President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Arjuna Award to cricket maestro Mohammed Shami for his exceptional display in the ODI World Cup 2023. Recommended by the BCCI, Shami emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just seven matches. Overcoming a slow start, Shami's impactful comeback contributed significantly to India's performance. The award ceremony, honoring 26 athletes, showcased India's dominance at the Asian Games 2023, achieving a record medal tally. The Arjuna Awards, the nation's second-highest sporting honor, underscored Shami's cricket prowess and celebrated the nation's outstanding achievements in diverse disciplines.

A newly unsealed batch of court documents related to deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein contain shocking allegations about sex tapes involving powerful men. The documents claim an unnamed woman told investigators she had access to tapes of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew and Richard Branson engaging in sexual acts with a woman. The woman later said she invented the tapes to draw attention to Epstein's behavior. Trump advisor Cheung denied the "baseless accusations," saying they "are simply false and have no merit." The allegations come from court documents unsealed Monday related to Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Suchana Seth, the 39-year-old CEO of a Bengaluru-based AI start-up, was apprehended by Karnataka Police in Chitradurga while attempting to flee after allegedly murdering her four-year-old son at a North Goa hotel. The crime surfaced when hotel staff discovered blood stains in Seth's room after check-out. Seth, who had checked in on January 6, requested a taxi to Bengaluru, claiming to leave her son with a relative. However, CCTV footage exposed her departure alone. Authorities, suspecting foul play, apprehended Seth in transit. The police are currently investigating the motive behind this tragic incident.

In a response to derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers, Parliamentary Minority leader Ali Azim is urging the removal of President Mohamed Muizzu. Azim called for a vote of no confidence, emphasizing commitment to stable foreign policy and preventing isolation of neighboring countries. The Maldives government suspended three deputy ministers for their remarks, and the Maldivian envoy to India faced strong concerns from the External Affairs Ministry. The incident sparked a backlash in India, with celebrities advocating domestic tourism over Maldives trips. The Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarified that such remarks on social media don't reflect the government's position.

America's groundbreaking private lunar mission, featuring the Peregrine Lunar Lander, is on the verge of failure following a "critical loss" of fuel. Launched atop United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket, the mission aimed for the Moon but encountered technical challenges post-launch. Astrobotic, the mission organizer, reported issues with spacecraft orientation and a propulsion system malfunction. Despite efforts, a "critical loss of propellant" raises concerns about a controlled lunar touchdown. This setback prompts questions about the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program's viability, despite NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressing commitment to space exploration with commercial partners.

Former Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi praises India as a reliable ally and criticizes her country's government for derogatory comments against PM Modi. Didi emphasizes India's vital assistance in defense, expressing disappointment over attempts to strain the historic relationship. She underscores the "911 call" nature of India's support and urges the Maldives government to uphold international commitments and maintain the age-old friendship. Tensions rose after Maldives ministers' disparaging remarks triggered a diplomatic row. Didi hopes for continued cooperation, acknowledging India's crucial role in medical aid and vaccination efforts. The Maldivian government distances itself from the remarks, promising appropriate action.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has landed in London, commencing a pivotal two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties. His agenda includes a crucial meeting with UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, where discussions are expected to delve into critical technology sharing and the expansion of industrial defence cooperation. The talks are anticipated to extend to collaboration in joint development of fighter aircraft and military platforms. Minister Singh is also scheduled to engage with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, addressing geopolitical scenarios in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine. The visit involves interactions with CEOs of the UK Defence Industry and the Indian community, reinforcing diplomatic and industrial bonds.

Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel condemned the critical remarks by three Maldives ministers against PM Modi, stating it "challenged the dignity of India." He praised the nation's solidarity with the Prime Minister and dismissed the demand for a public apology, noting the disciplinary action taken. Patel welcomed Maldivians to Lakshadweep, emphasizing India's tradition. The row escalated after Maldives suspended the ministers for their comments on social media. Tensions between India and the Maldives have heightened, with diplomatic repercussions. India summoned the Maldives envoy as ties strain amid political shifts in the island nation.

Delhi faces its coldest day this month as temperatures drop to 5.3°C, matching Nainital's cold spell. Indian Meteorological Department predicts a cold day to severe cold day conditions in parts of Delhi, with a chance of light rain or drizzle on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rajasthan braces for rain and hailstorms as cold wave conditions persist. The forecast extends to parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar facing dense fog. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadweep anticipate rainfall, with isolated heavy rain in Tamil Nadu. Western Disturbance prompts light isolated rainfall or snowfall in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh.

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, regarded as one of the greatest players ever, has died at 78. Nicknamed "Der Kaiser", Beckenbauer won the World Cup as a player and manager for West Germany. He also won three straight European Cups with Bayern Munich and the Ballon d'Or twice as a sweeper. Beckenbauer revolutionized defending and his elegance was ahead of his time. However, his administrative career was tainted by corruption allegations over Germany's 2006 World Cup bid. But on the pitch, his genius was undeniable as both a player and manager. Beckenbauer leaves an unmatched legacy, despite off-field controversies.