The UK braces for severe weather as the Met Office issues amber alerts for heavy snow and freezing rain. Up to 30 cm of snow is expected in areas like Wales, Midlands, and northern England through Sunday. Disruption to travel is likely, with rural areas at risk of being cut off. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns of increased health risks for vulnerable groups, including those aged 65 and over. Some sporting events and travel services have been canceled. Forecasters urge the public to prepare for freezing rain and icy roads, which could cause treacherous conditions.

Edward Pettifer, a 31-year-old Briton from London, was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans. The attacker, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pick-up truck into crowds on Bourbon Street, killing and injuring dozens before being shot dead by police. The FBI confirmed the discovery of an Islamic State flag in the vehicle, suggesting a premeditated act. Explosives were also found nearby. Pettifer’s family called him a “wonderful son and friend.” At least 39 people were injured, some critically. Bourbon Street has since reopened ahead of the Sugar Bowl football match.

India's captain Jasprit Bumrah left the field during Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, raising injury concerns. He was taken to a hospital for scans but returned to the dressing room later in the day. Virat Kohli assumed leadership duties, helping India bowl out Australia for 181 and take a narrow 4-run lead. Bumrah, the series' leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals, could be pivotal in this decider. Reports suggest a possible back issue, though no official update has been provided. Bumrah’s participation in the second innings remains uncertain.

In a historic milestone, six Indian-Americans were sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, forming the largest representation of this community in Congress. Known as the "Samosa Caucus," the group includes senior Congressman Dr. Ami Bera (CA-7) and newcomers like Suhash Subramanian (VA-10). Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), and Congressmen Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) complete the group, all Democrats. Dr. Bera, celebrating his seventh term, highlighted the growing influence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics. This achievement continues a legacy started by Dalip Singh Saund in 1957, the first Indian-American elected to Congress.

A New York judge has set January 10, 2025, as the sentencing date for U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in the hush money case involving Stormy Daniels. Convicted in May of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records, Trump faces a conditional discharge, likely avoiding jail. His spokesperson slammed the case as "lawless" and a "witch hunt." The $130,000 payment allegedly aimed to silence Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump denied the allegations and plans to challenge the ruling. The sentencing comes just 10 days before his presidential inauguration, marking a historic first for a president-elect.

Dense fog and a cold wave disrupted life across North India, delaying over 360 flights, canceling 60, and diverting 15 at Delhi airport. Road and rail traffic were severely impacted, with 2 fatalities reported in a fog-related accident in Hisar, Haryana. Several airports, including Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, experienced near-zero visibility. Train schedules faced delays, and vehicles moved at low speeds, causing inconvenience. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning of very dense fog. Meanwhile, air quality plunged to 'very poor,' prompting anti-pollution measures under GRAP III, including restrictions on polluting vehicles.

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her business partner Talal Abdo Mahdi, faces imminent execution. Family and supporters are negotiating a pardon with Mahdi’s family under Yemen’s Sharia law, which allows clemency in exchange for diyah (blood money). They have raised $40,000 so far but time is running out as Yemen’s Supreme Political Council has approved the death sentence. Nimisha’s family remains hopeful, seeking intervention from the Indian government. Her husband Tony Thomas expressed concern for their 13-year-old daughter, stating, “She needs her mother. What will she do without her?”

Jasprit Bumrah, India's stand-in captain, was taken to a hospital in Sydney for scans after experiencing discomfort during Day 2 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. Bumrah bowled one over post-lunch before leaving the field. Virat Kohli assumed captaincy duties, leading India to bowl out Australia for 181, securing a 4-run first-innings lead. Bumrah's absence, owing to a suspected back injury, poses a critical challenge for India, especially as he broke Bishan Singh Bedi’s 1977-78 record with 32 wickets this series. Young bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kuma Reddy delivered vital breakthroughs in Bumrah’s absence, keeping India in contention.

India gained a slender 4-run lead against Australia on Day 2 of the 5th Test in Sydney. Jasprit Bumrah’s injury didn’t deter India, as Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna grabbed 3 wickets each, restricting Australia to 181. Debutant Beau Webster’s 57 and Steve Smith’s 33 were Australia’s highlights. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul dominated the Australian bowlers in India’s second innings, adding vital runs with boundaries. With India’s batters building momentum, the game’s balance hangs on their ability to capitalize on this early advantage.

Dense fog and a cold wave disrupted life in North India for the second day, delaying 250+ flights and cancelling 40 at Delhi airport. Airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, issued advisories as runway visibility dropped to zero. Train schedules and road traffic were severely impacted in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and other cities. The IMD issued an orange alert for Delhi, forecasting "very dense fog." The Indo-Gangetic Plain remains engulfed in fog, affecting states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Air quality also plunged to the "very poor" category, with GRAP III measures reinstated to curb pollution.