The future of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains uncertain after recent underwhelming performances. Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar announced that their fate will be decided after the Champions Trophy. Both players faced criticism following India's 1-3 Test series loss in Australia and 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand. Agarkar emphasized their focus on the Champions Trophy, acknowledging their past contributions in ODIs. Rohit will play in Mumbai’s upcoming Ranji Trophy match, while Kohli cited a neck injury to skip Delhi’s Ranji clash. The decision could mark a generational shift in Indian cricket.

TikTok has gone offline in the US just hours before a ban on the platform was set to take effect. The app displayed a message citing the law and expressed hope for resolution under President-elect Donald Trump, who hinted at a potential 90-day reprieve. The ban, passed last year, demands ByteDance, TikTok's China-based owner, to sell its US operations. TikTok, with 170M US users, argues the ban violates free speech. The app has also been removed from app stores, leaving creators, like Nicole Bloomgarden, facing income losses. Users mourn the loss of TikTok’s educational and creative content.

A 42-day ceasefire in Gaza commenced on Sunday, brokered by Qatar, offering hope to thousands displaced by the conflict. During the truce, Palestinian groups will release 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions remain high, with Israel warning it could resume the war if needed. Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed the war had "changed the face of the Middle East." Hamas accused Israel of committing war crimes. The ceasefire coincides with Donald Trump's second inauguration, with US mediation pivotal to the agreement. Displaced Gazans expressed eagerness to return home despite the uncertainty ahead.

Mumbai Police arrested Mohammad Alian, the attacker who stabbed actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence on January 16. The accused, reportedly a Bangladeshi national with multiple aliases, was caught in Thane's Labour Camp area. Alian confessed to stabbing Khan during a burglary attempt. The 54-year-old actor sustained injuries to his neck and spine but is recovering well at Lilavati Hospital. Police are verifying Alian's nationality and his use of a fake Indian identity. Kareena Kapoor Khan stated the intruder became aggressive but did not steal valuables. Khan is expected to be discharged within 2-3 days after surgery.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will not feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy round starting January 23 due to injuries. Kohli reported neck stiffness, which he experienced during the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia. KL Rahul cited an elbow issue, ruling him out of Karnataka’s game against Punjab. Both players have informed BCCI's medical team and sought approval from the national selectors. The BCCI recently mandated centrally-contracted players to participate in domestic cricket, barring medical exceptions. Despite missing this round, Kohli and Rahul may return for the final group phase beginning January 30, ahead of the ODI series against England.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the Gaza ceasefire deal will not proceed without a confirmed list of 33 Israeli hostages to be freed by Hamas. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, is set to begin on January 19, ending the 15-month-long Israel-Hamas war that caused over 46,000 Palestinian deaths. As part of the agreement, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu emphasized that any violation would hold Hamas accountable. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 23 fatalities in the last 24 hours. Discussions for the next phase of the ceasefire are expected in two weeks.

Over 20,000 people joined a pro-Palestinian protest in London’s Whitehall, marking the 23rd rally since October 7, 2024. The static demonstration followed police denial of a march route near the BBC due to its proximity to a synagogue. Protesters expressed concerns about a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with many emphasizing the need to amplify voices for Gaza. Despite being largely peaceful, eight arrests were made, including individuals suspected of public order offences and breaching protest conditions. Over 1,100 officers were deployed, with 200 from other forces, ensuring public safety amid the heavy police presence.

Coldplay kicked off the India leg of their Music of the Spheres Tour in Mumbai, delivering an unforgettable performance. The highlight of the night came when frontman Chris Martin greeted fans in Hindi, saying, "Mumbai mein aakar hum e bohot khushi ho rahi hai." The crowd erupted with excitement as the band played hit tracks like "Viva La Vida," "Hymn for the Weekend," and "Adventure of a Lifetime." The concert, which featured spectacular light shows, marked Coldplay's return to India after a nine-year hiatus, with more performances planned in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

In an unexpected moment, India captain Rohit Sharma revealed details of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new 10-point protocol, which has not been officially released. Speaking to Ajit Agarkar, Sharma mentioned the need to discuss family-related guidelines with the "secretary." The protocols, including restricted family stays during tours and mandatory participation in domestic cricket, aim to foster discipline and team unity. The guidelines follow a challenging 2024/25 season for India, which saw defeats in major series, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. BCCI is focused on improving team dynamics and focus.

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has embraced Sanatani culture during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh. Guided by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of Niranjani Akhara, she received the name "Kamla," reflecting her humility and spiritual devotion. Despite a brief illness, Powell Jobs participated in the holy Ganges dip, showing deep interest in Sanatan Dharma. Mahant Ravindra Puri praised her simplicity and dedication to spirituality. Over 20 million devotees attended the first Amrit Snan, with extensive crowd management by Uttar Pradesh authorities. Powell Jobs continues her spiritual journey while maintaining a low profile at the Niranjani Akhara.