Times of India

A fire at Liguang Market in Zhangjiakou, northern China, caused eight deaths and injured 15 others. The blaze, starting around midday and controlled by 2:00 pm, led to an investigation into the cause. Traditional market settings, often crowded and with outdated infrastructure, pose significant fire risks.

Jasprit Bumrah missed almost three hours of play on Day 2 of the fifth Test due to a back spasm and was taken for precautionary scans. While he might be fit to bat, his bowling status will be assessed in the morning. India currently leads by 145 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar at the crease.

Sydney witnessed a dramatic Day 2 of the SCG Test, with fifteen wickets falling, Jasprit Bumrah's injury scare, and notable performances, including Rishabh Pant's quick-fire fifty. India led by 145 runs, aiming to keep their World Test Championship hopes alive and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy despite trailing the series 2-1.

With the Delhi assembly polls approaching, the BJP has announced its first list of candidates, including four sitting legislators, two former MPs, and eight previous MLAs. Notable candidates include Parvesh Verma facing Arvind Kejriwal and Ramesh Bidhuri contesting against CM Atishi. The elections are scheduled for February, with AAP and Congress also naming their candidates.

Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, pivotal in India’s 1974 and 1998 nuclear tests, passed away at 88. He held significant roles, including principal scientific adviser and director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Chidambaram's leadership established India as a nuclear power, earning him the Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan.

Amid rising political tensions ahead of the assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal has accused Congress and BJP of colluding against AAP. Women protestors outside his residence were dismissed by Kejriwal, who promised to waive incorrect water bills post-elections as a relief measure for affected households.

Rishabh Pant dazzled the Sydney Cricket Ground with a fiery 61 off 33 balls, smashing six fours and four sixes, becoming the fastest visiting batter to reach a Test fifty in Australia. Sachin Tendulkar praised Pant's impactful innings, which helped India reach 141/6 with a 145-run lead. Scott Boland excelled for Australia with four wickets.

Elon Musk has donated 268,000 Tesla shares valued at nearly $112 million to charity. This follows a significant donation of $1.95 billion worth of Tesla shares in 2022 and $5.7 billion in 2021. Despite these donations, Musk still holds a substantial number of Tesla shares and faces ongoing legal disputes over his compensation package.

Arvind Kejriwal promised to waive incorrect water bills for Delhi residents if AAP regains power in the upcoming elections, countering PM Modi's criticism by calling AAP's work a "blessing" and identifying internal crises within the BJP as key issues for the opposition.

Farhan Akhtar praised Rohit Sharma's decision to step down in the Sydney Test, highlighting Rohit's selflessness for prioritizing team success over personal form. Farhan lauded Rohit's captaincy and elite batting skill, emphasizing the challenge of remaining resilient amid criticism. He called Rohit a strong leader, applauding his team-first attitude.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 in New Delhi, emphasizing the pivotal role of prosperous villages in achieving a developed India. Held from January 4 to 9, the event aims to enhance rural infrastructure, promote self-reliance, foster innovation, and support rural women's entrepreneurship through various workshops and discussions.

Virat Kohli's struggle against deliveries outside off-stump continued as he was dismissed by Scott Boland for the fourth time in the series, scoring just six runs in India's second innings at the SCG. Kohli managed 190 runs in nine innings, averaging 23.75. Boland dominated Kohli, conceding 28 runs in 68 balls and dismissing him four times.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been remarkable, with 32 wickets and over 150 overs bowled. Despite his heavy workload and occasional injury concern, Bumrah's dominance in the series is evident through his consistent and impactful wicket-taking ability. At the Sydney Cricket Ground, tension gripped the Indian camp as Bumrah left the field with India’s team doctor during the second session, as reported by TimesofIndia.com.

On January 5, 2025, Nikki Glasser will host the 82nd Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The star-studded nominations include Kate Winslet and Selena Gomez, with Morris Chestnut and Mindy Kaling announcing the nominees. The awards will be broadcast live on Lionsgate Play in India on January 6 at 5:30 a.m.

Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes resigned from The Washington Post after her cartoon depicting Post owner Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Patrick Soon-Shiong, and Mickey Mouse was rejected. Telnaes cited concerns for press freedom, while Opinions Editor David Shipley defended the decision to avoid repetition, urging her to reconsider resignation.

A Seawoods woman has accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and divorcing her via triple talaq on a video call. The abuse began post-marriage and continued during her stay in the UK. Authorities are investigating, and charges have been filed under relevant laws, including the Muslim Women (Protection of Marriage Rights) Act.

China describes the rise in respiratory infections as a common seasonal trend during winter despite reports of a flu outbreak overwhelming hospitals. Authorities maintain that the situation is less severe than last year. Indian health officials state there is no need for alarm regarding a Human Metapneumovirus outbreak.

A 38-year-old shop owner, Shams Ansari, was shot dead near Shanti Shopping Centre in Mira Road (E) on Friday night. He was an eyewitness in a complaint against Yusuf, who had allegedly assaulted another shop owner's pregnant daughter. Ansari had received a warning about a contract on his life the day before the incident.

India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with the team's doctor during the second session of play against Australia on Saturday. Bumrah, who returned to the field after lunch, bowled just one over before walking off, leaving former captain Virat Kohli to take over the on-field responsibilities.

Manipur's Kangpokpi district witnessed violence as Kuki-Zo protesters clashed with police, injuring the SP and others. The mob attacked the SP's office, vandalized vehicles, and demanded the withdrawal of central forces from Saibol village. Police intervened to control the situation.