The US plans to send an $8 billion arms shipment to Israel, including missiles, artillery shells, and bombs. The State Department has notified Congress, and the deal awaits approval from key committees. President Biden, who has often called US support for Israel "iron-clad," says the shipment ensures Israel can defend itself and deter threats. The move follows criticism of US military aid to Israel amid high civilian casualties in Gaza. Since October 2023, over 45,580 people in Gaza have died, as per Hamas-run health officials. The US remains Israel’s largest arms supplier, providing 69% of its conventional weapons.

King Charles expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Edward Pettifer, 31, stepson of Alexandra Pettifer, formerly Tiggy Legge-Bourke, a royal nanny. Edward was among 14 killed in a vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a truck into crowds, killing and injuring dozens. The FBI labeled the act as premeditated, citing connections to extremist ideologies. Edward’s family described him as a “wonderful son and friend.” Prince William and Prince Harry have been informed, with no public statement from Harry. The royal family extended condolences to all affected by the tragedy.

India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back spasm on Day 2 of the crucial fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, a match determining the WTC Final. Bumrah managed only one over post-lunch before being sent for precautionary scans. Although he is fit to bat, the decision on his bowling will depend on his condition on Day 3. Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) stepped up in his absence, dismissing Australia for 181. India finished at 141-6, with Rishabh Pant's blazing 50 adding momentum. India must win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as Australia leads 2-1.

London’s first new Piccadilly line test train, part of a £2.9 billion upgrade, was graffitied shortly after arriving from Germany. The nine-carriage train, built by Siemens Mobility, promises air-conditioned carriages, increased capacity, and improved energy efficiency. Mayor Sadiq Khan called it a pivotal step for London’s transport modernization. The vandalism occurred at Latchmere Junction en route to a west London depot. TfL swiftly cleaned the graffiti and reassured residents about the project’s progress. Testing continues overnight and during planned closures, with all 94 trains expected to enter service by 2027. This marks a key milestone for London’s iconic Tube network.

President Joe Biden has blocked the $14.9 billion sale of US Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing risks to national security. The decision followed a deadlock in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Biden emphasized the need to protect domestic industry and critical supply chains, a move welcomed by the United Steelworkers union. Nippon Steel and US Steel criticized the decision, calling it politically driven and a violation of due process. Japan’s industry minister expressed regret over the decision. Biden reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the US manufacturing base and maintaining resilient supply chains.

Matthew Livelsberger, a US Army Green Beret veteran, detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on January 1, injuring 7 people. Livelsberger, reportedly struggling with PTSD, left digital notes blaming “feckless leadership” for America’s decline, calling his act a "wake-up call." His charred body was identified through military ID and passport. Authorities linked his actions to personal struggles, including a recent marital dispute. The FBI described the incident as a tragic suicide involving a decorated veteran. Livelsberger's final messages urged citizens to act against societal decay, highlighting his deep disillusionment with US leadership.

In Chhattisgarh, journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, 28, was found dead in a contractor's water tank on January 3 in Bijapur. Missing since January 1, Mukesh had exposed alleged irregularities in a Rs 120-crore road construction project in Bastar involving contractor Suresh Chandrakar. His body was discovered at Suresh's property, prompting police to arrest three suspects, including the contractor's brothers. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai condemned the murder, calling it a loss to journalism, and promised harsh punishment for the culprits. This case highlights the risks faced by journalists in Bastar, where corruption and violence are prevalent.

Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old Briton from London, was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pick-up truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, killing and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. The FBI confirmed the discovery of an Islamic State flag in the vehicle, suggesting a premeditated act. Explosives were also found nearby. Pettifer’s family called him a “wonderful son and friend.” At least 39 people were injured, some critically. Bourbon Street has since reopened ahead of the Sugar Bowl football match.

A New York judge has set January 10, 2025, as the sentencing date for U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. Convicted in May of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records, Trump faces a conditional discharge, likely avoiding jail. His spokesperson slammed the case as "lawless" and a "witch hunt." The $130,000 payment allegedly aimed to silence Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump denied the allegations and plans to challenge the ruling. The sentencing comes just 10 days before his presidential inauguration, marking a historic first for a president-elect.

Sunil Gavaskar has hinted that Rohit Sharma’s Test career may be over after he opted to rest from the 5th Test in Sydney. Rohit struggled throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, scoring only 31 runs in five innings. Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar remarked, “The Melbourne Test might be Rohit's last. The selection committee will likely focus on someone who can lead until the 2025-27 World Test Championship.” India’s series loss and Rohit’s 2024 Test average of 24.76 have intensified retirement speculations. Official confirmation of his future in red-ball cricket remains awaited.