress-led government over a gang-rape incident in Bengaluru. Chief minister Siddaramaiah defends his government, questioning the BJP's record on women's safety. Investigation updates confirm arrests, fueling political tensions over governance and law enforcement.

Elon Musk's increased influence in Trump's administration leads to a shakeup at the Department of Government Efficiency, resulting in Vivek Ramaswamy's exit. Musk's dominance and clash with Washington's status quo are highlighted, with DOGE's ambitious goals facing legal and logistical challenges. Critics warn of a burgeoning tech oligarchy under Trump's government.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Badhal village in Rajouri district to address the mysterious deaths of 17 people from three families. Authorities ruled out bacteria or viruses and are investigating other causes. A high-level inter-ministerial team and local investigators are examining the tragedy, with efforts to find the cause and provide relief to the affected.

Novak Djokovic, at 37, defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-final despite his injury, advancing to the semi-finals for the 12th time. Djokovic's 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory ensured his 50th Grand Slam semi-final appearance, where he will face Alexander Zverev, who defeated Tommy Paul.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor anticipates an eventful period under US President Donald Trump's leadership. While expressing hopes for stable Indo-US relations, Tharoor highlights potential challenges in trade policies, tariffs, and immigration issues affecting Indian interests, alongside concerns about the rupee's depreciation and its impact on exports.

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg with a combined wealth of $886 billion attend Trump's inauguration. They symbolize US plutocracy, seated in front of Trump along with other billionaires, revealing their influence. Trump launches a successful crypto token while critics like Bernie Sanders decry oligarchic control.

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali attributes Pakistan's delay in announcing their ICC Champions Trophy squad to uncertainties over batter Saim Ayub's ankle injury. He believes he team relies heavily on their top four batters, including Ayub, due to a weak middle-order, creating a significant dilemma for the selectors. The Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9.

Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Israel's top military leader, resigned due to failures in security and intelligence leading to Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, 2023. Concurrently, Israel carries out a significant military operation in Jenin, escalating tensions as a ceasefire with Gaza's Hamas fighters remains fragile.

Saif Ali Khan has been discharged from Lilavati Hospital after being hospitalized for stab wounds from a robbery attempt. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti mentioned Shah Rukh Khan's dialogue in his farewell video. Rashmika Mandanna’s portrayal of Maharani Yesubai in Chhaavaa is generating excitement. Urmila Matondkar denies any fallout with Ram Gopal Varma.

Jennifer B Higgins has been appointed as the acting USCIS director. She has previously served as the USCIS deputy director and in other leadership positions. USCIS manages immigration benefits in the US and recently updated its mission statement and logo to reflect a more welcoming stance towards immigrants.

At least 66 people died and 51 were injured in a fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel, a crowded ski resort in northwestern Turkey's Bolu province. The fire started in the hotel's restaurant and quickly spread, with delayed firefighting efforts and a failed fire detection system exacerbating the tragedy. An investigation is underway.

India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is set to lead against England in the series but is disappointed by his ODI performance, which led to his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad. He acknowledges the strength of the chosen squad and praises the potential return of bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami playing together.

Indian Premier League franchises Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders doubt the business model of The Hundred, citing unrealistic media rights projections by the ECB. Despite initial interest, they may not actively participate. Negotiations involving multiple IPL owners are ongoing, with deals expected to finalize between March and May.