Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences over the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. Police said the charges include 15 counts of murder and one terror offence. The attack happened during a Hanukkah event and killed 15 people. Many others were injured. Akram was badly hurt and appeared in court from his hospital bed. His father Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. Authorities said the attack was a terrorist act. Police believe it was inspired by extremist ideology. The case has been delayed until April 2026. Several victims remain in hospital. (PC: BBC)

Actor Rishab Shetty has reacted to the controversy over Ranveer Singh imitating the Daiva scene from Kantara at IFFI Goa. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Rishab said, “That makes me uncomfortable.” He explained that the Daiva tradition is sacred and emotionally important. He said it should not be performed or mocked on stage. Though he did not name Ranveer, his remarks came after the viral video sparked backlash online. Ranveer later issued an apology and said his intention was to praise Rishab’s performance. He also said he respects all cultures and beliefs. (PC: X)

Football star Lionel Messi visited Vantara, a wildlife centre in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, on Tuesday. He was welcomed by Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. During the visit, Messi interacted with animals and took part in traditional Hindu rituals. A video of Messi playing football with a baby elephant named Maneklal has gone viral online. The elephant gently pushed the ball back, delighting everyone present. Messi also met a lion cub named ‘Lionel’ in his honour. He praised Vantara’s work in rescuing and caring for animals. Messi ended his India tour with the Jamnagar visit. 

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned in Lucknow on Wednesday due to dense smog and poor visibility. No toss was held, and not a single ball was bowled. Umpires inspected the ground six times over three hours before calling off the match. Visibility was very low, raising safety concerns for players. Air quality in the city remained hazardous, with AQI crossing 400. Fans waited in large numbers but left disappointed. The decision has sparked criticism of the BCCI for hosting winter matches in fog-prone cities. (PC: PTI)

4 pilgrims died and one was injured after a truck hit them in Gujarat’s Morbi district on Wednesday morning. The accident happened around 6 am on a state highway between Maliya and Jamnagar. Police said the truck hit the group from behind while they were walking towards Dwarka on a pilgrimage. Four people died on the spot. The injured pilgrim was taken to a hospital in Morbi. The group had stayed overnight at a temple in Sarvad village. The victims were from Banaskantha district. Police have started an investigation.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said steps taken to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR have been a total failure. The court said short-term actions cannot solve a long-term problem. It refused to interfere with the Delhi government’s decision to shut schools or run them in hybrid mode. The bench said these steps only give temporary relief to children and the elderly. Chief Justice Surya Kant said pollution has become a yearly crisis. The court asked the CAQM to review long-term plans. It listed areas like transport, industry, stubble burning, construction, and green cover. The court also ended protection for old BS-III and below vehicles in Delhi-NCR. (PC: HT)

A bystander who disarmed a gunman during the Bondi Beach shooting was a former police and security officer, his family said. Ahmed Al Ahmed, 44, stepped in when two shooters opened fire at a Jewish gathering in Sydney. A viral video shows him grabbing one attacker and taking his gun. He was shot several times and is now recovering in hospital. His family said he earlier served with police and security forces in Syria before moving to Australia in 2006. His action helped save many lives. Leaders worldwide praised his courage. A fundraiser has raised millions to support his recovery. (PC: NDTV)

A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare. Police said the victim, Aria Thorpe, was found dead at a house on Lime Close on Monday evening. A post-mortem showed she died from a single stab wound. The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. He spoke only to confirm his details. The court remanded him in custody. He will next appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday. Police said the case has shocked the town and support is being given to schools and families. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission of India has flagged over 1.36 crore voters in West Bengal during the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The issues were found through progeny mapping and other data checks. Officials said many cases involve simple errors like father’s name mismatch or age gaps. The total discrepancy cases stand at 1.62 crore, as some voters have more than one issue. The Chief Electoral Officer said genuine voters will not face problems. Booth Level Officers will verify records. Voters can file claims or objections till January 15 with district officials or the CEO. (PC: The Hindu)

Delhi has announced stricter steps to fight rising air pollution from Thursday. The city’s air quality stayed in the severe range for three days. Offices have been asked to shift to work from home or hybrid mode. Only half the staff can attend offices in person. Vehicles without a valid PUC certificate will not get fuel. Old vehicles and those below BS-6 norms from outside Delhi are banned from entry. Trucks carrying construction material are also barred. Construction work has been stopped, and affected workers will get compensation. Enforcement teams will be posted at borders and fuel stations to check violations. (PC: ANI)