Times of India

External affairs minister S Jaishankar is carrying a personal letter from PM Modi for US President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar will attend Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President, marking Trump's return to power after a four-year gap. The swearing-in will include oaths administered by Supreme Court justices, followed by Trump's inaugural address.

The Lalit Hotel hosted a grand felicitation ceremony for World Chess Champion D Gukesh and two-time World Rapid Champion Koneru Humpy. Amid celebrations, the All India Chess Federation announced significant cash rewards for the champions and their teams. A memento, the 'Akshayvat' frame, was kept as a backup but ultimately sidelined when the trophies arrived on time.

British band Coldplay performed an impressive concert at the sold-out DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Front-man Chris Martin entertained the audience with hit songs and playful interactions, including mentioning cricketer Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah appreciated the gesture on Monday. Coldplay's next shows are scheduled for January in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Mumbai Police have arrested Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, also known as Vijay Das, for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan in Bandra. An extensive review of CCTV footage and subsequent investigation led to his capture in Thane. Fakir had been living in Mumbai for five months before the attack.

Shahid Kapoor's career exhibits remarkable evolution from a romantic hero to a versatile actor with diverse roles in films like 'Haider' and 'Kabir Singh'. Directors and analysts laud his ability to take on complex characters, with 'Deva' set to showcase him as a fearless cop. His upcoming film promises to be a significant milestone in his career.

In a significant move, outgoing US President Joe Biden issued pardons to Dr Anthony Fauci, Gen Mark Milley, and members of the January 6 committee, aiming to protect them from potential reprisals by the incoming Trump administration. This action follows Trump's threats to target individuals who opposed him and highlights his readiness to settle scores with his critics.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, pleaded guilty to stabbing three girls to death and injuring 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last July. The attack incited the UK's worst riots in a decade. Sentencing is anticipated on Thursday, likely resulting in life imprisonment.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman envisions a future where AI surpasses human intelligence, emphasizing that human skills will still hold value in different ways. He highlights the importance of humans collaborating with AI, which has proven more efficient. OpenAI is advancing with new features like ChatGPT 'Tasks' and the upcoming 'Operator' for complex projects.

Rishabh Pant, captain of Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming IPL, expressed relief at avoiding selection by Punjab Kings, who chose Shreyas Iyer instead. Pant, bought for an IPL record Rs 27 crore, pledged to give his all to win the title. This marks his second captaincy stint after leaving Delhi Capitals.

The BCCI is considering new guidelines for players and support staff following India's defeat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Former cricketer Sunil Joshi advises against knee-jerk reactions and split-coaching. He supports continuing with Gautam Gambhir as head coach for all formats despite recent setbacks, emphasizing consistency and avoiding divergent coaching methods.

Donald Trump's second term as the 47th President of the United States could usher in significant changes to the education system. His administration may push for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, alter student loan forgiveness programs, and restrict protections for marginalized student groups, including Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and international students. Policies regarding Title IX, DACA, and immigration could also impact student access to higher education and create new challenges for vulnerable communities.

India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes Rohit Sharma as captain, with matches starting in Dubai. Despite recent struggles, Harbhajan Singh supports Rohit and Virat Kohli's comeback. Yashasvi Jaiswal, an emerging talent, joins the team. Key fixtures include matches against Bangladesh and arch-rival Pakistan, generating high anticipation among fans.

For the MAGAverse, this isn’t just another political ceremony; it’s a coronation of their chosen champion, a reclamation of what they believe was nearly lost. The Capitol steps, now adorned with flags and a stage fit for a rock star, await Trump’s larger-than-life presence, as supporters and sceptics alike prepare to witness a moment that will undoubtedly define this era of American politics.

The parents of a 31-year-old doctor raped and murdered in Kolkata last year express discontent with the convict's life imprisonment sentence, urging for a death penalty. They plan to appeal for justice in higher court, alleging half-hearted investigation. The crime involved a brutal attack on an on-duty doctor, raising safety concerns for medical professionals.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town secured key victories this week in the SA20 League, with MI Cape Town topping the standings. Sunrisers rose to fourth place with bonus-point wins. Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings remained competitive, while Pretoria Capitals had mixed results. Durban’s Super Giants struggled at the bottom, needing a revival to stay in contention.

DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, emphasized his dedication to protecting the Congress party and its government, dismissing any internal discord. He highlighted the significance of the ongoing 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bheem, Jai Constitution Convention' in Belgaum, stressing his commitment to the party's principles and the importance of unity among party members.

The dramatic increase in donation levels aligns with a surge in enthusiasm after a contentious election. With over $170 million raised so far and expectations of surpassing $200 million, the committee's funds far exceed the costs of hosting the events, including receptions, lunches, and balls. For donors with business interests before the government, the $1 million price point is seen as a calculated investment in influence.