Times of India

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, is making his final legal attempt to avoid extradition to India. His lawyer argues that extradition would violate the double jeopardy principle. The US government had disagreed earlier, indicating that some charges, such as forgery, were not addressed in previous trials. The Supreme Court will confer on this matter on January 17.

In a tragic incident on a UP highway near Corbett National Park, a biker named Sajid Ali collided with a leopard, resulting in both their deaths. The leopard, severely injured, allegedly attacked Ali before succumbing to its injuries. A video of the aftermath surfaced online, showing the casualties.

Jasprit Bumrah, leading India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scored a crucial 22 runs, setting the highest score by an Indian captain in the series. India's top-order faltered on a challenging pitch, but Bumrah's efforts lifted the team to 185. His ability continued as he also dismissed Usman Khawaja, leaving Australia at 9 for 1.

The US Surgeon General warned about the cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption and the need for updated health warning labels. Alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer, including breast and liver cancer. Even minimal consumption can pose risks. Current guidelines suggesting moderate drinking are being questioned due to cancer links.

Elon Musk has emerged as a disruptive force in global politics, leveraging his social media platform, X, and immense influence to intervene in US, UK, and German affairs. In the US, he shapes far-right narratives and advises Donald Trump’s administration. In the UK, he targets Labour leader Keir Starmer over the Rotherham grooming scandal, amplifying divisive rhetoric. In Germany, Musk endorsed the far-right AfD, prompting backlash, including a journalist's resignation. Musk frames his actions as defending free speech and reform, but critics warn his alignment with extremist ideologies and polarising interventions threaten democratic stability and deepen societal divisions worldwide.

On New Year's Day 2025, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US army veteran, used a rental truck to kill 14 people and injure dozens in New Orleans. He drove through barricades and plowed into a crowd in the French Quarter, flying an Isis flag. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with the police. The FBI deemed the attack as terrorism.

Virat Kohli joins an unfortunate list with a low average in the first innings of Test matches since 2024, highlighted by his struggle against outside off-stump deliveries. During the final Test against Australia, he scored 17 runs off 69 balls, contributing to India's all-out for 185. His performance lagged behind bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah.

India's health ministry reassures there is no cause for alarm regarding Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) reports from China. Analysis of respiratory outbreak data in India shows no substantial increase. Public urged to follow precautions, while China downplays flu outbreak severity, asserting it's safe for travel.

China remains determined to open up its economy despite facing potential trade issues with the upcoming US administration. Economic goals include boosting foreign investment in advanced sectors and focusing on green energy. While progress is noted with renewable power contributions, challenges like ageing population persist. Plans for a more open, legally-bound international market environment are in place.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown will begin a three-hour format on January 3, 2025. The event will feature matches like Nia Jax vs. Naomi for the Women's Championship and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade in a non-title match. Cody Rhodes will also appear. This episode can be watched on USA Network and other international platforms.

Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio emerged as one of WWE’s top heel alliances in 2024, culminating in significant financial success. Morgan became the WWE Women’s World Champion and managed to lure Dominik away from Rhea Ripley. Together, they amassed a combined net worth of $5 Million. Their storyline continues into 2025 with an upcoming WWE Women’s World Championship showdown.

India strongly refuted the Washington Post's claims that the opposition sought $6 million for a plot to impeach Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and also denied any involvement in alleged covert operations in Pakistan. India criticized the newspaper for displaying hostility and questioned the credibility of the newspaper and the reporters.

India has lodged a protest against China's construction of a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River, citing concerns over water flow and regional stability. China also created two new administrative counties in the Ladakh region, which India claims as its own territory. The dam, estimated to cost $137 billion, has raised alarms in India and Bangladesh.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed as the new director general of DGCA. Other appointments include Ashutosh Agnihotri as chairman and managing director of Food Corporation of India, Akash Tripathi as additional secretary in the ministry of power, and Kamal Kishore Soan as mission director of Jal Jeevan Mission. Shubha Thakur was also reassigned to the Inter-State Council Secretariat.

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for an important game against the Cleveland Browns, with Derrick Henry set to play a pivotal role. With over 1,700 rushing yards this season, Henry remains crucial for the Ravens' offense. The team is eyeing their second consecutive AFC North title, and fans anticipate a standout performance from Henry.

Indian Railways' Vande Bharat sleeper train prototype has successfully hit a speed of 180 kmph during RDSO field trials. Designed for long-distance overnight travel, this sleeper variant features advanced amenities including internet connectivity, improved safety measures, and smoother rides.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, at the International Congress of Vedanta, criticized the negative reactions to the terms 'Sanatan' and 'Hindu,' calling these responses misguided and driven by a dangerous ecosystem. He stressed the importance of dialogue and understanding the deep meaning of Vedanta, which is often dismissed due to colonial mindsets.

An NIA Court in Lucknow sentenced 28 individuals to life imprisonment for murdering Chandan Gupta during a 2018 communal clash in Kasganj. The court found them guilty of multiple charges, including murder and rioting. The violence erupted during a Tiranga Yatra on Republic Day, leading to Gupta's death and escalating communal tensions in the region.

Elon Musk supports the H-1B visa program for addressing the shortage of skilled engineers in Silicon Valley, highlighting its role in fostering innovation. However, Senator Bernie Sanders criticizes the program, claiming it replaces well-paying American jobs with lower-paid foreign labor, benefiting billionaires financially. Musk defends immigrant contributions to the US.