Times of India

In Bihar’s Katihar district, a boat carrying 17 passengers capsized in the Ganga, leaving three dead and four missing. Ten passengers managed to swim to safety or were rescued. A search operation is ongoing for the missing, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the incident. Further details are awaited.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi faces legal issues following his statement on January 15, 2025, claiming BJP and RSS's capture of institutions and fighting the Indian State. An FIR in Guwahati accuses him of endangering India's unity and fostering rebellion, under Sections 152 and 197(1)d of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Arvind Kejriwal, following an alleged attack on his vehicle, dedicates his life to serving the nation. He accuses BJP candidate Parvesh Verma's supporters of orchestrating the violence due to electoral defeat fears. Kejriwal proposes a housing scheme for government employees in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ranveer Allahbadia responds to Lex Fridman’s announcement of his upcoming podcast with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming him to India. Modi's second podcast appearance follows his debut with Nikhil Kamath. Fans express excitement, highlighting India's vibrant culture and historic significance.

Geeta and her daughter Deepika were murdered by Geeta's paramour Vikas Jaiswal, who confessed to the crime after being arrested. Jaiswal, enraged by Geeta's recent neglect, entered her home, attacked them, and staged the scene as a robbery. Call records and evidence led to his arrest and confession.

The Janata Dal (United) accused Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy over the caste census, noting his silence during INDIA bloc meetings and questioning the Karnataka government's delay in releasing caste data. The JDU defended Bihar's caste survey and criticized Gandhi for calling it a "fake exercise," urging him to address concerns directly.

Delhi CM Atishi accused BJP of sending criminals to attack AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal during his campaign in New Delhi constituency. Photographic evidence linked the alleged attacker to BJP’s Parvesh Verma. Kejriwal and AAP leaders condemned the violence, alleging BJP's involvement in repeated attacks.

Nearly three days after Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed at his Bandra residence, Mumbai Police arrested the alleged main attacker, Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national. Shehzad, using multiple aliases, entered India illegally and was captured in Thane. Khan, who intervened during a theft, underwent surgery but is now out of danger.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra comments on Shubman Gill's vice-captaincy selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and England ODIs. He expresses concern over Yashasvi Jaiswal's omission from the T20I series against England. Chopra praises the inclusion of Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and highlights Hardik Pandya's importance in the squad.

Indian cricket veterans, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Gautam Gambhir, stress the importance of Ranji Trophy participation to aid players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in regaining form. Despite a packed international schedule, players commit to participating in domestic matches when possible. When asked about this during the press conference for the Champions Trophy and England ODI series squad announcement, Rohit responded, "Yes, I will."

Prime Minister Modi, in his 118th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, discussed preparations for Republic Day, National Voters' Day, Maha Kumbh, and women's significant participation in start-ups. He emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and youth involvement, praised the Election Commission for its impartiality, and highlighted the rise of start-ups in smaller cities, urging citizens to dream big.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the ceasefire with Hamas until a list of hostages is received. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, is to include a hostage exchange. The temporary truce aims to release hostages and provide humanitarian aid, but Netanyahu stresses that Israel may resume hostilities if necessary.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Kerala Cricket Association for mishandling Sanju Samson, resulting in his exclusion from the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. Tharoor attributes Samson's omission to administrative egos within the KCA, noting Samson's impressive ODI record and questioning the decision to drop him over missing a training camp despite prior notice.

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to issue a record number of executive orders on his first day back in office, targeting immigration, tariffs, and diversity initiatives. Key proposals include mass deportations, new tariffs, ending birthright citizenship, and possible Bitcoin reserves.

A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict is set to begin, involving a hostage and prisoner exchange. Three Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released initially. The temporary truce, lasting 42 days, is aimed at easing tensions and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

TikTok has been banned in the US due to national security concerns, effective January 19. US authorities worry the app could be used by the Chinese government for espionage. Despite attempts to challenge the ban, the Supreme Court upheld it.

Mumbai Police arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad in connection with the knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. Shahzad, a Bangladeshi national, had illegally entered India and changed his name to Vijay Das. He worked for a housekeeping agency in Mumbai. Saif was stabbed six times during an attempted robbery at his Bandra residence, leading to serious injuries.

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to visit China and India early in his second term to improve relations, aiming to address trade issues and other bilateral concerns. He communicated with Chinese President Xi Jinping, hoping to resolve various problems collaboratively. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in preliminary talks during his Washington DC visit.