Harvard University President Claudine Gay has resigned amidst allegations of plagiarism and criticism for her congressional testimony on antisemitism. The decision follows concerns about her handling of a hearing where she faced backlash, particularly from New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. The controversy also involves accusations of plagiarism in Gay's academic work, which underwent an independent review. Harvard Corporation expressed gratitude for Gay's contributions but confirmed her departure. Alan M. Garber will serve as interim president. Gay, the first person of color and second woman as Harvard's president, will remain a faculty member.

Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas chief, declares that hostages taken from Israel won't be freed without adhering to the resistance's conditions. In a televised address, Haniyeh emphasizes, "The enemy's prisoners will only be released on terms set by the resistance." This stance has been communicated to Qatar and Egypt, calling for a complete cessation of aggression against Palestinians. Meanwhile, Gaza witnesses 207 deaths in 24 hours, bringing the Palestinian death toll to over 22,000. Yoav Gallant, Israeli defense minister, notes efforts targeting tunnels, stating, "We are reaching them all ways." Haniyeh also expresses openness to a unified Palestinian administration, saying, "We are open to the idea of a national government for the West Bank and Gaza."

Newly released files from the National Archives show that Srichand P Hinduja, embroiled in the “cash-for-passports” scandal, asked a British diplomat in 2001 if he should avoid returning to the UK until after the general election. Hinduja had donated £1m to Labour's Millennium Dome project while applying for a passport, leading to Peter Mandelson's resignation. Hinduja was concerned about becoming embroiled in a scandal damaging to Labour before the election. The diplomat gave no advice. The archives also showed the Conservatives questioned Tony Blair about his links to Hinduja amid the scandal. Though Hinduja was cleared of wrongdoing, the scandal harmed Labour ahead of the 2001 polls.

Lebanon's Hezbollah confirms the death of Saleh Arouri, a top Hamas official, in a southern Beirut explosion. Arouri, a founder of Hamas' military wing and West Bank head, was reportedly targeted by an Israeli drone. The blast, killing four, prompts Hamas to vow continued resistance. Hezbollah pledges retaliation against any Israeli targeting of Palestinian officials in Lebanon. Lebanon's PM condemns the incident as a "new Israeli crime." Israel, though not claiming responsibility, suggests a "surgical strike against the Hamas leadership." Tensions escalate following months of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border.

A New York judge is poised to unveil nearly 200 names linked to the Jeffrey Epstein-Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking conspiracy. Following a deadline for objections, the release is expected as early as Tuesday. The names, previously concealed as John and Jane Does, emerged during a defamation suit filed by victim Virginia Giuffre in 2015. Although speculation about criminal charges looms, with a focus on high-profile figures, the imminent disclosure brings potential embarrassment. Former US President Bill Clinton and other notable names, already associated with Epstein, await scrutiny as the unfolding saga sheds light on the infamous financier's network.

Indian-American Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy reiterates his commitment to withdrawing from state ballots in Maine and Colorado. These states barred Donald Trump due to his role in the 2021 Capitol attack, with Ramaswamy stating, "If they're going to behave in that unconstitutional way, Republican candidates can actually stop this form of election interference." Ramaswamy aims to "nullify" their decisions by boycotting their elections, urging fellow Republicans to do the same. Trump's disqualification sparks legal challenges, with Ramaswamy asserting the need to stand on constitutional principles. Other Republican candidates, including Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, remain divided on the issue. Ramaswamy emphasizes the unconstitutional nature of removing candidates without due process.

The family of 16-year-old Harry Pitman, who was fatally stabbed in London's Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve, says they are "devastated" by the loss. Harry's sister Tayla, 19, paid tribute to her younger brother who "always stood up for what was right." A 16-year-old arrested on suspicion of Harry's murder has been released on bail as the investigation continues. Harry's siblings relayed their grief over the bright teenager's death while his school called him a "beloved" and "promising" student. Detectives have appealed for photos and videos from the scene as a large group gathered at the park to see the fireworks when Harry was killed. They urged witnesses to come forward with material to aid the investigation into the heartbreaking violence.

Dutch police report more than 200 arrests on New Year's Eve amid widespread riots, resulting in dozens of injured officers. Cities like Rotterdam saw over 100 vehicles set ablaze, prompting the use of riot squads in Amsterdam, The Hague, and other areas to disperse violent crowds. Fire brigades, assisted by riot squads, faced attacks with fireworks while tackling numerous blazes. Tragically, a 19-year-old in Haarlem died from injuries sustained in a fireworks incident. Authorities label the night's events as "unacceptable" violence, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement during the New Year festivities.

The BRICS alliance has grown to 10 member countries with the addition of 5 new states, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Monday. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are now full members of the bloc. BRICS was originally formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China as members, later expanding to include South Africa in 2010. Argentina had been approved to join but withdrew its candidacy last week. According to Putin, the new members signal the "growing authority" of BRICS on the global stage. Under Russia's 2022 presidency, BRICS will focus on strengthening multilateralism and working towards an equitable world order. Over 200 BRICS events are planned in Russia this year, culminating in a summit in Kazan in October.

Devastating collision at Tokyo's Haneda Airport claims five lives as a Japan Coast Guard aircraft collides with a Japan Airlines plane. Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito confirms the death of five Coast Guard crew members, while all 379 passengers and crew on the Japan Airlines flight escape unharmed. The airport is temporarily shut down, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida orders swift damage assessment. The Japan Coast Guard investigates the incident, with NHK reporting the pilot's evacuation. The Airbus A-350, JAL flight 516, bursts into flames after landing, possibly struck by the Coast Guard plane. All passengers and crew are safely evacuated.