Jill Biden, US First Lady, received a $20,000, 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond from PM Narendra Modi during his June 2023 US visit, making it the most expensive gift received by the Biden family last year. The diamond, produced and polished in Surat, India, was retained for official use in the White House East Wing, per US protocol. High-value gifts exceeding $480 must be declared and are typically transferred to the National Archives. Jill Biden could "purchase" the gift after her tenure. Other notable gifts to the Bidens include a $14,063 brooch from Ukraine and luxury items from various global leaders.

President-elect Donald Trump has strongly criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, accusing them of escalating violent crime and radical terrorism in the U.S. Following a deadly truck attack in New Orleans and an explosion near Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Trump stated, "I said many times during rallies that radical Islamic terrorism will become so bad in America that it will be hard to imagine. That time has come." He labeled Biden as the "worst president in U.S. history" and called for CIA intervention to address national security. Biden’s immigration policies remain under intense scrutiny.

A small plane crashed into a furniture factory in Southern California on January 3, 2025, killing 2 people and injuring 18. The crash occurred less than two minutes after takeoff from Fullerton Municipal Airport in Orange County. CCTV footage revealed the plane tilted as it hit the building, causing an explosion and a plume of black smoke. Of the 18 injured, 10 were hospitalized, while 8 were treated at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the plane was a single-engine Van's RV-10. Authorities are investigating the identities of the victims and the cause of the crash.

South Korean police called off an arrest attempt on suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol after a tense six-hour standoff with his security team and military forces. Yoon, under investigation for abuse of power and inciting insurrection, was set to be the first sitting president arrested in South Korea. Supporters, gathered outside Yoon's residence, cheered as authorities halted the operation. Despite the failure, investigations continue, and police are considering a new arrest attempt before the current warrant expires. Yoon’s defiance and ongoing legal battles deepen the political crisis in South Korea.

The UK is facing a severe cold spell with multiple snow and ice warnings as an arctic blast sweeps through the region. Yellow warnings are in place for England, Wales, and Scotland, with snow accumulation expected to reach up to 30 cm. An amber health alert covers all of England, warning of a rise in deaths, especially in the morning when frost is thick. Dangerous driving conditions have led to travel disruptions, particularly in Greater Manchester, where a major incident was declared due to flooding. The government is working to expedite flood defenses and support affected communities.

Jasprit Bumrah silenced 19-year-old Australian Sam Konstas with a fiery performance on Day 1 of the 5th India-Australia Test in Sydney. The pacer dismissed Usman Khawaja following a heated exchange with Konstas, who attempted to rattle Bumrah at the non-striker's end. Bumrah struck back with a crucial wicket and celebrated by charging at Konstas, showcasing his dominance. The rivalry intensified after Konstas had hit Bumrah for 32 runs in the previous Test. Commentator Adam Gilchrist remarked, "Konstas learns a tough lesson in his second Test." The series continues to highlight fierce competition and fiery battles.

Israel's military disclosed details of its September 8, 2024, operation targeting an Iranian-funded underground missile production site in Masyaf, Syria. The Israeli Air Force deployed over 100 Kingfisher fighters, supported by helicopters, jets, and naval ships, to destroy the "Deep Layer" facility. Built with Iranian backing, the site produced precision missiles for Hezbollah and Syria's Assad regime. Critical machinery, weapons, and intelligence documents were seized before the facility was demolished. Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar called the mission essential to Israel's security. All personnel returned safely, marking a significant blow to Iran's regional ambitions.

Iran pledged support for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, sentenced to death in Yemen for a 2017 murder. Priya, from Kerala's Palakkad district, is accused of sedating Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi, leading to his death. Yemen's President recently approved her death penalty. Priya’s mother, Prema Kumari, made an emotional plea from Sana’a, urging India to save her daughter. The Indian government confirmed efforts to explore options. Iran’s official said, “We will do all we can on humanitarian grounds.” Priya remains jailed in Houthi-controlled Sana’a.

The UK’s largest dinosaur trackway site, featuring 200 footprints dating back 166 million years, has been uncovered in an Oxfordshire quarry. The site includes tracks from long-necked Cetiosaurus and three-toed Megalosaurus. Some trackways stretch 150m, with potential for more discoveries. These footprints, preserved in a tropical lagoon, offer insights into dinosaur movement and environments. Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, first spotted the tracks, sparking a major excavation. Researchers are working on 3D models and preservation strategies. "These tracks provide a rare glimpse into prehistoric life," said Dr. Duncan Murdock of Oxford University.

Virat Kohli survived a controversial dismissal on the first ball of the fifth Test against Australia at the SCG. Scott Boland's delivery edged towards second slip, where Steve Smith took a diving catch and tossed it to Marnus Labuschagne. However, the third umpire ruled the ball had touched the ground before Smith secured it, giving Kohli a lifeline. Smith expressed disagreement during the lunch break, asserting his fingers were under the ball. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting also criticized the decision, stating Smith clearly had control. The incident sparked animated discussions, with Kohli and Smith exchanging words post-over.