Times of India

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.

Groww, the Bengaluru-based discount stock brokerage, is planning an IPO within the next 12 months, seeking a valuation of $6-8 billion. The company aims to raise $600-800 million through the offering. This move comes as regulatory changes affect the derivatives trading space, impacting revenues of brokers like Groww and its competitor, Zerodha.

Retail inflation has eased to a four-month low of 5.2% in December, largely due to softer food prices, especially vegetables. However, it remains above 5%, complicating conditions for the RBI to lower interest rates. Rural inflation, at 5.8%, outpaces the urban rate of 4.6%.

The Supreme Court has highlighted the difficulty faced by high courts and subordinate courts in determining whether its judgments are meant for decision-making or precedent-making. It stressed the need for clarity in its verdicts to indicate if they should be treated as binding precedents.

V Narayanan, who led India's advancements in cryogenic engine technology, has taken charge as ISRO's new chairman, replacing Somanath. Narayanan played essential roles in the Chandrayaan missions, Aditya-L1, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, and will oversee critical upcoming missions including the Venus Orbiter and Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

India summoned Bangladesh's acting high commissioner to address the border fencing issue, emphasizing compliance with past agreements to prevent illegal activities. India stressed that it follows all protocols for border security and urged Bangladesh to implement earlier understandings, ensuring cooperation in combating cross-border crimes and reinforcing border security measures.

At the Maha Kumbh of Paush Purnima, devotees are combining spirituality with technology, capturing and sharing their experiences on social media platforms. The digital Maha Kumbh sees a rise in YouTube shorts, reels, and live-streaming, showcasing the event globally. The hashtag #EktaKaMahaKumbh trends, symbolizing unity.

Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is using advanced technology and unique methods to prevent people from getting lost in the crowd. Measures include QR code accessories, Google location activation, and specific meeting points. The Prayagraj Mela Authority has established 'Lost & Found' camps and digital registration, ensuring safety and reuniting families quickly.

Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced in Prayagraj with 1.7 crore devotees taking a sacred dip at Sangam on Paush Purnima amidst a chilling 10° Celsius. The 45-day event, marked by spirituality and vibrant cultural heritage, sees increased pilgrim influx due to its rare celestial alignment.

AAP released a campaign song on Lohri urging Delhi residents to re-elect Arvind Kejriwal in upcoming polls. The song highlights Kejriwal's achievements, including free electricity, water, and senior citizen pilgrimage programs. It also introduces new assurances like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana. Voting takes place on February 5, with results on February 8.

The AAP government in Delhi has opposed the rollout of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme, arguing that the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme it offers is more effective and provides wider benefits. The Delhi government claims their scheme covers a larger population and offers superior healthcare services.