The BCCI has introduced new rules to maintain discipline and unity within the Indian cricket team during international tours. Head coach Gautam Gambhir raised concerns over cricketers bringing personal staff, including chefs and security, on the Australian tour. In response, the BCCI has implemented a set of guidelines restricting players from bringing personal staff, limiting family visits to two weeks, and ensuring all players travel with the team. These measures aim to prioritize focus on the game and eliminate distractions such as advertisements and extended family stays, ensuring better team cohesion.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft broke apart mid-flight during its test launch, forcing airlines to reroute flights to avoid falling debris. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly restricted airspace, with at least 20 flights altering their routes. Elon Musk attributed the failure to an oxygen or fuel leak near the ship engine firewall and announced plans for fire suppression upgrades. Despite the setback, Musk assured the next launch remains on schedule for next month. The incident marks the seventh test of the Starship, which aims to carry humans and cargo to Mars. Musk quipped, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed.”

Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, a 34-year-old from Gujarat, is among the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives for murdering his wife, Palak Patel, in Maryland, USA, in 2015. The FBI has announced a reward of $250,000 (Rs 2.1 crore) for information leading to his arrest. Palak, 21, was killed at their workplace after expressing a wish to return to India, which her husband opposed. Patel fled after the crime and is believed to be hiding in the US, Canada, or India. Authorities describe him as "armed and extremely dangerous" and urge public assistance.

Israel's security cabinet has recommended approving a Gaza ceasefire deal, with a government vote pending. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated hostages held since the October 7 Hamas attacks could begin returning on Sunday. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, with 113 Palestinians killed since the deal's announcement, per Gaza's civil defense agency. Over 46,000 Palestinians have died in Israel's Gaza offensive, according to Hamas-run health authorities. Israel's health ministry is preparing for released hostages' immediate care, emphasizing psychological and social support. The ceasefire remains uncertain, as challenges persist, per reports from Jerusalem.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 12 Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war have died, while 16 others are missing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 96 Indians, previously serving in the Russian Army, have returned to India. The Russian authorities reported 16 Indians as "missing." Kerala man Binil Babu was among the deceased, and efforts are underway to repatriate his remains. Another Indian, Jain TK, is being treated in Moscow and will return home soon. The Indian embassy is working with Russian officials to assist families and ensure the safe return of the injured and others.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan faced a terrifying attack at his Mumbai home. Around 2 am, an intruder broke in, demanding ₹1 crore. He injured Saif, his nanny, and a staff member during the scuffle. Saif and his staff managed to lock the attacker in a room, but he escaped through the fire exit. The actor suffered injuries on his neck, back, and hand. CCTV footage showed the man leaving the building. Over 20 police teams are searching for the suspect. Saif is recovering at Lilavati Hospital and could be discharged in a few days.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, stabbed six times by an intruder at his Bandra West apartment in Mumbai, is recovering well after surgery, doctors said. The attack occurred at 2:30 am on Thursday when the assailant, demanding ₹1 crore, injured Khan’s spine and neck. Dr. Nitin Dange of Lilawati Hospital revealed, “If the knife was 2mm deeper, it could’ve caused severe damage.” Khan's bravery was noted as he walked into the hospital despite bleeding profusely. His wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and sons were unharmed. Police have formed 20 teams to locate the suspect, captured on CCTV while fleeing.

The father of the RG Kar Medical College victim, who was raped and murdered in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, declared he would "snatch justice if needed" as the Sealdah court prepares to deliver its verdict on Saturday. Accused Sanjoy Roy faces demands for capital punishment amid criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged lapses. Junior doctors and political leaders have raised concerns over tampered evidence and unanswered questions about the case. Protests continue across India, with demonstrators seeking justice and accountability from both state and central authorities. The trial concluded in 59 days.

Los Angeles investigators are examining potential causes of two devastating wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which together claimed 27 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures on January 7. The Palisades Fire, originating in Temescal Canyon, is under scrutiny for arson and re-ignition from an earlier blaze. Videos of hikers fleeing the area are part of the probe. In Altadena, the Eaton Fire began near a utility tower, prompting lawsuits against Southern California Edison. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted possible intentional ignitions, while officials caution against premature blame. Investigators continue analyzing debris, surveillance footage, and burn patterns for answers.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, of Indian origin, conducted her first spacewalk in 12 years alongside Nick Hague at the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, US Spacewalk 91, focused on repairs to the NICER X-ray telescope, replacing a gyro assembly, and installing light filter patches. The duo also prepared tools for future maintenance. Scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025, Williams’ mission has extended to 10 months due to delays in SpaceX Crew 10’s launch. Williams shared, “We miss home, but our work here is vital.” Another spacewalk is planned for January 23 to continue ISS upgrades.