In his farewell address, outgoing US President Joe Biden cautioned against the rise of oligarchy and concentrated power threatening democracy. Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden stressed the need for constitutional amendments to ensure presidents aren’t immune to crimes committed in office. He also highlighted the dangers of unchecked Artificial Intelligence (AI), advocating for safeguards to protect privacy and rights. Reflecting on his administration's achievements, he celebrated advancements in healthcare, gun safety laws, and foreign policy. Biden urged Americans to protect the nation's democratic values, expressing hope for the future. He exits the White House on January 20, 2025.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was hospitalized after an intruder broke into his Bandra home and allegedly stabbed him. The incident occurred around 2:30 am, with Saif sustaining six injuries, including one near his spine. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital confirmed he is undergoing surgery led by a team of specialists. Police are investigating the case, with multiple teams formed to trace the suspect. Saif's wife, Kareena Kapoor, and their sons were present in the house but unharmed. Known for his roles in Dil Chahta Hai and Omkara, Saif remains under medical supervision.

The UN rights chief Volker Turk has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing "huge relief" over the potential end to immense suffering. Announced on Wednesday, the ceasefire brings hope for stability after prolonged conflict and human misery. Turk emphasized the importance of ensuring the truce holds. The agreement marks a critical step towards peace in the region, with the international community closely monitoring its implementation. The UN reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts that alleviate suffering and restore normalcy in Gaza.

KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are reportedly out of contention for India's Champions Trophy squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to prefer Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as keepers. Samson's absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp led to his exclusion from Kerala's squad, further diminishing his chances. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan, despite his ODI achievements, faces uncertainty due to limited domestic participation. Jurel, gaining attention with strong performances, is now positioned as Pant's understudy. Samson remains a key T20 player but is unlikely to feature in the Champions Trophy squad.

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the 15-month-long Gaza war, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The ceasefire, still awaiting formal announcement, will see a six-week preliminary truce with Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, the deal includes a plan for the exchange of hostages held by both sides. The conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, has kept the Middle East in a tense standoff throughout the year.

A 12-member UK Cadet Delegation departed for New Delhi today to participate in India’s Republic Day Camp as part of the UK-India Youth Exchange Programme. Prior to their departure, the cadets were hosted by the High Commission of India in London, where they received a pre-departure briefing and an architectural tour of the historic India House. Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Sujit Ghosh, addressed the delegation, sharing his insights and interacting with the cadets. The initiative aims to strengthen youth ties between the UK and India, fostering cultural and educational exchange.

Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20 will witness global leaders and influential figures in attendance. India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, signifying India's strengthened ties with the US. Other notable attendees include Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will also join. While China’s Xi Jinping and Hungary’s Viktor Orban have sent envoys, US leaders like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush will be present.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's vice-captain, dismissed rumors about his fitness, stating reports of bed rest are "unreliable." Bumrah had sustained a back issue during the fifth Test against Australia, where he didn’t bowl in the second innings. While sources suggested he might miss the Champions Trophy's league stage, Bumrah clarified the misinformation on X. A final update from the BCCI is awaited as the pacer remains pivotal for India’s campaign. The Champions Trophy squad will be announced on January 19. Bumrah had a historic performance in Australia, taking 32 wickets and leading India to their only Test win in Perth.

Delhi's air quality has plunged into the ‘Severe’ category, with the AQI reaching 396, prompting the implementation of the strictest anti-pollution measures under Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The dip is attributed to dense fog, low temperatures, and poor atmospheric conditions. Restrictions include a ban on non-essential trucks, construction activities, and BS III petrol/BS IV diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR. State governments may opt for online classes for schools and implement work-from-home policies. Forecasts predict AQI could exceed 400 soon, intensifying the crisis. Agencies are urged to enforce curbs strictly to mitigate pollution.

Nearly 1,000 inmates are battling Los Angeles wildfires as part of California's Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, earning $10.24/day for life-threatening work like cutting fire lines and removing fuel. Critics decry exploitation, as professional firefighters earn $85,000-$124,000/year. Proponents argue it offers sentence reductions, career skills, and improved conditions. Inmates comprise 30% of California's wildfire-fighting force. At least 24 deaths and 12,300 destroyed structures highlight the devastation. Ethical debates persist over prison labor, with calls for better investment in firefighting resources and equitable treatment of incarcerated workers.