A devastating explosion occurred at the ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Bhandara district at 10 a.m. today, killing 8 people and injuring 7. The blast caused a roof collapse, trapping 12 workers inside; 2 have been rescued, while 10 remain stuck. Rescue operations are in full swing, with firefighters, ambulances, and the SDRF deployed. The blast took place in the factory's RK Branch section, though the cause is still unknown. Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole criticized the central government, calling it a failure of governance. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragedy.

An Israeli airstrike on a six-story apartment in Ain El Delb, Lebanon, killed 73 people, with 62 identified as civilians, including 23 children. The Israel Defense Forces claimed the building was a Hezbollah command center and eliminated a commander. However, a BBC investigation found only 6 victims linked to Hezbollah's military wing, none senior. Survivors like Ashraf Ramadan recount harrowing escapes, with many losing entire families. The attack is Lebanon's deadliest in 18 years, sparking UN concern over Israel's tactics. Over 3,960 people have died in Lebanon in the ongoing conflict, with proportionality and civilian safety under scrutiny.

The father of Saif Ali Khan’s alleged attacker, Md Rohul Amin, has denied his son's involvement in the stabbing. Speaking to News18, Amin claimed, "The man on the CCTV does not resemble my son," citing differences in their hairstyles. Amin, a BNP leader, accused former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina of forcing his son to migrate illegally to India due to political oppression. Despite forensic evidence linking his son, Mohammad Shariful, to the crime, Amin insists his son was incapable of such an attack. Shariful reportedly entered India in 2024 and worked in Mumbai.

US President Donald Trump suggested ending federal disaster relief during his first Oval Office interview since returning to power. With Los Angeles ravaged by wildfires and the eastern US recovering from hurricanes, Trump criticized FEMA’s performance and proposed that states should handle their own emergency responses. His remarks, aired on Fox News, followed a new wildfire north of Los Angeles, forcing mass evacuations. Trump and Republicans have called for disaster aid to be contingent on the actions of California’s Democratic leaders, drawing contrasts with aid given to the southeastern US after recent storms.

Storm Eowyn has brought severe weather to the UK, with winds reaching up to 100mph, leading to widespread disruption. Red weather warnings have been issued for parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, marking rare, life-threatening conditions. Schools have closed, and travel services, including trains, ferries, and flights, are canceled. The storm, fueled by explosive cyclogenesis, is also expected to bring heavy rain, snow, and the possibility of tornadoes. The Met Office has urged people to avoid non-essential travel as dangerous weather continues through Friday, with further warnings in place for the weekend.

US President Donald Trump, speaking virtually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urged Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, claiming it would bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an immediate end. Trump expressed surprise that such action hadn’t been taken before his election, stating that high oil prices were prolonging the conflict. He emphasized the responsibility of OPEC nations in the ongoing war and demanded lower interest rates globally. Trump also reiterated his admiration for Russia and its people, stressing his past positive relationship with President Putin despite tensions.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella fired back at Elon Musk's comments questioning funding for the Stargate AI project. During a CNBC interview, Nadella stated, "I'm good for my $80 billion. I'm going to spend $80 billion building out Azure." Musk had raised doubts about the $500 billion Stargate project, claiming insufficient funding. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended the project, inviting Musk to visit the Texas site. Nadella emphasized that his investment is aimed at creating "useful things for the real world," not just hyping AI.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag and his wife, Aarti Ahlawat, are reportedly separating after 20 years of marriage. The couple, who wed in 2004, have unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking divorce rumors. Photos from Sehwag’s recent Diwali celebrations showed him with their two sons, Aryaveer and Vedant, but Aarti was notably absent. Additionally, Sehwag shared a visit to the Vishwa Nagayakshi temple in Palakkad on Instagram, where Aarti was also not mentioned. The couple has yet to release an official statement regarding their separation.

Donald Trump has directed officials to draft a plan within 15 days to declassify documents on the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. These files, central to American history, remain partially redacted despite past releases. Trump stated the move would reveal long-awaited truths. Experts, like journalist Jefferson Morley, welcomed the order but emphasized uncertainty over its execution. Questions persist about Lee Harvey Oswald’s role in JFK’s killing, conspiracy theories, and new details like Secret Service agent Paul Landis’s revelations. Critics anticipate resistance from intelligence agencies.

The 97th Academy Awards nominations were announced, with Emilia Perez and The Brutalist leading the pack. India achieved a historic moment as Anuja, backed by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, secured a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category. Key contenders include Dune: Part Two, Wicked, and Conclave. Notable nominations include Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) for Best Actor and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) for Best Actress. Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez) is among the Best Director nominees. India celebrates Anuja’s milestone, marking another achievement for Indian cinema.