Times of India

Parents were outraged after discovering that Wulidianzi School in Liaoning province served students food stored in containers previously used for dog food. Younger students ate leftovers collected from older students, leading to illness. Local authorities are investigating. The incident sparked heavy criticism on social media, calling for strict punishment and better surveillance to prevent such incidents in the future.

A 23-year-old unemployed graduate in Meerut, suffering from depression after his father's death and mother's remarriage, was arrested for slapping pedestrians, including a woman and a retired officer, seeking dopamine rush. Police are investigating his background for possible medical conditions.

Congress criticises PM Modi for his silence on the rupee's depreciation against the US dollar, contrasting it with his previous attacks on former PM Manmohan Singh over similar issues. The rupee has reached an all-time low of 85.27 per USD. Questions arise about the RBI's currency stabilization efforts despite significant interventions.

Generation Beta, starting from 2025, will consist of individuals born up to 2039. This cohort will see AI and automation seamlessly integrated into daily life, influencing education, work, and healthcare. Shaped by Millennials and older Gen Z parents, Beta babies will prioritize sustainability and individuality while balancing digital interactions with personal expression.

A US appeals court upheld the jury's verdict that Donald Trump sexually abused columnist E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s and confirmed a $5 million compensation for defamation and sexual abuse. Trump, who has denied the allegations, previously attacked Carroll's credibility during his presidency.

The Civil Aviation Ministry clarified that Digi Yatra does not share passenger data with tax authorities. The system erases data within 24 hours of a flight’s departure, and the app stores information solely on the user’s device. Digi Yatra is currently for domestic use only and not available for international flights.

A Santacruz businessman has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for attempting to smuggle 4,365kg of hashish in drums of mango chutney, 37 years after the drugs were found. Despite health issues, the court found no mitigating circumstances, emphasizing the gravity of drug trafficking. Bhanushali, with prior convictions, showed no remorse.

In 2024, around the world, various protests and social movements highlighted demands for justice and rights. Major events included Bangladesh's governmental resignation, Russian anti-Putin protests, Afghan women's dissent against regressive laws, university pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and resistance against LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu is the wealthiest with assets over Rs 931 crore, while West Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee is the least wealthy at Rs 15 lakh. The per capita net national income is Rs 1,85,854, and average CM income stands 7.3 times higher.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma clarified that Shubman Gill was not dropped for the Boxing Day Test, but selected an all-rounder Washington Sundar to strengthen the lower middle-order batting. Sunil Gavaskar criticized the decision, emphasizing that it effectively sidelined Gill. Sundar contributed with 19 overs and a 50-run knock, but India still faced defeat, trailing 1-2 in the series.

A controversy arose in Pune after a pub sent guests condoms and oral rehydration sachets as part of their New Year's Eve party invitation, sparking backlash from the Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress. The Congress has demanded strict action against the pub's management, citing an unsuitable marketing strategy. Police have begun recording statements from attendees.

Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased determination and composure during India's chase of 340 against Australia. Despite the top order's struggle, his 84 runs and an 88-run partnership with Rishabh Pant kept India hopeful. However, Pant's dismissal led to a collapse, and Australia won by 184 runs as India got all out for 155.

NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar revealed that the accused in the Anna University assault case is a habitual offender. A two-member NCW committee is investigating. The Madras High Court has ordered a special investigation team and Rs 25 lakh compensation for the survivor due to FIR leakage, to be recovered from the responsible police personnel's salaries.

The 49ers host the Lions in a Week 17 Monday Night Football game. San Francisco is out of playoff contention, while Detroit seeks the top seed. The Lions miss star running back David Montgomery, out for the season due to a torn MCL.

In 2024, India faced intense diplomatic challenges amidst regional tensions and international incidents. From strained relations with Canada and Bangladesh to resolving the border dispute with China, India's diplomatic efforts were rigorously tested. It achieved significant wins including securing the release of Indian naval personnel from Qatar and signing new agreements with Sri Lanka and Iran.

In September, Australian athlete Lily Winward, 19, was forced to travel with a toddler on her lap due to an Etihad Airways overbooking issue during a layover in the UAE. Despite paying $3,000 for her flights, Winward's attempts to address the situation have so far been ignored by the airline.

Apple is seeking to reduce its reliance on Nvidia by renting GPU access from cloud providers and collaborating with Broadcom to develop its own AI server chip, targeting mass production by 2026. This move aims to achieve technological autonomy and is driven by both financial motives and longstanding corporate disputes.

Pollsters faced significant challenges and inaccuracies during the 2024 elections in India and the United States. Despite predictions for the BJP and NDA, actual outcomes were unexpected. Key states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and swing states in the US contradicted exit polls, highlighting the limitations and pressures faced by psephologists.

Magnus Carlsen confirmed his return to the World Blitz Chess Championship after FIDE permitted players to compete in jeans. Carlsen criticized FIDE's decision-making process and deputy president Viswanathan Anand, claiming the situation was mishandled and Anand was not suitable for his role. Carlsen faced fines and rules clarification issues.