Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three advanced naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—in Mumbai, boosting India’s maritime strength and defence manufacturing capabilities. INS Surat, a P15B guided-missile destroyer, and INS Nilgiri, the first P17A stealth frigate, showcase indigenous innovation. INS Vaghsheer, the final submarine of the P75 Scorpene project, highlights India's growing expertise in submarine construction. PM Modi lauded the ships as symbols of India's maritime heritage and vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of the Indian Ocean Region in global geopolitics, marking this commissioning as a historic milestone.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, 64, was arrested on charges of insurrection after investigators scaled barricades and cut through barbed wire to enter his residence. This marks the first time a sitting president in South Korea has been detained. Yoon is accused of a failed martial law order on December 3 that caused national unrest. While Yoon called the investigation illegal, opposition leaders hailed the arrest as a step toward justice. Acting President Choi Sang-mok leads the country amid ongoing political turmoil, with supporters and opponents of Yoon deeply divided. Yoon remains in custody pending court approval of his detention warrant.

The 2025 Oscars may be canceled for the first time in 96 years due to devastating Los Angeles wildfires causing widespread loss of life and destruction. The Academy is considering shifting focus to support and fundraising for affected communities. A secret contingency strategy has been activated, similar to measures taken after 9/11. The wildfires have displaced many, including celebrities, and claimed at least 25 lives. If the event proceeds, lavish £140,000 goody bags will be scrapped to avoid appearing insensitive. Nominee announcements have been postponed to January 23, as the city grapples with its ongoing tragedy.

Meta India apologised for Mark Zuckerberg's statement on India's 2024 election, calling it an "inadvertent error." Zuckerberg claimed on a podcast that most incumbent governments, including India's, lost power post-COVID-19. Meta India’s Vice President Shivnath Thukral clarified that the claim was incorrect for India, reaffirming the company's respect for the nation. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey welcomed the apology, calling it a victory for citizens. He stated that Meta and other platforms would still be summoned on other matters. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also criticized Zuckerberg, emphasizing that India reaffirmed trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Hamas has accepted a draft ceasefire and hostage release deal amid its 15-month war with Israel, as per mediators. Talks in Qatar, led by the US and Egypt, brought Israel and Hamas closer to ending hostilities. The draft includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages, phased troop withdrawal, increased humanitarian aid, and Gaza residents returning under conditions. However, future governance remains unresolved. Hamas fighters from the October 2023 attack won’t be released. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, "A deal is closer than ever." Negotiations continue on the agreement’s finer points, hoping to end the humanitarian crisis.

  Congress inaugurated its new headquarters, ‘Indira Bhawan,’ at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi, marking the end of 47 years at 24 Akbar Road. The event was attended by Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi led the inauguration, cutting the ribbon after the national anthem. Rahul Gandhi took the opportunity to criticize RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remarks on India's Independence, calling them treasonous. Congress leaders view the new headquarters as a symbolic step for the party’s resurgence after its losses in the 2014 and subsequent elections.

Rahul Gandhi, during the inauguration of Congress's new headquarters in Delhi, accused RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of treason over his comments questioning India’s 1947 Independence. Bhagwat had stated that true Independence was achieved with the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya. Gandhi called this statement an insult to every Indian, claiming it undermines the freedom movement and the Constitution. He criticized the RSS for wanting a centralized, exclusionary vision of India, contrasting it with Congress’s inclusive approach that embraces equality and diversity. Gandhi also attacked the current government's agenda of silencing marginalized voices.

Tulip Siddiq, the UK’s anti-corruption minister and niece of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned on January 14, 2025. She faced allegations about her family’s involvement in financial irregularities linked to infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Although an independent review cleared her of misconduct, Siddiq decided to resign, saying her role could become a distraction for the government. The investigation also highlighted properties tied to Siddiq's family. Siddiq, who denied any wrongdoing, was replaced by Emma Reynolds as the new financial services minister.

The Palisades Fire, which devastated communities and killed at least 8 people, remains a mystery. Investigators are exploring possible human causes, including arson, fireworks, unauthorized camping, or a rekindled fire from January 1. The fire’s origin, believed to be near Skull Rock in Pacific Palisades, is being traced through videos, photos, and witness testimonies. Experts are examining patterns left by the flames to narrow down the start point. Despite speculation about the earlier fire’s role, rekindling seems unlikely. The investigation, involving 75 federal and local officers, could take months before results are conclusive.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested after an hours-long standoff with authorities at his residence. Investigators, using ladders and wirecutters, entered his home after he had holed up for weeks to avoid arrest. Yoon faces charges of insurrection related to an attempt to impose martial law. Despite calling the investigation illegal, Yoon agreed to interrogation to avoid violence. This unprecedented event marks the first time in South Korea’s history that a sitting president has been arrested. Yoon’s impeachment trial began yesterday but ended within four minutes due to his absence.