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.

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.