Times of India

WWE announced the Royal Rumble 2025, set in Indianapolis, on February 1, sparking speculation about John Cena's potential participation. His appearance could kickstart his 'Farewell Tour,' make the event grander, and possibly set up his final Championship run, aiming for a record 17th title win, which 'The Champ' richly deserves.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket sensation, made headlines by smashing a record-breaking century in just 58 balls during an unofficial U-19 Test against Australia. This remarkable feat, with 14 fours and four sixes, positions him among India's promising talents. Despite narrowly missing an overall U-19 Test record, his inspiration stems from cricket legend Brian Lara.

Karan Veer Mehra won Khatron Ke Khiladi 14. He shared thoughts on Asim Riaz, who responded with a cryptic tweet. Riaz had issues with contestants and producers, leading to his exit. Celebrities and fans are divided, with some supporting and others criticizing Riaz. Krishna Shroff and Gashmeer Mahajani were runners-up.

India's Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), carrying 19 scientific instruments including international payloads, is scheduled for a March 29, 2028 launch. The mission aims to explore Venus's atmosphere, surface, and Sun interaction, while demonstrating advanced ISRO technologies, with findings to be shared globally.

Customs officials at Delhi's IGI Airport have arrested a woman for attempting to smuggle 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max devices from Hong Kong. Valued at over Rs 37 lakh, the phones were concealed in a vanity bag. The woman has been booked under the Customs Act and investigations are ongoing.

Scientists from India's PRL and ISRO have confirmed that Chandrayaan-3 landed in a buried impact crater on the Moon. This ancient crater, possibly older than the South Pole Atkin basin, contains deeply excavated materials. The findings come from images captured by Chandrayaan-3 and Chandrayaan-2's navigation and high-resolution cameras.

Avoiding onions and garlic during Navratri offers various health benefits that extend beyond spiritual observance. From improved digestion and balanced body temperature, these dietary restrictions align with both physical well-being and spiritual growth. While not all dietary practices are universally accepted, the choice to abstain from these ingredients during such a sacred time can provide significant advantages.

IMD reports the 2024 monsoon season concluded with 7.6% more rainfall than normal, impacting regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Predictions indicate above-normal rainfall for central and southern peninsular India from October to December, with above-normal temperatures expected for most parts of the country in October.

The BCCI enforces strict protocols for IPL players, banning those who withdraw after being picked in the auction for two seasons and mandating overseas players to register for the Big Auction to be eligible for subsequent auctions, to curb selective participation and withdrawals.

Junior doctors in West Bengal resumed their indefinite protest, alleging the state failed to ensure safety in hospitals and quick justice for a murdered colleague. Their demands include the removal of the health secretary, increased hospital security, and accountability for administrative corruption. The protest has disrupted healthcare services, compelling senior doctors to cover essential duties.

Absenteeism is rising globally, driven by post-pandemic health concerns, mental health issues, and poor working conditions. Tesla’s Berlin plant saw 17% of its workforce call in sick, prompting extreme measures. Burnout, stress, and shifting work-life balance priorities are significant factors. Employers can reduce sick leave by prioritizing employee well-being, improving conditions, and offering remote work flexibility.

Ravichandran Ashwin acknowledges the benefits of limited Test centres, referencing Australia and England's approach, but refrains from recommending it for India, citing it as beyond his purview. He highlights the importance of diverse venues in fostering nationwide cricket talent and developmental opportunities.

The National Pension System (NPS) mandates a minimum annual contribution for Tier I accounts to remain active. If not met, accounts are frozen and require back payments plus a penalty for reactivation.

India secured a 2-0 series win against Bangladesh, with throwdown specialist Raghavendra Dwivedi awarded the series trophy. Former coach Ravi Shastri praised Raghu's crucial role in preparing Indian batters. Despite early struggles, Raghu's dedication paid off, leading to his invaluable presence in the Indian cricket team, culminating in the team's triumph.

The Bombay high court confirmed the death penalty for Sunil Rama Kuchkoravi, convicted of murdering his mother in 2017. The court upheld the 2021 trial court decision, citing the case as the 'rarest of rare' deserving capital punishment, with forensic evidence and eyewitness testimonies supporting the verdict.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadesh Prasad criticized BJP as DNA evidence in the Ayodhya rape case cleared SP leader Moeed Khan but implicated his domestic help, Raju Khan. The incident, involving a 12-year-old girl and political tensions, saw Moeed's bakery demolished. The DNA report's revelation intensified political debates, with upcoming bypolls adding significance.

Israel intensified its ground invasion preparations by targeting Hezbollah weapon facilities in southern Lebanon. The IDF's 98th Division, having gained experience in Gaza, is now conducting localized operations. Concurrently, airstrikes in Beirut targeted Hezbollah's military infrastructure.

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of establishing a system that benefits a select few, allowing them to spend exorbitant amounts on weddings while farmers struggle under debt. Gandhi criticized Modi for allegedly favoring industrialists like Ambani and Adani over common citizens, arguing that such actions undermine the Constitution and harm the nation's employment system.

Union minister Chirag Paswan stated his willingness to resign if reservations or the Constitution are tampered with, aligning with his father's vision. He later clarified that his comments were directed at the UPA, not the current administration. Paswan praised PM Modi's government for addressing Dalit issues and confirmed his commitment to the NDA.

Bharti Airtel is introducing AI technology to identify and alert users of potential spam calls and messages in real-time. The system will process billions of calls and messages daily, providing a 'Suspected Spam' alert. CEO Gopal Vittal explains this new feature aims to enhance user security without requiring any action from customers.