India's captain Jasprit Bumrah left the field during Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, raising injury concerns. He was taken to a hospital for scans but returned to the dressing room later in the day. Virat Kohli assumed leadership duties, helping India bowl out Australia for 181 and take a narrow 4-run lead. Bumrah, the series' leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals, could be pivotal in this decider. Reports suggest a possible back issue, though no official update has been provided. Bumrah’s participation in the second innings remains uncertain.

Dense fog and smog disrupted over 100 flights at Delhi's IGI Airport on Friday, with no diversions reported. Airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, warned passengers of delays. The CAT III system ensured some operations in low visibility. Delhi's air quality index hit 351, rated "very poor," while the city ranked third among the world's most polluted capitals, per IQAir. Thick smog reduced visibility to zero in parts of the city, causing some train delays. Authorities urged travelers to stay updated with airlines. Delhi Airport handles 1,300 daily flights.

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has launched an indefinite hunger strike in Patna, supporting aspirants demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Civil Services (BPSC) preliminary examination. Protests erupted over allegations of a paper leak in the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination, 2024. Aspirants demand a re-examination and a meeting with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Kishor criticized systemic corruption and condemned police action during a lathicharge on protestors. He announced plans to file an FIR against Patna Police and approach the Human Rights Commission. Authorities have warned Kishor and students of legal action if protests continue at Gandhi Maidan.

Puneet Khurana, a 40-year-old cafe owner in Delhi, died by suicide, claiming in recorded videos, “I am extremely tortured by my in-laws and my wife.” He alleged that his estranged wife, Manika Pahwa, and her family pressured him for ₹10 lakh, which he could not afford. Married in 2016, the couple had separated and were undergoing a contentious divorce. Police found Puneet unresponsive at his Model Town home. His phone, containing the videos, is now part of the investigation. Puneet’s wife and her family have not commented yet. Police are verifying the claims as the probe continues.

In a shocking incident on New Year's Day, Arshad (24) from Agra allegedly murdered his mother and four sisters in Lucknow. He recorded the crime and blamed his community for pushing him to the extreme, claiming they were harassed. Arshad strangled his mother and slit his sisters' wrists before confessing to the police. His father, who assisted in the murders, is currently on the run. Authorities have recovered the murder weapons and are investigating further details. Arshad cited land disputes and fears of his family's safety as reasons behind the killings.

As the clock struck midnight at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), local trains parked at platforms joined in a unique tradition to welcome 2025. Their synchronized horns echoed across the station, marking the New Year in a grand style. The celebration saw commuters, railway staff, and bystanders gathering to witness the spectacle, creating a festive atmosphere. Passengers aboard stationary trains cheered and clapped as the horns sounded, adding to the excitement. This annual tradition has become a significant part of Mumbai’s New Year celebrations, symbolizing unity within the Indian Railways community.

New Year's Eve traditions vary across the world, each hoping to bring good fortune. In Denmark, people smash plates on friends' doorsteps for luck. In Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight is believed to ensure luck for each month of the new year. Scotland's "first footing" superstition holds that a dark-haired man should be the first to enter a home, bringing gifts like whisky and coal. In Italy, eating lentils symbolizes good fortune, while Romania sees people dress as dancing bears to ward off misfortune. Japan rings bells 108 times to mark the transition into the new year.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh apologised for the ethnic violence that began in May 2023. Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, he urged people to “forgive and forget” the past. “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and apologise to the people of the state,” Singh said. Over 200 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced. Singh assured that peace was being restored and hoped for normalcy by 2025. He announced measures like resettling families, recovering arms, subsidised airfares, and Aadhaar-linked birth registration to tackle population and migration issues.

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan commented on the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Allu Arjun’s visit for Pushpa 2. The chaos killed a woman and injured her son. Speaking to reporters, Kalyan said, “The law is equal for all, and police must prioritise public safety.” He added, “It would have been better if someone had visited the victim’s family earlier on behalf of Allu Arjun. The lack of humanity in this matter is deeply disappointing.” Kalyan praised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for his response and urged fair handling of accountability. Public opinion remains divided over the incident.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India has announced stricter hand baggage rules for air travellers, effective next month. Passengers will be restricted to one cabin bag or handbag weighing up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Excess baggage fees will apply for exceeding these limits. Tickets purchased before May 2, 2024, will follow the older policy, but rescheduled or reissued tickets must adhere to the new rules. Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India have already aligned with these guidelines, aimed at enhancing airport efficiency and improving security processes.