At the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2025, the dynamic Indian duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have advanced to the semifinals of the men's doubles competition. Their journey to the semis was marked by a notable victory, showcasing their prowess on the court. This marks their third consecutive semifinal appearance, underlining their consistent performance on the international stage. The match was a highlight for fans and media, with the duo's performance being celebrated for its dominance and the vibrant support from the crowd. They are now set to compete against the Malaysian pair Goh/Izzuddin in what promises to be an exciting semifinal clash.
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced a significant financial upturn for Q3 FY25, with a 29% increase in net profit to ₹582 crore and revenue also rising by 29% to ₹2,533 crore. The company's EBITDA grew by 31% to ₹962 crore, with the EBITDA margin slightly improving to 37.97%. This performance was bolstered by strong results from its US portfolio and new business initiatives. IHCL is ambitiously expanding, aiming for 700 hotels by 2030. Concurrently, ICICI Lombard General Insurance reported a 68% surge in net profit to ₹724 crore, with revenue up by 17.2% to ₹5,045 crore, indicating improved operational efficiency. SBI Life Insurance also showcased growth in new business premiums, contributing to a positive outlook for the insurance sector.
Vivian Dsena, a contestant on Bigg Boss 18, has garnered significant support as the show nears its finale. Fans and industry peers praise his calm demeanor and gentlemanly conduct, contrasting him with other contestants like Rajat Dalal. Vivian's family, including his father and sister, have publicly supported him, highlighting his role as a family man. There is a concerted effort among fans to vote for him, with discussions focusing on his deserving nature and genuine personality. The show's promotional activities and fan interactions underline the anticipation for the grand finale, where Vivian is favored to win.
Kangana Ranaut's new film 'Emergency' delves into the controversial period of India's history under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's rule. Ranaut not only stars as Gandhi but also directs the film, which has sparked a mix of praise for her portrayal and for bringing a nuanced look at a pivotal era, though it has also faced some regional opposition due to political sensitivities.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have once again topped the charts as the IPL team with the highest social media engagement for the fifth consecutive year, significantly outpacing teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This digital dominance is celebrated by fans who engage with RCB on platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook, often with a light-hearted nod to the team's focus on popularity rather than trophies. RCB's social media following has grown by an impressive 5 million followers, making it the fastest-growing team in the IPL. While some fans humorously suggest that part of this engagement might stem from trolling, the consistent popularity of RCB since 2020 remains undeniable. Despite not securing an IPL trophy, RCB's digital presence continues to be a significant aspect of their identity, celebrated almost as fervently as on-field victories.
The upcoming film 'Deva' is set to release its trailer on January 17, 2025, at 1 PM, with the movie itself scheduled for cinema release on January 31, 2025. Starring Shahid Kapoor as Dev Ambre, a character described as 'rowdy, ruthless, and ready,' and Pooja Hegde as Diya, who is portrayed as bold and beautiful, the film promises a mix of action, drama, and intense character portrayals. The promotional materials highlight the dynamic setting and suggest a narrative filled with action and swagger, generating significant anticipation among fans and film enthusiasts.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched several telecom initiatives in New Delhi aimed at enhancing telecom security and accessibility. The flagship initiative, the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, allows users to manage their mobile connections, report fraud, and secure their devices. Alongside, the National Broadband Mission 2.0 was introduced to improve network connectivity, and Intra Circle Roaming was established to ensure service continuity across different telecom circles. These initiatives are designed to empower telecom subscribers by providing tools for digital safety and fraud prevention directly through their mobile devices. The launch was widely publicized, with various telecom authorities and media outlets promoting the new services, emphasizing their role in enhancing mobile subscriber security and connectivity across India.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has organized protests across Punjab against the screening of Kangana Ranaut's movie 'Emergency'. The SGPC claims the film misrepresents Sikh history and the events of 1984, urging the Punjab government to ban it. As a result, many cinema halls have decided not to screen the film, and heightened security measures are in place around cinema venues in cities like Amritsar and Patiala.
The first Test match between Pakistan and West Indies at Multan Cricket Stadium faced a significant delay due to dense fog. Originally set for a morning start, the toss was postponed, with umpires planning to check the conditions again at 9:30 AM local time. As the wait extended, players from both teams took part in light-hearted activities, including a TV show appearance at the venue. Continuous updates were provided regarding the weather, with expectations that the game would begin as soon as visibility cleared. This match holds special significance as it's the first time in over 18 years that West Indies are playing a Test in Pakistan, adding a layer of historical importance to the event.
At the Australian Open 2025, Carlos Alcaraz has continued to captivate audiences with his stellar performance. Facing off against Nuno Borges, Alcaraz has showcased his prowess on the court, leading with a score of 6-2, 6-4 in the first two sets. His gameplay has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a memorable frontal tweener shot. The tennis community has been buzzing with praise for his focus, skill, and the entertainment he brings to each match, with many speculating that he could very well take home the title this year.
The Notre Dame Women's Basketball team secured a convincing 81-66 victory over No. 17 Georgia Tech at Purcell Pavilion, keeping their ACC record spotless at 6-0. Despite missing key player Hannah Hidalgo due to an ankle injury, the team's depth shone through with Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld leading the charge. Citron contributed 21 points, alongside assists, rebounds, and steals, while Westbeld added 20 points to the tally. This win marks Notre Dame's fifth against ranked teams this season, all by double digits, showcasing their formidable presence in the 2024-2025 season.
A vehicle accident occurred on Arlington Memorial Bridge, resulting in a car colliding with another and subsequently falling into the Potomac River. Emergency services, including divers from the DC Fire and EMS Department, were dispatched to the scene where they are conducting a rescue operation. The bridge is closed for investigation, and traffic has been redirected. No individuals have been reported to be rescued from the water as of yet.
In the latest F1 Esports event in Jeddah, rookie Otis Lawrence secured his inaugural victory in a race filled with high drama. A major crash involving five cars set the stage for an unpredictable race, but Lawrence capitalized on the chaos, taking the lead by Lap 4. His win came down to the wire, beating Jarno Otmir by a mere 0.003 seconds. This triumph has resonated throughout the sim racing community, with fans and competitors alike lauding Lawrence's exceptional driving skills and his bright future in the sport. The event underscored the intense competition and the sheer unpredictability inherent in esports racing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the second edition of Bharat Mobility Global Expo on Friday which is expected to witness over 100 new launches across automobiles, component products and technologies.
The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, scheduled from January 17-22, will bring the entire value chain of the mobility ecosystem -- from automobile manufacturers to components, electronics parts, tyre and energy storage makers, and automotive software firms and material recyclers -- under a single umbrella.