Hamas has confirmed that longtime spokesperson Abu Obeida was killed in an Israeli airstrike in August. The group introduced a new spokesman and acknowledged the deaths of other senior commanders amid ongoing Gaza conflict.

As AI tools like ChatGPT reshape the tech landscape, two former Google employees, Dhruv Amin and Marcus Lowe, saw an opportunity to pivot. They had been running Create, a platform connecting startups with freelance developers, which earned over $2 million annually. But the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 made them rethink the future of software development.

Seeing that AI could automate much of the coding their developers did, Amin and Lowe made a bold decision. In October 2023, they shut down their existing marketplace, laid off half their small team, and ended contracts with freelancers. “Within two weeks, we were back to an empty office,” Amin recalled.

From this fresh start, they rebuilt their company around AI-driven solutions. Their early products generated basic app components such as forms and calendars. By April 2025, their rebranded startup, Anything, launched a more advanced platform capable of building complete online businesses—including backend systems and payment integrations—without requiring users to write a single line of code.

The response was immediate. Within two weeks of the broader launch, Anything achieved an annualized revenue run rate of $2 million. Investors took notice, resulting in $11 million in funding and a valuation of around $100 million.

Even non-technical users have successfully built real applications on the platform, including a salon booking app and a dental health tracker. While AI-assisted coding is still in its early stages, Amin says embracing the technology early positioned the company for rapid growth and relevance in a transforming market.

Looking back, Amin described shutting down a profitable business as a difficult but strategic step. Their journey illustrates how AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling entrepreneurs to create entirely new business models, innovate faster, and scale more efficiently than ever before.

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The United States has announced an ambitious plan to return humans to the Moon and build a permanent base there by 2030. NASA Chief Jared Isaacman said the goal is not just short visits, but a long-term human presence that allows research, science, and daily operations on the lunar surface.

President Donald Trump’s space policy directs NASA to land astronauts on the Moon by 2028, preparing the ground for continuous missions. The plan focuses on building habitats and facilities that can support people living and working on the Moon for extended periods.

A key part of the initiative is using nuclear power on the Moon and in orbit to provide reliable energy for life support, scientific research, and future industries. This technology is seen as essential for sustaining humans in the harsh lunar environment.

NASA and US officials also see economic opportunities in space. They are promoting an “orbit economy” where private companies, commercial projects, and scientific research can thrive beyond Earth. This could drive innovation and attract private investment in space ventures.

Trump’s policy emphasizes American leadership in space, positioning the Moon as both a strategic and scientific hub. It also responds to growing competition from other spacefaring nations, pushing the US to accelerate its lunar plans and strengthen its presence on the Moon.

If successful, this initiative could mark a new era in human space exploration, turning the Moon into a hub for science, commerce, and missions deeper into the solar system.

NASA Chief Isaacman said the program combines science, technology, and economics to expand human life beyond Earth and ensure America’s leading role in the next phase of space exploration.

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From sold-out stadiums to decades of chart-topping hits, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s journey has always been about more than fame. Now, it has reached a historic financial milestone. The global music icon has officially become a billionaire, according to Forbes, turning years of creative control, relentless touring and smart business decisions into a personal fortune estimated at $1 billion.

The biggest driver of Beyoncé’s wealth has been her dominance on the global concert stage. Her Renaissance World Tour in 2023 was a landmark moment, earning close to $600 million and ranking among the highest-grossing tours in music history. Building on that momentum, her genre-defying album Cowboy Carter expanded her reach, followed by the Cowboy Carter Tour in 2025, which generated more than $400 million in ticket sales, along with substantial merchandise revenue.

Central to her financial success is her firm grip on ownership. Through Parkwood Entertainment, the company she founded in 2010, Beyoncé oversees her music releases, tours, films and visual projects. This independence allows her to keep a larger share of earnings and maintain creative control, a model increasingly admired across the industry.

Beyond music and touring, Beyoncé has steadily diversified her income. She has entered the beauty and lifestyle space, earned from publishing rights and licensing deals, and monetised visual storytelling through films and documentaries linked to her albums and tours.

Forbes estimates that Beyoncé earned around $148 million before taxes in 2025 alone, underlining the scale of her commercial success. Her rise to billionaire status reflects a larger shift in the music business, where artists who own their work and think like entrepreneurs can build lasting wealth.

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Maharashtra witnessed a major political development as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will ally with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) for the Pimpri‑Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections scheduled on January 15, 2026. Ajit Pawar described the move as the “parivar (family) coming together” after years of differences.

The alliance reunites the two rival NCP factions: Ajit Pawar’s group, which uses the ‘clock’ symbol, and the Sharad Pawar faction, contesting under the ‘tutari’ (trumpet) symbol. The split occurred in 2023 when Ajit Pawar broke away to align with the ruling coalition in the state, leading to separate party structures.

Ajit Pawar highlighted that the alliance is aimed at presenting a united front and focusing on civic issues like urban development, public services, and governance rather than internal conflicts. He said candidates from both factions would soon be announced, with seat-sharing arrangements to follow.

Party workers were urged to remain disciplined and committed, with Ajit Pawar stressing that cooperation between the factions would strengthen NCP’s prospects against rival parties in Pimpri‑Chinchwad. The move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate support in one of Maharashtra’s key urban centres.

While the alliance has been confirmed for the Pimpri‑Chinchwad polls, discussions for a similar partnership in Pune Municipal Corporation elections are ongoing. Party leaders are evaluating seat distribution and electoral strategy for the larger civic polls.

The civic elections form part of Maharashtra’s broader municipal election schedule, covering 29 municipal corporations, with results to be declared on January 16, 2026. Observers see the reunited NCP as a strong contender in Pimpri‑Chinchwad, potentially reshaping local political dynamics ahead of the upcoming state and national elections.

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Anjel Chakma, a 24‑year-old MBA student from Tripura, died in Dehradun after a racially motivated attack on December 9. Five suspects have been arrested, while one is still absconding. The incident has sparked protests demanding justice.

Rajkumar Bafna, Finance President at Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, has resigned, citing Delhi’s hazardous air pollution as the main reason. His decision draws attention to the serious health risks posed by the city’s worsening air quality.

In his resignation, Bafna mentioned stepping down “due to Delhi pollution level” and requested an immediate release from his duties. The company confirmed that his resignation has been accepted, effective December 31, 2025.

Bafna joined Akums Drugs in August 2025, after holding senior roles at other companies. His departure after less than five months highlights the stress that prolonged exposure to poor air quality can have, especially on professionals relocating from less polluted areas.

Delhi’s air pollution has increased sharply in recent weeks. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has frequently reached “very poor” and “severe” levels, at times exceeding 400,  considered dangerous for human health. Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems, heart issues, and other health complications.

Residents and workers have been coping with smog, reduced visibility, and health warnings, prompting calls for stricter pollution controls and preventive measures. Bafna’s resignation, citing health as a priority, brings renewed attention to the impact of environmental challenges on daily life and work.

Also Read: Ajit, Sharad Pawar reunite for Pimpri‑Chinchwad polls

The Open Merit Students Association in Jammu and Kashmir decided to cancel its planned protest in Srinagar on Sunday after several political leaders were placed under house arrest. Among those confined were National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, PDP MLA Waheed Parra, and Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

The protest was scheduled near Polo View Market and was to move towards Gupkar Road. Students wanted to raise their voice against the current reservation system in government jobs and college admissions, which they say is unfair to open merit candidates, who make up the majority of the population. Under the existing rules, less than 40% of jobs and professional seats are open to merit-based applicants, while the rest are reserved across different categories.

Authorities acted ahead of the protest, stationing police and paramilitary forces outside the homes of senior leaders to prevent their participation. Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu also reported heavy security outside his residence. Leaders described the house arrests as a pre-emptive measure to stop a peaceful demonstration. Ruhullah Mehdi’s office said armed police were outside his residence and termed the move “unjustified.” Iltija Mufti called the confinement “paranoia” and questioned the legal grounds for it.

Following these events, the Open Merit Students Association asked students to return home safely and called off the sit-in. Leaders and activists are urging the government to review the reservation policy, describing some provisions as restrictive and demanding a fairer system.

The incident has sparked political debate in the Union Territory. Critics say the preventive actions limit democratic freedom and suppress peaceful protest. Meanwhile, students and leaders continue to demand a revision of the quota system to ensure fair opportunities for all candidates based on merit.

Also Read: Akums finance head quits over Delhi pollution

President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a submarine sortie aboard the indigenous INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Base, becoming the second Indian President to do so. She commended the Navy’s preparedness and the crew’s professionalism during the exercise.